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Back to my many lists. Only two left and today I tackle the top 10 Power Forwards for the current NBA season. Let me say this, when ranking this position, there were the top 4 and then just a bunch of solid, good players that I really had to nit-pick between to rank them. Here goes:
10. Carlos Boozer, Jazz: Oh, how the kind of mighty have fallen. A few short years ago, Boozer would have been a top 3 or 4 choice at the 4 spot, but injuries have sapped him of some of his explosiveness, and an apparent aversion to guarding anyone has lowered his value. Jazz fans have really come to hate this guy, but he doesn't seem to notice, confusing their boooooooos for Booooooooz. So much for that Duke education. Boozer is still a good, solid player, but seems to have lost his zeal for contact, instead opting to shoot mid-range jumpers and fade aways most of the the time. Because of this, I don't see him as a 20 per game scorer anymore, although he is still a hellacious rebounding machine.
9. David West, Hornets: West is another guy who has lost some luster from a few seasons ago. He's one of the more boring players to watch, but at least you have to give him an A for consistency. He's put in virtually the same season for 4 years, and will probably be about the same (17/8) this year. That's good, but not great. He has a good outside and midrange game, and is a decent defender for the most part. Did I mention he is boring as hell?
8. Antwan Jamison, Wizards: Some may say this is too high, but how many 20/8 seasons do you have to have before you get some credit? Antawn can flat out score as anyone who has seen his ridiculous array of circus shots can attest to. I guess he's coming back from a shoulder injury this weekend from what I hear, and then we'll see if the Wizards can push the top 4 this year. I doubt that, but it won't be Jamison's fault as he'll probably just be steady as can be. He's a good finisher, a decent outside shooter, and rarely turns the ball over. He's also usually been pretty durable, so look for him to have a good year.
7. Josh Smith, Hawks: I'm going out on a limb putting Smith this high, but J-Smoove should have a tremendous year if he keeps to his goal of abandoning the 3 point shot, which he sucks at. I'm predicting a break-out year for Smith. He may not score 20 or rebound 10, but he'll get 16/8 with a couple of blocks and steals, and hopefully he'll learn to play within the team better. I've seen a few games and been impressed. Remember, these are predictions for this season, and Smith is 23 and coming into his own. Josh is one of, if not the most electrifying player in the open court, and is a joy to watch when he is playing hard. I'm keeping my fingers crossed on this one.
6. Amar'e Stoudamire, Suns: I really don't like this guy, and I can't put my finger on why. That being said, he's a solid 19/8 guy with even more potential than that. With the Suns playing their old fast tempo style, once Amar'e is fully healed, he should be putting up monster numbers again. Nice goggles.
5. LaMarcus Aldridge, Blazers: This might be a bit of a reach as well, but I've just really been impressed by Aldridge every time I've seen him over the past few years. His stats are lower than they would be because he is on a stacked offensive team, but make no mistake, he can score and rebound very well. He shoots a high percentage, actually rebounds better than you think (remember, he has glass hog Oden and Pryzbilla at his sides), and is a low-mistake player. He may have hit his cieling, but even if he just stays where he is, he can be a great 2nd fiddle on a championship level team, in my book. He's also a solid defender who uses his length to his advantage. Oh, he's boring, too.
4. Kevin Garnett, Celtics: How it pains me to put KG this low, but he just doesn't have the gas left in the tank to play the minutes he needs to move above the other guys on this list. KG is still a very efficient offensive player, but he doesn't have the ball in his hands very much on a stacked team. In my opinion, he is the best defensive player in the game. He plays excellent man-on-man and is an incredible team defender. He's a deft passer, a good rebounder (though he has lost a step in this regard), a solid, high-percentage shooter, and a great leader. I think he would trade being ranked 4th for holding up the trophy, and that is exactly what I am predicting for him this year.
3. Pau Gasol, Lakers: This guy simply cannot be denied. He has turned into perhaps the best low-block player in the game. When he catches it down low, you are at his utter mercy. He has added a touch of McHale to his game, with a myriad of post moves, stutter steps, and dipsy-dos. He had a great year for the Champs last year. He's a good rebounder, a solid defender, and a low mistake player. I can't stand watching him make a basket, pound his chest and yell "Let's GO!", but man, my respect grew a ton for him during last year's playoffs. I hope for a Lakers-Celtics Finals to see how he and KG match up after the 2008 Finals where Pau got owned. I love the NBA.
2. Dirk Nowitzki, Mavs: I once stood in line next to a man who claimed that the "Dirf Nowinski" bobble-head was going for 150 buck on E-Bay. This was several years ago, and I'll bet that guy knows how to say Dirk's name properly now. I don't really need to belabor the point here. Dirk is a scoring maniac who can get his from all over the floor. He is a good rebounder, a low-turnover player, and an improving defender who seems to have learned he's 7 feet tall and just putting his arms up can make it hard for opponents to score on him. He's one of the most unique players in the history of the NBA because of his size and skill set. Oh, and his blonde, flowing locks are a thing of beauty. Did I just say that out loud?
1. Chris Bosh, Raptors: Bosh has been very good for several years, but I think this is going to be his best. He has a team around him that can actually win some games for a change. I felt last year like he gave up a little bit on the season, so havi ng good teammates is important. Bosh is a complete player. He has so much game it's ridiculous. Oh, and he looks like Snoop Dogg. Bosh is a great offensive player and a very solid defender. He doesn't turn it over, doesn't foul much, and looks like Snoop Dogg. Did I say that already? Sorry. Look for a 25/10 out of him, if not better.
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Carlos boozer 
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