1. LeBron James
The best all-around player in the game. The 6-foot-8 small forward leads the NBA in scoring (30.3) to go with 7.8 rebounds, 7.3 assists and 2.1 steals. He also is shooting a career-best 48.4 percent while keeping his Cavs in contention for a top playoff seed despite injuries and contract disputes involving numerous teammates.
7. Steve Nash
The two-time MVP has shown few signs of slowing down. He still drives and dishes like no other player (a league-leading 11.7 assists), and his shooting touch is extraordinary (50.8 percent from the floor, 46.7 percent from three-point territory, 89.9 percent from the foul line). He is one of two players, along with the Magic's Howard, averaging a double-double for the fourth straight season.
13. Dwyane Wade
The 2006 Finals MVP is still scoring (24.3) and racking up assists (7.0). But he needed time to get going after offseason knee and shoulder surgeries, and when he came back in mid-November the Heat were already in the dumps. Now it seems as if he has lost some of his spirit. One scout recently said it looks as if he's going through the motions.
16. Chris Bosh
Bosh started a little slowly due to some lingering injuries but has come on strong the past two months. The smooth-shooting lefty can score inside and out (he averages 22.5 points), and he hits the glass (9.2 rebounds). Plus, his All-Star campaign video -- in which he spoofs a used-car salesman -- was a hit on YouTube.
26. Joe Johnson
An All-Star for the second straight season, the 6-7 guard has impressive stats (20.6 points, 4.4 rebounds, 5.2 assists). But Johnson's poor shooting (40.4 percent) and somewhat inconsistent play for a 21-28 Hawks team make him the East's most surprising selection.
Full Rankings: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/w ... index.html
Do you agree with the order they are ranked in? How would you rank all 26 players?
