Let’s take a look at some of the newcomers who are starting to make their mark.
LeBron James - Selected out of St. Vincent-St. Mary High School with the first-overall pick of the 2003 NBA Draft, James has given the Cavaliers’ franchise hope and the Cleveland fans excitement so far this season.
The 18-year-old James has averaged eye-opening numbers through his first 17 professional games. He leads the Cavs in scoring (17.5 ppg) and assists (6.4 apg) and is second on the club in rebounding (7.0 rpg).
In Cleveland’s 122-115 double-overtime loss to Memphis this past Saturday, James registered career-highs in points (33), rebounds (16), field goals made (14) and field goals attempted (28).
Cleveland head coach Paul Silas is allowing James, who is averaging 41 minutes per night on the hardwood, to learn through experience instead of having him observe from the bench. Even Los Angeles Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant was not given that type of exposure in his rookie season.
Bryant, who was selected out of Lower Merion High School by the Charlotte Hornets in the first round (13th pick overall) of the 1996 NBA Draft and then had his draft rights traded by the Hornets to the Lakers for Vlade Divac, averaged just over 15 minutes in 71 games during his rookie campaign. He finished the 1996-97 season averaging 7.6 points per game to go along with 1.9 rebounds and 1.3 assists.
Cleveland is just 4-13 on the young season, but James, so far, has helped to revitalize the franchise and the fans in Cleveland.
Carmelo Anthony - Drafted out of Syracuse by Denver in the first round (third overall) in the 2003 draft, Anthony has shined for the surprising Nuggets in the early going.
After winning the NCAA Championship at Syracuse in his freshman season, Anthony decided to take his talents to the NBA. Who can argue with his decision?
The 19-year-old Anthony has been stellar for the Nuggets (10-6), who are off to their best start since 1994-95 when they had the same record after 16 games.
Anthony, who has started all 16 games for the Nuggets, leads Denver in scoring (17.4 ppg), is third on the team in rebounding (6.9 rpg) and assists (3.1 apg).
Playing 35 minutes per game, Anthony has struggled from the field (37.8 percent).
Anthony has gone head-to-head with James, his new rivalry and competition for Rookie of the Year, once so far this season. The Nuggets defeated the Cavaliers, 93-89, in Cleveland on November 5.
Both players struggled, as Anthony recorded 14 points, while James managed to produce just seven.
"Media made it a rivalry, we’ve got to roll with it," Anthony told the Palm Beach Post after Denver defeated Cleveland. "If that makes the league better, let’s roll with it."
Success does not lie. Anthony has helped rejuvenate interest in basketball in Denver. Anthony is a winner and his attitude, leadership and ability is rubbing off on his teammates.
Dwyane Wade - Drafted fifth overall out of Marquette by Miami, Wade has been solid for the struggling Heat.
Wade is averaging 13.5 points, 4.3 rebounds and 4.4 assists in 15 games played for Miami, which had to endure the shock of Pat Riley announcing that he was stepping down as head coach of the team prior to the start of the season.
New Miami head coach Stan Van Gundy has been giving Wade about 35 minutes of playing time per night.
The 21-year-old Wade should be a very good player in the NBA for years to come. He is versatile, can handle the rock, pass, shoot and rebound. However, his skills and production will be overshadowed by fellow rookies, Anthony and James.
T.J. Ford - Not getting as much playing time as Anthony, James or Wade, Ford is showing that he is going to be an exciting player to watch in the NBA.
Drafted eighth overall out of Texas by the Milwaukee Bucks, Ford, is the successor to point guard Sam Cassell, who was traded to Minnesota in the offseason.
Ford, 20, has started all 15 games he has played in for the Bucks. He is averaging 6.5 points, 4.1 rebounds and a team-best 5.9 assists.
A flashy and high-energy type of player, Ford is coming a long at a slower pace then James, Anthony and Wade. But, he has a future in the NBA, and Ford is proving it.
Keep an eye on Ford. He should only get better.
NOTABLES
DARKO MILICIC - Since Milicic was taken with the second overall pick by Detroit, he is worth mentioning.
The 18-year-old Milicic has yet to score a point in seven games played for the Pistons. He has played just over two minutes per appearance.
Detroit head coach Larry Brown, who signed a five-year deal in the offseason to be the general of the Pistons, prefers to play veterans.
Since Brown is the coach in Detroit, enough said.
Chris Bosh - Selected out of Georgia Tech with the fourth overall pick by the Toronto Raptors, Bosh looks like he could be a player.
Through 16 games, Bosh has averaged a respectable 10.8 points and 5.9 rebounds, while shooting a solid 47 percent from the floor.
The 19-year-old forward is also proving he can play some defense. He is averaging a team-best 1.69 blocks per night.
Bosh is athletic and seems to be a perfect fit for Toronto’s style of play. His impact should be felt around the league by season’s end.
Indiana Pacers 
