NBA 2K12 released two weeks ago, and we know most of you are enjoying it, despite its many online issues. This week we wanted to discuss the top player at each position. Arguments can go on for days about what player is the best at each position, so this list might be differ from others. Hopefully this list will help out newcomers to the series, or get a few conversations going with fellow OSers. 

Point Guard - Derrick Rose (Chicago Bulls)

In last year's game, Rose could score the points you needed and make the spectacular pass, but in NBA 2K12, he's an all around better player. Featuring an "A+" in handling and a solid "A" in basketball I.Q., Rose is now one of the few players in 2K12 that can win a game single handedly. Rose can pull up and take a jump shot, or blow by his defender to make the game-winning layup. He is the true essence of what a point guard means to a team. He runs Chicago's offense with such grace, and can turn a game around on a dime for you both online and offline. All of that is why Rose is the best point guard in2K12.

Honorable Mention: Chris Paul (New Orleans Hornets)

Shooting Guard - Kobe Bryant (Los Angeles Lakers)

The shooting guard position was essentially a toss-up between Kobe Bryant and Dwayne Wade. Kobe eventually won out. He has a 90 rating on offense and 86 rating on defense, which doesn't seem all too high for the Black Mamba, but the Lakers are used by a lot of online players out there because of Kobe Bryant. He might not be as quick or agile as Wade, but he's one of the most clutch players in 2K12, which can come in handy in close 4th-quarter games. Kobe is arguably the best all-around player in the game, and with his "A-" inside/outside scoring, he can easily drop 30 every night. Playing defense against Kobe is almost impossible to do, as he's so unpredictable with what he can do when he has the ball in his hand. Kobe is garnered as one of the best players in the NBA 2K series every year, and the year 2011 is no different.

Honorable Mention: Dwayne Wade (Miami Heat)

Small Forward - LeBron James (Miami Heat)

LeBron James might get some flak in real life, but in 2K12, he is one of the most used players. Both his inside and outside scoring is an "A-", which translate into a 94 overall offensive rating. James can shoot the ball from pretty much anywhere on the court, and can easily execute on the pick and roll or give and go. He's also very reliable at the point guard position, running the offense for the Heat. He has an "A" handling rating and an overall defensive rating of 86. His defesne will help create blocked shots and steals, which can translate into easy, quick fastbreak opportunities. 

Honorable Mention: Kevin Durant (Oklahoma City Thunder)

Power Forward - Dirk Nowitzki (Dallas Mavericks)

The 2011 NBA Finals MVP is arguably one of the best players in 2K12. Most people will say Nowitzki doesn't have spectacular ball skills, and honestly, he doesn't. He is, however, a great post-up player with an overall "A" for Inside Scoring and can be a nuisance for your opponent inside the paint with his seven-foot frame. Having the ability to shoot from anywhere on the court, Nowitzki is one of the best pure shooters in the game with an "A+" in Outside Scoring. He's one of the few power forward's who can shoot the ball from anywhere on the court, making it easy for you to score on your opponent. He's also exceptional at drawing fouls. Perform a pump fake on your opponent, and most of the time Nowitzki will draw the foul. The last few years, Nowitzki was mentioned as a good power forward, but never as the best. Well, things change

Honorable Mention: Amare Stoudemire (New York Knicks)

Center - Dwight Howard (Orlando Magic)

Howard is, of course, a scoring machine, but he's also a defensive wrecking ball, with an overall 95 rating on defense. His inside presence is what will help you win games. With his incredible blocking and rebounding (99 rating) skills, and not to mention his "A+" post defense rating, D12 will be your cornerstone. The pure strength Howard possesses is astonishing, and that will be sure to help you bring in some boards in NBA 2K12. Be sure to be careful, though, as Howard is prone to getting fouls called on him, so don't be too antsy when a player goes up for a shot. But let's not forget the offensive prowess Howard also possesses. He has an "A" in Inside Scoring, and is one of the best post-up players in the game. Call for Howard to post up down low, and expect to have that play be successful for you many times over. All of this is what ultimately earned Dwight Howard the honor of best center in NBA 2K12.

Honorable Mention: Andrew Bogut (Milwaukee Bucks)

Final Thoughts

All of the players mentioned might be obvious choices, but that still doesn't take away from how good they are in the game. Debates could be made for hours about who is the best at each position, but after playing NBA 2K12 for a little over a week, I decided to go with the five listed in this article. Be sure to check back into Operation Sports next week as we reveal the top five unknown superstars in NBA 2K12.

Feel free to share your thoughts on what you think is the best player at each position.