One Bold Prediction for Each of the NBA's Top 50 Players

As NBA trade rumors dominate the headlines, the potential production of the league's top performers has been lost in the shuffle.

Arguably, there has never been more uncertainty surrounding the league than there is now. Not only are we unsure about which athletes will be donning new uniforms, but after an extended offseason, it becomes difficult to make accurate predictions on how the most-heralded athletes will perform.

That being said, despite such an obnoxiously prolonged offseason, we can still count on the NBA's players to put on a show; any faith that may have been shaken or lost in the league as a result of the lockout will indeed be restored this season.

After all the NBA has always been, and will remain, the place where amazing happens.

Al Jefferson of Utah Jazz

With Deron Williams out of the picture, Al Jefferson is now the man for the Utah Jazz.

Jefferson has always been a defensive pillar and offensive weapon for Utah, but will be featured more, especially on offense, now that he is the team's star player.

The Jazz definitely want to see youngsters get involved, but make no mistake that the offense will run through him most of the time.

Prediction: Jefferson averages at least his age, putting up 26 or more points per game. 

Carlos Boozer of Chicago Bulls

Carlos Boozer's first season with the Chicago Bull's was slightly disappointing, as he proved to be not only a major health risk, but a huge liability on the defensive end as well.

While the latter is unlikely to change, Boozer has a lot to prove this season, and is going to have to make sure he is on the court to do so. He is going to have to play smarter and work harder to ensure he remains healthy within this heavily-condensed schedule the league has.

As result, he will accomplish something that he never has in his nine years with the NBA.

Prediction: Boozer will appear in every regular season game for the Bulls.

Tyreke Evans of Sacramento Kings

Tyreke Evans' status is shrouded in uncertainty thanks to a nasty case of plantar fasciitis.

While there are many who feel that he may never be able to fully recover, the 22-year-old has exhibited an impressive work ethic, and all signs point to him working through his health issues and emerging as the Sacramento Kings' unquestioned leader.

Expect Evans' production  to dramatically increase, especially now that he has a sufficient number of offensive threats to pass the rock off to.

Predictions: Evans will average 20 points and 10 assists per game this season.

David West

Regardless of where David West suits up next season, he is going to continue to put up major numbers.

The 6'9" power forward was the Hornets' strongest player outside of Chris Paul, and he is going to continue his string of consistently productive seasons wherever he may land.

West is 31, but he is not done improving his game. This season, look for him to be a more aggressive rebounder as he fights his way toward an accomplishment that has eluded him for the past eight years.

Prediction: West grabs 10 or more rebounds per game this season on his way to averaging a double-double.

Gerald Wallace of Portland Trail Blazers

Gerald Wallace has always been one of the more overlooked players in the league, and this is not about to change this season.

Alongside the likes of LaMarcus Aldridge, Wesley Matthews and Raymond Felton, opposing defenses will continue to neglect him.

Such oversight will prove to be the downfall of many teams, as Wallace is going to make defenses pay for giving him an abundance of open looks.

Prediction: For the first time in his career, Wallace will average 20 or more points per game.

Luol Deng of Chicago Bulls

Luol Deng's value to the Chicago Bulls is understated.

Deng has remained one of the most reliable players on the team for almost his entire career, and this is not about to change. 

While Carlos Boozer may play in every game this season, look for Deng to assume a bigger responsibility on the glass. He has always been one of the league's best rebounding small forwards, and this year, he is going to grab more boards than anyone could have expected.

Prediction: Deng will average 10 or more rebounds per game this season. 

Kevin Martin of Houston Rockets

Kevin Martin remains a member of the Houston Rockets for now, but even if he winds up playing for a different team next season, the shooting guard is going to put up incredible numbers.

Despite averaging 18.5 points for his career, Martin rarely receives due credit, having been snubbed numerous times for the NBA All-Star Game.

Martin now seems to have been jilted by his own team, and while this notion may not change moving forward, the former one will.

Prediction: Kevin Martin will be selected to his first NBA All-Star Game.

Tyson Chandler of New York Knicks

Tyson Chandler is now a member of the New York Knicks, and is poised to dramatically improve the team's defensive state of mind.

