Post by mops on Mar 29, 2009 15:57:59 GMT -5
UOSLR has seen young talent move into the league at a very fast pace and now the league is starting to really become exciting as players all over the league are raising the bar of talent and making the league exciting for years to come.
Here are the League’s brightest stars of tomorrow in order of talent.
25. PF Vin Baker 6’11 234 21 years old Portland Trailblazers
B C- C B- B+ C
Baker entered the 1993 draft amid speculation on if he’s maxed his ceiling or if he still has room to grow. None the less his talent and production at Hartford was worthy of the Blazers selecting him 8th in the draft and teaming him with Benoit Benjamin down low. Baker and Benjamin should work well together on both ends of the floor as Benjamin will draw double teams on offense and open the lane for Baker to eat up all the extra touches. On defense baker can play more aggressive knowing Big Ben is near waiting to swat the ball. Both should control the boards for the Blazers for years to come.
24. SF Rick Fox 6’7 234 pounds 23 years old Dallas Mavericks
B- C+ C+ A- C+ B
Fox is entering his 3rd year in the league and in his pervious two he’s been very solid for the young Mavs team. He’s made the rookie game in both seasons as a rookie and a sophomore. He’s hovered around 12.5 points per game while also bringing in 6 rebounds and a steal a game over his career. He won’t be a major scoring threat for the Mavs this season but you can bet he will challenge for making an All-NBA Defense team as he’s shown the ability to be a lock down defender and one who will take on any team’s best wing our point guard.
23. C Brian Williams 6’9 235 pounds 24 years old Seattle Sonics
B C D+ B B B
Williams saw his minutes per game go from 16 minutes as a rookie to almost 30 as a 2nd year vet for the Sonics this past season and the increase in minutes saw his production levels rise. Williams averaged around 7 ppg, 5 rebounds, and 1 assist a game his rookie year but his second season he averaged 12.5 ppg, 8 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 blocked shot. With veteran leadership from Will Perdue along with the Sonics big 3 in Roy Tarpley, Drazen, Petrovic, and Gary Payton expect Williams to continue to fly under the radar and to continue to raise his game and become a great player.
22. C Stanley Roberts 7’0 281 pounds 23 years old Indiana Pacers
B D C- A- C+ B
Roberts showed Shaq the ropes while they both were at LSU together and then Roberts moved onto the NBA. Roberts has improved each of this past two years at Indiana and his second season Roberts moved from a player with promise to a player waiting to bust out into star status. Roberts averaged 13 points and 9 rebounds a game while also adding almost three blocks a game. Roberts will called upon to be the low post threat of offense and be the last line of defense as the Pacers make a push for deep trip into the playoffs.
21. PF Cliff Robinson 6’10 225 pounds 26 years old Denver Nuggets
B- C C- A- B- A
Uncle Cliff had a very good season as a rookie where he averaged 11 points, 7 rebounds, and a block a game but his overall game seemed to slip the past two seasons although they have stayed the same when compared to who his rookie year. With a new contract in hand and coming off a good training camp the Nuggets brass feel a break out year is coming soon.
20. SG Harold Miner 6’5 214 pounds 22 years old Los Angles Lakers
B+ B C B C B
Miner entered the NBA with lots of question marks, but none about his talent, and more so about his off court issues. His rookie campaign quickly erased many of the question marks as he made the First Team All Rookie team where he averaged 14 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 steal a game. Another season that rivals his rookie campaign and you can expect all the worries about his future to disappear. Expect Miner to continue to rise in the ranks of the league’s best young talent.
19. SG Latrell Sprewell 6’5 190 pounds 22 years old Atlanta Hawks
C+ B C B+ D+ B
Sprewell is a surprise placement but its due the future ahead of him and not what he’s done in the past. Sprewell has the talent to be one of the best scorers in the league as he already has a high of 31 in one year in the UOSLR. He needs to be more consistent but once Spree can accomplish that the sky is the limit for this young star.
18. SG Pedrag Danilovic 6’5 200 pounds 23 years old Milwaukie Bucks
B- A- B- C+ C B
This Euro player blew up onto the scene in his second season where he got major minutes as he averaged over 35 minutes a game and averaged 13 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists a game. His career high is 31 points for the young Euro player could be challenged again this season. The question of this player is if his second season in the league is a fluke or will be back his play up and be a future star.
