The NBA All-Star Break is upon us (and I'm headed to Phoenix on Friday to join in the fun). The intermission, our economy, and the appeal of the game raises a question about your entertainment dollar. A pro basketball ticket is one of the most expensive in sports, but the league is doing better than ever at the gate — even losing clubs draw exceptionally well. We want to see Chris Paul's drives, LeBron James' "looking-down-into-the-basket" dunks, and Dwight Howard's acrobatic blocked shots. But who are the best draws in the League, whether at home or on the road? Here are the NBA's most electrifying performers:
LeBron James, G/F, Cleveland Cavaliers
When he throws one down on the break, it appears as if he could put his entire forearm down through the rim, or drop the ball in from above the square. His blind passes are breathtaking, and his fluid movements belie his listed size of 6'8", 240. He's had this appeal since his prep days. LeBron is a one-man show — the icon he dreamt of being. Whether off the dribble, following a shot, or setting up teammates in traffic, you don't want to turn away, or hit the concession stand, because you might miss something.
Chris Paul, G, New Orleans Hornets
C.P. lifted this franchise out of the doldrums, and himself onto national magazine covers. He's explosive, he's lightning-quick, he has a scorer's killer instinct, and he can bait defenses like few young point guards. That baiting and deception often results in a highlight reel pass. Who doesn't like Chris Paul? Players with his knack for the game, court vision, and genuine sense of community involvement for Katrina-rebounding New Orleans are what the game needs.
Dwight Howard, F, Orlando Magic
Look up in the sky — it's a bird, it's a plane, it's Dwight Howard. When the quiet, born-again Atlantan entered the League, who expected him to literally don a cape and showcase his dunking skills? Still waters run deep. He makes thrilling plays in reaction to missed shots, or blocking those by the oppositions. He has the ferocious dunks and surprising creativity. More importantly, he gives his all, from the weight room to the paint. Howard's enthusiasm is the hallmark of his early success — that and the "S" on his chest.
Steve Nash, G, Phoenix Suns
In Basketball 2.0, the man with the ball rules. Gone are the days when the focus of the game was the center of action (Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, Willis Reed, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Dave Cowens, Bill Walton). It's the little catalysts who capture our attention. Nash is the most savvy of the current crop. He knows what to do, when, and why. He dictates spacing and tempo to opposing defenses. He can turn or stop on a dime. Nash is an expert passer off the dribble, and never telegraphs a pass or shot (largely because he keeps his dribble alive as he explores options). The former national soccer star is athletic, conditioned, durable, and is a threat to pass, shoot, or penetrate at all times. It will be interesting to watch him operate as a coach on the floor in Mike D'Antoni's absence.
Kobe Bryant, G, L.A. Lakers
As some have said, it's exhausting to score 81 points when one is shooting alone in a gym. Whatever you (or Shaq) think of him, Kobe is something to see. He can make defenders look foolish from the top of the key or the baseline, and he finishes with flourish. When he's on, he's Mike-like. No contemporary player possesses the focus we see on his face when he enters pure Kobeville. You saw how they adore him in Beijing. How many players could have survived both Shaq-gate and the Vail sexual assault case? To a large extent, Kobe doesn't care what you think — and though he couldn't do it all by himself- — the last NBA Finals demonstrated that he is all about winning.
Baron Davis, G, L.A. Clippers
Now that he plays in a big media market, he's on the "other" team. No worries. Davis brings his no-holds-barred game to Hollywood, full of the relentless drives, astounding dunks, and the joy with which he plays. The man looks like he's having fun (it is, after all, a game). Paul and Nash both share elements of his game, but Davis is so determined and so strong; he's got a style all his own. Unlike A.I., he isn't out of control, and has the frame to endure constant contact. In an era of dazzling point guards in which Deron Williams, Raymond Felton, and other youngsters are solidifying their status, Davis is among the elite.
Amar'e Stoudemire, F/C, Phoenix Suns
Power. Agility. Maximum effort. Amar'e Stoudemire, when healthy, is scary good, and a handful to handle. He's more versatile on offense than Dwight Howard, and a lot stronger than willowy dunkers Josh Smith and Shawn Marion. What makes a player worth the price of admission is the special things he can do — even when you expect them of him — and those he accomplishes that others cannot. The NBA boasts a surplus of elite power forwards, from Elton Brand to Tim Duncan to Kevin Garnett. Like Stoudemire, some see duty at center. What sets The Stud apart is that edge-of-your-seat anticipation he gives you that he can, and will, take control in there.
That's my list. Next year, a Greg Oden could work his way here. Vince Carter still displays flashes of Vinsanity, but never enters Kobeville, particularly in the postseason (a la LeBron vs. Detroit in that crucial 2007 game). Gilbert Arenas is gifted, but self-absorbed. Ditto Iverson. Night in and night out, the aforementioned guys give you bang for your buck.
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