NBA: TIme To Learn About Russell Westbrook And The New Wave

Everybody already knows about Kobe, Lebron, Dwyane Wade, the Celtics’ Big Three, Dirk, Amare, etc.  It’s time to usher in the new wave of future perennial all-stars.  I have compiled a starting five and bench of the best, most exciting young pimps of the NBA.  (I left out rookies from the discussion because it’s too early in the season.)

Starting Five:
PG, Russell Westbrook, OKC [16 PPG 7 APG]: The second year high-riser from UCLA brings much thickness to the table.  Westbrook will jump over you and tear the rim down all over your whole family.  The former Bruin is also lightning quick and has the ability to get to the rack in a beastly fashion.  And for good measure, the kid can stroke it from all over the floor and the free throw stripe (79 percent).  Watch him dunk all over everybody

SG, Rudy Gay, MEM [20.6 PPG 6 RPG]: I love watching this long-armed mack throw down big swooping reverse dunks.  The former UConn Husky has developed into a number one option on an up-and-coming young squad.  He has unlimited range.  Just overall, the word “sweet” comes to mind often when watching Rudy light fools up.  Watch him dunk in his very own Top 10

SF, Kevin Durant, OKC [28 PPG 7 RPG, 87 percent FT]:   The former second overall draft pick is turning into an unstoppable force with his long, wiry 6 foot 9 230-pound frame.  Durant is currently fourth in the League in scoring.  He and Westbrook are leading the turnaround charge for the Thunder.  Watch his dunk of the night

PF/C, Anthony Randolph, GS [11.4 PPG 6.5 RPG, 82 percent FT, 23 min/gm]: Randolph has started to get more minutes for the Warriors of late.  The 6 foot 10 pogo stick from LSU is a menace on the offensive glass and at the back end of the Golden State defense.  Watch him dunk on Yao twice

PF/C, Lamarcus Aldridge, POR [16.5 PPG 8 RPG, 81 percent FT]:   This dude is very smooth.  Standing nearly seven feet, Aldridge has the shooting ability of a 6’5” guard.  He can splash fadeaways, threes, and can even rip the net on a catch-and-shoot off of a down screen.  The former Longhorn is a nightmare match-up for opposing coaches, since he is quicker than bigger centers and can raise up and cream jumpers over top of smaller forwards. Watch him dunk on Birdman

Off the Bench:

PG, Jerryd Bayless, POR:   With injuries depleting Portland’s roster, Bayless has begun to get heavy minutes at the point.  Just last night he lit up San Antonio for 31 including a creamed three with under two minutes to go as Portland knocked off the Spurs 98-94 for a giant road victory.  Watch him dunk largely      

SG, OJ Mayo, MEM [17.6 PPG, 82 percent FT]: The second year guard from USC is a natural born scorer.  OJ has range beyond the three-point arc and can finish strong around the rim.  Watch him dunk on two 76ers

Big Man, Jason Thompson, SAC [15.5 PPG 9.2 RPG, 75 percent FT]: At 6 foot 11, Thompson has handles like a guard but can straight clean glass. 

Who’d I miss?