Each year, OneManFastBreak.net ranks the five best players in the NBA. The ranking system is based on ONE MAN’S opinion and doesn’t follow the All-NBA format in which you have to pick one center, two forwards and two guards. It is strictly based on last season’s performance, regardless of position, with more weight placed on the playoffs. Last season’s top five: Kobe Bryant (1), LeBron James (2), Dwyane Wade (3), Chris Paul (4) and Dwight Howard (5).

OneManFastBreak.net Editor and Publisher Joel Huerto ranks the five best players in the NBA (rankings will change from year to year):

5. PAU GASOL
Los Angeles Lakers, Center-Forward

Dwight Howard is regarded by most as the best big man in the NBA. But here’s one question I have for those who think Howard is the best: When the game is on the line, would you throw the ball in the post to Dwight Howard? The answer is, “no.” As gifted and powerful Superman II is, at times he plays more like Blankman in the postseason. That’s why Pau Gasol, I believe, has surpassed Howard as the best big man in the league solely because Gasol has played better in the playoffs. His Game 7 performance against the Celtics in the NBA Finals was a thing of beauty. Kobe Bryant was named the Finals MVP, but he almost seemed embarrassed to accept the award because he knew who carried his behind in Game 7. “I can’t say enough about the Spaniard. The man was unbelievable. We couldn’t have won it without him,” Bryant said. Gasol may not possess Howard’s athletic prowess, but he is a lot more polished and far more complete player on offense.

Lakers center-forward Pau Gasol is a two-time NBA champion (GETTY IMAGES).

4. DWYANE WADE
Miami Heat, Guard

D-Wade’s place among the elite is secure. After leading the NBA in scoring in 2008-09, he put together another outstanding season in 2009-10 and led a very limited Heat team to the playoffs. Tim Grover, Michael Jordan’s super trainer who put D-Wade back together two seasons ago, should get some kind of residual check for helping Wade get his explosiveness back and added strength to his frame. Wade has also added a mid-range jump shot to his arsenal, which has kept him from getting beat up too much. It will be interesting to see if the arrival of LeBron James and Chris Bosh in South Beach will suppress Wade’s game. Heat coach Erik Spoelstra has the unenviable task of figuring out how to blend in all three studs into one cohesive unit. One thing is for certain, though. When the game is on the line and the Heat needs a basket, there is no doubt Spoelstra will call on Wade’s number.

Dwyane Wade has a championship ring and an NBA scoring title to his basketball resume. (GETTY IMAGES)

3. KEVIN DURANT
Oklahoma City Thunder, Forward

The reigning NBA scoring champion (and youngest scoring champ) is fresh off leading the United States senior men’s national team to a gold medal at the 2010 FIBA World Championship in Turkey – something LeBron James and Dwyane Wade failed to do in 2006. Durant established U.S. scoring records for a single game and tournament and was voted the best player at the World Championship. The 6-foot-11 forward showed unbelievable poise during the knockout round when he seemingly put Team USA on his back during the quarterfinals, semifinals and finals. The FIBA experience will only enhance Durant’s game, and he truly embraced being the go-to guy. With Durant leading the charge, the Thunder will be one of the best teams in the NBA this season, and don’t be surprised if they win 60 games and challenge the L.A. Lakers for supremacy in the Western Conference. And it wouldn’t come as a surprise if Durant wins MVP.

And now, for the top two. Drum roll please ….

In order for LeBron James to win that elusive ring, he'll need to go through Kobe Bryant.

No big surprise here. In fact, these two have been 1-2 the past two seasons.

2. LeBRON JAMES
Cleveland Cavaliers, Forward

I apologize for sounding like a broken record but…Last year, I wrote that if LeBron James ever got that second option, that all-star player, that Scottie Pippen-type who can take pressure off, LeBron will finally contend for an NBA title. Fast forward to 2010 – also known as “The Decision” – James didn’t get an all-star … he got TWO all-stars! James joins D-Wade and Chris Bosh in Miami, and The Three Kings form an unbelievable triumvirate the league has not seen since Bird, McHale and Parish. James is like a one-man army. He is the reigning two-time league MVP and one of the most dominant players of our generation. Remember, he took the Cavs to the NBA Finals in 2007 despite playing with a rookie point guard, an old center, average-to-subpar power forwards and a coach who doesn’t know a thing about offense. But to win an NBA championship, James needs help. He can’t do it alone.  That’s the No. 1 reason why he left Cleveland and “took his talents to South Beach.” He needed Wade. He needed Bosh. It was a loud admittance that King James is nothing without a royal court. A championship ring is the only thing stopping LeBron from officially being crowned king of the NBA.

1. KOBE BRYANT
Los Angeles Lakers, Shooting Guard

Speaking of The King, even though he goes by the nickname “The Black Mamba” Bryant is…and always has been for the past five seasons, the BEST PLAYER ON THE PLANET. The reigning NBA Finals MVP added a fifth championship ring to his collection box and his No. 24 jersey is No. 1 around the world – again!. He finally shed the “couldn’t win without Shaq” label two seasons ago when he pushed the Lakers past the Magic in the NBA Finals. With the addition of Ron Artest, the Lakers rolled through the West and outlasted the Celtics in seven grueling games in The Finals. At this stage of his career, Bryant is no longer interested in statistics nor individual awards. He knows his Lakers are built for the long haul and he doesn’t have to carry the load night after night. He’s got Pau Gasol, the best big man in the world, as his wingman. Besides, at 32 years old, Kobe understands that he needs to start preserving his body for the playoffs. Although when challenged, he can always put on his Black Mamba game face and devour anyone who tries to get in his path. Bryant knows his Hall-of-Fame pass is waiting for him at the doors of Springfield, Mass. His legacy is secure. About the only thing missing on his checklist is the No. 7. That’s the number of championship rings he needs to win to surpass his idol Michael Jordan.

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