21. Amare Stoudemire, Phoenix Suns, 24, 6-10, 250: 26.0 pts., 8.9 reb., 1.63
blk.
Those statistics are from two years ago because microfracture knee surgery on
one knee, then arthroscopic surgery on the other, limited him to four games last
season. If he comes all the way back, he's easily a top-10, or even a top-five,
player. But the Suns are taking it slow and so is he. It may not be until next
season that we'll know how close he'll be to his old self.
22. Dwight Howard, Orlando Magic, 20, 6-11, 265: 15.8 pts, 12.5 reb., 1.40
blk.
If this guy continues at the pace he grew a year ago, he'll be a top-10
player next year. His skills and aggressiveness are unparalleled with his size
and agility at both ends of the floor. Now, he just has to get strong and learn
the game a little better. He has superstar written all over him.
23. Joe Johnson, Atlanta Hawks, 25, 6-7, 230: 20.2 pts., 4.1 reb., 6.5 ast.
Johnson has the comparable overall game of the upper-echelon guys in this
league. But playing on the Hawks, a team that doesn't win prevents him from
being ranked comparable to his skill. Should they continue to grow, then his
star will be recognized right along with it.
24. Jason Kidd, New Jersey Nets, 33, 6-4, 210: 13.3 pts., 8.4 ast., 1.88 stl.
It would be wrong to assume Kidd is still the same player he was even five
years ago, but he's responded from microfracture surgery as well as anybody and
still is the guy who makes this team go. Of course, people keep buzzing about
Nash, but Kidd has been doing the same thing for more than a decade and more
consistently.
25. Ben Wallace, Chicago Bulls, 32, 6-9, 240: 7.3 pts., 11.3 reb., 2.21 blk.
The biggest off-season move was Wallace bolting the Pistons for the Bulls.
The Pistons wouldn't come close to the Bulls' offer and the buzz of diminished
skills has continued. But his spirit and defensive intensity is what the Bulls
needed and wanted. Overpaying him for four years is worth it if he lifts the
team's level of play.
26. Ron Artest, Sacramento Kings, 26, 6-7, 245: 17.6 pts., 5.1 reb., 2.18
stl.
There is no player in the league who draws more contrasting opinions. He is a
great defender with superior offensive skills. But he is so erratic on and off
the court that it's tough to know what you will see from day to day.
Nevertheless, the positive impact he made last season was obvious. Who knows
what this year will bring?
27. Richard Jefferson, New Jersey Nets, 26, 6-7, 225: 19.5 pts., 6.8 reb.,
3.8 ast.
People forget that Jefferson is not only a great finisher and tough perimeter
shooter, but he always plays tough defense. In fact, that's what got him into
the first round in the first place as his offense continued to develop. Just
because Kidd and Carter often make the big shot doesn't diminish what he
contributes.
28. Tony Parker, San Antonio Spurs, 24, 6-2, 180: 18.9 pts., 5.8 ast., 1.0
stl.
Parker had his best season with the Spurs as his growth continued. No player
in the league gets to the rim as easily or consistently as he does. But he still
hasn't maintained a high level of play in the postseason, which continues to
haunt him. Once he gets there and stays there, he'll be a perennial All-Star.
29. Chris Paul, Oklahoma City/New Orleans Hornets, 21, 6-0, 175: 16.1 pts.,
5.1 ast., 2.24 stl.
The rookie of the year looks to be the point guard of the new generation. He
did it all for the Hornets, and had injuries not slowed them down, they could
have been the surprise team. He has been compared to Isiah Thomas and Phil Ford,
but really, he's a new breed and a special one.
30. Michael Redd, Milwaukee Bucks, 27, 6-6, 215: 25.4 pts., 4.3 reb., 2.9
ast.
Redd has become one of the top shooter/scorers in the league and should
continue to grow in that realm. For him to become a true star, he must add other
parts to his game to help make his teammates better and get the Bucks into solid
playoff position instead of on the bubble every year.