17. SF Michael Finley 6’7 215 pounds 20 years old Dallas Maverics
B B- C B- C B
Finley enters the Dallas area as a franchise savior. Finley can finish around the rim strong or step back and hit the jumper. Has decent range on his shot, probably a bit past the three-point line. A pretty solid playmaker with the ball in his hands. He can create for himself or for his teammates. An above average ball-handler. Solid all-around defender who is capable of guarding SFs and SGs alike, but will probably find a better niche at SF. Has the upside to be a great starter in the league and possibly an All-Star.
16. SG Jamal Masburn 6’8 242 pounds 20 years old Atlanta Hawks
B+ B C- B C+ A
Masburn is leading the Atlanta Hawks in the right direction. He’s talented inside and hes talented outside. You simply cant guard Mash as they like to call him. He’s coming off a rookie campaign that saw him score 15 a game while also chipping in 6 rebounds, 2 assists, and one steal a game. Expect Mash to become an All-Star this season and possibly down the road a super start that can’t be stopped.
15. SG Jimmy Jackson 6’6 224 pounds, 22 years old Denver Nuggets
B- A- C B C B
Jimmy Jackson has taken the league by storm in his first 2 seasons in the league. He was MVP of the rookie game and a member of the All-Rookie team his first year. His second season he started out hot averaging over 20 ppg but then the Nuggets brought in Clyde the Glide Drexler to help mentor Jimmy and his numbers dipped down to a respectable 16 ppg and 6 rebounds a game. One pro scout said that Jimmy is one of the most underrated guards in the entire league due to Drexler being on the squad but he will get his dues eventually.
14. PG Sam Cassell 6’3 195 pounds 22 years old Atlanta Hawks
B- C+ B- B- D+ A
Sam Cassell enters the league with a log job of point guards on the roster for the Hawks but all are veteran leadership roles for the Sand Man and his development. Expect Cassell to play starter minutes right away for the Hawks and to run up and down with Masburn and Sprewell together. The Hawks might have the sexiest young wings in the entire league. If Cassell has as good of an impact as Mash and Spree did as rookies the Hawks future is really bright.
13. C Alonzo Mourning 6’10 244 pounds 23 years old Charlotte Hornets
B- C- C A B B
Zo enters his second year in the league as if his second is much like his second he will be a star right away. Zo entered the league right away as a defensive enforcer and a rebounding machine. Not many other big men in the UOSLR are as good of a rebounded and shot blocker as Zo is. His rookie year he averaged 7 points 8 rebounds, 3 blocks, and 2 assists for the Hornets. Zo and Karl Malone are a force to be reckoned with and one many teams simply wont have an answer for years to come.
12. PG Terrell Brandon 5’11 182 pounds 23 years old Denver Nuggets
C+ A- B+ B- C- B
Brandon is the Nuggets third young riser on the list and maybe the player with the most potential to be the best star in the league. Brandon was the Nuggets second consecutive 4th pick in the UOSLR draft after Jimmy Jackson he didn’t dissapoint to what Jackson accomplished as a rookie. Brandon won the rookie game MVP and was also a member of the All-Rookie team. Brandon averaged 13 points, 7 assists, 4 rebounds, and 1 steal a game and yet he improved his outside shooting even more along with his passing ability. Expect Brandon to continue to rise in the ranks of top guards in the league for years to come.
11. PF Chris Webber 6’10 260 pounds 20 years old Houston Rockets
B+ C- C+ B- B A
Potent scorer. Webber has a variety of go-to moves in the post. He can step out and hit the 14 footer when needed. A versatile defender, Webber can defend three positions. A solid rebounder, and a particularly talented offensive rebounder. Webber has good footwork and pretty court-vision for his position and size. Pretty impressive athletically, as well. A special player, without a doubt. Should be a top PF in the league for quite some time.
10. PF/C Dale Davis 6’11 230 pounds 24 years old Houston Rockets
B- D+ D- A- B B
Davis has had a very productive early career for the Rockets down low. A rebounding and shot blocking machine much like Alonzo Mourning of the Hornets Davis is the perfect budding star with C-Web. Davis has the chance to be one of the best rebounders and low post defenders in the league for the next 10 years. The Rockets certainly have a young version of Malone/ZO that should be better in the long run. Scary.
