Nov 21, 2012; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat shooting guard Dwyane Wade (3) reacts during the fourth quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at American Airlines Arena. The Heat defeated the Bucks 113-106 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-US PRESSWIRE

DISCLAIMER:   This is NOT a rumor, nor a report.  

Let’s face it:  the Heat are nearly unstoppable, but teams can always get better.  The glaring hole in Miami’s roster since the formation of the Big Three has been the 5-spot.  They use power forward Chris Bosh at center, who while effective still is not a center.  He’s too thin to body up against Dwight Howard, Andrew Bynum…and even the likes of Al Jefferson, Nikola Pekovic and Marc Gasol can give the skinny (almost frail) Bosh a fit.

Utah is rebuilding, to be sure, but Al Jefferson is an expiring contract and is no lock to remain in a Jazz uniform, to say the very least.

Utah also has a shoot-first aging point guard in Mo Williams starting.

How much sense would it make to trade Jefferson for Dwyane Wade?

A lot.

Wade may be 30, but he’s still a big ticket draw and the Utah fans would likely rejoice in being able to obtain a player who still has three or four seasons of very good basketball left in him.

Would it propel Utah to contender status?  Maybe.

They would seek to retain Millsap (who would likely want to stay with Wade coming aboard), be able to slide Enes Kanter into the starting lineup, and be able to find more minutes for Derrick Favors, who is really starting to come on strong—finally.

Quite simply, the move would make both teams better, which is after all the purpose of executing trades to begin with.

Miami fans would likely lament the loss of Wade, who has been a fixture on the team since he was drafted in 2003, but they would get over it when they saw how much of a difference it made on the defensive end to have a (decent) shot blocker like Jefferson manning the paint.

November 19, 2012; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz center Al Jefferson (25) is defended by Houston Rockets power forward Patrick Patterson (54) during the first quarter at EnergySolutions Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-US PRESSWIRE

LeBron would also enhance Jefferson’s skill set further with his array of impressive passes and ability to draw double and triple teams.

Miami GM Pat Riley may be gun shy on this one.  The Heat did just win a championship.  But as I said, teams can always get better…even teams that are already the best.

Why not seek to make a team that is nearly unbeatable completely unbeatable?  Why not obtain a legitimate center for an aging superstar?

I can’t think of a single reason not to.

LeBron James was clearly the best player in the league last year, what about now. Credit: Steve Mitchell-US PRESSWIRE

Every year the NBA seems to showcase the dramatic rises of some and the upsetting falls of others. The following list takes into consideration many categories: offensive talent, defensive ability, basketball knowledge, hustle, and overall teammate skills. These 25 players can all lead a franchise to wins while putting up tremendous numbers. Included with every choice is the player’s individual stats from the 2011-2012 season including: Points per Game (PPG), Rebounds per Game (RPG), Assists per Game (APG), Steals per Game (SPG), and Blocks per Game (BPG)

1. LeBron James 

LeBron was mighty impressive during the FInals Credit: Derick E. Hingle-US PRESSWIRE

27.1 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 6.2 APG, 1.8 SPG, 0.8 BPG

Well this might be the most unanimous pick on anybody’s top players list. LeBron James is the most talented player in the league since MJ and he is the most physically gifted player of all time. Last year, he shot a career-high at the 3-point line and his jumpshot and inside game are steadily improving. The scary thing is that he isn’t even in his prime yet. The one thing all the LeBron haters used to criticize him was his inability to perform late in games, well, that argument is officially dead.

2. Kevin Durant 

Kevin Durant Credit: Derick E. Hingle-US PRESSWIRE

28.0 PPG, 8.0 RPG, 3.5 APG, 1.3 SPG, 1.2 BPG

Kevin Durant is the best offensive player in the NBA. He is every defender’s nightmare, as he is too tall to ever contest any of his shots, automatic when it comes to inside shots, and lethal from outside with his impecable shooting talents. Durant will soon be the best player in the league, but that will come once he becomes a better 1 on 1 defender. KD has alot of upside, as he is only 23 years old,  and his continuing success still haunts the Portland Trailblazers.

3. Dwight Howard

Dwight on the move? Credit: Douglas Jones-US PRESSWIRE

20.6 PPG, 14.5 RPG, 1.9 APG, 1.5 SPG, 2.2 BPG

Decision or not, Dwight Howard will be the 3rd best player no matter what team he plays for. He is among a handful of players who can carry a team to earning a playoff seed, without help. Howard is just that good. Howard imposes the biggest defensive threat in the NBA and his continuing will to fight for rebounds makes him truly the best center in basketball. His offensive game needs to get better but even with his mediocre offensive talents, he manages to put up 20+ points a game and that is simply impressive.

