Predicting 2011-12's Top Rises and Busts Among Top 50 NBA Players

The NBA's players seem amped for the season to finally begin now that the lockout has ended, but thanks to an obnoxiously extended offseason, how each individual athlete will fare this year is more unclear than ever before.

The league's top players have been incredibly vocal as we continue to approach the season's opening tipoff, but with actual competition on the horizon, simply talking is not going to suffice. Players are going to have to once again prove their mettle, and fight to stay among the league's most revered.

Come game-time, when athletes are forced to let their play do the talking again, we will no for sure what kind of effect the lockout had on the NBA's biggest stars.

Until then, we have a pretty good idea as to whose stock is on the rise, and whose is about to bust. 

Jason Kidd of Dallas Mavericks

Jason Kidd may be 38, but he is far from incapable on the basketball court.

Even at his age, Kidd's court vision is in pristine condition; he knows where everyone on the floor is at all times. 

That being said, Kidd's ability to score has suffered. He may still be able to pass and be effective defensively, but it will prove tough for him to remain healthy and at the top of his game throughout the condensed season.

Boom or Bust?: Bust. Jason Kidd is one of the best ever, but age is bound to catch up with him this season.

Al Jefferson of Utah Jazz

The 6'10" Al Jefferson continued to be a rebounding and shot-blocking machine last season, and boasted a revamped offensive game as well.

Jefferson is only 26, and while the Utah Jazz are shrouded in uncertainty, he is going to continue to go on a tear.

With the Deron Williams gone, Jefferson will be featured more than ever on the offensive end, so look for him to average 20 plus points per game. Defensively, looking for him to keep pace with his production from last season at the very least.

Could Jefferson eventually be dealt? Of course, but it doesn't matter where because there isn't an object impenatrable enough to break this unstoppable force.

Boom or Bust?: Boom. Jefferson's stock will only go up.

Carlos Boozer of Chicago Bulls

After a fairly productive season that was nonetheless riddled by injuries, Carlos Boozers stock has never been lower.

Boozer emerged as an even bigger defensive liability than the Chicago Bulls could have imagined, and he is losing ground to Taj Gibson quickly.

That being said, Boozer is likely to return with a chip on his shoulder, looking to prove his critics wrong. That being even more said, he is so incredibly fragile at this point that the chip on his shoulder is liable to dislocate it.

Boom or Bust?: Bust. Carlos Boozer's stock will continue to decline.

Tyreke Evans of Sacramento Kings

Tyreke Evans' rookie season was one to remember, and while his sophomore year was nothing to forget, the plantar fasciitis he was suffering from is.

Evans' numbers slipped a bit last season, but he was still impressive nonetheless, When it comes to the 22-year-old point guard, there is no questioning his ability to produce, but there is some serious doubt as to whether or not he will be able to stay healthy.

That being said, the Sacramento Kings aren't giving up on him, and neither should we.

Boom or Bust?: Boom. Tyreke Evans will recover and step up his game.

David West

David West may opt to take his game out of New Orleans via free-agency, a move no one could blame him for making.

West had a another solid year, averaging nearly 19 points and 7.6 rebounds per game last season. He is consistently hard-working and will thrive on any team he suits up for.

While West's numbers may taper off in one direction or the other, don't expect to see any major changes in his production totals or abilities.

Boom or Bust?: Neither. What we saw from David West last season is what we will once again get.

Gerald Wallace of Portland Trail Blazers

Gerald Wallace is one of the most underrated and hard-working players in the game, end of story.

The 10-year veteran is an adept scorer and ferocious rebounder, and has even started to improve his three-point shot quite a bit over the past few seasons.

On a team that boasts the likes of LaMarcus Aldridge, Raymond Felton and Wesley Matthews, Wallace is going to receive less attention from opposing defenses, and more open looks than ever before.

He may be approaching 30, but Wallace's stock has not yet peaked.

Boom or Bust?: Boom. Wallace is going to light it up for the Blazers.

Luol Deng of Chicago Bulls

Luol Deng has flown under the radar for his entire career, but is going to have trouble doing so from hereon out after the season he is coming off of.