Chandler is a ferocious rebounder and shot-blocker, but has never had as prominent a defensive role as he will with New York. The Knicks brought him in for solely defense, and while he will look to improve his offense, his main focus, more than ever, will be on the other end.

Defense is why the Knicks threw so much money at him, and he will want to prove he is worth every last penny.

Prediction: Chandler blocks three or more shots per game.

John Wall of Washington Wizards

John Wall's athleticism knows no bounds, and at only 21, he won't be slowing down any time soon.

Wall emerged as the unquestioned leader of the Washington Wizards in only his first season in league. His agile feet earned him easy buckets, and his quick instincts allowed him to dell out plenty of assists.

What's next for the elusive point guard? Putting those fast hands of his to even more work. He will continue to score and dish out assists, but his pickpocketing prowess is going to reach a whole other level.

Prediction: John Wall swipes three or more steals per game next season.

Lamar Odom of Dallas Mavericks

Lamar Odom's tenure with the Lakers is officially over, but his career is far from it.

The versatile forward is going to be a great fit in Dallas, and will help soften the blow of Tyson Chandler's departure. With the Mavericks, Odom is going to be given more opportunities to score and will play an even more integral role than he did in Los Angeles.

Look for him to thrive on his new team.

Prediction: Lamar Odom will average 20 or more points per game for the first time in his career.

Eric Gordon of Los Angeles Clippers

Eric Gordon, wherever he may wind up playing this season, is going to continue to his ascent into the NBA's class of elite.

Gordon averaged 22.3 points and 4.4 assists per game last season, but that barely begins to scratch the surface of his potential. He is a future superstar, and even if he continues to be the second option behind Blake Griffin, his production totals will only increase.

Prediction: Eric Gordon gets selected to the 2012 Western Conference NBA All-Star Team.

Joe Johnson of Atlanta Hawks

Joe Johnson did not have quite the year the Atlanta Hawks had hoped for after they signed him to a highly lucrative contract, but his production stands to drastically increase next season.

The Hawks could potentially take the court next season without both Jamal Crawford and Josh Smith. Crawford seems like a lock to leave, but either way, there will be more opportunities for the taking on the offensive end of the ball.

Johnson is going to get more opportunities to score, and will also look to be more of a spot-up shooter instead of having to create his own offense, which will result in more shots.

Prediction: Joe Johnson will drop 25 or more points per game next season. 

Ray Allen of Boston Celtics

Ray Allen has adjusted to the rigors of age exceptionally well, and don't expect that to change this season.

Allen knocked down over 44 percent of his three-point attempts last season, a mind-boggling number to say the least. That being said, he will prove to shock the basketball world even further next season as he hits an even larger percentage of his treys.

Prediction: Ray Allen shoots 50 percent from beyond the arc.

Joakim Noah of Chicago Bulls

With the Chicago Bulls determined to add another scorer on the perimeter to play alongside Derrick Rose, Joakim Noah's focus, more than ever, will be on rebounding and defense.

Noah has never been much of a scorer, although he is more than capable in the low-post. He has always been most valued for his defensive abilities. Chicago will add another scorer, perhaps Richard Hamilton, and the center will be able to concentrate even more on doing what he already does best.

Prediction: Noah will grab 15 rebounds per contest this season.

Monta Ellis of Golden State Warriors

Monta Ellis has long been considered a one-trick pony in regards to scoring, and while he made strides toward resurrecting this stereotype last year, he is going to improve that facet of his game even more this season.

Last season, Ellis dished out 5.6 assists per game, but this total will pale in comparison to what he could have in store for this season. No matter which team he may be playing for, passing is going to become a strong suit of the combo guard's.

Prediction: Ellis averages 25 points and nine assists per game this season.

Andrew Bogut of Milwaukee Bucks

Andrew Bogut is a defensive mastermind and has steadily improved each year on that end of the ball.

Moving forward, Bogut will not only continue his rebounding prowess, but will block more shots per game than anyone could have imagined. His average of 2.6 per game last season will merely be a taste of what's to come.

