1) Carmelo Anthony: He has managed 20+ points in every game thus far and is keeping the Nuggets on track for a return to the Conference finals. He looks more focused than ever and is impossible to stop off the dribble. After torching the Blazers and Grizzlies in 40-point nights, he has enjoyed an easier stretch of late but remains the league's joint-second top scorer and the most complete scoring threat.
2) LeBron James: With Shaq sidelined, the King has stepped things up and Cleveland are now right up there again in the East. Averaging 35.5 points for the week, LeBron has pushed the Cavs to 11-4 after their 0-2 start and the fact that he is shooting 52% for the season is scary. Scarier is the fact that he may just be warming up.
3) Kobe Bryant: He just keeps bringing it. Bryant averaged 30 points this week and has Pau Gasol back alongside him. He has been particularly impressive in the low post this season, where he is impossible for other shooting guards to defend, and is proving an equally-effective distributer once again.
4) Paul Pierce: Whenever Boston are struggling, you can expect Pierce to step up. He led the team in New York and pushed them past the Sixers at home. The Celtics might be struggling with the three ball at the moment but Pierce has so many ways to score that his numbers are never in danger.
5) Dirk Nowitzki: With his seemingly endless array of shots, the German is pacing the Mavs again this year. The best shooting big man that the NBA has ever seen, Nowitzki has helped the Mavs to an 11-4 record with an average of 27 points in the last seven games. He has a more complete group around him than last year but he is still the star.
6) Steve Nash: The Suns' fast start is largely a result of Nash's fine play. Almost flawless from the line and averaging nearly 12 assists per game, he is bringing out the best in Channing Frye and Amar'e Stoudemire. With his speed and experience, Nash is on a mission to avenge last year's disappointments.
7) Dwyane Wade: Wade is pouring in almost 28 points a game to keep the Heat on track for the playoffs. His jumper is looking good and he is even chipping in with five assists per night. The progression of Michael Beasley and the promising start from Jermaine O'Neal ought to take some of the strain off Wade.
8) Kevin Durant: The Thunder promised to build on last season - and they have. Durant is among the league's leading scorers, with 27 a game, and his quick release on his jumper is giving defenders nightmares. His three ball needs some work but his progress is frightening.
9) Vince Carter: The Magic are rolling along despite a string of issues and Carter has shouldered a lot of the scoring responsibilities. With Dwight Howard's foul trouble and Jameer Nelson's injury, the former Net has been vital. His field goal percentage is not great but he has provided points when it matters and the Magic must be content with their summer's work.
10) Joe Johnson: The Hawks are in a mini slump after their strong start but Johnson has been solid, leading Atlanta again in their loss against the Magic on Thursday. His form tends to mirror the team's form and, generally, that has been a good thing so far for the Hawks.
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