Deng proved to be one of the most reliable shooters on a deeply talented Chicago Bulls team, while also emerging as one of Derrick Rose's favorite targets. 

Dwight Howard trade rumors may breach Chicago's locker room door, but don't expect Deng to be affected by such chatter. He is an absolute machine and will continue to focus on improving his game and doing what he does best: Produce.

Boom or Bust?: Boom. The best has yet to come from Luol Deng.

Kevin Martin of Houston Rockets

Much like Gerald Wallace, Kevin Martin falls under the category of quietly brilliant.

Martin has emerged as the Houston Rockets' first option on offense, in addition to their most reliable shooter. With the team targeting an effective—and more importantly, healthy—center to anchor in the low-post, the floor is set to open even more for the shooting guard.

Expect him to capitalize off of the team's improved circumstances next season.

Boom or Bust?: Boom. Kevin Martin will once again be brilliant, only not-so-quietly. 

John Wall of Washington Wizards

John Wall established himself as one of the league's best players after only one season, and it is highly unlikely that is going to change anytime soon.

At only 21, Wall could have certainly benefitted from a full-season, but he acclimated himself at the pro-level almost seamlessly last year, so the extra time off doesn't hinder his development at all.

Moving into next season, Wall will remain the focal point of the Washington Wizards offense, and his speed will continue to turn heads and break ankles.

Boom or Bust?: Boom. This is the year John Wall propels himself into superstardom.

Lamar Odom of Los Angeles Lakers

Lamar Odom is not only entering a turning point in his tenure with the Lakers, but his career as well.

At 32, many athletes have already begun their steady decline into irrelevancy. If last season was any indication though, Odom doesn't seem ready to disappear anytime soon.

Have the versatile forward's best days yet to come? Not at all, but they haven't past either. The fact that he holds enough value to help the Lakers land another superstar says a great deal about his talent.

The path ahead is latent with adversity for Odom, but he's a professional, in every sense of the word. Look for him to keep on doing what he has done his whole career: Everything and anything.

Boom or Bust?: Neither. Don't expect Lamar Odom to bring his game to new levels, yet don't expect his production to taper off either.

Eric Gordon of Los Angeles Clippers

Eric Gordon plays in a city dominated by the Lakers on a team that is headlined by Blake Griffin, yet still manages to earn his keep.

Gordon is a terrific scorer, and he has the ability to play both guard positions. He is only 22, and has barely tapped the surface of his true potential. 

Whether Gordon winds up playing in New Orleans, or alongside Chris Paul in Los Angeles, he is going to continue to improve as he plays his way toward superstardom.

Boom or Bust?: Boom. Eric Gordon's numbers are only going to improve.

Joe Johnson of Atlanta Hawks

Joe Johnson could not have chosen a worse season for his numbers to drop off than last year's.

After signing a lucrative contract—one that hardly anyone thought he was worth—he played his way toward becoming the second offensive option for the Atlanta Hawks.

Johnson is still an effective scorer, but not nearly as effective as he was two seasons ago. He is not nearly as efficient from beyond the arc, and his diminished production could be a sign that the 30-year-old has indeed peaked.

What lies ahead for Johnson? 

Nothing good.

Boom or Bust?: Bust. Look for Joe Johnson's production to suffer even further this season.

Ray Allen of Boston Celtics

Ray Allen's shot has dropped more frequently with age, but at some point his years are going to catch up with him.

Allen will remain one of the more lethal shooters in the game, but his ability to create his own offense has suffered over the past couple seasons. He is still going to score, but mostly as a spot-up shooter.

While there is nothing wrong with how Allen has adjusted his game, the current state of the Boston Celtics has never been more uncertain. Up until this point, Allen has staved off the rigors of age rather well, but that cannot last forever.

Boom or Bust: Neither. Ray Allen will maintain his production potential, but let it be known he isn't far off from dropping off substantially.

Joakim Noah of Chicago Bulls

When healthy, Joakim Noah is a rebounding machine, but the key word here is "healthy."

The 26-year-old Noah appeared in only 48 games last season, and the Bulls can only hope that such an occurrence doesn't repeat itself.

