LaMarcus Aldridge and the NBA's Future All-Stars
The 2011 NBA All-Star festivities are in full swing, and now the stage is set for the league’s brightest stars to take the court in their annual glorified pick-up run.
This year’s game features three first-timers (Blake Griffin, Russell Westbrook, Kevin Love) who have joined the league’s elite, but there are many young guns with All-Star potential that haven't quite made the leap to greatness.
So who should we expect to see under these lights in the future? Who is on the cusp of becoming a true stud?
Here, we select the one player from each team with the best shot of making an upcoming All-Star Game.
Note: Only players who have never made an All-Star Game are eligible for this list.
Atlanta Hawks: Josh Smith
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At the age of 25, Josh Smith seems to have been in the league forever. The super-athletic power forward has participated in All-Star Weekend before, winning the Slam Dunk Competition in 2005, but he has never been chosen for the team.
J-Smoove has been a borderline All-Star for a while, recently being overlooked in favor of his teammates Joe Johnson and Al Horford.
A great defender and finisher, he is still developing his offensive repertoire. If he becomes polished, expect an All-Star game soon.
Boston Celtics: Glen Davis
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The Celtics have tied an NBA record with four All-Stars this season, leaving the team with few future options.
However, Glen Davis has the best shot.
Big Baby has publicly stated his intent to become an All-Star, and despite being undersized, he is talented and effective. Davis is improving every year, and he has displayed his substantial capabilities when Kevin Garnett has been injured.
Davis has a lot of work to do if he wants to elevate himself into the league’s upper echelon, but he’s still young (25) and growing.
Charlotte Bobcats: DJ Augustin
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Gerald Wallace is a former All-Star and Stephen Jackson is 32 years old. That leaves us with DJ Augustin.
In Augustin’s first year starting, he has made enormous strides. He is averaging 14 points and six assists per game, in addition to a stellar assist to turnover ratio over 3:1.
With so many great point guards in the league right now, Augustin has a long way to go. He especially needs to become more efficient offensively. He's only 23, though, so he’s got a chance.
Chicago Bulls: Joakim Noah
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This one is a no-brainer.
Before getting injured, Joakim Noah was on track to be an All-Star this year.
Derrick Rose has gotten all the publicity, but Noah did the dirty work that made the Bulls go. He is a rebounding machine and defensive stalwart. His offensive game is constantly evolving.
He’s the kind of solid player that doesn’t really make the All-Star game more fun, but don’t be surprised to see Noah there next season.
Cleveland Cavaliers: JJ Hickson
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JJ Hickson is the type of talented youngster that announcers love to call “mercurial.” He explodes one game and then disappears the next.
Regarding work ethic and the team concept, Hickson doesn’t “get it,” but his potential forces his franchise to stay invested.
Hickson hasn’t quite had the breakout season Cleveland was hoping for, but he’s merely 22 years old. If he matures and finds his way onto a playoff team, he definitely has the ability to turn into an All-Star.
Dallas Mavericks: Roddy Beaubois
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The 22-year-old jet-heeled combo guard from Guadeloupe is an incredible athlete with tremendous upside.
One of the few youngsters on a veteran Mavs team, Beaubois is expected to be a crucial part of the changing of the guard.
This year he’s mostly been injured, but he possesses so much promise. In two games back, Beaubois has shown more playmaking ability than he did last year.
It’s conceivable that Beaubois could ultimately grow into a Monta Ellis clone, which would place him firmly in the All-Star discussion.
Denver Nuggets: Nene
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Although he has been a dependable center for years, Nene is still underrated.
He is averaging 15 points and seven boards, which are not spectacular numbers, but his excellent PER of 21.2 proves his efficiency. At the age of 28, Nene has a small window of All-Star opportunity.
However, with an imminent Nuggets shakeup, Nene could soon be the big man in town, boosting his numbers and exposure.
