via economics.gmu.edu

I love the NBA! Even in slow, non-Olympic summers I still try to find different ways to get the latest news. From big things like the HOF induction to little things like Rocket's draft pick Sergio Llull's boxscore against Turkey in the Eurochampionship tourney. Basically, with no NBA on, there is very little that keeps my interest on television. With that being said, I wanted to lay out who I would pick as my starting five as the most watchable players in the NBA today and yesterday.

Point Guard - Chris Paul: Its impossible not to watch that guy on the court. Tell me how he can pick an entire defense apart without taking a shot. Probably the only person in the NBA that can do that all game. I love Steve Nash by the way

Shooting Guard - Dwyane Wade: My favorite player. Unless it conflicts with Rockets games and my general quality of life, I watch all 82 games, no questions. His stretch of games from December to March last year can't even be put into words. Just youtube it. Arguably the greatest performance in NBA Finals history. Im rambling...

Small Forward - Lebron James: Dude can pull up a foot inside the half court line and shoot it with ease. Unselfish. Obviously enjoys the game and haves fun. Also too competitive  to shake hands with a best friend if he loses. You could only ask for players to care that much when they make that much money (you tell me if you enjoy a 20 million dollar player mailing it in and then being so happy for his competition directly after the game with hugs and handpounds). Note: Kevin Durant may be in this spot if he is not a shooting guard. That guy will be a killer. Trust me.

Power Forward - Anthony Randolph (slightly over Tim Duncan): No this is not a stretch either. Watch him in Nellie's offense. A 6' 11" left hander who brings the ball up the court can calls his on plays? There's never been a player to do that in any league ever. Crazy athleticism and oozing passion. I always know when he is on the court.

Center - Yao Ming: No this is not a homer pick. I just like big men with a full array of post moves. Yao Ming has all of them including unguardable left and right hooks. 16 foot range with accuracy. An extremely diligent work ethic. And the coup de grace: He takes the technical foul shots for the Houston Rockets! There will NEVER be another center that was the team's best free throw shooter for 5 straight years. And yes, I want Yao shooting free throws over any Rocket past or present (except Rick Barry, Calvin Murphy, and Sam Cassell)

Old School ( no longer in the League)

Point Guard - Oscar Robertson: He must've been fun to watch every night. Imagine a Lebron full time at point guard

Shooting Guard - Michael Jordan: I'd say he had a few good moments in the League wouldn't you?

Small Forward - Bernard King: Former Knick. If you never heard of him, you are missing out. A more lethal Carmelo if you will. You can put Larry Bird here too though

Power Forward - Elvin Hayes: This guy was amazing. 28 points per game? As a rookie??? 16 seasons, nine missed games so you almost never missed watching him. His overall career including college is why I have him just over Charles Barkley

Center - Hakeem Olajuwon: Now I love Hakeem, but I know I never watched Wilt Chamberlain play and that had to be incredible based on statistics alone. Yet Hakeem is the player Dwight Howard should aspire to be. That footwork may never have an equal in the NBA again.

So is this the best list or what? Remember, its just the most WATCHable players. Not the best players.