The past few years have seen the importance of statistics as a measuring tool increase, as the inclusion of situational stats and formula ratings systems like PER, or player efficiency ratings, became more popular.
These complex statistical systems have been incorporated into the arguments of many people who offer their own opinion on who the NBA's top player is. And in some cases people have even created their own tools based on the same science.
There is a wide range of opinions regarding who the NBA's best player is, but the arguments usually end with Kobe Bryant, Dwyane Wade, and LeBron James residing at the tops of various lists.
Based on many of the statistical formulas Bryant has been surpassed as the league's best player, and according to some people's calculations, he may not even belong in the top three.
Some observers feel the argument has shifted to Wade and James, and numbers as well as some obvious truths have been used as evidence to advance this theory.
For instance, Bryant's age and the fact his physical skills have began to erode is frequently used to explain why Wade may now reign as the league's top shooting guard.
Wade gets to the rim more frequently, has more lift in his legs, and is perceived to impact the game in more areas than Bryant.
To be fair, Bryant no longer possesses the lightening quick first step which made it nearly impossible to stay in front of him, and knee ailments have robbed him of the explosiveness he used to attack the basket.
Age and the wear of 14 seasons have definitely taken a toll on Bryant's body, but numbers fail to paint a clear picture in a season where B...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
