Mike's Monthly Fab Five(For December 2007)

In my first Monthly Fab Five Rankings, I give my top 5 most productive players of the ending month. What factors into the rankings of the 5 players is two basic things, personal statistics and team play. So if a player had an amazing month but his team went 5-10 in for that month, he is unlikely to crack the top 5.

So here you go, the Fab Five of December 2007.

5. Allen Iverson-G-Denver Nuggets: The Answer had a great month of December, including a 51 point outburst against the Lakers, where he shot 18-27 from the field, a 66.7 shooting percentage. He also dished out 8 assists in that game. AI also had 7 30+ point games this month. For the month, Iverson scored 29.7 points a game, on 48.2 percent shooting, a very respectable percentage considering his career shooting percentage is only 42.4 percent. Overall, a very good month from The Answer.

4. Chris Paul-G-New Orleans Hornets: If not for his statistics, Chris Paul would of been left of this list. Chris Paul had an impressive month, including two 40 point games in wins against Memphis. For the month Chris Paul averaged 24.5 points per game, dished out 10.4 assists per game, averaged 3 steals per game and shot 48.5 percent from the field. Chris Paul had 8 double- doubles this month. His team was 7-1 in games where Paul recorded a double-double.

3. Carmelo Anthony-F-Denver Nuggets: Along with the help of AI and Marcus Camby, Melo helped Denver to a respectable 8-5 record for the month of December, including wins over Dallas and Houston. Carmelo had 6 30+ point games during the month of December, while shooting 47.9% on Field Goals in those games. The Nuggets were also 5-1 in games where Carmelo scored 30+ points. In a 112-111 double overtime win over Houston, Carmelo scored 37 points had 16 rebounds(12 offensive), had 3 steals and blocked 2 shots.

2. Kobe Bryant-G-Los Angeles Lakers: Kobe Bryant lead his young Lakers squad to a impressive 10-4 record during the month of December. The Lakers only losses were only to solid playoff teams in Orlando, Boston, Golden State, and Cleveland(Once they come around). Although Kobe's shooting percentage was sub-par, 41.9 percent, Mamba still averaged 26.6 points per contest. In games where Kobe scored 30 or more points, the Lakers were 5-0. On the flip side, in games where Kobe shot 38.5% or below from the field, the Lakers were 0-4. So, as we have all known for the past three and half years, the Lakers win when Kobe scores, but he must score efficiently for them to win also.

1. Brandon Roy-G-Portland Trail Blazers: Okay before this pick is questioned, just listen to the reasons, Brandon Roy is number one in my Monthly Fab Five. First of all he lead the Blazers to a unreal 13-2 record, including an infamous 13 game winning streak. He also was the recipient of TWO NBA Western Conference Player of the Week awards. He also averaged a quiet 21 points per game. Not to mention he shot shot 47% from the field, dished out 6.4 assists per game and managed to pull down 5.3 rebounds per game. Although this month may have been a lot more than what we should expect from Brandon Roy this year, he still had a great month, which deserved recognition as the best month in the NBA.

Look for my Fab Five of January to see who is lighting up the league then. Will LeBron and Dwight Howard crack the top 5. Will we see more Brandon Roy excellence? Only their play will determine their case for the Fab Five. Get started NBA players, the race is on.