4. Chris Paul 

Chris Paul Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE

19.8 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 9.1 APG, 2.5 SPG, 0.1 BPG

Chris Paul is the best overall point guard in the NBA right now. Paul has been lock to make the all-defensive team because of his outstanding ability to play team defense. Paul is also great for the ability to make his teammates look better than they actually are. Chris Paul has one of the better ball-handling abilities in the league.The Clippers crawled out of the basement of the NBA standings into competing in the Western Conference semi-finals because of Chris Paul’s leadership and overall stellar play on the court.

5. Dwyane Wade

Dwyane Wade Credit: Steve Mitchell-US PRESSWIRE

22.1 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 4.6 APG, 1.7 SPG, 1.3 BPG 

The 2nd best player on his own team, Dwyane Wade has long been the face of the Miami Heat. However the Miami Heat are under the direction of LeBron James after his stellar performance throughout the playoffs. Wade is a top notch scorer and his defense can not be overlooked. Dwyane Wade has also taken better shots this previous season as he is taking less outside shots and relying more on his off-the-dribble shooting. This year he will show the entire NBA and their viewers that he has surpassed Kobe Bryant in the title of best shooting guard in the NBA.

6. Kobe Bryant

Kobe Bryant Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-US PRESSWIRE

27.9 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 4.6 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.3 BPG

Arguably, the best player on the entire list during his prime, Kobe Bryant was the face of the NBA for many years till he passed the torch to LeBron James. Bryant is still notorious for his great scoring ability. However his percentages have dropped and his mobility is slowly degenerating. Kobe is contemplating retirement after the 2013-2014 season because of his ailing health and his desire to spend time away from basketball to be with his children. Bryant is still a solid defender and his scoring ability is still at an elite level and that keeps him in the top 6.

7. Deron Williams

Deron Williams addressing the Brooklyn media Credit: Debby Wong-US PRESSWIRE

21.0 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 8.7 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.4 BPG

Deron Williams might be the King of Brooklyn, but he also is the 7th best player in the association. Deron Williams, even with playing with mediocre talent, still manages to put up brilliant numbers and his ability to make his teammates better is second only to Chris Paul. Deron is a better offensive point guard versus Paul but he still lacks the defensive lock-down ability that Chris Paul possesses.Look for Deron to have a strong year along with his revitalized Brooklyn Nets line-up.

8. Derrick Rose

Derrick Rose Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-US PRESSWIRE

21.8 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 7.9 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.7 BPG

Derrick Rose has largely been forgotten because of his vulnerability to injuries, and he will miss a large portion of next season as well. However, the MVP of the 2010-2011 season is still a dynamic young point guard. Rose has the explosive ability of a Russell Westbrook but he is a much better facilitator of the basketball compared to Westbrook. Rose is a great point guard and he can surely lead a team, as he led his Chicago Bulls to two straight league leading regular season records. Derrick Rose will be missed by the Bulls and all basketball fans next season for his highlight reel basketball ability.

9. Carmelo Anthony 

Carmelo Anthony Credit: Steve Mitchell-US PRESSWIRE

22.6 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 3.6 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.4 BPG

Carmelo Anthony is a clear superstar in the NBA as he might be the best scorer in the league. His shooting touch, ball handling, and athleticism are all lethal instruments were an offensive juggernaut. However Carmelo will almost always be the center of selfish basketball play and lack of defensive effort. Even with all these seemingly drastic flaws, Carmelo alls keeps his New York Knicks in a basketball game with his sheer offensive presence and he does have the ability to play defense at certain points during a game.

10. Rajon Rondo

Rajon Rondo Credit: Steve Mitchell-US PRESSWIRE

11.9 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 11.7 APG, 1.8 SPG, 0.1 BPG 

Rajon Rondo was the most consistent and at points the best player on the court during the Eastern Conference Finals against the Miami Heat. Rondo was seemingly impossible to guard especially when he was knocking down the long range jumpshots. Rajon Rondo is a terrific  passer, if not the best passer in the NBA. If Rondo can develop a consistent jump shot, he could be the most dynamic point guard in the NBA. Rondo is also the best defensive star point guard in the league, and is an even better team defender. Rondo has the Celtics’ front office excited about starting a franchise with their star point guard.

