Stars in the Making

If you're a diehard NBA guy like myself you've seen what some of the young guys can do. The two that are getting the most praise right now are John Wall and Blake Griffin. Having seen Wall play against Rose last week and watching Griffin play against San Antonio last night it's pretty clear to me that both players will be very good. I never predict superstardom for players, because so much of that depends on a team's popularity and how well they market their players. I expect, injuries not withstanding, for both players to make several all-star teams before it is all said and done. Wall is already a terrific NBA defender. He beats players to spots, his hands are as quick as anyone's in the league, and he has excellent off the ball instincts. Offensively he can get to just about anywhere on the floor and is an excellent passer, his shooting needs to improve but I expect that to happen. The question with Wall over the next decade is going to be 'who's better, him or Rose?' Hopefully it's Rose, but one thing is certain, John Wall is a going to be a force for years to come.

As for Blake Griffin, a player his size is usually not that athletic. He is quick like a guard, has a solid midrange game, and went around Tim Duncan last night like he was Eddy Curry (ok not that badly, but you get my point). Griffin is a high flier who can already finish with the best Power Forwards in the game. The downside for Griffin however is quite big. He plays for the LA Clippers, so he's bound to get injured again, Baron Davis is his Point Guard, so getting the ball will be an issue, and his head coach is Vinny Del Negro. VDN is not known as a 'Teacher' of the game. I hope he improves on his last job coaching my beloved Bulls, but I doubt it. If VDN can hold Griffin accountable he could be a defensive monster as well as a 20ppg guy.

Some others to watch for:

Xavier Henry-I haven't seen him play, but there is already rumblings about Mayo not being the long term fit in Memphis with Gay signed and Gasol and Randolph both seeking extensions. Plus all signs out of camp are he is a legit two guard in the NBA.

DeMarcus Cousins-Another player I haven't seen play yet, but he sure is getting a lot of Pub on Yahoo, ESPN, and NBA.com.

DeJaun Blair-He might not be a rookie, but he is going to have a break out season. He WILL end up being the starter sooner rather than later and he will be able to take a lot of pressure off of Duncan having to do everything down low. Blair is going to be a double/double machine this season and could win the Most Improved Player Award. I know he doesn't have any cartilage in his knees, but it's still amazing every team in the league passed on this guy at least once.

Michael Beasley-He's in his third year and I, like most, have ripped him since day one. But he seems to have found a home in Minnesota. He gets to do whatever he wants offensively (he's their first option), he's got a set position (Small Forward), and he isn't expected to save the franchise. It's really the perfect situation for him. I'm not a huge fan of his, but he is still only 21, and don't forget if not for Derrick Rose he would have been the first pick in the draft. Beasely can definitely score and I think this is the year he averages 20 points a night because he finally gets the minutes and at least in preseason almost everything flows through him offensively. Whether or not he rebounds or plays defense I have no idea, that's up to Coach Kurt Rambis. I don't expect Beasley to ever be an all-star, but I do expect him to score and in Minny that's what they need him to do.