Kirilenko was a very underrated player in his prime with the Jazz. He wasn't that great a player on offense as he got most of his points via spot up mid range jumpers, cutting to the basket, and garbage layup and dunks from rebounds or in transition. Basically other ppl had to create alot of his points but he was crafty and could knock down the mid range shot and was smart and took the right angles towards the basket to put him self in position to score so he has to get some credit there too. AK47 was special because of what he brought defensively though. He could defend every position effectively 1-4 and often guarded multiple positions in 1 game. He was a great team player and did whatever they needed him to do. He averaged at least 1 block and 1 steal in the same season every year of his career and even managed to get 3.3 blocks a game 1 season playing SF which is incredible. He was a game changer with his defensive ability alone and because of that he makes my list.
Caron Butler is most known last decade for his time with the Wizards. Most notably when he was paired with Arenas and Jamison. Butler was a solid scorer from the 3 position who was in his washington days was primarily a guy that posted up in the high post and drove to the basket. He had good handles for a small forward and could get his shot any time he wanted. He also loved to go to the step back jumper off the dribble and was pretty successful at it. Butler was not a one way player and also brought it defensively too. He wasn't all nba defensive caliber but he was far from a slouch on that end. Butler made it to 2 all star games during last decade.
8. Rashard Lewis
Rashard Lewis has been heavily criticized the last couple of seasons for not being worth the contract he signed with the Magic. But to that I say that's not his fault it's Otis Smith's because Lewis had never showed the talent to be worth 20 mill in his career to begin with so he knew what he was getting. Even though he wasn't a franchise player Lewis in his prime was a beast and one of the best scoring small forwards around. With his combination of length, athleticism, shooting ability, and ability to get to the rim he was a force offensively for the Supersonics.
Peja Stojakovic was one of the best shooters in NBA history and the 2nd best player on those great Kings teams in the 2000s. His shooting ability was a key element to their offense and Rick Adleman used it to perfection running him off ball screens and getting motion going to get him free for spot up 3s. He wasn't just an off ball player at all time though and could get his own offense when he needed to.
6. Metta World Peace
Metta World Peace, formerly known as Ron Artest was the best perimeter defender in the NBA overall last decade. The fact that he could score only enhances his talent. Peace was a lockdown defender in every since of the word. He's one of the few non big men to ever win Defensive Player of the Year and was on an all defensive team 5 times. In his prime he wasn't the role player you see today he was a key factor for the Pacers and Rockets. Offensively Artest could shoot it, he had an effective back to the basket post game, and could create a little off the dribble whether it be driving or shooting. The only reason I don't have him higher is because of all the drama and issues and sometimes lack of effort he displayed.
Shawn Marion was very underrated if you ask me. He was a 4 time all star and the guy who did the dirty work for the Suns. He was the only player on those great Suns teams that even cared about defense. He was a fantastic defender who was kind of like Kirilenko with his ability to guard positions 1-4. He played SF and PF depending on what the Suns needed. Offensively Marion got it done as a slasher getting points on alleys, cutting to the basket, and in transition. Despite his ackward shot it was actually effective. Marion could also get you points posting up. Amare and Nash were the main 2 guys but they wouldn't have been as good of team without this guys contributions as well.
Carmelo Anthony came into that league in what was one of the all time great draft classes in 03 with Lebron, Wade, and Bosh. He immidiately establish himself as a great scorer from the jump as he scored 21 a game his rookie year and has never averaged less than 20 a game in a season. Melo's offensive skills are terrific as he can score in every way imaginable. He can go to the low post, high post, triple threat, drive, off the dribble, spotting up, off offball screens, and he's one of the best at getting to the line. He has great size and strength and can often over power other Small Forwards. However, he's often criticized for his lack of effort on defense because despite having the ability to be a really good defenders he's been below average the majority of his career in that area. Melo also has only gotten to the 2nd round of the playoffs once.
Tracy McGrady was one of the best players in the NBA at one point and maybe even the best scorer period at one point. He had a stretch where he averaged over 25 a game 5 years in a row. He was 6'8 and over 200 pounds and still had great ball handling ability, quickness, and could play point guard or shooting guard as well. You just couldn't stop T-Mac in his prime. He was one of the most explosive players in the league. He effortlessly drove by defenders with his quickness and cross overs and could finish at the rim with the best of em. He was one of the best pull up and fade away jump shooters in the league. Unfortunately towards the end of the decade he started to have constant trouble with injuries and ultimately it derailed his career. T-Mac never made it out of the 1st round of the playoffs.
Paul Pierce isn't exactly a fan favorite because of his lack of athleticism and fundementally sound play but he was one of mine and one of the top 10 players of last decade overall and a for sure 1st ballot hall of famer. Pierce despite not being the fastest or being able to jump the highest still found away to be one of the best scorers this league has ever seen as he averaged over 25 a game 5 times in his career. Pierce got it done shooting the basketball for a high percentage, posting up, and with his patented elbow jumpers. Despite being such a prolific offensive force in the league Pierce was a good defensive player too and his defense was a key reason why the Celtics won the championship in 08.
You could make a argument for Pierce at this spot but I have to go with Lebron James here. In just 6 seasons last decade Lebron already established himself as a great and top 10 at his position all time. He's the most talented player the NBA has ever seen and is a combo of Oscar Robertson and Magic Johnson on the floor. He's ridiculously efficient and great on both ends of the floor as a true superstar is supposed to be. Lebron can put on an aerial assault on opposing teams like no other effortlessly getting into the lane and dunking or getting out on the fast break. We all know Lebron could score the numbers speak for themselves as he's averaged almost at least 27 points per game every year but his rookie season. What really makes him special is despite his scoring ability he loves to gets his teammates involved and distribute the basketball. He got one of the worst teams in NBA finals history to that stage literally carrying them on his back in one of the greatest playoff performances ever against the Pistons in 07. He's a 2 time MVP, multiple time all star, and all NBA player. The only thing the King is missing is his ring.
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