Steve_424
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While it's difficult to consider different athletes in different sports, I thought it'd be fun to reignite this debate once again. My first takeaway is how much better this list is than the last time I did one, when Josh Cribbs was included. Here are my choices with a short explanation on why - please share your thoughts and your own lists.
1) LeBron James - When the best basketball player in the NBA (and best in franchise history) returns and instantly makes takes you from the Lottery to championship contention, you get the #1 spot. The King has returned to #1.
2) Joe Thomas - Here is where we get a bit dicey. Kyrie Irving, Kevin Love, Michael Brantley, Corey Kluber, and the other Joe - Haden - could all be supported as #2 here. I'm going with Thomas, who has been selected to the Pro Bowl every year, is widely considered to be one of, if not the best Offensive Tackles in the NFL, and is likely to reach Canton when it's all said and done.
3) Kevin Love - We've heard the negatives - defense, empty stats, never been to the Playoffs - and surely there's a lot to debate about K-Love. At the same time you can't blame Love for the mess Minnesota became or for the lack of talent around him. He's arguably one of the top 10 or 15 players in the NBA right now, will only be 26 on Opening Night, and has never played with anyone nearly as talented as LeBron or Kyrie. It's a close call, but I'm going Love at #3.
4) Kyrie Irving - Like Love, we've gone over the negatives - poor defense, a tendency to play hero ball at times, some maturity issues - but boy oh boy is he talented. He's already one of the top point guards in the NBA and, with LeBron and Love, might be able to jump to being the very best in the near future. I give him the slight edge over Joe Haden here due to what he's been able to show on the national stage.
5) Joe Haden - He's one of the best Corners in the NFL, being named to the Pro Bowl for the first time last season. Haden hasn't had the opportunity to show what he can do on the big stage, but he certainly seems like the type of player that would thrive under pressure.
6) Michael Brantley - It was close for me between Haden and Brantley and I could probably go either way. If he was a Yankee or a Dodger he'd be considered a star. He plays in Cleveland, so he remains one of the league's best-kept secrets. He's one of the best hitters in baseball, incredibly good in the clutch, and plays Gold Glove defense. If the Indians were able to protect him in the lineup better, who knows what he might be capable of.
7) Corey Kluber - Who saw this coming a year ago? His MLB ranks: ERA - 5th, WAR - 3rd, IP - 4th, WHIP - 11th, Strikeouts - 3rd. Kluber has turned into an ace this season and should finish 2nd to Felix Hernandez in the American League Cy Young voting. He's legit and should keep dominating for the Indians for years to come.
8) Alex Mack - Mack has turned into one of the best centers in football, reaching the Pro Bowl for the 2nd time in 2013. Alongside Thomas, Mack anchors the all-important offensive line for the Browns.
9) Jordan Cameron - Cameron caught 80 passes last season for 917 yards and 7 TDs, reaching the Pro Bowl for the first time. If the Browns ever get their QB situation settled, Cameron could become a breakout star.
10) Dion Waiters - I'm on board. I scratched my head when they drafted him, I wondered about his fit alongside Kyrie, and questioned if he would ever fit long-term here. I believe now, more than ever, after what I saw last season, after what I've heard about his improved work ethic, and knowing LeBron will bring the very best in him. Dion might make me look silly for listing him #10 here...for not listing him higher. The Big Three might become the Big Four if everything works out this season.
Notable Omissions
Josh Gordon - If you go by talent alone, he'd be a no-brainer. His two suspensions, off-field issues, and the fact that his career could be over with one more big mistake have me leaving him out of my top ten - for now.
Anderson Varejao - I considered him, but his durability issues hold him back both on the court and on my top ten list.
Jason Kipnis - He's certainly popular in Cleveland, but he's looked average this season. Hopefully it's injuries taking effect and not the reality of who he truly is as a player.
Ben Tate - Just haven't seen enough yet as an every-down back in Cleveland.
Yan Gomes - Don't laugh - he's quietly become one of the best hitting catchers in baseball - only Jonathan Lucroy has a higher OPS. But it's not enough for him to get on the top ten list.