Prediction: Bogut will block close to four shots per game this season.

Danny Granger of Indiana Pacers

The Indiana Pacers are finally beginning to assemble an efficient support cast around Danny Granger, and the small forward is going to reap the benefits of such moves immediately.

David West is the Pacers' biggest haul, and not only will he open the floor more, thus creating more opportunities for Granger, but he also gives him a reliable scorer to dish off to in double coverage. Expect both Granger's points and assists totals to rise substantially thanks to his arrival.

Prediction: Granger will be named to the All-NBA Third Team.

Josh Smith of Atlanta Hawks

Josh Smith will continue to put up impressive numbers this season, and while the Hawks may look to rid themselves of his services, other teams will line up to obtain him.

Where will he go? Information on that front has cooled since the Chris Paul and Dwight Howard sagas began to run rampant.

Don't mistake the cooling of talks as a sign Atlanta wants to move forward with Smith, though. He will have a new home by the trade deadline.

Prediction: Smith will finish the season in a Nets uniform.

Andrew Bynum of Los Angeles Lakers

Andrew Bynum has been incredibly inconsistent over his six years in the NBA, and some may expect him to crumble under the added weight of trade rumors. However, he will do just the contrary.

Bynum has always had an trace of dominance about him, but this season, he is finally going to begin to reach his full potential. He will rarely be a non-factor, and will become a more integral part of the Lakers offensive game plan.

This season will be the most productive of Bynum's career, and he will be rewarded handsomely.

Prediction: Bynum is named the starting center for the 2012 Western Conference NBA All-Star team.

Al Horford of Atlanta Hawks

Al Horford has really come a long way with the Atlanta Hawks, and has been rewarded with two consecutive All-Star appearances.

This season, he is going to take his game to a whole new level and cross the threshold into stardom. And what will become a the consequence of that?

Obtaining an honor he has not yet had the privilege of experiencing.

Prediction: Horford is named to the All-NBA Second Team.

Nene Hilario

Nene Hilario has been a highly sought after free agent, and for a good reason.

Nene can be effective on both ends of the floor and is surprisingly athletic for a center. He has a great touch around the basket and can bang in the paint with the best of the league's bigs.

Whether Nene re-signs with the Nuggets, heads to the Rockets or opts to ink a deal with the Nets, he is going to continue to play some of the best ball of his career. Don't be surprised if after his lucrative payday, he goes out and has the best season of his career.

Prediction: Nene will get selected to his first NBA All-Star Game.

Stephen Curry of Golden State Warriors

Stephen Curry is poised for a breakout year, as this will be the season that he emerges as a bona-fide superstar.

Curry and his lights-out shooting tendencies are going to take hold of the leadership reigns for the Warriors. The offense is going to run through him, and he will be tasked with carrying the team when they need it.

Such responsibility will only serve as motivation for Curry to succeed, and succeed he will.

Prediction: Stephen Curry is named as the starting point guard for the 2012 Western Conference All-Star team.

Zach Randolph of Memphis Grizzlies

The NBA is staring down the barrel of an extremely condensed season, which will have an averse effect on some of the players. Zach Randolph is not one of them.

Randolph is an offensive powerhouse, but his conditioning and athleticism has always been considered suspect. This season, though, the forward will have to power through if he wishes to keep pace with his current production totals.

What will this entail exactly? Weight loss. The added rigors will force Randolph to work harder than he ever has before while putting him in the best shape of his career.

Prediction: Zach Randolph will be 20 or more pounds lighter by season's end.

Andre Iguodala of Philadelphia 76ers

Last season, Andre Iguodala truly began transitioning into a point-forward role, and it is likely he continues along this path regardless of what team he is playing for.

Not only will Iguodala be dishing out more assists than he ever has before, but he will be tasked with guarding the most elusive of athletes, even if they play the point-guard position. He really showed his worth in terms of perimeter defense last season and is going to continue excelling in such situations.

Prediction: Andre Iguodala is named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team.

Rudy Gay of Memphis Grizzlies

After being sidelined for much of last season and watching his team make an impressive postseason run, Rudy Gay is tasked with proving his worth to this Memphis Grizzlies squad.

