Stars poised to bounce back in 2008-09: Houston’s trio, Kevin Martin, Jermaine O’Neal, Elton Brand, and Dwyane Wade

September 16 08

Every week, HoopsVibe The Blog will drop a basketball related listed for readers to debate. We call it Listed ...

The value of an NBA superstar fluctuates like oil, gas, or any other financial instrument trading on the stock market.

One season, your favourite player is up, riding the bull market/highs of superstardom. Next season, he’s down, stuck in the lows/bear market of the injured list or a prolonged shooting slump.

The only thing that captivates the public like the stock market is a comeback. This year, several All-Stars are poised to bounce back from injury or a down year to dominate in 2008-09.

In this edition of ‘Listed’, we count off superstars who will pull a Rocky and re-establish their worth. Get at us with thoughts in the comment box below.

#5) Ron Artest, Tracy McGrady, and Yao Ming, Houston Rockets.

Why: Ron-Ron wants a new contract, so he’ll behave and dominate both ends of the floor. McGrady and Yao, if healthy for a full season, should finally advance past the first round.

#4) Kevin Martin, Sacramento Kings.

Why: Statistically speaking, ‘K-Mart’ didn’t have a down year, increasing his scoring despite missing 21 games with injury. He’ll step-up his leadership in 2008-09. With Artest and Bibby gone, Martin becomes ‘The Guy’ on a young Sacramento side.

#3) Jermaine O’Neal, Toronto Raptors.

Why: His days as a 20-10 post are over. But the former MVP candidate will block shots, rebound, and take the pressure off Toronto’s 20-10 guy, Chris Bosh.

#2) Elton Brand, Philadelphia 76ers.

Why: Brand is finally free from the Clippers’ dysfunction. Now he must lead an up-and-coming 76er team, meet the demands of Philadelphia’s fans, and bounce back from an Achilles injury. No problem. The former All-Star brings experience and a post option for the club’s half-court sets.

#1) Dwyane Wade, Miami Heat.

Why: He’s healthy, lifting, and ready to silence his critics. Flash’s fine Olympic play will continue in Miami and he’ll re-establish his reputation as a first-line superstar.

What NBA superstar will bounce back in 2008-09? Get at us with thoughts in the comment box below and return to HoopsVibe The Blog. Photo courtesy of killbucky.

11 Comments: Stars poised to bounce back in 2008-09: Houston’s trio, Kevin (...)

Posted by

on 09.19.2008

CBSHoward better than Ming??? PLEEEEEASE. All he does is dunk. No offensive game whatsoever. He gets dominated by Yao every time they play. Is it cause he from China? If Yao was black he would get more respect? Please man. Bynum #3 on list?? What has he done besides play for a media market love in LA. He didnt even play half the season and he ranked that high. Am I missing something here. He has no offensive game whatsoever either. He is a garbage basket player. He belongs way further down the list. .

Posted by

on 09.17.2008

Wade will have big year for sure .

Posted by
Jack
on 09.17.2008

Darren1217, to even say that D-Wade is the 3rd best player in the league right now is just plain stupid. Maybe top 6, but not 3rd. He won’t average 30-6-8, that’s exaggeration to the fullest so your obviously a Heat fan. A good stat line for him this year would be 24-4-6.5, because he has been injured so you can’t expect too much, plus the rook Beez is gonna take some of his points and boards. I’d put players like Iverson and Howard before D-Wade man sorry. And CBS, you are absolutely mental for even having Andrew Bynum in the top 10, let alone 3rd!!!!! He went on a hot streak for a bit of last year, so what? He’s young, for all we know now, injury prone, and he has no jump shot. Camby is probably more deserving of 3rd than either Shaq or Bynum. The rest of your rankings are aight though bro.But no, sorry Heat fans, D-Wade isn’t, and won’t be a top 2 player in this league until AI and Kobe both retire, and by then, don’t be surprised if he stays 3rd, with Carmelo 2nd. .

Posted by
daren1217
on 09.16.2008

Wade is my favorite player and right now is 3rd best in the league wich could change to second or even first my prediction-30 points 6 boards and 8 or 7 assist per game and a 5 or 6 play off spot. .

Posted by
TV3
on 09.16.2008

Wade is amazing he was injured last season and still averaged 24 a game. bounce back? more like jump back. Hes been waiting for this, all healthy and more talented then ever. hes the go to guy. he will dominate the competion. itll be him and lebron in the spot light. kobe just under. Kober is still amazing but age will start to play in in a season or two. .

Posted by
B Deezy
on 09.16.2008

jason williams of the suddenly relevant clip show will flourish backin’ b dizzle and makin’ the clippers fun to watch once again...they may even sneak into the playoffs...go clippers!!!! .

Posted by
CBS
on 09.16.2008

The top 20 NBA centers. 1.Howard, 2. Ming, 3. Bynum, 4.S.O’neal, 5. Camby, 6. R.Wallace, 7. J.O’Neal, 8.Oden, 9. Okafor, 10. Chandler, 11. Kaman, 12. Big Z, 13. Dalembert, 14. Bogut, 15. Horford, 16. B. Miller, 17. Perkins, 18. Okur, 19.Biedrins, 20. Haywood. .

Posted by
I Love New York!
on 09.16.2008

What about Eddy Curry? .

Posted by
WADE 4 MVP
on 09.16.2008

f-YOU c--------WADES GONNA DOMINATE THIS YEAR LIKE HE DID AT THE OLYMPICS, HEL DEFINATELY BE ONE ONE OF THE ELITE PLAYER SIN THE GAME AGAIN .

Posted by
Hater Stopper
on 09.16.2008

wade was made to silence haters like the loser below...he will lead miami deep into the playoffs as long as he has a decent team around him, which if shawn marion stays, he will. Thanks to wade the Dallas mavericks will never win a title (at least not in then near future) .

Posted by
Down with Wade.
on 09.16.2008

Wade is a punk. he once bounce back not a chance son!!! He’ll get hurt and have issues. .

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	About Oly Sandor
Daily take on NBA Oly Sandor is an NBA analyst and sports journalist based out of Vancouver, Canada.After years of the free-lance game, Oly Sandor is bringing his unique brand of NBA analysis exclusively to (...) More

Stars poised to bounce back in 2008-09: Houston’s trio, Kevin Martin, Jermaine O’Neal, Elton Brand, and Dwyane Wade

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