Johnny Manziel - Sorry, can't make the list until you're a starter. Hopefully he vaults into the top ten soon.
1) LeBron James - When the best basketball player in the NBA (and best in franchise history) returns and instantly makes takes you from the Lottery to championship contention, you get the #1 spot. The King has returned to #1.
2) Joe Thomas - Here is where we get a bit dicey. Kyrie Irving, Kevin Love, Michael Brantley, Corey Kluber, and the other Joe - Haden - could all be supported as #2 here. I'm going with Thomas, who has been selected to the Pro Bowl every year, is widely considered to be one of, if not the best Offensive Tackles in the NFL, and is likely to reach Canton when it's all said and done.
3) Kevin Love - We've heard the negatives - defense, empty stats, never been to the Playoffs - and surely there's a lot to debate about K-Love. At the same time you can't blame Love for the mess Minnesota became or for the lack of talent around him. He's arguably one of the top 10 or 15 players in the NBA right now, will only be 26 on Opening Night, and has never played with anyone nearly as talented as LeBron or Kyrie. It's a close call, but I'm going Love at #3.
4) Kyrie Irving - Like Love, we've gone over the negatives - poor defense, a tendency to play hero ball at times, some maturity issues - but boy oh boy is he talented. He's already one of the top point guards in the NBA and, with LeBron and Love, might be able to jump to being the very best in the near future. I give him the slight edge over Joe Haden here due to what he's been able to show on the national stage.
5) Joe Haden - He's one of the best Corners in the NFL, being named to the Pro Bowl for the first time last season. Haden hasn't had the opportunity to show what he can do on the big stage, but he certainly seems like the type of player that would thrive under pressure.
6) Michael Brantley - It was close for me between Haden and Brantley and I could probably go either way. If he was a Yankee or a Dodger he'd be considered a star. He plays in Cleveland, so he remains one of the league's best-kept secrets. He's one of the best hitters in baseball, incredibly good in the clutch, and plays Gold Glove defense. If the Indians were able to protect him in the lineup better, who knows what he might be capable of.
7) Corey Kluber - Who saw this coming a year ago? His MLB ranks: ERA - 5th, WAR - 3rd, IP - 4th, WHIP - 11th, Strikeouts - 3rd. Kluber has turned into an ace this season and should finish 2nd to Felix Hernandez in the American League Cy Young voting. He's legit and should keep dominating for the Indians for years to come.
8) Alex Mack - Mack has turned into one of the best centers in football, reaching the Pro Bowl for the 2nd time in 2013. Alongside Thomas, Mack anchors the all-important offensive line for the Browns.
9) Jordan Cameron - Cameron caught 80 passes last season for 917 yards and 7 TDs, reaching the Pro Bowl for the first time. If the Browns ever get their QB situation settled, Cameron could become a breakout star.
10) Dion Waiters - I'm on board. I scratched my head when they drafted him, I wondered about his fit alongside Kyrie, and questioned if he would ever fit long-term here. I believe now, more than ever, after what I saw last season, after what I've heard about his improved work ethic, and knowing LeBron will bring the very best in him. Dion might make me look silly for listing him #10 here...for not listing him higher. The Big Three might become the Big Four if everything works out this season.
Notable Omissions
Josh Gordon - If you go by talent alone, he'd be a no-brainer. His two suspensions, off-field issues, and the fact that his career could be over with one more big mistake have me leaving him out of my top ten - for now.
Anderson Varejao - I considered him, but his durability issues hold him back both on the court and on my top ten list.
Jason Kipnis - He's certainly popular in Cleveland, but he's looked average this season. Hopefully it's injuries taking effect and not the reality of who he truly is as a player.
Ben Tate - Just haven't seen enough yet as an every-down back in Cleveland.
Yan Gomes - Don't laugh - he's quietly become one of the best hitting catchers in baseball - only Jonathan Lucroy has a higher OPS. But it's not enough for him to get on the top ten list.
Johnny Manziel - Sorry, can't make the list until you're a starter. Hopefully he vaults into the top ten soon.