NBA: Power Ranking the Top 10 Players on the Brink of Stardom

The edge of glory is a dangerous place to be.

Between the frustration of the almost and the praise for the magnificent, the up-and-down road to the top can take its toll. On this very path to greatness, many have faltered; the college stars who couldn't cut it at the pro level, the All-Stars who couldn't repeat the feat and the star rookies who couldn't keep the pace are all apart of the NBA's great history. For every few who have fallen, however, comes one who succeeds.

Who is next on the road to stardom?

Honorable Mention: Norris Cole, Point Guard, Miami Heat

We all saw what Norris Cole is capable of when the rookie went off for a huge, game-clinching fourth quarter against the rival Celtics. While he hasn't repeated the feat on a consistent basis, he has reached double-digit scoring on 16 different occasions in limited playing time.

Pretty impressive for a rookie playing alongside the Big Three.

Cole will have to prove himself in big-minute scenarios, as most of his scoring comes on a large amount of shots in a short period of time. Nevertheless, his success thus far is promising.

He also plays a position that, in this era, breeds stars left and right. Between that and his success against his peers in the Rising Stars Challenge, it's clear that the sky is the limit.

Season Averages: 20.2 mpg, 7.5 ppg, 2.3 apg, 1.5 rpg, 0.8 spg

10. MarShon Brooks, Shooting Guard, New Jersey Nets

One of the greatest scorers in the illustrious history of the Big East, MarShon Brooks is showing that his glory can be translated to the professional level.

While we've yet to see Brooks take over in the way he did at Providence, we've seen his versatility on full display alongside Deron Williams. Between handling the role of facilitator as Williams works without the basketball, and coming off of screens for open jumpers via Williams, Brooks has found a way to contribute with or without the ball in his hands. He's also excellent off of the dribble as he attacks the basket with ferocity.

Most impressive of all, Brooks has shown a surprising level of poise and composure. Whether tasked with defending a star opponent or being placed in an unfamiliar role, Brooks has yet to back down from any situation. He has all the makings of an elite NBA player.

Season Averages: 13.2 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 2.3 apg, 1.0 spg

9. Derrick Williams, Forward, Minnesota Timberwolves

For those who have been fooled into thinking Derrick Williams is confined to powerful dunks and highlight-reel blocks, you are horribly mistaken. So much so that you've missed out on the fact that Williams' production and potential are the driving forces behind Michael Beasley's potential exit.

While his season averages are far from stellar, his production since the end of February has been impressive. He's reached double-digit rebounds in three games, including three others with at least eight. He's also scored in double-digits in eight of those 14 games.

The highlight of Williams' season was a record-setting 27-point outburst against the Clippers, where he shot 9-of-10 from the floor, 4-of-4 from distance and 5-of-5 from the charity stripe. Williams has the ability to dominate, and as soon as he puts it all together, he will.

Season Averages: 8.7 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 0.4 bpg

8. Greg Monroe, Center, Detroit Pistons

While inconsistency has plagued Greg Monroe in his young career, you'd be hard-pressed to find a more dynamic big man than the second-year center out of Georgetown. Between his size, rebounding, scoring, ball handling and passing, it seems Monroe can do it all.

Much like the other names on this list, Monroe's stardom is obstructed by the dismal play of his team. With some solid pieces around him, though, including rookie Brandon Knight and guard Rodney Stuckey, it should only be a matter of time before Monroe and the Pistons rise.

As soon as that happens, Greg Monroe will be a household name.

Season Averages: 16.6 ppg, 10.0 rpg, 2.5 apg, 1.2 spg, 0.7 bpg

7. Andrea Bargnani, Power Forward, Toronto Raptors

It's never too late to make your mark.

Andrea Bargnani is about to be paired with Jonas Valanciunas and create one of the most dynamic frontcourts in the history of professional basketball. Upon doing so, the Raptors are likely to garner plenty of attention.

As a result, Bargnani could finally reach the Dirk Nowitzki level that was expected of the Italian big man. Considering Bargnani is already a relatively dominant scorer (scoring from inside and out while standing seven feet tall), if he can up his rebounding total by a few, it's only a matter of time and exposure before his efforts are appreciated.

Season Averages: 20.2 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 2.0 apg, 45% FG

6. Paul George, Shooting Guard, Indiana Pacers

Many know Paul George's name thanks to his Tron-themed dunk at the 2012 Slam Dunk Contest, but it appears those outside of Indiana are unaware of how talented this kid really is. He can shoot, defend, finish in transition and most impressive of all, he's a 6'10" shooting guard.

No, that wasn't a typo.

George has all the physical and mental tools to be a star. Unlike Monroe, however, the largest battle for George will be overcoming the level of stardom his teammates are poised to reach. After all, it's center Roy Hibbert who made the All-Star Game, Danny Granger who many feel was snubbed and David West who people refer to as a borderline elite power forward.