Noah is one of the best defenders in the league, and he can hold his own on offense as well, but this season is going to be more about regaining his form and ensuring he can remain on the floor.

Boom or Bust?: Neither. Joakim Noah will remain effective, but won't improve by leaps and bounds.

Monta Ellis of Golden State Warriors

Monta Ellis is one of the best scorers in the game, and his image has actually suffered because of it.

Ellis has taken a lot of flack for his lack of unselfish play, but let it be known he made major strives toward correcting this fault last season, averaging 5.6 assists to go with his 24.1 points per game. And yet, he still finds himself potentially on his way out of Golden State.

Whether Ellis remains with the Warriors or finds himself elsewhere, he is going to continue to evolve his game to help make himself the type of player a franchise can build around.

Boom or Bust?: Boom. Monta Ellis will make major headway is shedding some of the negative connotations that currently engulf him. 

Andrew Bogut of Milwaukee Bucks

Andrew Bogut is a force unlike other on the defensive side of the ball.

Bogut blocks shots in bunches and crashes the boards hard, and often. He is a capable scorer, but is renowned for efforts at the other end of the floor.

Last season, Bogut put up numbers right in line with is career averages, and we shouldn't expect any thing else from the 27-year-old big man this season. If anything, should he become linked to Dwight Howard in a potential three-team deal, Bogut's stock stands to decrease amidst tense trade rumors.

Boom or Bust?: Neither. Bogut will continue to shine on the defensive end, but won't be reaching unchartered heights on ether side of the ball. 

Danny Granger of Indiana Pacers

For a star in the league, Danny Granger has been able to keep a surprisingly low-profile.

The Indiana Pacers showed some serious in the postseason last year, largely due to Granger's efforts. Now that the team is finally assembling a formidable cast of players around him, he not only has some assistance, but motivation to play harder.

Granger's production may have slipped a bit last season, but look for him prove that a one-time circumstance.

Boom or Bust?: Boom. Danny Granger is going to put any doubts surrounding his effectiveness to rest. 

Josh Smith of Atlanta Hawks

Josh Smith's stock is rapidly declining in the eyes of the Atlanta Hawks, but the same will not be able to be said for the rest of the league.

Smith is an explosive scorer as well as one of the best defenders in the NBA. He puts up star-caliber numbers without generating the kind of hype that normally comes with such territory.

Is Smith's attitude questionable? Sure, but his abilities are anything but.

Boom or Bust?: Boom. Josh Smith will elevate his game to the next level, whether it be with the Hawks or a new team.

Andrew Bynum of Los Angeles Lakers

If Andrew Bynum could only play consistent ball, he would have the potential to be just as dominant as Dwight Howard.

The fact remains though that Bynum is volatile at best; when it comes to the 24-year-old, it is either feast or famine. While he has the potential to be a force on a daily basis, the trade rumors and speculation that are bound to ensue will only further hinder his mental development.

For the Lakers' sake, hopefully Bynum's inconsistencies don't become so prevalent that they are deal-breakers for a potential Chris Paul or Howard deal.

Boom or Bust?: Bust. This is the year that Andrew Bynum will face adversity that even he cannot feign his way through.

Al Horford of Atlanta Hawks

Al Horford is yet another player who often flies under the radar, but make no mistake about it that this will not be the case for much longer.

With the Atlanta Hawks both in the market for a center and looking to move Josh Smith, Horford is a heartbeat away from being able to return to his natural power forward positoin.

Horford has great ball-handling skills for a player his size and remains a rebounding machine even though he is often overmatched at his position. Given the opportunity to play his natural position, and there may not be a power forward in the league he cannot shut down.

Boom or Bust?: Boom. Whether Josh Smith stays or goes, Al Horford is headed toward a career year.

Nene Hilario

A perfect combination of strength and agility, Nene Hilario is often underrated.

Thanks to a shallow free-agency pool, Nene is finally beginning to gain the recognition he deserves. He has a great touch around the basket and isn't afraid to pound it in the low-post against guys much heavier than himself.

Currently, there are number of teams in the market for his services, each one seemingly ready to give him a more prominent role than the one he held in Denver.

