File photo shows LeBron James (left) and Dwyane Wade of the Miami Heat sharing a laugh during a fan event at the American Airlines Arena in Miami last July 9, 2010. (AP)

“The Heat is on!”

Thus was said the moment LeBron James decided to change jerseys and head to Miami to join his fellow Olympians Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh.

James, the newest acquisition of the Miami Heat that eventually gave birth to an NBA powerhouse squad that is eyeing a return trip to the NBA Finals after what seemed to be the franchise’s worst showing ever, is making the headlines anew — this time showing the world who’s the real deal.

The 26-year old superstar has made it known that he means real business whenever he steps into the hard court, after he was ranked first for the second straight year in Yahoo! Sport’s list of top NBA small forwards.

Though largely criticized for not being able to bring a title to Cleveland since joining the pros in 2003 (aside from “The Decision,” a recent ESPN special that ended months of speculations as to where he’ll be heading as the most coveted free agent this year), James has been a steady force in the league for as long as we have known. He has been named as the league’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) twice (2009, 2010) — the same year he was also included in the NBA All-Defensive squad.

James has been swatting shots, diving for loose balls, collaring the rebounds, and crossing the passing lanes while also setting his teammates up and jacking up the points for the Cavaliers, even in crunch time.  He has brought his A-game to the international scene twice`, most notably when he helped the US Team snare the gold medal in the 2008 Beijing Olympics against Spain. And beyond all of these, he has shown tremendous improvement in his game and proved time and time again that defense, indeed, is what makes the game of basketball.

Kelly Dwyer of Yahoo! Sports’ “Balls Don’t Lie” blog writes:

“…Others are more accomplished, because others have had better teams. Others have been more tactful, classier, smarter, and worked harder. But in the end, all these mitigating factors don't take enough away for us not to accurately describe LeBron James as, far and away, the best player in pro basketball… And, certainly, the best player at his position.”

 
Here are the names included in the Top 10:

1. LeBron James (Miami Heat)
2. Kevin Durant (Oklahoma City Thunder)
3. Carmelo Anthony (Denver Nuggets)
4. Gerald Wallace (Charlotte Bobcats)
5. Andre Iguodala (Philadelphia 76ers)
6. Danny Granger (Indiana Pacers)
7. Paul Pierce (Boston Celtics)
8. Luol Deng (Chicago Bulls)
9. Andrei Kirilenko (Utah Jazz)
10. Rudy Gay (Memphis Grizzlies)

Wade, on the other hand, just keeps being his usual self.

“The Flash” showed us a glimpse of his old, fiery form when he helped tow the US squad in the 2008 Olympics after a length bout with a recurring calf injury. But the Miami superstar out of Marquette could not sustain a winning run for the 2006 champions all by himself.

Now, Wade is making a case by topping Yahoo! Sports list of the NBA’s best shooting guards, coming out at No. 1 for the second straight year, ahead of 2010 Finals MVP Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers .

Dwyer writes:

“…Constantly double- and triple-teamed, with some defenses sending trap defenders to get the ball out of his hands 30 feet from the hoop, Wade still put up 26.6 points per game on 47.6 percent shooting, with 11.3 combined assists/rebounds. He also averaged 1.8 steals and 1.1 blocks. At age 28, this guy is just hitting his prime, too.”

Looking down from the top of the list, Wade sees the names of Brandon Roy (Portland), Joe Johnson (Atlanta), Manu Ginobili (San Antonio), Iguodala (again?), 2010 Rookie of the Year Tyreke Evans (Sacramento), Stephen Jackson (Charlotte), Jason Richardson (Phoenix), and Kevin Martin (Houston). This incredible cast of explosive players just makes it hard for any unknowing fan to appreciate Wade’s talent.

And so we conclude by asking you guys about what you think of the destiny that the Heat faces in the upcoming NBA season. Does having two of the best (and the brightest names) in the league possibly equate to winning championships and, eventually, an epic run which only the future can tell? Which names should have been on the top of the list, and why?

Comments are encouraged, so don’t hesitate to share with us your thoughts on this topic.