The Great Debate: The NBA Rankings

Dirk Goes to Work

Perhaps the most head-scratching ranking is Kevin Love at #7.  Love’s star is rising, but he is not on the same level as Dirk Nowitzki. The future first ballot hall of famer’s numbers dipped last season after he led the Dallas Mavericks to an NBA title in 2011, but his overall production and importance to Mark Cuban’s club remained the same. The 11-time All-Star has led his team to the playoffs for 12 straight seasons. He’s a versatile seven-footer who has an incredible skill set for a player his size. And his career averages of 22.9 points and 8.3 rebounds –25.9 and 10.3 in the playoffs– are attributed to his deadly range from 3-point territory and his efficiency at the free throw line. Nowitzki game was so revolutionary; it paved the way for players like Durant to explode on the scene. Even KD willingly admits that a portion of his game was adapted from watching Dirk play. Love at #7? Nowitzki at #11? Give Dirk his rightful position.

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