Boom or Bust?: Nene Hilario's numbers will take a substantial leap regardless of which team he winds up on.

Stephen Curry of Golden State Warriors

Stephen Curry has established himself as one of the league's top-players, and yet he is only entering his third season in the NBA.

Curry can score from anywhere on the floor, and has a quickness about him that is at least comparable to that of John Wall's. Additionally, he is ready to assume the vacant leadership role in Golden State, and will prove to thrive as he becomes the player his teammates look to in times of need.

The sharp-shooting Curry is only going to get sharper.

Boom or Bust?: Boom. Stephen Curry has yet to reach his full-potential, which will prove to be a frightening notion next season.

Zach Randolph of Memphis Grizzlies

After his tumultuous tenure with the Portland Trail Blazers and less-than-impressive stint with the New York Knicks, who would have thought Zach Randolph would be leading the charge of a young, up and coming team?

The Memphis Grizzlies committed major money to Randolph, and he is proving to be worth every penny. He is tough both physically and mentally, and is a force to be reckoned with on both ends of the floor.

While Randolph has been great for Memphis, this is as far as his talents will take him. We should not expect him drop off in production, but don't expect any wild increases in it either.

Boom or Bust: Neither. Zach Randolph won't improve drastically next season, but he isn't going anywhere, anytime soon either. 

Andre Iguodala of Philadelphia 76ers

Andre Iguodala is one of the most versatile players in the NBA, yet he has often found himself shrouded in uncertainty.

That cloud of uncertainty is unlikely to lift anytime soon, and while his dip in production last season was due to his transition into more of a point forward role, don't expect him to become a great deal more effective.

The shooting guard is far from irrelevant, and is still more than capable of being an impact player, just not a cornerstone to build around.

Boom or Bust? Neither. Andre Iguodala won't fall off the face of the NBA, but his numbers/efficiency aren't going to get any better moving forward.

Rudy Gay of Memphis Grizzlies

While Rudy Gay spent most of last on the bench, his return to the lineup is going to be a huge boost for the Memphis Grizzlies.

Gray is a prolific scorer and smart defender. He can create both for himself or his teammates, and poses a threat to score from anywhere on the floor.

Coming off of last season, Gay has a whole lot to prove, but that will prove to not be a problem. He is ready to assume his role as the Grizzlies' franchise player.

Boom or Bust?: Boom. Rudy Gay's injury-riddled season will become a thing of the past.

Chris Bosh of Miami Heat

Chris Bosh is clearly the weakest link of the Miami Heat's big three, but who wouldn't be when playing alongside LeBron James and Dwyane Wade.

While Bosh isn't all that skilled defensively, he is a crafty scorer. He has a great mid-range game, yet can also score in the low-post when given the opportunity. His rebounding is also a strong suit.

Bosh seems to have come prepared to play hard this season. He has put on muscle and is in the best shape of his career. That being said, the Heat are unlikely to acquire a substantial enough center who helps open the floor and relieve the low-post burden off Bosh's shoulders.

Bosh may have packed on some muscle, but he still is not built to take the beating he is going to take.

Boom or Bust?: Bust. Not only will Chris Bosh take a beating down low, but his opportunities to score will become fewer and far between. 

Tony Parker

Tony Parker is one of the most intelligent floor generals in the league, and his knowledge of what it takes to win is invaluable.

Whether or not Parker is unhappy with the San Antonio Spurs is irrelevant. Come tip-off, Parker is going to be ready to leave it all on the floor.

Parker's crafty passing abilities coupled with his consistent shooting and strong defense ensure the aging Spurs will remain competitive. However, he is approaching 30, and reaching a point where his body just won't allow his stock to rise any higher.

Boom or Bust: Neither. Parker will put up numbers similar to last season's production totals.

Marc Gasol of Memphis Grizzlies

The Memphis Grizzlies are prepared to match any offer sheet that Marc Gasol receives and who can blame them, as he is quickly becoming one of the most dominant centers in the game.

Gasol is an adept in all facets of the game. His defense can be somewhat raw at times, but he has shown he can block shots and battle in the low-post with the best of best.

