Rising Stars: Six NBA Players to Watch in '07-'08

Michael WhittenbergNov 10, 2007

Every season, there's an NBA player who breaks out and catches the eyes of fans around the country.

Last year it was Golden State's Monta Ellis, who went on to win the league's Most Improved Player Award.

This year, at least six unheralded studs will look to follow in Ellis' footsteps...

1. Rudy Gay (Memphis Grizzlies)

Coming off a game-high 31 points against Portland on Friday, Gay has looked strong in his second NBA campaign. He's averaging 21.3 PPG in the young season.

With Pau Gasol, Damon Stoudamire, and newly acquired Darko Milicic to complement the youngster, look for the Memphis Grizzlies to make their way back to the playoffs with a seventh or eighth seed.

Icon Sports Media 2. LaMarcus Aldridge (Portland Trailblazers)

Some observers say Aldridge should have stayed at Texas for his sophomore season to play with Kevin Durant—but his decision to leave early is looking like a great one.

Aldridge is having a breakout season for the Blazers, averaging 19.4 PPG. That said, his work on the boards still needs polishing if he's going to become a premier big man.

3. David West (New Orleans Hornets)

West has proven he can post big numbers, but health has been an issue for him—he averaged 18 points last year while only playing 52 games.

This season, West is averaging 19.8 PPG. If he and the rest of his teammates can stay healthy, the Hornets will definitely make the playoffs.

4. Marvin Williams (Atlanta Hawks)

Williams is finally living up to the hype that made him the No. 2 pick in the 2005 NBA Draft.

The UNC product is averaging 17 points per game this season, and his young Hawks team shouldn't be taken lightly.

Just ask the Dallas Maverick and the Phoenix Suns.

5. Josh Smith (Atlanta Hawks)

Smith's numbers are down this year because of Williams' surge, but look for him to turn it around sooner rather than later.

Smith's play on both ends of the floor has been instrumental in the Hawks' hot start. He's averaging 15.8 PPG, and his ability to come out of nowhere to block shots is simply ridiculous.

6. Kelenna Azubuike (Golden State Warriors)

Azubuike will be asked to fill the hole left by Jason Richardson in Golden State.

Thus far, he's making the most of the opportunity.

After Azubuike left Kentucky, he spent some time in the Developmental League, where he proved he belonged in the NBA. Although he doesn't have Richardson's pure athletic ability, he can certainly put up some J-Rich-like numbers.

Azubuike is averaging 18.8 PPG to date. Let's see how well he does once suspended teammate Stephen Jackson returns to the lineup.