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Five breakthrough players for 2008-09: Jose Calderon, Danny Granger, Andrew Bynum, Kendrick Perkins, and Luis ScolaSeptember 08 08  Every Monday, HoopsVibe The Blog will drop a basketball related list for readers to debate. We call it Listed … With the NBA season approaching, Fox Sports’ Mike Kahn named ten players likely to improve in 2008-09: 10) Sebastain Telfair, Minnesota Timberwolves. 9) Brandan Wright, Golden State Warriors. 8) Thaddeus Young, Philadelphia 76ers. 7) Jordan Farmar, Los Angeles Lakers. 6) Al Thornton, Los Angeles Clippers. 5) Joakim Noah, Chicago Bulls. 4) Rajon Rondo, Boston Celtics. 3) Marvin Williams, Atlanta Hawks. 2) Devin Harris, New Jersey Nets. 1) Rodney Stuckey, Detroit Pistons. All the players on Kahn’s list could have big seasons. Just ten spots were available, so certain blue-chippers were overlooked. In our second edition of Listed, HoopsVibe The Blog named five players, who also seem poised to take their game to the next level ... #5) Jose Calderon, Toronto Raptors. What to expect: The Spaniard is finally the T-dot’s undisputed starting point guard. With increased minutes, Calderon could emerge as the east’s best table-setter. #4) Danny Granger, Indiana Pacers. What to expect: Welcome to ’Generation Next’ at the Conseco Field House. In just his third season, Granger, a superb athlete, posted over 19 points per game. He’ll add to those totals in 2008-09 -if contract negotiations don’t become a distraction. #3) Andrew Bynum, Los Angeles Lakers. What to expect: Health permitting, Bynum is an excellent young big man. The former first rounder should once again be among the league leaders in rebounds, blocks, and field goal percentage. Only Laker fans want a full season in 2008-09. #2) Kendrick Perkins, Boston Celtics. What to expect: With another season under his belt, Perkins should average close to a double-double and help anchor Beantown’s nasty defense. #1) Luis Scola, Houston Rockets. What to expect: Last year, the South American experienced everything during his rookie campaign with Houston. Look for Scola, Argentina’s leader at the Beijing Olympics, to build on his post-season averages of 14 points and 9 rebounds. Has ’Listed’ slept on a promising player? Who do you think is poised for a breakthrough season in 2008-09? Get at us in the comment box below with thoughts and return to HoopsVibe The Blog for more NBA tidbits. Photo courtesy of Jeffbalke. |
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