Offensively, Gasol is a beast. He was able to score at will last season, and seems poised to continue such dominance next season. The extended offseason wont phase him at all.

Boom or Bust?: Boom. Look for Marc Gasol to become a top-three center by the end of next season.

Kevin Garnett of Boston Celtics

Kevin Garnett has been a deadly force in the paint for 16 years, but he is now 35 and already on the decline.

While Garnett will not become a major liability for the Boston Celtics this season, he is likely to struggle through this year's extremely condensed schedule. 

Look for Garnett to play less minutes as he attempts to stave off injury in hopes of making it through the entire season. That is far from a guarantee though.

Boom or Bust: Bust. Kevin Garnett's age has already began to catch up with him, and it isn't going to slow down. 

Manu Ginobili of San Antonio Spurs

There are few players in the league as reliable as Manu Ginobili, and he will remain an integral part of any success the Spurs experience next season.

That being said, at 34, Ginobili has been operating on borrowed time. He has continued to knock down the outside shot, as well as score on command in transition, but one has to wonder how much those legs of his have left in them.

Ginobili will never fold mentally, but his body will be pushed to the brink as a result of this condensed schedule.

Boom or Bust: Bust. It was only a matter of time before Manu Ginobili began to drop off, and it just so happens that time is now.

Tim Duncan of San Antonio Spurs

Tim Duncan has taking a beating in the low-post for 14 years, and it became evident last season that he would not be able to hold up much longer.

The 35-year-old Duncan's numbers dropped significantly, and while he is far from a non-factor, his best days have never been further off. He has quietly made a name for himself as one of the best big men to ever play the game, but what we will see from him this season is merely a shell of what he once was.

Boom or Bust?: Bust. Tim Duncan is going to feel the effects of age even further this season.

Rajon Rondo of Boston Celtics

The prolific passing Rajon Rondo has been a big part of why the Boston Celtics have been able to hold it together thus far.

Rondo's Steve Nash like court vision helped him dish out a flashy 11.2 assists per game last season. While his skills are undeniable though, he is entering unchartered territory this season in Boston.

Rondo has always had a surplus of superstars to pass the ball off too, but this year, more than ever, the Celtics' superstar core is aging. The point guard is going to have to lean on himself to create the offense and it is unclear whether he has has the talent to be the unquestioned leader of this squad.

The trade scrutiny he is bound to be put under isn't going to help his case either.

Boom or Bust?: Bust. The toughest season of Rajon Rondo's career lies just ahead, and while he may recover in the future, this year isn't going to be easy to play through.

Blake Griffin of Los Angeles Clippers

After playing only one year in the NBA, Blake Griffin has established himself as one of the league's best.

Is Griffin a top 10 player? Not yet, but he well on his way to becoming one. He has a nasty vertical leap and is one of the best finishers in the game.

While the power forward still has a lot to learn, he is grasping the game at the professional level incredibly fast. He is as lethal a scoring threat as they come in the low-post, and he is an absolute rebounding connoisseur.

This season, Griffin will continue to climb up the power ranking latter.

Boom or Bust?: Boom. Blake Griffin's high-flying act will continue this season, proving to be a more exciting one to watch than last.

Kevin Love of Minnesota Timberwolves

Last season, Kevin Love proved to be a bright spot on a young and struggling Minnesota Timberwolves team.

The 23-year-old power forward hoards rebounds and also emerged as a go-to guy on the offensive end. With Michael Beasley's off the court struggles, Love is more important to this team than ever before.

Are Love's numbers bolstered by the fact he plays on a lowly Timberwolves team? Perhaps, but he is truly one of the leagues most elite players regardless. Moving forward, he is only going to further the case for himself this year.

Boom or Bust?: Boom. Kevin Love is going to have an even more productive season than last year.

LaMarcus Aldridge of Portland Trail Blazers

LaMarcus Aldridge, somewhat quietly, had an MVP type season last year for the Portland Trail Blazers.

Aldridge proved to be a force on both ends of the floor, on his way to the most productive season of his five-year career. 

Portland has dramatically improved the supporting cast around the power forward, as the Blazers are set to contend for one of the top spots in the Western Conference.

