NBA 2010-11: Five Third-Year Players Poised to Make the All-Star Jump

The 2007 NBA Draft has shown to be one of the most talented drafts in recent history.

Kevin Durant is the shining star who is on top of a gifted group of players who have only played professionally for three years.

Durant, the star of the USA Team that’s playing in the FIBA World Championship right now in Turkey, is still developing and some believe his upside is high enough to place him above LeBron James as the NBA’s best player.

And just like Durant, many of the players on this list possess the potential to be legitimate stars, and that could come sooner rather than later.

Al Horford

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ATLANTA - APRIL 20: Al Horford #15 of the Atlanta Hawks dunks and draws a foul from Jerry Stackhouse #24 of the Milwaukee Bucks at Philips Arena on April 20, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloa

Al Horford is definitely among the rising third-year players in the NBA.

Horford’s numbers improved all around in 2009-10 (14.2 PPG, 9.9 RPG, 55.1 percent shooting) and he was a more chief member of a developing Atlanta Hawks squad.

If he can keep getting better this season, Horford will have a great chance at making the All Star Game.

But, to go along with playing against Kevin Garnett and Dwight Howard, Horford will have to match Chris Bosh at times too.

Still, Horford is one of the better young big men, and he looks to still have a good amount of upside.

Jeff Green

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OKLAHOMA CITY - APRIL 30: Jeff Green #22 of the Oklahoma City Thunder dunks the ball against Lamar Odom #7 of the Los Angeles Lakers during Game Six of the Western Conference Quarterfinals of the 2010 NBA Playoffs on April 30, 2010 at the Ford Center in O

Jeff Green is a good young player, with the potential to be great.

Despite regressing a bit last season, his numbers were still solid (15.1 PPG, 6 RPG) and his Thunder were the surprise team in the Western Conference.

Green, Durant, and Russell Westbrook form a formidable trio in Oklahoma City, and they pushed the eventual champion Los Angeles Lakers to a six-game series.

Green is better on the inside, but he does possess an outside game as well, plus he’s learning how to pass better.

What hurts Green is that his size makes him a tweener. He isn’t really big enough to play power forward (6’9” 235 pounds) and Durant already plays at the small forward spot.

Green will be overshadowed by Durant, but if he can play really well, Green could earn a place on the All Star team as well.

Joakim Noah

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CHICAGO - APRIL 25: Joakim Noah #13 of the Chicago Bulls puts up a shot over Antawn Jamison #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2010 NBA Playoffs at the United Center on April 25, 2010 in Chicago,

Noah is a big man with energy that never seems to run out.

Noah saw the most significant improvement last season in points (6.7-10.7) and rebounds (7.6-11.0) on the list, and he could be even better than averaging a double-double some day.

Along with Carlos Boozer and Derrick Rose, Noah, and the Bulls will be players in the Eastern Conference this year, and beyond.

Rodney Stuckey

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NEW ORLEANS - DECEMBER 16: Rodney Stuckey #3 of the Detroit Pistons makes a shot over David West #30 of the New Orleans Hornets at New Orleans Arena on December 16, 2009 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Hornets defeated the Pistons 95-87. NOTE TO USER: Us

Rodney Stuckey is a talented young guard. He’s shown the ability to be a streaky scorer, and he’s working to become more consistent overall.

Stuckey obviously worked the hardest on filling up the bucket, as his scoring numbers (16.6 PPG) ballooned.

Stuckey’s rebounding numbers also went up a bit (3.5-3.8), but his assist numbers were stagnant.

If he wants to be an All-Star in the East, Stuckey must be both more dependable and more rounded on the hardwood.

But, it looks like the future is bright for this young stud, Stuckey.

Aaron Brooks

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HOUSTON - MAY 10: Guard Aaron Brooks #0 of the Houston Rockets makes a shot against Jordan Farmar #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers at the end of the third quarter in Game Four of the Western Conference Semifinals during the 2009 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center

Brooks is a speedy young point guard, and he’s proven hard to defend for many opponents as of late.

Brooks has developed quickly, and as the full-time starter now, his numbers are much improved (19.6 PPG, 5.3 APG).

Really, Brooks is the closest on this list to being on an All-Star team now, but there is so much competition at his position in the West (CP3, Deron Williams) that he’s got an uphill battle to shine brighter than them.

Still, Brooks’ skill set (great shooter’s touch and athletic ability) gives him the potential to be one of the best players in the NBA.