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 conform to the All-NBA format where 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 included Kobe Bryant (1), LeBron James (2), Chris Paul (3), Paul Pierce (4) and Tim Duncan (5).

OneManFastBreak.net rates the five best players in the NBA (rankings will change from year to year):

5. DWIGHT HOWARD
Orlando Magic, Center

Superman II made the biggest leap of any player on this list. He surpassed San Antonio’s Tim Duncan as the best post player in the league. Though his statistics were slightly lower last season compared to 2007-08 (his points per game dropped from 20.7 to 20.6 and his rebounds went from 14.3 to 13.8, but his blocks went up from 2.2 to 2.9), Howard’s team got better as he improved his defense and his awareness on offense. Behind Howard’s more focused approach, the Magic reached the NBA Finals before losing to the Los Angeles Lakers in five games. Howard has very little competition at the center position so he should be able to lock up first-team status for the next five to 10 years.

4. CHRIS PAUL
New Orleans Hornets, Point Guard

There is no denying CP3 as the No. 1 PG in the league. His competition is either too old (Steve Nash and Chauncey Billups), too young (Derrick Rose) or took step back a year ago (Deron Williams). Paul’s ability to get to the rim going to his right as well as his left without losing any speed is second to none. And throws one of the prettiest alley-hoop passes I’ve ever seen since Sherman Douglas. He has become the most dominant player under 6-foot-1 the league has seen since Isiah Thomas and if he gets any help from newly acquired center Emeka Okafor, the Hornets should be a factor in the West. Hornets coach Byron Scott should thank Paul for saving his job, which was on the ropes four years ago. CP3 has single-handedly changed the whole culture in New Orleans and will always be in consideration for MVP.

3. DWYANE WADE
Miami Heat, Shooting Guard

D-Wade is back! After a subpar season in 2007-08 (if you consider scoring 24 points per game below par), Flash returned to the elite level, lifting Miami back into the playoffs and winning his first scoring title (30.2). Tim Grover, Michael Jordan’s super trainer who put D-Wade back together during the offseason, should get some kind of residual check for helping Wade get his explosiveness back and added strength to his frame. After playing in just 51 games the previous two seasons, Wade played a career-best 79 games in ‘08-09′ and the added burden of being the undisputed superstar of the franchise didn’t hinder the 2006 NBA Finals 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, you can probably pencil these two for next year as well.

2. LeBRON JAMES
Cleveland Cavaliers, Forward

I apologize for sounding like a broken record but…I’ve always believed that if LeBron James ever got that second option, that all-star type player who can take some of the pressure off LeBron, the Cavaliers easily becomes the best team in the NBA. Mo Williams was suppoed to be LeBron’s Scottie Pippen a year ago but he fizzed during the postseason. Enter Shaquille O’Neal. The Diesel has promised to “get a ring for The King” so LeBron is going to hold him to that statement come June. That’s how good James is. He’s like a one-man army. But to win an NBA championship, James needs a little help from his friends. 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. Last season, the Cavs were ousted by the Magic mainly because Howard simply overpowered the Cleveland big men and James could not possibly guard both Rashard Lewis and Hedo Turkoglu at the same time. Whoever LeBron didn’t guard, that was the player the Magic targeted and made the big shots down the stretch. A championship ring is the only thing separating LeBron and being officially 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 four seasons, the BEST PLAYER ON THE PLANET. The reigning NBA Finals MVP added a fourth championship ring to his collection box and his No. 24 jersey is No. 1 around the world. He finally shed the “couldn’t win without Shaq” label last season when he pushed the Lakers past the Magic in the NBA Finals. With the addition of Ron Artest, the Lakers should roll through the West again and Bryant could potentially face LeBron and Shaq or Howard and the Magic or Kevin Garnett and Celtics in the Finals. At this stage of Kobe’s career, he’s not as into statistics and individual awards. He knows his Lakers are built for the long haul and he doesn’t have to carry the load night after night. Besides, at 31 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. He knows his legacy is secured and his Hall-of-Fame pass is waiting for him at the doors of Springfield, Mass. About the only thing missing on his checklist is the No. 7. That’s the number championship rings he needs to win to surpass Jordan.

Popularity: 3% [?]

New Orleans point guard Chris Paul is teaming up with Right Guard. (ASOCIATED PRESS)

Right Guard, the official deodorant of the NBA, recently announced that they are offering fans and two of their friends a chance to win a trip to play ball with Chris Paul in the “Right Guard Fast Break CP+3 Sweepstakes” beginning at midnight (Central Time) on April 27, hosted exclusively on RightGuard.com.

One grand-prize winner will be awarded round trip airfare, hotel accommodations and food expenses for him/herself and two friends of their choosing to take part in the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be on the same court with Paul, the 2008 NBA MVP runner-up of the New Orleans Hornets and Right Guard spokesperson.  Additional prizes include instant win opportunities to receive tickets to the 2009 NBA Playoffs or Finals, and lunch with NBA legends.

