One player has been head and shoulders better than everyone else in these playoffs and it is not his fault that the Cavaliers haven't lost yet and therefore have only played eight games. But that still puts him third in our rankings since it is based on a cumulative total, even though his per 40 minute number predictably blows everyone else away to make the screen go white at the end of 'Lost'.

Playoffs FIC (FIC40, differential from regular season)

1. Rajon Rondo: 252 (18.7, +1.5)

Rondo's production has trailed off significantly since the Brad miller foul, but he is still averaging 17.4 points, 10.0 rebounds and 9.8 assists per night, which is not chump change.

2. Dwight Howard: 233 (22.2, +0.6)

Howard is averaging 16.6 rebounds and 2.55 blocks per game, but hasn't increased his scoring output from the regular season at all, save Games 1 and 3 against Philadelphia, which perhaps not coincidentally were both Orlando losses.

3. LeBron James: 222 (28.3, +4.7)

LeBron shot 48.9% in the regular season and is shooting 52.2% from the floor int he playoffs, while averaging 9.8 boards, which is a 2.3 uptick.

4. Dirk Nowitzki: 199 (20.2, +3.3)

Despite the distractions, Dirk shot better from the floor, while also being a bigger factor on the glass. He just doesn't have the supporting cast necessary to beat a team with so many weapons as Denver.

5. Chauncey Billups: 190 (20.3, +5.4)

Billups is shooting 54.1% from beyond the arc despite 6.1 attempts per game.

6. Kendrick Perkins: 188 (15.9, 3.1)

Perkins was ranked 91st in season FIC during the regular season, but has increased his minutes and his overall effectiveness, even blocking 2.7 shots per game.

7. Kobe Bryant: 179 (16.4, -1.2)

Kobe, like the man at number eight, has been largely human and inconsistent. He only has been truly Kobe in Game 4 at Utah and Game 2 against Houston.

8. Pau Gasol: 177 (16.6, -2.1)

Gasol's numbers have been largely the same as they were in the regular season, but the drop in free throw percentage and increase in fouls are two microcosms of how he shrinks in big games.

9. Carmelo Anthony: 176 (18.6, 4.3)

Has there been a better scorer off the dribble in the playoffs than Carmelo?

10. Rashard Lewis: 163 (13.6, )

The Magic ended up winning Game 6, but his ability to score in the post against Brian Scalabrine towards the end of the game yet again demonstrated just how one-dimensional his game still remains.

Click here to view the full RealGM rankings for the 2009 NBA Playoffs.

Via Christopher Reina/RealGM

General Basketball

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