The NBA has always had a great number of unbelievably gifted players and this year is no exception. Even the rookie class is ultra-talented with Derrick Rose of the Bulls and OJ Mayo of the Grizzlies playing like they’re seasoned veterans.

In the second part of my season year-end review for the 2008-2009 season, these are the Top 8 players in my list, in order, as to who have been on an absolute tear as of the end of ’08, alongside the Top 6 surprise stars of the mid-season, and 4 players who have been a total disappointment. Again, these are MY opinions, you can beg to differ but it doesn’t have to be violent, he he.

TOP 8:

1. DWIGHT HOWARD (ORL) – Superman has been an absolute monster this season leading the league in rebounds (13.8 a game) and blocks (3.7 a game). His post presence has improved significantly and he looks even better than last year. But alas his kryptonite is still his free throw percentage (56.5%), but even that has improved, or at least his form definitely has. The Magic are 3rd in the East and 4th overall in the league with an impressive 25-7 record!

He has made his teammates better by demanding consistent double and triple teams while dishing the ball out to all his 3-ball savvy teammates who make more than they miss. Rashard Lewis (leader with 93 makes), Hedo Turkoglu (26th with 52 makes), and Jameer Nelson (29th with 48 makes) have all benefitted from all the attention Dwight has been getting. And I will bet that this Magic team will get to the Conference Finals this year unless Dwight gets injured. Kudos to Superman whose average game has him tally 15 points, 12 rebounds, and 3 blocks a game. That is just unheard of.

2. LEBRON JAMES (CLE) – everyone says King James is going to win MVP this year, and he has not disappointed. He has staggering numbers all across the board, ranking 2nd in scoring behind Wade, having more than 6 boards and 6 dimes on average each game, with 2 steals and a block, and a very much improved percentage this year from the line at 77% while shooting better than 50% from the field! Are you kidding me?! He has also led the Cavs to a spotless 16-0 record at home and doesn’t look like he’s slowing down anytime soon. The addition of Mo Williams has also made him better and allows him to rest and be fresh for end games, not to mention the playoffs. Barring any injury to Lebron, they are hands down a shoo-in for the playoffs this year and a huge contender to come out of the East. Lebron for MVP!

3. DWYANE WADE (MIA) – is the Flash back or is the Flash back?! After an inspiring gold medal redemption at the Olympics last year, Wade seems to have ridden that wave and continued his utter dominance of any defense that tries to stop him. He is the league leader in points (30.2 a game), 4th in steals (2.2 a game), and 19th in blocks (1.6 a game) and that’s for a point guard! He is clutch down the stretch and is up there with Lebron as the glue that keeps his team together. His team is also in the playoff hunt holding the 6th spot with a 17-13 record which hopes to improve even further unless he gets injured again.

4. KOBE BRYANT (LAL) – the reigning MVP is at it again this year. Posting “modest” numbers this season due to a better supporting cast, he is still one of the top players in the NBA today. The Black Mamba is playing less minutes but is still ranked 3rd in scoring at 26.9 points a game. He has always been a consistent all-around performer (5.3 rpg and 4.3 apg) and is the heart and soul of a very hungry Laker squad that looks to win the championship this year. His squad is tops in the NBA as of this moment toting a 28-6 record and have been destroying their opponents left and right. His chemistry with Gasol will be the key to their success this year as well as Bynum’s return.

5. CHRIS PAUL (NOR) – arguably the best point guard in the league today, he leads all players in assists (11.6) and steals (2.87) but also averages 20.5 points and 5.3 rebounds for a 6-foot flat point guard! He is the heart and soul of a still under-rated Hornets squad who are 8th overall in the NBA and 4th in the West toting a very respectable 21-11 record. He set an all-time NBA milestone as he went on a 108-game steal streak that ended on Christmas Day against the Magic. Whether or not the Hornets do better this year in the playoffs has yet to be seen, but they are definitely a team no one wants to play and are definitely the darkhorse this year.

6. DANNY GRANGER (IND) 7. DIRK NOWITZKI (DAL) 8. AL JEFFERSON (MIN)

Honorable mentions go to Joe Johnson of the Hawks, Chris Bosh of the Raptors, Vince Carter of the Nets, Tim Duncan of the Spurs, and Brandon Roy of the Blazers.

Next: Top 6 Surprises and the 4 Biggest Disappointments