Don't expect him to play his way out of Memphis, though, as his added presence will likely push the Grizzlies into the realm of title contention. And not only that, but he will be the one leading charge, emerging as the team's most productive player.

Gay may be coming off an injury-plagued season, but he is going to pick up right where he left off.

Prediction: Rudy Gay makes his first All-Star Game appearance.

Chris Bosh of Miami Heat

After a year in which he struggled to find his identity outside of the Big Three, Chris Bosh is set to explode. 

Within a system that contains both LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, Bosh often gets pushed to the back-burner. He has some trouble adjusting to becoming the third option on offense, but that will prove to be ancient history as he takes advantage of the lighter coverage that will surround him.

Look for Bosh to become more aggressive in exploiting the opposition.

Prediction: Bosh gets named to the All-NBA Second Team after one of the best seasons of his career.

Tony Parker of San Antonio Spurs

Tony Parker improved his defense last season by great leaps and bounds, something he will look to continue to do this year.

Parker has never been considered an elite defender, but on that end of the ball, he has improved with age. He leaves his feet far less and forcers turnovers much more.

By the end of the season, "elite" and "defender" will be two words that Parker hears used to describe himself in the same breath.

Prediction: Tony Parker gets named to the All-Defensive Second Team.

Marc Gasol of Memphis Grizzlies

Marc Gasol's efforts last season have earned him a fat four-year contract from the Memphis Grizzlies, and he will prove to be worth every last cent the team gave him.

Gasol stepped up his game substantially last year, becoming more aggressive on the defensive end and more efficient on the offensive end.

However, his improved performance last season will not hold a candle to what he does this season. By the year's end, Gasol will officially be a superstar.

Prediction: Gasol wins Most Improved Player Award.

Kevin Garnett of Boston Celtics

Kevin Garnett may be on the wrong side of his career, but he will still prove to make a major impact in the low post for the Boston Celtics.

Garnett's offensive abilities are nowhere near as dominant as they once were, but he remains increasingly active on the other end of the ball. At 35, he continues to block shots and crash the boards hard on a daily basis, and even manages to grab a fair amount of steals, which is impressive given his size.

Garnett's offensive production may continue to slip, but his defensive numbers aren't going anywhere.

Prediction: Garnett finishes in the top 10 of the league in blocks, rebounds and steals per game.

Manu Ginobili of San Antonio Spurs

At 34, Manu Ginobili remains a driving force on the offensive end of the ball, as he has defied the rigors of age and continued to put up incredible numbers.

With Tim Duncan aging rapidly and Tony Parker showing stronger inclinations to pass first, Ginobili will be the San Antonio Spurs' unquestioned first option on offense. He will have the ball in his hands more, thus creating more opportunities for him to score.

His increased role on that end of the ball will result in him having the best season, in terms of scoring, of his career.

Prediction: Ginobili will average 25 points per game this season.

Tim Duncan of San Antonio Spurs

Many believe that Tim Duncan has little or no gas left in the tank, a theory that is anything but far-fetched given that he is 35 and entering his 15th season in the league.

While Duncan's age has slowed him down a bit as of late, he is going to find his second wind this season on his way to establishing himself as a defensive stalwart once more.

Prediction: Duncan gets named to the 2011-2012 NBA All-Defensive First Team.

Rajon Rondo of Boston Celtics

Rajon Rondo's situation in Boston has become more complicated than most could have ever dreamed. The wily point guard helped lead the Celtics to one NBA title, while bringing them within minutes of another.

With an aging core, though, it seems that Boston has some serious doubts as to whether Rondo can be the sole leader of the team. Chris Paul may not become a member of the Celtics at Rondo's expense, but someone else might.

Prediction: Rondo finishes the season with a team other than the Celtics.

Blake Griffin of Los Angeles Clippers

It's scary to think that Blake Griffin averaged 22.5 points and 12.1 rebounds per game in only his "rookie" season. It's even scarier when you realize he has far from reached his pinnacle of production.

