Damn, this is tough! I though 1-10 might get me some kudos for insight, but instead I got drilled! Right off the bat there was the Kobe-Duncan debate and it didn’t stop all the way through to number 10. I’m sure 11-20 will be just as ugly —– at least for me.

But hey, it’s just one person’s opinion - mine. I’m trying to avoid stats as much as possible because they can be so misleading. For instance, if you look at 82games.com and their most proficient playoff players, Antonio Daniels is #6 and Darko is #7. Ummmmm, okay, I sure believe that one.

My criteria for the rankings (which I should have stated before I began with my Top 10 - my apologies) are different from what you might commonly think. I look at position and what is normally expected from the quintessential player of that position.

Does the player match what is expected from that position? Does he exceed it? What are his strengths and weaknesses within that position and how do they affect his teammates? How much these players impact their teams on and off the court? How they fit into the system in which they play? How do they impact a game on a night in, night out basis? How they match up with other players of their position and then against players of all positions?

Overall wins and losses do matter - but only to a degree. Sometimes, try as a player might, he can’t elevate his team beyond wherever it is he takes it. But because there is a fair amount of parity among the talent within the teams of the NBA, the bottom line does have weight.

It’s a tough proposition to go one through 50, but I don’t have three televisions, a dish (well, two) and the NBA package for nothing. So, here are my 11-20…. rip away!

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11. Carmelo Anthony, Denver: Melo had the best FIBA America ‘Chips of any US player (I know Hollinger had the straw marked “Bron Bron” out and in full effect). This is a pivotal season for the man picked after Darko Milicic in the 2003 NBA Draft. Anthony can score from any point on the floor and is explosive in the open court. We should see Melo abilities flower with a full season running with AI.

12. Chauncey Billups, Detroit: Chauncey is nothing if not consistent. Last season’s Pistons meltdown was blamed on a bickering locker room - and, to some extent, was a reflection of Billups’ leadership capabilities. But Billups is the top PG defender in the NBA and, when the offense flows, a master puppeteer. He nicks you here, touches you there, wets you in this little spot, wets you again in that little spot, and pretty soon your team is hemorrhaging points. With last season stuck in his mind, look for a stellar season from C-Bill.

13. Tracy McGrady, Houston: T-Mac is so damn gifted. I wonder, has he begun the practice of picking up a basketball and actually working on his game before training camp begins? McGrady sometimes refuses to take over games when the situation begs for him to do so. This instinct to lay back and watch costs him dearly; so does his balky back. Health is such an “if” for Tracy, he cannot be ranked higher.

14. Tony Parker, San Antonio: We all witnessed the breakout of Tony Par-kair last season, especially during the ‘Offs. The moment he scores five points and dishes 12 dimes and pulls down eight boards and he’s happy with that performance is the day he is elevated to the number one PG spot in the Lig.

15. Carlos Boozer, Utah: Booze is ——– nice. He has that slow, Jamaal Wilkes without the awkward spin jumper, he has low post moves that befuddle opponents. and he’s rough and tough without afro puffs on the glass and as a staunch and sturdy defender. Look for Carlos to start for the West in the All-Star game this year.

16. Amare Stoudemire, Phoenix: Will he expand his game beyond one low post move (with his leaping ability, Amare’s game is built for an up-and-under move)? Will he begin to take advantage of his physical ability to play better on-ball and team defense? He must if he wants to rise to elite status. Stoudemire seems like a determined player, the Jack McCallum painted a not-so-flattering picture of Amare’s work ethic in his book, “Seven Seconds or Less…” He’s another player who rises into the top 10 if he works on his game just —- that much more.

17. Shaquille O’Neal, Miami: Everybody sing along: Shaq! Hawwwww! He is the master of the universe! O’Neal’s been in the Lig now, what 29 years, and the refs still don’t know how to call a foul against opposing players when they foul him? when healthy and when motivated, Shaq is still the most dominant player in the NBA today. He’s has a tough offseason with the divorce from his wife and all. Then, Heat head everything Pat riley called a midnight practice to open training camp. there were three players who did not match the Riley body fat legal limit ——– and Shaq was not one of them, So, it appears we can expect a motivated O’Neal. If the Heat gets a healthy O’Neal, everyone will be forced to sing in unison: Shaq! Hawwwwww! He is the master of the universe!

18. Baron Davis, Golden State: The Black Baron proved in the Golden State Warriors stretch run and in the playoffs that he is a bad man. Is he better then Steve Nash? Yes. But. He’s not as consistent. So, no he’s not. Can he control a game without scoring? Probably, but he’d rather not. And when he scores he… Just. Gets. Off. On the ball slipping through the nylon. And, with his heavy, strong build, he can bully opposing point guards to uncomfortable spots on the court on the defensive end of the floor. This is a really important follow-up year for Davis. If he plays like he did late last season and in the ‘Offs, he’ll be knocking on the door for the top PG spot.

19. Chris Bosh, Toronto: C-Bo (not the Northern Cali C-Bo) is diez y ocho for now, but by the end of the year he might just crack the top 12. The schmoove Texan has taken the KG-style of big man play to the 21 century next level. He is a Garnett-Jermaine O’Neal mix who anchors the Raptors defense as well as either of his predecessors. If he improves his shooting percentage from 49.6% to around 53% this season, his scoring average will jump five to seven points. Patience, young man, patience.

20. Gilbert Arenas, Washington: It took long enough, but Gilberto Gil is mos’ def a top 20 NBA baller. He said yesterday that his knee is actually stronger than it was before the injury late last season. He can drive. He can shoot. He plays solid enough defense. But, like Tony Parker, Baron Davis, and to a lesser degree Steve Nash, can his team be successful is he does not score? If Arenas establishes himself as a team leader the wizards will challenge to break into the upper echelon of the Eastern Conference.