LeBron James 2.0: Who Will Be The NBA's Next Superstar?
Although it took LeBron until his fifth NBA season to achieve his first League MVP Trophy, from the first time he hit the court he was considered one of the league's best and brightest stars.
His rookie season statistics were impressive, though by no means unique. Averages of around twenty points, five assists and rebounds per game - marred by an underwhelming field goal percentage just shy of 42%. The initial success of his team was similarly unspectacular. Thirty wins and forty seven losses, finishing fifth in the Central Division. Compare this to other NBA greats. With the addition of Larry Bird, the 1979-80 Boston Celtics improved from a horrendous 29-53 to 61-21; the league's best record that season. Magic Johnson's rookie season concluded with him cradling the Larry O'Brien Trophy as Finals MVP.
Despite the absence of the dramatic turn around in the fortunes of the Cleveland Cavaliers, LeBron was seen as a sure thing. He was going to be a star. And he did.
However, does such a 'sure thing' exist out there today, amongst the ranks of the NBA's young rising stars? Who will be holding the MVP Trophy five years from now, when Kobe is out of contention (and possibly the league) and LeBron has lost a step?
Of course it is entirely possible that the 2015 MVP is still in College, or honing his game playing in Europe...or in China.Restricting oneself to the 'known knowns' and the 'known unknowns' for now though, a couple of contender emerge.
Kevin Durant
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Many expected the 2010-11 Season to be a coming out party for Kevin Durant.
Writers such as ESPN's Bill Simmons looked at last season's stats and extrapolated that this Season Durant would set whole new benchmarks for players in the modern era.
Of course, for all of this hype, Durant has so far failed to live up to expectations this season. His numbers are a little off, and the Thunder hasnt shown the same spark that so impressed people last year.
However, despite all of this, the future remains bright for Durant. Although Oklahoma is a small market, the fans there adore Durant. His game is also one that translates well into superstardom. Lots of athletism, dunks, threes and highlight plays. If Oklahoma can continue to improve in future years, and Durant can put this season's misstep behind him, Durant could well be the one whose name is on every basketball fan's lips in 2015.
Rajon Rondo
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Unlike the others on this list Rondo's hand already wears an NBA Championship Ring. Rondo knows what it takes to win, and in the last two seasons has gone from 'starting Point Guard for the Boston Celtics' to 'anchor of the Boston Celtic's title chances'.
Despite a shaky jumpshot and rumours of an attitude problem Rondo has improved dramatically over the last few seasons, to the point where he is now a triple-double risk any given night. Add in the mindset of a Champion and Rondo could well find himself at the top of the NBA heap in five years time.
John Wall
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Another player who has failed to live up to the hype this season, Wall seems to have hit the rookie wall of late.
However, it can be argued that the transition to the NBA is alot harder for Point Guards than it is for Forwards and Centers. Wall had to not only fit into a new team, but learn to run its offence and provide leadership. All of this from a player with only one year of college experience!
Despite his early-season stumbles however, Wall's talent is undeniable. Once the Wizards add some talent to be on the receiving end of Wall's assists his stock can't help but rise.
Derrick Rose
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Like fellow number one pick LeBron James, Derrick Rose joined his first NBA team with a city's hopes on his shoulders. Long used to success, Chicago fans had spent the years since the departure of His Airness searching in vain for a suitable heir. In Derrick Rose they have found their best hope thus far. Hard-working, selfless and with an almost unlimited potential for improvement - Rose could well lead the Bulls back out of the desert.
With the addition of Carlos Boozer to Bulls' team of young, talented players, by 2015 Rose has the possibility of leading his team to multiple NBA Championships. And as the Miami Heat's triple trouble fade into the twilight of their career Rose could well be perfectly placed to take their role as the league's top superstar.
Blake Griffin
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For many, Blake Griffin is already a Superstar. His explosive dunks have made Clippers' game 'must see TV'. Certainly an NBA first. His rookie stats are astounding, and he combines his skill with a humble, down-to-earth manner.
However, can Griffin ever truly be a Superstar whilst plying his trade in the NBA's biggest 'basket case' franchise? Cowering in the long shadow cast by the Lakers, and owned by the league's most notorious racist, the Clippers certainly seem an unlikely place to nurture the NBA's next Superstar.
Get him out of Los Angeles however, and its another story. With Griffin due to hit the free-agency market in 2014, his potential to become a breakout Star is limitless.
DeMar DeRozan
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Although a rank outsider on this list, DeRozan has really hit his stride in recent months. January has seen him averaging over twenty points per game - leading the Toronto Raptors for the month.
Although Canada's cold climes haven't spawned many international superstars of late, Toronto was where Vince Carter blossomed into a true Superstar. Of course, it is also the place he transformed into the perfect example of someone giving up on his team.
Let's hope the Raptors' newest high-flier doesn't suffer a similar fate.
Ricky Rubio
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Okay, I am only half serious about this one. We still don't even know if this kid will have played his first NBA game by 2015. However, although the debate continues about whether he is the next Pistol Pete or the second Darko Milicic, it is clear that some people at least feel he has the potential to be a once-in-a-generation talent in the NBA.
Until then, to be continued...