11. Russell Westbrook

Russell Westbrook Credit: Derick E. Hingle-US PRESSWIRE

23.6 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 5.5 APG, 1.7 SPG, 0.3 BPG

Many can argue that Russell Westbrook is a detriment to the Oklahoma City Thunder’s success, but no one can argue that Westbrook is not a superstar in the making. Westbrook is a scorer playing the point guard position which really covers up his true abilities. If Russell Westbrook had the ability to make his teammates better and not shoot as much as he does, he could make a good case on why he is the best point guard in the NBA. Other than that, he always plays at 100% but still needs to inherit a little bit more basketball knowledge following his horrible gaffe in the Finals which cost his team a chance to win Game 4.

12. Andrew Bynum

Andrew Bynum Credit: Mark D. Smith-US PRESSWIRE

18.7 PPG, 11.8 RPG, 1.4 APG, 0.4 SPG, 1.9 BPG 

The most talented offensive low post player in the league, Andrew Bynum is the only player that can rival Dwight Howard in conversations of being the best big man in the league. Obviously the only knock on Bynum’s potential and overall ranking on this list is his immaturity and the lack of a superior defensive presence. Yes, he is an elite shot blocker but he lacks the defensive fear that Dwight Howard is famous for creating. Andrew Bynum will be the best center in the NBA in a few years and the Lakers have a cornerstone to build on barring any trade or if Bynum were to leave via. free agency.

13. Kevin Love 

Kevin Love Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-US PRESSWIRE

26.0 PPG, 13.3 RPG, 2.0 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.5 BPG

Arguably the most productive power forward in the league, Kevin Love is every fantasy basketball owner’s dream player. Love is a classic power forward with his ability to score away from the paint and strength to rebound at will. Love still needs to build a more dynamic offensive game within the paint and his average defensive game tends to lure people away from calling him an elite player, let alone a superstar. Kevin Love will continue to post these monstrous numbers but he won’t move anywhere forward from his current ranking until he becomes a more complete offensive player and a much better defensive player.

14. Dirk Nowitzki

Dirk Nowitzki upset after being eliminated from the playoffs Credit: Matthew Emmons-US PRESSWIRE

21.6 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 2.2 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.5 BPG

Dirk went from being on top of the mountain after being everyone’s hero when he and the Dallas Mavericks beat the Miami Heat in the Finals. After the momentous Final’s performances, Nowitzki slipped in production and the Mavericks have faltered. Nowitzki is still an elite jump shooter but his rebounding ability has dropped off because of his lack of conditioning and age. Nowitzki is soon becoming an after thought for many NBA fans but he still remains has one of the NBA’s premier scorers.

15. Tony Parker

Tony Parker Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-US PRESSWIRE

18.3 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 7.7 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.1 BPG

Tony Parker was huge for the San Antonio Spurs, as he was the leader of one of the most high-powered offenses in the league last year. Parker is a nimble poing guard that has great facilitating abilities and the agility to get easy baskets close range. His mid-range jumper and overall outside shooting ability has drastically improved. However, again like many other people on the outside of the top 10, he needs to improve his defensive ability. Parker is still a fantastic point guard and one of the best floor generals in the league.

16. Chris Bosh

Chris Bosh was key factor in the Heat Championship Credit: Derick E. Hingle-US PRESSWIRE

18.0 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 1.8 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.8 BPG

Chris Bosh might be the one player that can me moved anywhere from the top 10 to top 40, but 16 is an accurate number for the third wheel of the Miami Heat. Bosh’s numbers shouldn’t be the the indicator on Bosh’s overall game, because those numbers are deflated by the effectiveness of his two superstar teammates, LeBron James and Dwyane Wade. Bosh showed national audiences during the Finals he can hit big shots and he is an active defender. However he still needs to be consistent with his jump shot and he tends to disappear from a play very often. All in all, Chris Bosh is extremely underrated, and many have forgotten his absolute greatness in carrying the Toronto Raptors to the playoffs.

17. Kevin Garnett 

Kevin Garnett Credit: Steve Mitchell-US PRESSWIRE

15.8 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 2.9 APG, 0.9 SPG, 1.0 BPG

Kevin Garnett proved all the nay-sayers wrong when he had an injury-free season last year. Many felt including myself, that Garnett was nearing the end of his career due to lingering health issues and just the sheer numbers of seasons the gritty veteran has been through. However he had a resurgent year and arguably was the most important Celtic throughout the season. Garnett is the best team defender in the league, and his mid range jump shot is nearly automatic. Kevin Garnett has lost touch of his post game but he is still an offensive weapon for the C’s and that is why he is the 17th best player in the league currently.

