NBA underground rank 5-1. Superstars of the Highest Order.

 5) Derrick Rose. Point Guard, Chicago Bulls. 
Rose's injury to open to open the 2012 playoffs was devastating not only for the Bulls, but for the NBA as a whole. It's never good to see such a driven and competitive star go down with a serious injury. Rose will be back mid-way through this year and hopefully will be able to regain his MVP form of 2011. Bulls fans know better than anyone what a franchise superstar looks like, so they love what they have in Rose.

4) Chris Paul. Point Guard, Los Angeles Clippers. 
Paul recaptured the unofficial title of Best Point Guard in 2012. His first year as a Clipper was a great one as he lead them to a playoff series victory. With Paul at the helm, the Clippers will be a contender for years to come. He and the Clips will match up well against the Lakers this year in what could become the NBA's best rivalry. Paul can score but his true value comes through assists and steals. If anyone can get the most out of Blake Griffin and a "cursed" Clippers franchise, it's CP3.

3) Kobe Bryant. Shooting Guard, Los Angeles Lakers. 
Starting a career with Shaq and ending it with Dwight Howard is never a bad thing, but the Lakers success this past decade starts with Kobe. At 34, Kobe is still one of the elite scorers in the league. His clutch shooting and winning attitude will make him a Laker legend for life. Now part of a talent-filled Laker roster, he will have a chance for more deep playoff runs and a chance at that elusive sixth ring.

2) Kevin Durant. Small Forward, Oklahoma City Thunder. 
The three-time defending scoring champ is just getting started. Coming off a very tough Finals loss, Durant and the Thunder will learn and get better. The leader of the best young team in the league, Durant can hit any shot on the floor. He cannot be guarded and is now the most clutch player in the NBA. Durant will no doubt bring a championship to Oklahoma City, it's just a matter of how many.

1) LeBron James. Small Forward, Miami Heat. 
LeBron has been the best player in the NBA since 2009, but this season he achieved more than that. After being the standard for regular season excellence, he is now also the standard for postseason excellence. 2012 was essentially a perfect year for LeBron. His MVP, NBA Championship, Finals MVP, and Olympic gold capped off a year not seen since Jordan. LeBron's talent is unmatched in today's NBA. After tasting success for the first time in 2012, LeBron will come back just as hungry this season.