Every year before the start of the NBA season, Sports Illustrated releases their annual top 10 players list for the upcoming season. This year’s list came with some controversy.
In a recent interview, Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant was asked what he thought about the list. Durant responded, “I think you’re missing on James Harden.” When asked who Harden should replace, Durant said without hesitation, “Dwayne Wade”.
Wade immediately took to Instagram to respond. Posting a picture of a note he wrote to himself stating “Kevin Durant said James Harden should replace me in the top 10… Note to self: Make him respect your place in history… again”
In a response to Wade, KD tweeted “Show me don’t tweet me”
The top 10 in its entirety reads like this: LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Chris Paul, Tony Parker, Tim Duncan, Dwight Howard, Dwayne Wade, Kobe Bryant, and Carmelo Anthony.
Personally, I believe Harden should replace Howard in the top 10, not wade. If we are judging the top 10 based on production and what each player meant to their team then there is no way that Howard is a top 10 player in the NBA.
Howard had one of the worst statistical years of his career averaging 17.1 points a game and 12.4 rebounds for the Lakers. Harden, on the other hand, is coming off the best statistical year of his young career. Harden averaged 25.5 points a game and 5.9 assists, earning him his first trip to the all-star game.
There are a number of players that believe that they are top 10 worthy, but in all reality there can only be 10. One thing is certain though, the NBA season is coming fast, and when it starts we will all know who are the real top 10.