Top 50: Da Kid shall lead them Sean Deveney / Posted: 1 day ago   1. Kevin Garnett, PF, Timberwolves 2. Tim Duncan, PF, Spurs

Speaking with reporters last week, Timberwolves coach Flip Saunders raised a scary notion. Remember the Kevin Garnett you saw last season, the one who averaged 24.2 points, 13.9 rebounds and 5.0 assists, earning himself the MVP award? Well, if Saunders is right, Garnett is going to be better this year. Garnett spent the summer working on his ability to put the ball on the floor, a tough thing for a 6-11 guy to do. But Saunders says that, with NBA refs vowing to whistle defenders for contact during dribble-drives, Garnett should be able to sucker opponents into giving him free trips to the foul line.

"That's something he wanted to improve upon," Saunders says. "And then he's also worked on his back-to-the-basket game, as far as his jump hook. He amazes me every year because he always comes back better."

Garnett can't get much better than he already is, which is precisely why he is sitting at the top of the Sporting News' list of the 50 best players in the NBA. Not only is he enormous and strong, he is a potent shooter from 15 feet, an unselfish high-post passer and an intense, imposing defender. Last season, four Timberwolves had arguably the best years of their careers, thanks to playing with Garnett. Perhaps a few more trips to the free throw line are in order, but that seems to be picking nits. Scouts and personnel men across the league agree that Garnett is the NBA's top player.

"He's the best in the league, no question," says one Western Conference scout. "And I think the gap between him and everyone else is getting bigger."

"Everyone else" starts with Garnett's biggest rival, Spurs power forward Tim Duncan, who is No. 2 on the list. The one-on-one battles between Garnett and Duncan are epic, and Duncan's intelligence and stoic efficiency on both ends of the floor are remarkable. But overall, Garnett has nudged past Duncan in a few key ways. Duncan is the better post defender, but Garnett is so long and athletic that he can defend the high post and pick-and-rolls better. Garnett also is a more versatile offensive player -- his ability to dribble and drive is a dimension Duncan does not have. And Duncan's foul shooting, which has always been an unknown, was a career-worst 59.9 percent last season.

Duncan is only 28 and was bothered by ankle and knee injuries last season -- good health could boost him back to MVP form. But for now, Garnett has staked out his status as the league's best player. And who knows? He might get better.

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