Nevertheless, George is a name to watch. He's going to be something special.

Season Averages: 12.2 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 2.2 apg, 1.7 spg, 0.6 bpg, 40% 3PT

5. Kyle Lowry, Point Guard, Houston Rockets

If point guards received awards for best all-around stat line, Kyle Lowry would take the cake.

While I can't call the sixth-year veteran a prospect, I can proclaim that he is easily a top five point guard when it comes to versatility. While his name value isn't there, a potential playoff run by his Houston Rockets could elevate his status to stardom.

He's a threat to go off for a triple-double on a nightly basis, consistently reaching eight or nine rebounds and double-digit assists. While his field-goal percentage could certainly be higher, shooting 39 percent from distance and 87 percent from the free-throw line is nothing to complain about.

It's only a matter of time before Kyle Lowry is talked about with the NBA elite..

Season Averages: 15.9 ppg, 7.2 apg, 5.3 rpg, 1.8 spg

4. DeMarcus Cousins, Power Forward/Center, Sacramento Kings

It's unfortunate that DeMarcus Cousins' attitude has outweighed his play as he really is something to marvel. Fortunately for Cousins, it won't be long before his All-Star level of play leads to an All-Star Game appearance.

The fact of the matter is, everyone loves a great big man. More times than not, they garner more attention than the little guys because of their sheer dominance in the paint. After all, easy buckets are always more appealing than jump shots.

In Cousins' case, he has deceptive quickness that he's not afraid to utilize from the top of the key. He also has a mid-range game that would open a lot of eyes if anyone could find the Kings' games on television. Between the unexpected and his brutal post-up game, it's hard to imagine anyone stopping Cousins on a consistent basis.

As soon as he improves that attitude, he'll be huge.

Season Averages: 16.6 ppg, 10.7 rpg, 1.3 bpg, 1.3 spg

3. Kyrie Irving, Point Guard, Cleveland Cavaliers

This may garner some heat, but I believe Kyrie Irving is the most well-rounded young point guard in the NBA. Bar none.

He's dominant on both ends of the floor, whether in transition or the half court. He can shoot, penetrate, facilitate and even sneak up for the occasional rebound. He's also a dominant defender who just needs to find his niche on the Cavaliers' perimeter. Once he does that, it's smooth sailing to the finish line.

To explain his ranking being this low, think of it like this. Before Deron Williams went to New Jersey, he was doing the same things out in Utah. The thing is, no one really spoke about him as much as they should; the CP3's and Derrick Rose's, however, were garnering MVP votes.

I expect the same for Kyrie Irving. As Williams has shown, though, those who garner less attention are often the best players.

Season Averages: 18.7 ppg, 5.6 apg, 3.7 rpg, 0.9 spg, 40% 3PT

2. Ricky Rubio, Point Guard, Minnesota Timberwolves

Let me clarify this before I get bombarded with hate mail.

Kyrie Irving is the more well-rounded player right now, and in five years, that will not change. The advantage Rubio has is that his stardom will be much more international as a Spanish-speaking player.

While we'd like to think marketability doesn't play a role in stardom, it does. Due to Rubio's flashy passes, omnipresent smile and surplus of dunk-ready teammates, he has the perfect tools for big-market success.

Furthermore, Rubio plays for a team that isn't the United States when it comes to International Play. While that may hurt his stock in America, he will become the new focus for Spain's talented team that includes the Gasol brothers, Marc and Pau.

As long as Rubio can recover from his season-ending knee injury, he should be a superstar.

Season Averages: 10.6 ppg, 8.2 apg, 4.2 rpg, 2.2 spg

1. John Wall, Point Guard, Washington Wizards

If Kyrie Irving is the most well-rounded, John Wall is overall best. Let me explain.

Wall still has those same tools that made him the 2010 first overall draft choice. Between his size, speed, big-play ability and court vision, John Wall has all the makings of a human highlight-reel. Add in his basketball IQ, developing mid-range game and physical potential for defensive dominance, and you'd be met with a tall task to find a better prospect.

A game to gauge Wall's progress came against the Memphis Grizzlies, where he and the Wizards fell 92-97 at the FedExForum. Going up against one of the game's elite point guard defenders, Mike Conley, Wall went off for 25 points on 10-of-16 shooting. He added six assists, six rebounds, three steals and three blocks, displaying his full-on versatility.

Unfortunately, he also turned the ball over seven times.

That's been the story of Wall's sophomore season, as his talent has been unstoppable but his attempts to do too much have been costly. On a team like the Wizards, it's hard not to do too much when the rest of your team is lacking, but Wall must know better. As soon as he figures that out, he could rival Derrick Rose in those MVP conversations.

Season Averages: 17.6 ppg, 7.9 apg, 4.9 rpg, 1.3 spg, 0.9 bpg