1. JJ Reddick: Anyone who hasn't been living under a rock knows the shooting potential of JJ Reddick. He was a standout player at Duke in the ACC, and one of the greatest shooters college basketball has ever seen. He was also the leading scorer IN ACC HISTORY before UNC's Tyler Hansbrough climbed over his "mountain of a record" this past season. Reddick has battled with injury early in his career, but has emerged as a key contributor off the bench for Orlando this season. Will he remain in Orlando? I highly doubt it, but wherever he ends up, they need to understand the breakout potential of this sharp shooter! Given a little boost in confidence and the right situation, I think Reddick could be a major asset to any NBA roster. Who couldnt use a shooter?
2. Rashad McCants: After spending the first few years of his NBA career in Minnesota, McCants was involved in a trade a few months ago that sent him and his "could-be" NBA career to Sacramento. I actually thought this would be a good situation for him (and its waaaaay too early to say that it won't), but McCants just hasn't been producing the numbers I know he's capable of. Where's the Rashad McCants who helped lead Carolina to a National Championship in 2004-2005? Don't get me wrong, he shows shades, but I think Rashad has a bit more than that. Am i wrong???
3. Tyrus Thomas: Tyrus Thomas is a bit different of a situation from my perspective. He's actually doing pretty well in Chicago right now. He's come on strong as of late and for the season he's averaging 11 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 blocks a game. I just see SO MUCH potential in this young player, to the point where those numbers don't reflect the incredible player I think he truly is. I dont know, maybe I've been playing too much NBA 2k9, but I believe Tyrus Thomas is a 15 and 9 player in this league (and I'm being modest). I also believe he could get you atleast 1 more block a game. Chicago's a young, exciting team. Keep Tyrus and Rose together and it could be magical.
4. Joakim Noah: Noah, also a member of this young Chicago team, has a bit of a different situation also. He's never dazzled me (or anyone else) with a tremendous scoring ability or anything of that nature; I don't really expect him to average more than 12 or 13 points a game in his career...AT MOST. He is and should be a solid rebounder and defender though. The thing I expect the most of out Noah is his firepower and intensity. He may not score the most points or fill up the stat sheet more than the next player, but when he does, YOU SHOULD KNOW IT! Help your teammates in Chicago feed off of that energy the way you did at Florida.
5. Gerald Green: Gerald Green is one of these extremely young players who's unfortunately jumped around from roster to roster already in his young career (he's in Dallas now, by the way). He was drafted by the Celtics, bounced back and forth between the NBA and the D-League, traded to the Timberwolves, traded to the Rockets, released, and signed with Dallas in the summer of 08. All of this in JUST 3 SEASONS! Regardless of the musical chairs game, Green has tremendous potential. He has good range as a shooter (although his 3 point percentage says otherwise), he can leap out of the gym (Slam Dunk Champion 1 year, runnerup the next) and best of all he's only 23 years old. Expect more from him...I sure do.
6. Ronny Turiaf: Ronny Turiaf is just one of those guys that, as a fan, you can't help but want to see him do well. He was a stud at Gonzaga and has the size and potential to be a stud in the league as well. Turiaf spent the first few years of his career as a key contributor for the Lakers and signed a contract with Golden State (whyyyyyy?) in the offseason. As an organization, things aren't going too well down in Golden State and Turiaf's numbers aren't up to par either. He's only giving me 6 points and 5 rebounds a game (2 blocks though). Come on Ronny...earn that contract!
7. JR Smith: Some people may argue with the fact that JR Smith is on this list, but in my opinion (with a little work), we have not seen this guy at his full potential. The thing that scares me and makes me so excited at the same time with this guy is how unpredictable he is. He can flat out score, but every once in a while he gets a little carried away, leaving you to wonder "what the hell was JR Smith thinking just now." Polish it up with a few coats of discipline and he'll be a household name for many years to come...HE'S ONLY 23!
8. Anthony Randolf: It shouldn't come as a surprise to you that two of Don Nelson's guys are on this list. Do I believe Anthony Randolf could have benefited from another year in college...absolutely (think about how much LSU could have benefited from HIM this season). At the same time, he has tremedous upside and could do well with a little work and guidance. I've heard not-so-good-things ahout his work ethic. He's only 19...get this guy out of Golden State and get him a role model before he becomes a "coulda-been"!
9. Adam Morrison: Morrison is one guy who i'm just not really too sure about. He was an incredible player in college...but that doesnt always transition into a good NBA player. After spending his first stay with limited success in Charlotte, this year he was traded to the almightty Lakers. I honestly don't know what type of player Morrison will be, but at heart, I personally hope he does well.
10. Luther Head: Luther Head may not be on everyone's list, but he's definitely on mine. He was a very good player at Illinois and has proven to be a pretty tough NBA player as well. He was named All-Rookie 2nd Team in 05-06, averaging 9 points, 3 assists a game. He faired well for the Rockets in his second season as well, giving them 10 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists a game (44% from 3 point range). Head is a career 40% 3 point shooter, and any team in the NBA should be lucky to have him. So why was he dropped by Houston??? Who knows. I do know that Miami picked him up and (although they dont need him as much as some other teams) they could definitely use a guy like Luther Head. He has lots of potential. Barely takes a genius to know that!
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