Fans can enter the sweepstakes at RightGuard.com and submit up to one entry per person, per day. There will be a weekly trivia question posted at RightGuard.com/cp3 where entrants can increase their odds of winning by answering questions correctly throughout the sweepstakes period of play.  Fans can also invite friends to join the sweepstakes to receive additional entries.

The sweepstakes is being held in conjunction with the release of Right Guard’s new Xtreme Fast Break line of antiperspirants and will be promoted via multiple digital platforms, including NBA.com and Right Guard’s Facebook.com fan page. Right Guard Fast Break is the brand’s first new product launch since partnering with the NBA last June to become the league’s official deodorant.

The “Right Guard Fast Break CP+3 Sweepstakes”, giving Right Guard consumers an experience to remember, will conclude on August 31 at 11:59 p.m. (Central Time).  For official rules please visit www.RightGuard.com.

Popularity: 12% [?]

New Orleans' Chris Paul (left) has overtaken Phoenix's Steve Nash as the top playmaker in the NBA. (NBA Entertainment/Getty Images)

For someone who plays very little defense and makes crucial mistakes in late-game situations, Steve Nash is still rated very high among his peers. He was twice voted league MVP despite not making it to the NBA Finals. He’s the only two-time MVP without a Finals appearance. Even softy Dirk Nowitzki made it to the Finals. For some reason, the Nash Hype machine spread like wildfire during his first three seasons in Phoenix. Now, Nash is being exposed for what he truly is. A very good point guard, but not a top-five point guard.

OneManFastbreak.net rates the top 10 points guards in the NBA:

1) CHRIS PAUL, New Orleans Hornets: His 21-4-11-2 line was scary good. Now, he has James Posey to lean on for some playoff wisdom. CP3 is the modern-day Isiah Thomas. He can change the game by himself. The only thing that is keeping Paul from being a complete player is outside shooting. He’s gotten better but you can still sag off him.

2) DERON WILLIAMS, Utah Jazz: He’s Jason Kidd with range. Williams can play fast or slow and Coach Jerry Sloan loves the way he runs his offense. D-Will has the entire package. He can drive, he can hit the 3 and get his teammates easy shots. He’s one of the few PGs who can score 20 points and get 10 assists.

3) GILBERT ARENAS, Washington Wizards: Agent Zero should be rated higher but injuries to both knees have made him a “complete zero” the last couple of years. He is scheduled to return in December or January and hopefully stay on the active roster for the rest of the season.

4) TONY PARKER, San Antonio Spurs: Frenchy is the only member of the San Antonio Spurs who doesn’t need to invest in retirement funds. The MVP of the 2007 NBA Finals is still one of the quickest players in the league and his marriage to Eva Longoria automatically puts him on this list.

5) CHAUNCEY BILLUPS, Denver Nuggets: One of just two guys on this list that has a championship ring. Mr. Big Shot may have slowed down with age but he’s still a top-10 guy in my book. Carmelo Anthony will greatly benefit from the trade now that Billups is running the show in Denver.

6) STEVE NASH, Phoenix Suns: Some would say this list is “whack” for having the great Steve Nash No. 6. Well, the Great Nash is very good but not great. He’s a bit overrated. He’s a liability on defense and, for someone who is considered by many as the smartest point guard in the league, he makes a lot of mistakes in crucial situations.

7) BARON DAVIS, Los Angeles Clippers: When healthy, no point guard in the league has the skill set B-Diddy has. At 6-3, 200 pounds, he is a matchup problem for little guards and big guards. He can single-handedly win a playoff game by himself. CP3 may be a better playmaker but Boom Dizzle has a better outside shot.

8) ALLEN IVERSON, Denver Nuggets: Five years ago, AI would have been No. 1 on this list. I consider him one of the best 50 players to ever play this game.

9) ANDRE MILLER, Philadelphia 76ers: One of the more underrated point guards in the league. Has not gotten the recognition he deserves because he’s played on some bad teams.

10) JOSE CALDERON, Toronto Raptors: Easily the best European point guard since Sarunas Marciulionis. His assist-to-turnover ratio is off the charts. The Raptors rewarded him by shipping T.J. Ford to Indiana.

Popularity: 39% [?]

Kobe Bryant won the regular-season MVP, but Paul Pierce took home the MVP of the NBA Finals and his Celtics won the title. (NBA Entertainment/Getty Images)

Ask any basketball expert who they think is the best player in the NBA and three names consistently show up: Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and Chris Paul. Bryant is the reigning most valuable player of the regular season and has three championship rings on his resume. LeBron James and CP3 don’t have championship rings, but both are breathing down Bryant’s neck and are chomping at bit. Who joins the Big Three in the Fab Five list?