Since there’s a dearth of good centers in the West, Nene has a shot at an All-Star Game in the next few years.
Detroit Pistons: Greg Monroe
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The rookie from Georgetown was recently inserted into the starting lineup, and in his last 10 games he is averaging 11 and eight.
Monroe owns a uniquely varied skill set for a big man, along the lines of Vlade Divac or Brad Miller. In addition to his low post moves, he is an impressive passer and ball handler and he can step out and hit the jumper.
It’s too soon to predict exactly what he will become. Monroe particularly needs increased strength and a killer instinct.
Still, it would not come as a shock if Monroe were an All-Star selection in several years.
Golden State Warriors: Monta Ellis
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No one would have been surprised if Monta Ellis had been an All-Star this season. He is one of the deadliest and most unstoppable scorers in the world, currently sitting fifth in the league with 25.3 points per game.
Ellis can put the ball in the bucket in myriad ways. He has always been a dangerous slasher, boasting all the floaters, runners and difficult layups that you could ask for. He has also refined his jumper and now hits consistently from deep.
If you think Ellis is a one-note song, you’re wrong. He is also a good playmaker, and his 2.2 steals are good for third in the NBA.
The 25-year-old Ellis should make multiple All-Star appearances throughout his career.
Houston Rockets: Kevin Martin
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For someone who has put up over 20 points per game for the last five years, Kevin Martin manages to fly under the radar.
With his sweet stroke, Martin is lights out from all over the court, this year averaging 23 points. Even more impressive, he has the best PER of a non-All-Star.
Unfortunately, Martin has been stuck on miserable squads during his career. If he ever plays on a winning team, his average will probably land him in the All-Star Game.
Unfortunately, he’s 28 years old, so his time is running out.
Indiana Pacers: Roy Hibbert
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Roy Hibbert has started to show flashes of All-Star ability. He is steadily improving every facet of the game, and his massive size allows him to be a true difference-maker on both ends of the court.
Scouts feared Hibbert would be too plodding, but he has been training hard and it has paid off. Hibbert has been very inconsistent this season, but he’s only 24 years old and has substantial upside.
Hibbert currently falls behind Andrew Bogut, Brook Lopez and Andrea Bargnani on the list of up-and-coming centers in the East, but he has so much room to grow.
Los Angeles Clippers: Eric Gordon
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Blake Griffin routinely gets all the attention, but Eric Gordon was quietly putting together a fantastic season before going down with a wrist injury last month.
He was averaging 24 points per game, displaying nice playmaking skills and showing a penchant for clutch performances.
At 22, Gordon is still extremely young, and his future is extremely bright.
Along with Blake, Gordon should lead the Clippers to the playoffs within five years. He should also become an All-Star within that period.
Los Angeles Lakers: Andrew Bynum
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Oh, the saga of Andrew Bynum.
So much potential. So many injuries. So much trade rumor. Still, so much potential.
The Lakers haven’t given up on him yet, and they still harbor hope that Bynum will be their stud of the future.
He has all the tools to be an All-Star—jump hook, good footwork, strength, athleticism, midrange jumper—but he needs to stay on the court.
If he can stay healthy, he could become truly special.
Memphis Grizzlies: Rudy Gay
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Rudy Gay is Memphis’ franchise player, at least monetarily. We have yet to see whether the investment will be worth it, but we’ll get a better picture once Zach Randolph moves on in free agency this summer.
Gay is averaging 19.8 points, 6.2 boards, and over one block and steal per game. At 24 years old, he should only get better.
His superhero athleticism is obvious, and if he develops a consistent jumper, he’ll be lethal. Gay should be an All-Star before long.
Miami Heat: Nobody
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The Miami Heat consists of the Big Three, or whatever people are calling them these days, and a bunch of decent role players who have no shot at becoming All-Stars.
Mike Miller arguably has All-Star talent, but he’s 31 and playing in a system where he’s not featured.
