Best Players in the East Thus Far...

Bulls have the day off, so why not make a list? Everyone loves lists. I'll go ahead and give you the best players in the East thus far.

Point Guards

1. Chauncey Billups--best floor leader in the East. Knows how to pick his shots and dimes, the glue guy who just wants to win. Wants the ball at the end of the game.

2. Jason Kidd--despite the trade demands, he is at least playing hard. Leads the East in assists with 10.4 a game. Not as quick as he used to be, but can still penetrate and create. One of the smartest players to ever play the game.

3. Jose Calderon--understands how to run the team. Can shoot with the best of them. Should be the starter even when T.J. Ford gets healthy.

4. Andre Miller/Mo Williams--it's a tie. Miller can post up smaller guards and is still a dynamic passer. Not overly quick. Williams is a scoring guard with solid quickness, highly coveted by the Heat this past summer.

5. Rajon Rondo--sure, it's easy to miss the young guy out of Kentucky, but Rondo has put his talents to use this season. Quick and fast, he is learning the game as he goes. Understands his role as a defender and distributor.

Shooting Guards

1. Dwayne Wade--really the top of the class, even when playing at less than 100%. Sure the Heat are rebuilding, and Wade has certainly struggled getting back to old form, but he is dishing out 6.9 assists per game on a team where no one can make a shot. You can tell the athleticism isn't yet there, but he is still the best in the East.

2. Michael Redd--this is a huge drop off from #1. The off guard spot in the East is weak at best, but Redd is an All-Star when he is healthy. Sweet stroke, can get it whenever he wants. Not bad for a second round pick.

3. Joe Johnson--Right there with Redd. A true off guard, can also handle the ball. Documented as a leader of the young Hawks team. A terrific shooter, slightly quicker than Redd, and can finish around the rim.

4. Rip Hamilton--everyone knows his game by now. One of the top mid-range shooters in the game. Constant motion on both offense and defense. Crucial part of the Pistons and how they operate. Fantastic player, but not an All-Star normally, but in the East, for sure.

5. Ray Allen--best shooter in the NBA. Recently demonstrated his ability to get to the rim and finish off glass. A competitor, knows what it takes to win.

Small Forward

1. LeBron James--any questions?

2. Paul Pierce--with Garnett missing games, it's certainly the Truth's time to shine. A recommitment to defense is obvious. Still has a great offensive game, can beat you from behind the arc, getting to the rim, or hitting free throws. Always overlooked as one of the better players in the league.

3. Caron Butler--speaking of never getting props, Butler should be recieving some love now. Voted as an All-Star and deservedly so, Butler has developed a great game this year. Losing Arenas hurt the Wiz, but they are still right in the middle of the East. Strong, very strong, can get to the rim and finish. Has refined his shot since coming into the league, and can make opposing teams pay if they play him for the drive. Hard workers, earns everything he gets.

4. Hedo Turkoglu--just because they Magic picked up Lewis, everyone is somewhat sleeping on Turkoglu's breakout year. Guess who usually has the ball in his hands late in the game--not Nelson, not Lewis, not Howard--Hedo does, and he normally delivers. Uses his size well when driving--shading defenders with his 6-10 frame. Better defender and rebounder with that smooth jumper.

5. Tayshaun Prince--he gets the nod over Gerald Wallace, and R.J. Well first off his team is winning, which always helps. He is the Piston's best defender with those long arms. Underrated offensive player as he can take smaller players into the post and just shoot over them. Even with that goofy release, is a dependable three point shooter.

Power Forwards

1. Kevin Garnett--the other "duh" vote. What can't he do?

2. Chris Bosh--averaging 23 points per contest this year. A finesse 4, but effective. Great athlete and at 6-10 or 6-11 can pose problems for defenses. Solid rebounder. While still appearing skinny, has gotten stronger. Just an evolving game. Appreciated the All-Star video as well.

3. Antawn Jamison--the other reason for the Wiz being respectable. Crafty scorer, can hit the three, goes the post and is effective. Not a super athlete, nor a great defender. Leader in the locker room, makes shots when his team needs him.

4. Rashard Lewis--I'll go ahead and put him here, as he and Turkoglu are often in the frontcourt at the same time. Will he ever live up to his contract, no. But he is effective in what he does. A slasher with a quick trigger from beyond the arc. One of the better athletes in the league. Now he doesn't have to do what he has always hated to do--use his size in the post--he's got Howard. Works for the Magic and Lewis.

5. Shawn Marion--almost by default. Jermaine O'Neal is hurt and generally plays the C position. Who else really? Zach Randolph, psh. Marion is an athlete and a proven commodity, but can he make it work in Miam, guess we'll see.

Center

1. Dwight Howard--unique player with size, strength, agility, and unreal athleticism. Oh yeah long arms, developing post game, best rebounder/shot blocker right now, and he's just tapping into his game. He is average 21 points right now, just wait until he gets a grip on the block--like how to score without dunking. Could be scary. Teammates need to get him the ball more.

2. Samuel Dalembert/Andrew Bogut/who cares? No one is close to Howard, and those two names are the only servicable centers really in the East.