OneManFastbreak.net rates the five best players in the NBA (rankings will change from year to year):

5) TIM DUNCAN: I consider the “Big Fundamental” the greatest power forward in the history of the NBA. Period. Timmy D is the most skilled post player in the world and is the biggest reason why the Spurs have four NBA championships. Because Duncan almost always requires a double team, it allows guards Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili to play one-on-one basketball. What Duncan does defensively is what separates him from old-school guys like Kevin McHale and Karl Malone. Duncan is one of the best, if not the best, help defender. Year in and year out, the Spurs boast one of the top defenses in the league and it is all because of Duncan’s ability to protect the paint and funnel everything towards the sideline. Some believe that Duncan is past his prime and have been lapped by younger big men such as Yao Ming, Amare Stoudemire and Dwight Howard. However, last time I checked, Yao, Amare and D-Howard don’t own championship rings and two of them have never been to a conference finals. The Big Fundamental’s numbers may be down, but he still impacts the game in a huge way.

4) PAUL PIERCE: The pride of Inglewood High School has never come close to winning a regular-season most valuable player award and his name is never mentioned whenever the MVP debate shows up. But Pierce should be recognized as one of the top players in the world. Why? I say, “Why not!” He’s the MVP of the NBA Finals, which should carry more weight than any other MVP award. Steve Nash won MVP twice, but has never been to the Finals. Dirk Nowitzki, another MVP holder, got to the Finals in 2006 but lost. Last season, Pierce’s outplayed LeBron in the Eastern Conference semifinals and outplayed Kobe in the NBA Finals. How many superstars can claim that they knocked out arguably the two best players in the world in the same playoffs? P-squared did it and his Boston Celtics are the defending NBA champs and he’s the reigning NBA Finals MVP. Kevin Garnett may be the heart of the Celtics, but Pierce is the soul. When the Celtics needed a basket, Coach Doc Rivers called Pierce’s number. When the Celtics needed to shut down LeBron or Kobe, Coach Rivers called on Pierce. He has delivered in the clutch and it’s about time we recognize him as a top-tier player. If not, he’s gonna go “gangsta” on you!

3) CHRIS PAUL: CP3 is the modern-day Isiah Thomas. He has the ability to get to the rim going to his right as well as his left without losing any speed and throws one of the prettiest alley-hoop passes I’ve ever seen since Sherman Douglas. The lightning-quick all-star guard has not only displaced Steve Nash as the best point guard in the league, but he has become the most dominant player under 6-foot-1 the league has seen since Zeek (that’s Isiah Thomas for those who don’t know). Byron Scott should thank Paul for saving his job, which was on the ropes three years ago. CP3 has single-handedly changed the whole culture in New Orleans. Paul and center Tyson Chandler have perfected the pick-and-loob play and his ability to regularly get into the paint compresses the defense and allows shooters like Peja Stojakovic and Morris Peterson open looks. Paul’s Hornets are getting closer and closer into becoming an elite team. Last year, the Hornets took the San Antonio Spurs to seven games in the Western Conference semifinals. Now with the addition of James Posey, one of the best role players in the Association, the Hornets are of a handful of teams with a legit shot at winning the NBA title.

2) LeBRON JAMES: I’ve always believed that if LeBron James ever got that second option, that all-star type player who can take some of the pressure off  LeBron, the Cavaliers easily becomes the best team in the NBA. That’s how good James is. He’s like a one-man army. He can carry a team all by himself. He has done it throughout his young career. He led the Cavs to the NBA Finals in 2007 despite playing with a rookie point guard, an injury-prone center, average power forwards and a coach who doesn’t know a thing about offense. Last season, James posted 30-7-7 numbers. Michael Jordan averaged 30 points a game but never more than seven rebounds or seven assists a game. Magic Johnson has averaged seven rebounds and more than seven assists throughout his career but never came close to averaging 30 points. LeBron is an inch shorter than Magic (6-8) but is almost as heavy as Karl Malone (265 pounds). He’s a power forward playing guard. He can play all five positions. If someone chiseled the perfect NBA body, LeBron James is it.

1) KOBE BRYANT: He calls himself “The Black Mamba” for being able to strike with amazing percision in a matter of seconds. The Black Mamba owns three championship rings, an Olympic gold medal and his No. 24 jersey is No. 1 around the world. Only Duncan has more championship rings. The only thing missing on Bryant’s wish list is winning an NBA title without Shaquille O’Neal. He fell one game short last year. This season, he gets Andrew Bynum back and the Lakers should be heavy favorite in the West. Statistically, Bryant is comparable to Chris Paul and LeBron James. You can argue any of those three as the MVP. However, what separates Kobe from the majority of the league of superstars is his ability to make big shots. He is the game’s ultimate closer. When the U.S. Olympic team (a squad loaded with 12 all-stars) needed a basket in the gold-medal game against Spain, Coach K called Kobe’s number. Bryant’s mid-range game is what separates him from Chris Paul and LeBron James. Only Paul Pierce comes the closest to matching Bryant’s mid-range game and fourth-quarter heroics. SI.com polled NBA players last season on who is the most feared player in the league. Nearly one-third of them voted for KB24.

Popularity: 61% [?]