Non-rookies possibly worth watching next season
Aug 2nd, 2007 by the.pistons.fan
Every season there are a handful of players who go from zero to hero. I’ve compiled a list of mostly lesser known players players who I think have the best chance of making a big splash next season.
Rajon Rondo (PG) - Rondo seems to be almost guaranteed to have a big season after the exciting turn of events for the Celtics this summer. Although his jumpshot is weak, he will have plenty of finishers to capitalize on his court vision and speed. Did I mention his freakish rebounding skills for a little man? The Big Three will make him a better player.
Randy Foye (G) - Randy Foye would’ve seriously competed for the ROY award last year if he played starter’s minutes. Dwayne Casey didn’t want to throw him into the fire and he didn’t get as much experience as he should have. Next season I expect him to showcase his innate scoring ability and surprising strength. He should see a much bigger role and might be Minnesota’s best player.
Ronnie Brewer (SG) - Ronnie had a very efficient rookie season and I expect more success to come with more opportunity next season. His defense is great and his athleticism allows him to score with ease around the basket. If he can earn Sloan’s respect then I’m certain he will be a breakout player next year.
Dorell Wright (GF) - Dorell will be entering his 3rd year and I expect big things from him. He is a freak athlete and plays way above the rim. As a starter he averaged 7 rebounds in only 28 minutes last season. He’s one of those (much lesser) Shawn Marion type guys that doesn’t demand the ball to be productive on offense. He is also a good passer and shot-blocker. If Pat Riley gives him a chance next season I know he’ll blow up.
Amir Johnson (F) - Call me a homer but I think Amir is the league’s best kept secret. He is extremely long and fast, and uses this natural abillity to do most of his damage on hustle plays around the basket. At 7′0 tall he is skinny for his frame and can sometimes be out-muscled by bigger forwards. He has some range on his shot and is a fantastic fastbreak finisher. I predict he’s a sixth man of the year canidate if he gets at least 20 minutes.
Louis Admundson (FC) - This guy is an Anderson Varejao that plays good defense and blocks shots like a mad man. Not much of an offensive threat but he makes up for it with his rebounding and hustle. The Sixers are in need of rebounding and defense and they would do well to sign him to a 2 or 3 year deal. Give him the chance and he will produce.
Great article, man. Amir Johnson isn’t homerism, he clearly has game.
I wish I could add Andrew Bynum for the sake of my Lakers, but I just don’t see it happening.
The only person on your list cracking 20ppg is Foye. In fact he is the best player on this list. You have to many guys here who will be coming off the bench and not getting starters minutes. A better list would be
PG Randy Foye/Kyle Lowry
SG Brandon Roy/Rudy Gay
SF Danny Granger/Marvin Williams
PF LaMarcus Aldridge/Al Jefferson
C Andrew Bogut/Robert Swift
These guys will be getting starters minutes and they are not household names yet. Young guys looking to make names for themselves because of contract years or possible extensions. All of these guys minus the C’s can average 20ppg for their respective teams this upcoming season.
take Lowry off that 20ppg list too. He will take the starters minutes until Conley learns the NBA game.
I know his name sounds like communion in german but he’s a baller Von Wafer!
Dorell Wright is actually entering his fourth year, not his third.
I would add Marcus Williams to this list. He already has some of the best court vision in the NBA and is one of the only true point guards in the league. Jason Kidd was healthy all of last season, but theres always a chance his knee will act up and Marcus will get a chance to play more minutes.
yeah… I saw Amir Johnson play against the celtics last year on the last day of teh season. The Pistons were resting their starters and he lit up the Celtics. He’s for real. Its surprising to me that nobody offered him the MLE. He has the potential to be a star.
Rajon is sick too. When the Celtics were playing Telfair and Dwest at the point last year I was saying daily that they should play RRondo instead. He’s unreal! Dude is 6′1 with a 7′1 wingspan! I am 6′5 with a 6′5 wingspan just to put that it into perspective. If he develops a jumper he will be the best point guard in the league not named Jason Kidd….!
All of those guys are great picks to bust out. The triumverate of KG, Pierce and Allen is the best thing that could happen to any point guard.
Not a bad list—–I’ve gotta add Anthony Parker on the Raps - will score 20ppg + be a candidate for defensive player of the year - a cheaper, smarter Ron Artest.
i think johan petro would be more productive than robert swift if he get more playing time, same for ronny turiaff for the lakers
What about Daniel “Boobie” Gibson?