The League's Number One-Kobe Bryant!

"NBC has released its 1998–1999 season player power rankings!"

"Let me see!"

NO. 1: Kobe Bryant: The youngest Finals FMVP, MVP, All-Star MVP, holder of the Finals single-game scoring record with 79 points, regular-season scoring champion, DOPY, two-time All-NBA First Team selection, All-Star, and steals leader. His accolades from last season had already placed him on a pedestal! He was the strongest player of this era in the league!

2. Michael Jordan: In his one-on-one matchup with Kobe, the God of Basketball had not been at any obvious disadvantage. Even at 35, the God of Basketball's tank was still full! If he could maintain last season's form, it was not impossible for him to pull Kobe down from the throne and reclaim it with his new team.

3. Shaquille O'Neal: The king of kings in the era where the paint ruled! The youngest member of the NBA's 50 Greatest Players! The league's top center, the Big Shark, had displayed his dominance in both the regular season and the playoffs. This season, his goals were MVP and FMVP. To take another step forward in terms of historical standing, those were achievements O'Neal had to earn.

4. Karl Malone: The league's number one power forward. Both his physique and skills had reached perfection, and he was at the height of his prime. Last year, he nearly averaged 30+10+5, and his presence allowed a Utah Jazz team that was not exactly overflowing with star power to remain in the top four of the brutal Western Conference.

5. David Robinson: Although the Spurs had not achieved particularly good results last season, the Admiral's performances had remained dazzling. With Tim Duncan working alongside him, this season's Spurs would be the league's strongest twin-towers team. Richmond's arrival would ease the Admiral's offensive burden and allow him