NBA Predictions 2012: Jimmer Fredette and Rookies That'll Become Superstars

Fear not, for the future of the NBA looks to be in good hands. 

I understand if you are just recalling how much hype surrounded players like Jimmer Fredette and Kemba Walker. That long lockout layoff had me forgetting how much I disdain NBA officiating. 

Well, both things are back in full force as the first week of NBA play comes to a dramatic close. To put it simply, that didn't suck. 

The season has come back and the fans have followed. The best part is that we get to see some players that are as young as they are talented show us how promising the future of the Association truly is. 

Here is a breakdown of the players that deserve the hype headed into their rookie campaigns. This is going to be an amazing season, and these players will help ensure just that. 

Jimmer Fredette

The Kings rookie came into the NBA draft with the kind of hype that would make Tim Tebow blush. Well, he has finally had his chance to stretch his legs with the big boys and the initial returns are in. 

Let's just say things are a bit shaky right now, but that shouldn't concern Kings fans. The one things that Fredette does very well is shoot. He may be inconsistent in what has been a very limited sample size, but chalk that up to jitters. The Jimmer will rise soon enough. 

Norris Cole

Now this dude can ball. Again, this article comes at the earliest of stages in NBA development, but Cole has what ever superstar craves—a fearless disposition.

I loved how he helped close out a great Celtics team with a dynamite fourth quarter. Against Boston, Cole went 8-for-16 for 20 points. A few more games like that, and Cole will be in the driver's seat for Rookie of the Year contention. 

Kemba Walker

We can now start talking about heart and passion once again, because Kemba Walkers has both those things in droves. 

Walker may have bordered on a sloppy mess in his first game of his career, going 3-for-10 for 13 points against the Milwaukee Bucks. However, he was just as tenacious as we remember and fought for his seven rebounds. 

For the most part, these guys didn't storm out of the gate with beautiful form, but not many superstars do. The growing pains will be evident, but these three have exactly what it takes to take over the NBA when that time comes. 

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