1. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers: Once the boy king, neither connotation fits to describe him, despite the fact the 27-year-old has accomplished more than James or Wade to this point. However, Phil Jackson has stated Bryant is eager to recapture his previous status and should benefit from playing the same role in the triangle offense that Jordan thrived in for so long.

2. Dwyane Wade, Miami: He still lacks a 3-point shot, but there are few as explosive getting to the rim. What he lacks in size (he's closer to 6-3 than 6-4), he makes up for in hops and fearlessness. His mid-range game is becoming increasingly fine-tuned, which just leaves the deep perimeter shot for him to perfect to become completely unguardable. The Heat would love for him to cut down his turnovers and increase his playmaking abilities.
3. Ray Allen, Seattle: He's the Clyde Drexler of his era -- unquestionably a superstar, however a quiet one playing in a less than major market. It would be interesting to see what happens if the Sonics, who locked him up in the offseason, ever become a legitimate championship contender, as Allen is engaging, smart and outspoken. As of now though, the sweet-shooting scoring machine plays the Drexler role to the emerging Jordans.

4. Vince Carter, New Jersey: After seeing his star fade faster than Kurt Warner's and Wesley Snipes, Carter re-emerged following a midseason trade to the Nets. He enters 2005-06 as a candidate for this year's scoring title, looking every bit the beast he was before the injuries hit and his rep as a malcontent emerged. If he can put together a full season, the chance for the winningest season of his career exists.

5. Manu Ginobili, San Antonio: He's now a household name, certainly worthy of MVP consideration in last year's Finals after a remarkable performance. Naysayers want to call him a flopper ... so? To get hung up on that would mean you miss the other nuances of his game, from the relentless knifing penetration to the dead-eye 3-point shot that balances it out. Beyond that, prevailing in NBA and international competitions in the same season speak volumes of him as a winner.

6. Stephon Marbury, New York: Larry Brown intends to move him off the ball, although it remains to be seen how long that experiment lasts considering the inconsistent Jamal Crawford and rookie Nate Robinson are in line to replace him. Despite his constant presence among the league's assists leaders, taking advantage of Marbury's scoring ability is certainly a worthy experiment that could pay healthy dividends if a capable ball handler can be found.

7. Richard Hamilton, Detroit: He's definitely one of the best at coming off screens and burying teams with the quick mid-range dagger, and he's an underrated defender. As far as his presence in the locker room is concerned, Hamilton is one of those guys you'll never hear teammates utter a negative word about, as he always keeps the mood loose and believes whole-heartedly in the team concept.

8. Steve Francis, Orlando: After the first week of training camp, it looks like Francis might stay put at the point, but considering we didn't rank him there last week, not to mention that he'll be seeing plenty of time at the two alongside Jameer Nelson and Keyon Dooling, we'll place him here. He was demoralized after the Magic traded best friend Cuttino Mobley and still talks about it, but if he gets his head in the game and stays under control, he's deadly. He has to join Grant Hill as a leader of a fairly young squad.

9. Larry Hughes, Cleveland: He might have been an All-Star had he not missed action just before the break, yet came back to lead the league in steals, average over 20 points and help guide his team to the second round of the playoffs. In a new location, he'll team with James to help end a postseason drought, just as was the case last year alongside Gilbert Arenas. A superb defender due to his size and quickness, he'll make the Cavs' offense flow smoother by giving the team another playmaking option. Scariest for the rest of the East? He's just reaching his prime.

10. Jason Richardson, Golden State: He appeared to mesh brilliantly with Baron Davis, which is why so many Warriors fans can't wait to see how much the team can improve with the duo together for a full season. Since coming into the league, he has evolved from a scorer who overly relied on his athleticism to an athletic marvel with a jump shot that can really kill you with once he gets into a flow.

11. Michael Redd, Milwaukee: One of the league’s best shooters, he's not worth the $90 million the Bucks dished out to keep him, but you have to admire their commitment to winning. They can be assured his work ethic won’t disappoint; that hefty paycheck was earned through constant improvement after he fell to the second round and sat on the bench his entire rookie year. The payoff will now come if he can help lead Milwaukee back to the playoffs.

12. Stephen Jackson, Indiana: People are wondering whether he'll be able to handle producing the point production of both himself and Reggie Miller. Having wing partner Ron Artest back on the wing should help, as will the fact he's steadily continued his progression into a go-to scorer over the past few seasons. Now is his chance to make a significant mark and join the best at his position.

13. Ben Gordon, Chicago: There are rumblings that he might start, but whatever his role, the reigning top sixth man and runner-up for top rookie honors is certain to impact on a nightly basis. He's undoubtedly special, clutch and creative in the manner in which he gets his points, but will have to develop as a defender and ball handler to really take off.

14. Caron Butler, Washington: This might be the wild card because we're predicting this to be the year he truly breaks out. He averaged a career-high 15.5 points per game in playing alongside Bryant in Los Angeles last year and should have no problem shouldering the load on his new squad, as he and Jarvis Hayes should get plenty of opportunities. Don't forget how talented this 25-year-old is, and take into consideration that he hasn't truly had the chance to find a true home.

15. Ricky Davis, Boston: There's talk that he'll break back into the starting lineup, but like Gordon, there's no reason to doubt he'll produce regardless of what role he plays. Labeled a head case, Davis did clash with coach Doc Rivers on occasion, but ultimately did what was asked for him, playing all 82 games and averaging 16 points and over three boards and three assists. He still must improve his shot selection and decision-making.

16. Cuttino Mobley, L.A. Clippers: "Cat" should be happier with the Clippers than he was in Sacramento, where he felt he never fit in. Say what you will about his defense, but there is no question he's a gifted scorer who can produce abundantly in spurts. Vowing to be in tip-top shape this year, he has been riding his bike to and from training camp.

17. Andre Iguodala, Philadelphia: He's still learning his role and feeling his way through things, but in three years, it would be surprising not to see Iggy in the Top 10 at his position. He has the potential to be a lockdown defender, makes teammates better with his passing and decision-making, and finishes above the rim. He'll have to develop a stronger floor game, complete with outside shot, but all the tools are there.

18a. Eddie Jones, Memphis: The veteran isn't the scorer he once was, but brings his lunch pail every night, giving you everything he's got on defense and is certainly a class act. He established a reputation for missing the big shot in Miami, but will have a new lease on life among fans eager to embrace someone who can be calming locker room influence, unlike. ...

18b. Bonzi Wells, Sacramento: At this stage in their careers, there is no question he's more talented than Jones, but he has had problems getting along with his coaches, becoming a distraction when unhappy with playing time. He shouldn't have that problem in Sacramento, where he's the clear-cut starter at the two, being counted on to help complement Peja Stojakovic with his ability to post up fellow wings and get to the basket.

19. Desmond Mason, Milwaukee: He'll likely come off the bench with Redd in place and Bobby Simmons on board, but expect him to get his 25-30 minutes and make his presence felt, potentially becoming the player to beat for Sixth Man of the Year honors. In 80 games last year, 71 of them starts, he averaged a career-high 17.2 points and emerged as a lockdown defender.

20. Josh Smith, Atlanta: There is at least one Defensive Player of the Year honor in his bright future, and it wouldn't surprise us if he's a multiple winner. Like Tayshaun Prince, he's a human spider, and what makes him even tougher is perhaps the greatest vertical leap in the league. He's raw offensively, but the world is his oyster. Consider this hopping on the bandwagon now.