Milwaukee Bucks: Andrew Bogut
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Point guard Brandon Jennings has a solid chance as well, but the highly underappreciated Bogut should get to the All-Star Game sooner.
He is an outstanding defender who plays hard and rebounds well; he has averaged a double-double three years straight and he blocks almost three shots per game.
It’s also extraordinary how well Bogut has bounced back from that horrific arm injury at the end of last season.
His team’s record precluded him from close consideration this season, but he’s right there with the likes of Al Horford.
Minnesota Timberwolves: Michael Beasley
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Michael Beasley, the temperamental forward from Kansas State, is finally starting to live up to the hype, averaging 20 a game and scoring in a plethora of ways.
The frontcourt combination of Beasley and Love is potent offensively. Unfortunately, there are two ends of the court, and Beasley hasn’t quite figured out the defensive side.
Furthermore, Beasley won’t make the All-Star Game until he’s on a winning team, so we might have to be patient.
New Jersey Nets: Brook Lopez
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One of the most talented young big men in the league, 22-year-old Lopez has all the makings of a future All-Star.
He is incredibly fundamental, with multiple effective post moves, and he's more athletic than people give him credit for.
I’m not sure why his rebounding has fallen off so dramatically this year. He’s currently averaging a paltry 5.8 after pulling down over eight boards each of his first two seasons.
Lopez will need to pick it up in that area before he makes an All-Star squad.
New Orleans Hornets: Trevor Ariza
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Is Ariza really a likely candidate to become an All-Star?
Doubtful.
He tried the semi-go-to-guy role in Houston last year and it didn’t work. Ariza is much better suited to being a complementary player, where he can knock down open threes, finish on the break and focus on being a defensive stopper.
Although you shouldn’t expect Ariza to be an All-Star, he’s the only option for this list on the Hornets.
It’s amazing what coach Monty Williams and CP3 have been able to do.
New York Knicks: Raymond Felton
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Although the public perception is that Amar'e Stoudemire has brought winning basketball back to New York, Raymond Felton has been indispensable to the Knicks’ success.
The point guard is thriving in Mike D’Antoni’s system, averaging 17 points and nine assists, and he has been a huge reason that Amar'e has been so good. Moreover, at 26, he’s still getting better.
Felton is not usually mentioned in the same breath as Chris Paul and Deron Williams, his draft classmates, or the youngsters Derrick Rose, Russell Westbrook and Rajon Rondo.
But maybe he should be.
Oklahoma City Thunder: Serge Ibaka
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I know choosing Serge Ibaka may seem like a surprise, considering Jeff Green and James Harden are also options for this slideshow.
Although he is currently not quite as good as the other two, Ibaka has the most upside. Air Congo is a 21-year-old freak of nature who is still learning the game.
Ibaka doesn’t see as much court time as a lot of other players on this list, but he averages 10 rebounds and three blocks per 36 minutes. If Ibaka can develop offensive skills, then he could become a true stud.
I predict he will be an All-Star before his career is done.
Orlando Magic: Ryan Anderson
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Ryan Anderson has been a recent revelation. OK, maybe that word is a tad strong, but he’s been more than a pleasant surprise.
He has averaged 12.6 and seven during his last 10 games, and he is a power forwards who can light it up from downtown.
I’m not sure how high his ceiling is or whether he actually has a legitimate chance of becoming an All-Star.
However, Anderson is only 22 years old, so he has plenty of time to improve.
Philadelphia 76ers: Andre Iguodala
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The 27-year-old do-it-all forward has been mired on bad teams, until now preventing an All-Star appearance, but Iguodala has the basketball ability to be an All-Star.
Alas, it looks like Iguodala might actually be better served moving to a complementary role rather than being a team leader. The problem with Iggy is that he’s good at a lot of things but great at none, kind of like Andrei Kirilenko.
There has been much recent public discussion about his future—will he stay with the 76ers or will they trade him?—and whether he becomes an All-Star might depend on where he goes.