The Clippers are looking to revamp their image in Los Angeles and are going to lean on Griffin not only to draw other players onto the team, but to carry the offensive burden even more.

Griffin's production totals are going to drastically increase from the impressive line they are already at.

Prediction: Griffin averages 30 points per game this season. 

Kevin Love of Minnesota Timberwolves

Kevin Love proved to be a rebounding phenomenon last season, grabbing over 15 boards per game.

The Timberwolves boast a plethora of forwards right now, but Love is still going to be the guy who grabs the majority of the rebounds. There are few players in the league who are as aggressive when crashing the boards as he is.

At only 23, Love seems poised to give any rebounding records that have been set before him a run for their money.

Prediction: Love grabs 20 rebounds per game this season.

LaMarcus Aldridge of Portland Trail Blazers

LaMarcus Aldridge had quite the season last year, putting up MVP-caliber numbers and leading the Blazers back into the realm of competency.

Despite his accolades, Aldridge remains one of the more overlooked superstars in the NBA. That is all set to change this season as he leads Portland toward title contention.

Prediction: Aldridge not only gets named to his first All-Star team, but gets chosen as a starter.

Russell Westbrook of Oklahoma City Thunder

Russell Westbrook had a terrific third season in the NBA.

Throughout the Thunder's postseason run, there was some evident cohesion issues between Westbrook and fellow superstar Kevin Durant. That being said, it is highly unlike these two don't figure it out, as they have already proven they can play on the same team.

While Westbrook is no Durant, he is one of the best scorers in the game. He finished amongst the top 15 in the NBA last season, averaging a cool 21.9 points per contest. 

His production will only increase from here.

Prediction: Westbrook finishes in the top five in points per game.

Steve Nash of Phoenix Suns

No matter who you put around Steve Nash, he will find a way to make them better.

The 37-year-old averaged a whopping 11.4 assists last season, something his age shouldn't dictate. While age is bound to catch up with Nash at some point, he seems to be at the height of his playmaking abilities.

He has the potential to set a career high in assists per game this season.

Prediction: Nash dishes our 14 or more assists per night this season.

Paul Pierce of Boston Celtics

As the Celtics core continues to age, they are bound to incur a lot of close games this season.

The fact of the matter is that Boston, while still a talented team, doesn't seem as if they will dominate opponents the way they have in the past. Luckily for the Celtics, though, Paul Pierce thrives under pressure, and will come through time and time again in the final seconds.

Look for many of Boston's games to go down to the wire this year, and look for Pierce to take matters into his own hands when they do.

Prediction: Pierce hits 10 game-winners over the course of the 66-game regular season.

Amar'e Stoudemire of New York Knicks

With Mike Woodson and Tyson Chandler now on board, the defensive culture within the Knicks locker room is about to change.

Amar'e Stoudemire proved, albeit recklessly, that he could be a formidable shot blocker last season, but Chandler's presence in the low post, combined with Woodson's passion for defense, is going to motivate the power forward to perform at a higher level on that end of the floor.

A much higher level.

Prediction: Stoudemire gets named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team.

Pau Gasol of Los Angeles Lakers

If the Lakers wind up standing pat as they kick off the season, Kobe Bryant is going to need a mountain of help on the offensive end.

Andrew Bynum may provide some relief, but Pau Gasol will be the key here. He has always been considered a soft player, but he has found ways to score. 

With an increased number of opportunities on the offensive end, Bryant may not be the only one amongst the league leaders in scoring.

Prediction: Gasol puts up 25 points per game.

Carmelo Anthony of New York Knicks

Carmelo Anthony has never been much of a passer, but with the Knicks thin at the point guard position, he is going to assume more of a point forward role this season.

While Anthony is inclined to look for his shot first, he has the potential to be a great facilitator. He has the drive and pure talent to succeed at anything, and it is unlikely he lets his teammates down.

Anthony will dish out more assists this season than he ever has before, shedding the label of "one-dimensional."

Prediction: Anthony will average 7.5 or more assists per game for the season.

Deron Williams of New Jersey Nets

Deron Williams' acquisition was a risky move for the Nets, but one they had to make.