And Aldridge is going to lead the charge.

Boom or Bust?: Boom. LaMarcus Aldridge is going to explode next season and lead his team to its most impressive season in the last decade. 

Russell Westbrook of Oklahoma City Thunder

Russell Westbrook's postseason was admittedly a disappointment, but he is far from a bust for the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Kevin Durant and Westbrook are one of the best tandems the league has ever seen, and while the 23-year-old point guard still has some kinks to work out, he blossomed into a superstar last season.

Westbrook has more critics than ever before as he makes his way toward opening day, but his doubters will serve as motivation for him to take his play and understanding of the game to the next level.

Boom or Bust?: Boom. Russell Westbrook is going to have an even more productive, and cohesive season, than last year.

Steve Nash of Phoenix Suns

Steve Nash has defied the logic of age, continuing to play at a superstar level even though he is 37.

Nash has been one of the few reasons to watch the Phoenix Suns, and while he will still provide some much needed leadership heading into this season, the toll of carrying a team on his own is going to take a toll.

The point guard will still be fairly productive, but the odds are against Nash continuing to rip apart defenses the way he has the last few years.

Boom or Bust?: Bust. This is the year that we see Steve Nash lose a step or two.

Paul Pierce of Boston Celtics

Paul Pierce may be 34, but his talents and importance to the Boston Celtics remain vastly underrated.

There isn't a player in the league more adept at hitting the big shot than Pierce, and he remains a lock to nail the jumper when he begins his offensive set facing the basket.

Are Pierce's best days behind him? Perhaps, but don't expect his production to drop off even slightly, as he is set to lead the Celtics toward at least one more season of championship contention.

Boom or Bust?: Neither. Paul Pierce will continue to be one of the most automatic players in the league.

Amar'e Stoudemire of New York Knicks

Amar'e Stoudemire nearly killed himself leading the New York Knicks back to relevancy last season, but relief eventually came in the form of Carmelo Anthony.

Stoudemire is one of the most athletic big men in the game, and while his back and knees are of slight concern, he now has another star alongside him to help relieve the burden of winning.

While Stoudemire's load has been lightened, his determination to dominate hasn't. He got off to an MVP type star last and will more than likely continue to render his critics wrong.

tBoom or Bust?: Boom. Amar'e Stoudemire will keep his health in check and his production sky-high.

Pau Gasol of Los Angeles Lakers

The 31-year-old Pau Gasol remains one of the most elite players in the game.

As the Los Angeles Lakers pursue another superstar, Gasol's name is often thrown around, almost like an afterthought. This is unfortunate, because while he is no longer a budding youth, his production is a long way from beginning to diminish.

Gasol is still fully-capable of averaging 20 points and 10 rebounds per game, and don't be surprised if he does just that next season. His window for rapid improvement may have closed, but the door for him to remain a superstar is wide-open.

Boom or Bust?: Neither. Pau Gasol will remain at the top of his game.

Carmelo Anthony of New York Knicks

Carmelo Anthony received a lot of flack for shape he was in last season, and rightfully so.

It seemed that Anthony had become complacent in his ways after eight-years in the league, but a fresh start in New York will prove to be just what he needed.

In the short time he played for the Knicks, Anthony showed more of an inclination to pass the ball in addition to dramatically improving his accuracy from beyond the arc. This season, he has shown up in the best shape of his life and finally seems committed to playing defense.

Soon enough, there will be no debate as to whether or not Anthony is a top-10 player.

Boom or Bust?: Boom. Expect Carmelo Anthony to have the best season of his career.

Deron Williams of New Jersey Nets

Deron Williams future with the New Jersey Nets may still be unclear, but the impact he is going to have on the basketball court is not.

Williams is an asset on both ends of the floor. He is one of the game's best passers and scorers, and there are only a handful of players who can pickpocket the way that he can.

The Nets are going to lean on Williams in hopes that he returns them to relevancy. It is a difficult task, but one that Williams is up to, as his 20.1 points and 10.3 points per game in his short time with the team last season was only the beginning.

Boom or Bust?: Boom. There is a reason the Nets took such a huge risk on Deron Williams, and his stock will only continue to rise.