Phoenix Suns: Goran Dragic
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Looking up and down the Phoenix roster, it was very difficult to find someone for this list. The best players have all made All-Star teams, and the rest of the guys aren’t anything special.
Goran Dragic has the best shot of anyone, though it looks unlikely right now.
He’s being groomed as the point guard of the future, but who knows how well he will play when he takes over for Nash.
I have already discussed this topic but it bears repeating: The NBA currently boasts more talented point guards than it has had in decades.
Nash and Tony Parker couldn't even make this year's All-Star squad.
Therefore, Dragic is in a tough spot.
Portland Trail Blazers: LaMarcus Aldridge
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Probably the biggest All-Star snub this year, he has been carrying the Blazers this season due to Brandon Roy’s injury woes.
Aldridge has been an absolute monster since finding out he wasn’t receiving that free trip to LA, averaging 29 points per game in February.
Previously criticized about his toughness, heart and killer instinct, Aldridge has responded directly to the haters. Now it’s not a question of if he’ll be an All-Star, but when.
The crop of young beastly power forwards in the West is led by Blake Griffin and Kevin Love, but Aldridge is up there, too.
Sacramento Kings: DeMarcus Cousins
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Reigning Rookie of the Year Tyreke Evans probably also has multiple All-Star games in his future, but DeMarcus Cousins has more potential.
He’s an animal in the paint, and he has the ability to be a 20-and-10 guy sooner rather than later.
His main deficiency is his mentality. Cousins is still exceedingly immature and selfish, and he has the tendency to either sulk or blow up when things don’t go his way.
Only 20 years old, he has a lot of growing up to do. Once he gets his head permanently in the game, he will be one of the best big men in the league.
San Antonio Spurs: George Hill
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George Hill is another prime example of the unparalleled success of the Spurs’ front office and talent scouts.
The 24-year-old combo guard out of IUPUI was drafted 26th, but he’s now essential member of the hottest team in the NBA.
Hill is a good scorer and a better defender. He’s not afraid of the big moments.
He has a long way to go before being considered All-Star level. He must improve his playmaking skills and become even more dynamic, and he obviously needs to assume a larger role on the court.
We won’t honestly know if Hill can elevate his game until the Duncan-Parker-Ginobili nucleus rides off into the sunset.
Toronto Raptors: DeMar DeRozan
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DeMar DeRozan has been invited to the All-Star weekend both years he’s been in the league, but merely as a Dunk Contest participant.
Although he hasn’t been able to take home the crown, his appearances are testament to his stupefying athletic ability.
He is the most explosive player in Canada since Vince Carter, and he’s still just 21. DeRozan has been torrid of late, averaging almost 20 points per game on 54 percent shooting in February—and he’s doing it all without any semblance of an outside jumper.
If he develops a consistent shot, he could be great.
Andrea Bargnani also has serious All-Star potential, but DeRozan is younger and has more promise.
Utah Jazz: Al Jefferson
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Several years ago, Al Jefferson was considered one of the league’s future superstars. He was a talented big man for whom the sky was the limit.
Then he got lost in Minnesota, suffering a torn ACL along the way.
This season, we’ve witnessed a resurgent Big Al find his way with the Jazz. He is averaging 17 points, rebounds and two blocks, and he has upped his production every month of the season.
Because Jefferson came to the league out of high school, the seventh-year veteran is only 26, with more than enough time to make an All-Star team.
Washington Wizards: John Wall
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The rookie point guard displayed all of his creativity during an awesome performance in the Rookie-Sophomore Game, masterfully controlling the game and dropping a record 22 dimes.
Although Wall has had an up-and-down season, he has not failed to regularly demonstrate the skills that made him the first overall pick in last year’s draft. His speed, quickness and court sense are unteachable.
Wall’s future is luminescent, and numerous All-Star appearances are in the cards.
