Got Next: The 12 Best NBA Players Right Now, Not Named LeBron Or Kobe - Page 12

Most NBA debates nowadays about who’s the best player in the game right now start and end with LeBron James, with some Kobe Bryant thrown in the mix.

Of course, Kevin Durant’s name gets steady mentions, but the glaring omission in his “the best” application is a lack of a championship. But when you’re talking about things like athletic ability, stats and accolades, there are number of players, KD included, who will give King James a run for the money if he ever slacks on his game.

In fact, when taking a look at the dozen players we selected here, the talent gap between James and his peers isn’t as wide as some may think. These 12 NBA players get buckets, dish assists and more importantly always factor in getting their respective teams wins.

As always, feel free to let us know who you think should have made the cut in the gallery. Before you say it, D. Wade’s knees have been gimpy and Dwight Howard needs to focus, man. Peep the “The 12 Best NBA Players Right Now, Not Named LeBron Or Kobe” on the following pages.

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Photos: NBA

Kyrie Irving

The 2012 Rookie of the Year only got better in 2013. If he can stay healthy, lock him an as a league superstar for the next decade or so. Ask Brandon Knight.

Kevin Durant

KD is simply unfair. He’s 6′ 9″ with the agility and handle of a small guard. The past two seasons he average 28 points with an efficient .500 shooting percentage.

Russell Westbrook

A freak athletically, Westbrook averaged 23 points, 7 assists and 5 rebounds per game this season. KD found out just how crucial Westbrook was to the Thunder when he went down with an unfortunate injury.

James Harden

The Thunder couldn’t afford to keep Harden so he went to the Houston Rockets and flourished. After averaged 17 ppg as a 6th man the year before, starter minutes boosted that to 26ppg along with almost 6 dimes per gam, too.

Rajon Rondo

The Celtics’ lead guard has averaged over 11 assists per game the last three seasons and that jumper is no where near as a suspect as you think. There’s also a championship in his stack of trophies.

Carmelo Anthony

Melo season didn’t end like he wanted but leading the Knicks to a 54-28 record and the second round in the playoffs is nothing to be ashamed about. On the offensive side, their may be no better scorer in the league.

Tony Parker

At 31, Tony Parker is the elder statesman on this list. But the Frenchman has been great, for a very long time. This past season was one his best (20.3 ppg, 7.1 apg).

Chris Paul

The Clippers’ floor general (for now) is the total package at the point. He gets buckets (an 18.6 ppg career average) and dimes (9.8 apg career average).

Kevin Love

Last season was a wash because of injury but do not snooze on Kevin Love. In the ’11-’12 campaign he averaged 26 points and 13 boards per game. A real big man, in the NBA.

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Paul George

Helping the Indiana Pacers make it to the conference finals before succumbing to LeBron’s Miami Heat was no fluke. Paul George made the most of his opportunity when teammate Danny Granger went down, making this year’s All-Star.

Stephen Curry

Steph Curry’s ankles are shaky but that jumper is wet (23 ppg and a 45% shooting from range)and he can get to the rack at will, and finish. As long as he stays on the court, he’s a problem.