Williams makes the team instant competitors and will help make everyone around him better. With him at the helm, the Nets stand to improve a great deal, and his efforts will not go unnoticed, as he will be amongst the league's MVP candidates.

Prediction: Williams leads the Nets to the postseason on his way to finishing in the top three of the MVP voting.

Dirk Nowitzki of the Dallas Mavericks

Dirk Nowitzki doesn't get older, he just gets more refined.

The 33-year-old Nowitzki led Dallas to an NBA title last season and will help keep them in the championship hunt once again this season. 

While the Mavericks have already lost some key players, they have gained Lamar Odom. This will prove to be a good pick-up, but Nowitzki is going to explode as his team leans on him more than ever.

Expect the forward to score his way to some MVP chatter.

Prediction: Nowitzki, like Blake Griffin, will average 30 points per game.

Chris Paul of New Orleans Hornets

Chris Paul has dominated headlines before even stepping foot on the basketball court, and it is unlikely that this changes anytime in the near future.

While rumors regarding Paul's future have run wild, talks have fallen apart far too often to believe that there will be a resolution any time soon. In fact, the NBA-owned Hornets may opt to hold onto him to prove a point.

What that point may be remains unseen, but the league may just be stubborn enough to try and make it.

Prediction: Paul finishes the season in New Orleans. 

Derrick Rose of Chicago Bulls

The reigning MVP, Derrick Rose has barely scratched the surface of his potential, leaving us to expect much more spectacular accolades from the elusive point guard.

While Rose will likely improve in every area of the game, expect the largest improvement to come on the defensive end. He is already a solid perimeter defender, but after this season, he will be in company with LeBron James and Dwyane Wade as a superior one.

Prediction: Derrick Rose gets name to the NBA All-Defensive First Team.

Dwight Howard of Orlando Magic

The Orlando Magic would love to retain Dwight Howard, and he would probably love to stay, but the team just doesn't have the ability to assemble a top-tier supporting cast around him.

Howard has been carrying the Magic for the better part of a decade, and if he is to have any chance at winning an NBA title in the near future, he may find his best option lies outside of Florida.

Prediction: Howard finishes the season with the New Jersey Nets.

Dwyane Wade of Miami Heat

Despite playing alongside LeBron James, Dwyane Wade remains the Heat's most important player.

Wade knows what it takes to win a championship and hasn't struggled under the pressures of the postseason. He is a proven winner and will lead the Heat to contend for an NBA title this season.

James may be the best player in the league, but Wade will prove to be the most valuable this season.

Prediction: Wade will win the MVP Award this season.

Kevin Durant of Oklahoma City Thunder

Dwyane Wade may win the league MVP, but Kevin Durant is going to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder not just toward contention, but an actual title.

The Thunder are a deep team, and Durant is their most valuable player. Whomever they face in the NBA Finals is in for a real battle, but will likely fall short to this up-and-coming young team.

While Durant may not win the league MVP award, he will be among the top candidates. That being said, he still stands to win a different kind of MVP hardware.

Prediction: Durant will win the 2012 NBA Finals MVP Award.

Kobe Bryant of Los Angeles Lakers

At 33, there are those who feel that Kobe Bryant may star to fall off his game substantially over the next season or two.

There is no doubt that Bryant is aging, but he has adjusted his game thus far to fit what his body can handle. And he has remained amazing.

Don't expect any major drop-off in production from one of the best players to ever play the game. He is still a lock for the All-Star Game, and it is there that he will prove he is still the best of the best.

Prediction: Bryant wins 2012 NBA All-Star MVP.

LeBron James of Miami Heat

In all likelihood, we will see a more mature, more media-friendly LeBron James, and his improved demeanor off the court will translate into the best season he has ever had on the court.

James did struggle throughout last year's postseason, but he is still the best player in the game. He puts up production totals that boggle the mind and ensnare the senses. His athleticism and abilities know no bounds.

There isn't a facet of the game James doesn't excel in; you name it, he can dominate. That's why he has the potential to put up astounding numbers this season.

Prediction: LeBron James averages a triple-double for the 2011-2012 NBA season.