Evenard M. Panes
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Sports InsiderFive Players to Watch in the New NBA Season.
November 8th 2007 10:01
With the second week of the new season underway, now would
seem an appropriate time to forecast who is going to have a breakout year. The beginning of the new NBA campaign sees the same familiar names pop out, but there are a handful of players that seem to come out of nowhere and have career years, or enter into wider public consciousness.
For instance, last season saw the emergence of Luol Deng, and Al Jefferson, develop to potential All-Star calibre players. Even Gilbert Arenas could have been deemed to have a breakout year due to the higher public consciousness that was afforded to Hibachi.
Any readers familiar with this site would know that we here at NBALOUD like to do things in groups of fives. So, without further ado, we present the five players that fans should look out for, and give out much more love to than they are receiving, thus far.
Josh Smith – Atlanta Hawks
Yes, we are all familiar with both the mad athleticism and hops that this young fella possesses. However, do you also know that Smith has become a more mature player? No? Well, let us inform you dear, reader, as to why.
Joe Johnson might be the number one option in Hot-lanta, but as the alpha Hawk succumbed to injury last season, Joshua took the reigns of the team and more than lived up to expectations.
As the go-to-guy, Smith began to play more intelligent basketball by not settling for long-range jumpers and instead attacked the basket with vigour. Using his obvious physical talents, Josh was able to capitalise on his advantage, and as a consequence became a more dangerous player. His passing game has also come around nicely as well.
Now, that, Johnson is back, Smith has to refine his game once again but if he continues to develop in the way that he did last season, watch out. An All-Star game berth isn’t too far of a stretch.
Andre Iguodala – Philadelphia 76ers
As Allen Iverson bid adieu to Philly, many people were wondering where on earth is the next Sixers top gun? Look no further than, Andre Iguodala.
For so long, ‘Dre flew under the radar in Philly, but once AI left for the Rockies, Ig, took the team leadership by the scruff of the neck and bestowed himself the label of ‘Caesar’ for the Sixers.
Obviously, playing for a horrendous team helps with Andre’s numbers. However, what is often forgotten is that he is a great defender, explosive offensive threat, and a decent passer to boot. Some consistency is needed for Iguodala to make further strides, but watch out for him to make some All-Star noise in the years to come.
Gerald Wallace – Charlotte Bobcats
What on earth does Gerald Wallace have to do to get some attention? Yes, he plays for a small market team. Yes, he balls for a team that has had a dire history. But, what the hell? Wallace should be an All-Star!
G-Money is a righteous scorer that is a deadly one-on-one player with a mad jumper! What’s more, before, Jason Richardson came to town, Wallace was the only option amongst a group of collegiate All-Stars!
Once again vote for this guy to go to New Orleans this year!
LaMarcus Aldridge – Portland Trail Blazers
Well, LaMarcus Aldridge has arguably got his fair share of attention already on the account
that he does his work for the Blazers. With, Brandon Roy and Greg Oden on the squad though, LaMarcus would be hard pressed to get some ink. But as the theme of this post would suggest: why shouldn’t Aldridge get his due?
The Portland big man is a straight up playah! Yes, he is a good player, but what we’re saying here is that, LaMarcus is a playah! With silky offensive skills and a hardnosed approach on the defensive end, Aldridge and Oden would figure to become the potential new twin towers for a decade or so to come.
Ronny Turiaf – Los Angeles Lakers
Perhaps the most impressive revelation for the Lake Show has been the play of Ronny Turiaf. NBALOUD was mightily impressed with the energy and enthusiasm from the man and has become a big fan.
A sparkplug that can score, play defence, and has a nose for the boards, Ronny has become an invaluable component for the Los Angeles team.
Yes, it may still be, Kobe Bryant’s team, but the Lakers aren’t nearly as bad as people portray them to be. The real question really should be: Is Kobe as good as everyone says?
Today's video shows off Josh Smith in all his glory.
Josh Smith can soar like a hawk! (Photo by Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images)
For instance, last season saw the emergence of Luol Deng, and Al Jefferson, develop to potential All-Star calibre players. Even Gilbert Arenas could have been deemed to have a breakout year due to the higher public consciousness that was afforded to Hibachi.
Any readers familiar with this site would know that we here at NBALOUD like to do things in groups of fives. So, without further ado, we present the five players that fans should look out for, and give out much more love to than they are receiving, thus far.
Josh Smith – Atlanta Hawks
Yes, we are all familiar with both the mad athleticism and hops that this young fella possesses. However, do you also know that Smith has become a more mature player? No? Well, let us inform you dear, reader, as to why.
Joe Johnson might be the number one option in Hot-lanta, but as the alpha Hawk succumbed to injury last season, Joshua took the reigns of the team and more than lived up to expectations.
As the go-to-guy, Smith began to play more intelligent basketball by not settling for long-range jumpers and instead attacked the basket with vigour. Using his obvious physical talents, Josh was able to capitalise on his advantage, and as a consequence became a more dangerous player. His passing game has also come around nicely as well.
Now, that, Johnson is back, Smith has to refine his game once again but if he continues to develop in the way that he did last season, watch out. An All-Star game berth isn’t too far of a stretch.
Andre Iguodala – Philadelphia 76ers
As Allen Iverson bid adieu to Philly, many people were wondering where on earth is the next Sixers top gun? Look no further than, Andre Iguodala.
For so long, ‘Dre flew under the radar in Philly, but once AI left for the Rockies, Ig, took the team leadership by the scruff of the neck and bestowed himself the label of ‘Caesar’ for the Sixers.
Obviously, playing for a horrendous team helps with Andre’s numbers. However, what is often forgotten is that he is a great defender, explosive offensive threat, and a decent passer to boot. Some consistency is needed for Iguodala to make further strides, but watch out for him to make some All-Star noise in the years to come.
Gerald Wallace – Charlotte Bobcats
What on earth does Gerald Wallace have to do to get some attention? Yes, he plays for a small market team. Yes, he balls for a team that has had a dire history. But, what the hell? Wallace should be an All-Star!
G-Money is a righteous scorer that is a deadly one-on-one player with a mad jumper! What’s more, before, Jason Richardson came to town, Wallace was the only option amongst a group of collegiate All-Stars!
Once again vote for this guy to go to New Orleans this year!
LaMarcus Aldridge – Portland Trail Blazers
Well, LaMarcus Aldridge has arguably got his fair share of attention already on the account
Ronny Turiaf is a bundle of energy for the Lakers. (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)
The Portland big man is a straight up playah! Yes, he is a good player, but what we’re saying here is that, LaMarcus is a playah! With silky offensive skills and a hardnosed approach on the defensive end, Aldridge and Oden would figure to become the potential new twin towers for a decade or so to come.
Ronny Turiaf – Los Angeles Lakers
Perhaps the most impressive revelation for the Lake Show has been the play of Ronny Turiaf. NBALOUD was mightily impressed with the energy and enthusiasm from the man and has become a big fan.
A sparkplug that can score, play defence, and has a nose for the boards, Ronny has become an invaluable component for the Los Angeles team.
Yes, it may still be, Kobe Bryant’s team, but the Lakers aren’t nearly as bad as people portray them to be. The real question really should be: Is Kobe as good as everyone says?
Today's video shows off Josh Smith in all his glory.
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