Dirk Nowitzki of Dallas Mavericks

Dirk Nowitzki showed no signs of aging as he led the Dallas Mavericks to an NBA title last season, but with the team's structure set to drastically chance, so is the aforementioned notion.

Nowitzki is one of the best scorers in the game, but he is 33, and his level of play indicates he may already be operating under borrowed time. If the Mavericks lose any combination of Tyson Chandler, J.J. Barea and Caron Butler to free-agency, the burden on the forward's shoulders is only going to get heavier.

Is Nowitzki still fit to lead his team. Of course, but his years are going to catch up with him sooner, rather than later.

Boom or Bust?: Neither. Nowitzki should be able to enjoy another season of highly productive basketball, just don't expect him to do any more than he already has.

Chris Paul of New Orleans Hornets

Chris Paul trade rumors are heating up, and for a good reason as he is one of the best point guards in the league, if not the best.

Paul's history of knee problems is of slight concern, but the degree to which he carried the Hornets last season was nothing short of incredible. It seems his time as the lone star will be shortly though, and expect him to thrive with a new supporting cast.

Boom or Bust?: Boom. Chris Paul's best days are just around the corner.

Derrick Rose of Chicago Bulls

The only man standing between Chris Paul and the title of the league's best point guard is Derrick Rose.

Rose won an MVP award in only his third NBA season, a campaign in which he led the Chicago Bulls back into the realm of championship contention. He is explosive a player as they come and has freak like abilities on both ends of the floor.

The future of this Bulls' team is incredibly bright, and they have Rose to thank for that.

Boom or Bust?: Boom. Think we have seen the Best of Rose? We haven't seen anything yet.

Dwight Howard of Orlando Magic

There is no one who means more to his current team than Dwight Howard, as he is literally the glue holding everything together for the Orlando Magic.

Regardless of where Howard starts or ends the season, he won't miss a beat. Last year, he continued his defensive dominance and boasted an even more polished offensive game.

The good news for the team that winds up with the star center, but the bad news for the rest of the league is that he is only 25 and hasn't stopped developing his game.

Boom or Bust?: Boom. Dwight Howard reach a whole new level of domination this season.

Dwyane Wade of Miami Heat

Dwyane Wade is no one's sidekick, not even LeBron James'.

Wade had another terrific season last year and is only going to build upon his performance as he develops the chemistry between he and his teammates further.

Expect Wade to not only emerge as the clear leader for the Miami Heat, but also an MVP candidate next season.

Boom or Bust?: Boom. Dwyane Wade is render opposing teams more speechless than ever before this season.

Kevin Durant of Oklahoma City Thunder

Kevin Durant is perhaps the best scorer in the game, and that is not going to change anytime soon.

Durant has only been in the league for four seasons and has made an everlasting impact on the league. He is as consistent and reliable as they come, and will be a candidate for the MVP award for the foreseeable future.

While it may be hard to believe, the best has yet to come from the 23-year-old small forward.

Boom or Bust?: Boom. Kevin Durant is going to have his best year yet.

Kobe Bryant of Los Angeles Lakers

Kobe Bryant is no fountain of youth at 33, but he is far from off the top of his game.

Bryant averaged 25.3 points per game last season, yet was still generating criticism. When you are that talented, it comes with the territory, but let it be known that while he is aging, he continues to adjust his game so that he doesn't miss a step.

Are Bryant's best days behind him? Perhaps, but he isn't on the decline just yet.

Boom or Bust?: Neither. Kobe Bryant will put up similar numbers from last season.

LeBron James of Miami Heat

Love him or hate him, LeBron James is the most talented player in the league.

James is a stud on both ends of the floor, and possesses abilities that even current NBA players could only dream of. His attitude could use some adjusting, but that's besides the point.

Moving forward, James has to ensure that he becomes more of a force in the postseason. Given how athletically gifted he is, it is hard to believe that he will do anything but just that.

Another MVP type season is in store for James.

Boom or Bust?: Boom. LeBron James is the best all-around player in the league, and he is only getting better.

You can follow Dan Favale on Twitter here @Dan_Favale.