18. Josh Smith 

Josh Smith Credit: Greg M. Cooper-US PRESSWIRE

18.8 PPG, 9.6 RPG, 3.9 APG, 1.4 SPG, 1.7 BPG

Josh Smith easily has top-10 talent in the association and now he will be given the responsibility in being the Atlanta Hawk’s leader with the departure of Joe Johnson. Smith is a dynamic slasher and inside shots are made easy for this athletic freak of nature, and even his outside shooting has drastically improved. “J-Smooth” is also a top-notch defender with his elite shot-blocking skills and overwhelming athleticism. However the one damaging flaw he has is his immaturity. He often checks himself out of the court if he his frustrated and may look to shoot too much irrational shots. Smith can be one of the best in the NBA if he gains more mental control of the game.

19. Tim Duncan 

Tim Duncan Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-US PRESSWIRE

15.4 PPG, 9.0 RPG, 2,3 APG, 0.7 SPG, 1,5 BPG

Good ole Tim Duncan, his consistency deserves an applause. If one word can be used to describe Tim Duncan it would be winner. Duncan and his San Antonio Spurs always find themselves in the playoffs and enjoy great regular season records. Duncan, at 36 years young, is still an offensive beast as his patented mid-range bank shot is still virtually unstoppable. Defensively, Timmy-D can still hold the paint area down from opponent drives. However like many of the older members of this list, Duncan lacks the athleticism to be higher on the list.

20. LaMarcus Aldridge 

LaMarcus Aldridge Credit: Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

21.7 PPG, 8.0 RPG, 2.4 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.8 BPG

LaMarcus Aldridge quickly took leadership of the Portland Trailblazers after star Brandon Roy opted to retire to nurse his injury-plagued body. Aldridge took the leadership role and stared in it by being a dynamic all around power forward. All Aldridge needs to be higher on the list is take a bigger role in his team’s success and lead the Trailblazers to the playoffs. Other than that Aldridge has the definite basketball ability to easily be in the top 15.

21. Paul Pierce 

Paul Pierce Credit: Steve Mitchell-US PRESSWIRE

19.4 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 4.5 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.4 BPG

Paul Pierce a.k.a. “The Truth”, is still one of the best small forwards in the NBA with his excellant shooting ability. The one x-factor which makes Pierce great is his ability to perform during crunch time. The Celtics were spared devastating losses with the one of kind scoring mentality of Paul Pierce during the pivotal ends of close games. Pierce needs to improve his individual defense similar to how Grant Hill dramatically improved in that regard during the latter years of his career. The Celtics clearly have a big 3 as they have 3 of the top 25 players in the NBA.

22. Blake Griffin

Blake Griffin driving against Boris Diaw of the Spurs Credit: Soobum Im-US PRESSWIRE

20.7 PPG, 10.9 RPG, 3.2 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.7 BPG

Well Mr. Highlight Reel has been much watch television during his stellar sophomore campaign. Blake Griffin still isn’t a great basketball player but no one can argue that he isn’t a jaw dropping athlete. Griffin has the intangibles and raw physical talent to be a beast in the NBA. However he lacks the basketball knowledge and shooting ability to become one of the game’s best. With teammate Chris Paul, hopefully Griffin can learn to become a technical player by improving his shooting and footwork. No one could ever forget his air-balls at the free throw line, so to advance on the list, he better not air-ball any more free throws.

23. James Harden 

James Harden Credit: Derick E. Hingle-US PRESSWIRE

16.8 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 3.7 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.2 BPG

Simply known as “the beard” in some countries, James Harden is definitely a star in the making. Many NBA fans  were given an inappropriate showcase of James Harden during the NBA finals, where he seemed passive and almost anxious of the national audience. However throughout the regular seasons and playoff rounds before his disastrous Final’s performance,  Harden showed terrific shooting ability and great agile maneuvers to get easy baskets in the paint. To add on, he often is the main ball handler of the OKC Thunder during the late stages of the game because of his impressive ball handling ability. Harden is also an above average defender but to advance on this list, he needs to become a better defender and develop better consistency in his play.

24. Amare Stoudemire

Amare Stoudemire with Carmelo Anthony Credit: Steve Mitchell-US PRESSWIRE

17.5 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 1.1 APG, 0.8 SPG, 1.0 BPG

Amare Stoudemire is one of the harder players to judge because his raw talent is nothing short of spectacular. However his many personal tragedies seem to limit his play this year and, to add on, the addition of Carmelo Anthony only hurt Stoudemire’s game. Amare is one of the best pick and roll/pop players in the NBA, but his effectiveness on other plays on offense seem inferior. Amare Stoudemire is very inconsistent when it comes to defense and some even refer to him as maybe being soft. However if Amare were to become a better defender and played more consistent basketball, he easily can reform back to his MVP-caliber play.

25. Al Jefferson 

Al Jefferson Credit: Russ Isabella-US PRESSWIRE

19.2 PPG, 9.6 RPG, 2.2 APG, 0.8 SPG, 1.7 BPG

The average NBA  fan probably has probably never seen Al Jefferson play before. Jefferson always finds himself on a bad team and the Utah Jazz this past year gave him the opportunity to play in the playoffs for only the second time in his career. Jefferson is a tough interior presence that can easily control the paint. He has very good footwork and his athleticism is only getting better. The only fault in Jefferson is that he isn’t a very good primary option on offense. Jefferson has proven to be one of the most consistent players in the league, but with that consistency, your almost never going to see a complete takeover in which he scores 40+ points. Jefferson is an excellant rebounder and will easily move up this list next year.

I know I am going to face some heat from many who will read this article. Many great players were left of this list and that only shows how many good ball players are there in the NBA. Many new faces will be in next year’s top-25 without a doubt and many on this list will fall. The beauty of basketball and in the NBA is that many players are given opportunities to succeed, and the average fans can become witnesses to the coronations of the great players throughout the association this upcoming season. Again, comment with your opinions. To take the words of my favorite show, “First Take”, I embrace debate.

June 7, 2012; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo (9) fouls Miami Heat small forward LeBron James (6) during the second half in game six of the Eastern Conference finals of the 2012 NBA playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-US PRESSWIRE

Now he may be cashing in on all of that immense potential.

And that spells problems for the Celtics, as they head to Miami tomorrow night for a decisive game 7.

LeBron answered the aggressive defense of the Celtics by hitting 19 of his 26 field goal attempts en route to 45 points. That’s not even to mention the fact that James had 15 rebounds. At 6’8″ 260 pounds, James has the strength to pull down boards like that, and given the Celtics lack of interior presences, keeping James off the offensive boards is a must. Though James had only 2 offensive rebounds in the game six Heat win, he is capable of fighting to the boards and getting the Heat a lot of second looks, or even following his own shot, something James does very well.

Can the Celts slow LBJ? I think they can, but it is going to take a concerted team effort, not to mention still making sure to pay adequate attention to shooting guard Dwyane Wade. Wade managed just 17 points in game 6, but the fact remains: it was enough. Outside of James and Wade, no other Heat player even managed double figures.

The Celts are hoping that countering with the dominance of Rajon Rondo at the point will be enough, but it seems like James has waited his entire career for an opportunity like this. It just seems like it is his time, and though the Celts took a 3-2 lead in the series, no one really counted Miami out, not with The King still doing his thing and fighting his way to the hole for strong finishes. James finishes as well as anyone in the league, and when he takes it to the hole, “and 1s” are a likely scenario, as fouling James sometimes does little to slow him down. Fortunately, he has been missing his free throws. James shot just 5 of 9 from the floor in game 6, but as I said, you can’t resort to fouling him because often a hard foul isn’t enough to discourage him from getting a good look, nor attacking the basket further.

It all spells trouble for Boston, and it seems when the best counter to LeBron James is the defense of Mickael Pietrus, there are going to be problems. I’m not saying Pietrus is a bad defender — at all — but he lacks the physical gifts he once had in his days with the Warriors and Magic and he has deteriorated to the place of a spotty role player, counted upon more to hit a few threes than play lock down defense. We all know Paul Pierce will have his troubles with James.

So where do the Celts go? How do they counter James?

As I said, a team effort is a must, and Doc Rivers must allow Kevin Garnett to set the tone and get his teammates into the right positions on the court. Rondo may be the point guard on defense, but it is Garnett whose defense has made the Celtics into the formidable team they are.

No one expected the Celts to do this as a 5 seed, but it appears they could make the NBA Finals. It just all depends on how James can be countered, and I’ve reached no conclusion as to how that can be done. James may score 50 in game 7 and solidify himself as an all time legend.