9. PF Christian Laettner 6’11 237 pounds 23 years old Phoenix Suns
B B- C B+ B- A
The man the entire league hates and the man everyone was yelling bust when the Suns drafted him with the 6th pick in last year’s draft. Laettner has used that playa hate and fueled his drive to succeed and turned himself into a very deadly player. He was a rookie game player as well as Rookie Second Team member but most impressive Laettner won the 6th man of the year award as a rookie. A strong training camp and the Suns now have a player who could become one of the best power forwards to ever play in the league.
8. PG/SG/SF Penny Hardaway 6’7 200 pounds 20 years old Utah Jazz
B- B B+ C+ C A
Penny is a special player. Scouts were raving and saying he is the second coming of Magic Johnson as he has the ability to guard 3 positions and possibly even 4 down the road. The Jazz picked him 3rd in the 1993 draft and expect Penny and his lil penny side kick to start right away and be a star. Does just about everything well. Can score, pass the ball, create for himself or for teammates, can play solid defense, and is even a pretty decent rebounder. Has great athleticism. Perfect size for a SG, and will dominate PGs. A very unique player. Could become one of the most dynamic guards in league history.
7. PF PJ Brown 6’11 255 pounds 24 years old Milwaukee Bucks
B- C C B+ B- A
PJ Brown flew under the radar during the draft if you could a call a guy getting picked 8th in the 1993 draft. Brown fueled the anger he had after he thought he’d be picked inside the top 3 and slipped and turned his rookie year into the best year voted by the league Gms as the Rookie of the year. Brown averaged 15 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 stea, and 1 block a game his rookie year and is looking to take his second season in the UOSLR to even high levels.
6. PG Kenny Anderson 6’1 170 pounds 22 years old Cleveland Cavaliers
C+ A- B A- C B
Kenny Anderson quietly has become a top 5 pg in the entire UOSLR and should be deadly for years to come for the Cavs along with fellow rising star Shawn Kemp. Kenny Anderson averaged 17 points, 8 assists, 5 rebounds, and 2 steals a game in his second season for the Cavs. Teamed up with Kemp this team could have the best combo superstars for years to come. When Anderson comes off his rookie contract he will be demanding max money and could go to all 29 teams. Should be a fun time for the Anderson family and Kenny.
5. SF Larry Johnson 6’7 258 pounds 24 years old Charlotte Hornets
A- B+ C B B B
LJ comes to the Hornets as the number one pick and was entering the easiest transition from college to the pros. Going to a team that was loaded already LJ had no pressure to put up star numbers and with that ease in his mind LJ did just what wasn’t expected. Earned 3rd team All-League as a rookie and has averaged over 20 points a game in his first two years. Johnson has also been a productive rebounded as he’s averaged 9 rebounds in his first two games along with 3 assists as well. Johnson will be the league’s best SF for years to come.
4. PF Shawn Kemp 6’10 230 pounds 23 years old Cleveland Cavaliers
A- C- C A A- B
Kemp is entering his 4th season in the league and many thought his talents would never be matched. However his 3rd season saw a huge dip in scoring as he went from over 20 ppg to 15 in his third year. His athletic ability and raw talent still keep him in the top 5 in the league but if another sub par season for a player of Kemps level you can expect Kemp to drop in these rankings big time. Teamed up with Kenny Anderson and seeing how Anderson has improved each year in the league so far Kemp’s numbers should go back up as teams will also have to worry about Anderson.
3. PF/C Vlade Divac 6’11 251 pounds 25 years old Denver Nuggets
B C- C+ A A- B
The biggest surprise of this list Divac comes in at number 3 and is the Nuggets 4th player, which is a team high, in this list. Divac has been vastly underrated the past 3 seasons in the league where he’s averaged 15 and 10 in each season. Divac has improved each season and this past training camp Nuggets officials are boasting about Divac’s improved dunking and his defensive presence in the post. He’s been a one man show down low for the Nuggets but going into the 93-94 season Divac won’t be alone this season as the Nuggets brought in young gun Cliff Robinson and vet Blair Rasmussen who’s averaged 15 and 10 himself at the center position. Divac and Rasmussen should be a big force down low on offense and defense.
2. PG Gary Payton 6’4 180 pounds 25 years old Seattle SuperSonics
B C- C+ A A- B
The glove is the league’s best defender at the guard position and will be for years to come. Known for his trash talking he certainly can back it up. Payton was named to the league’s defensive team as a rookie and then the second team as a sophomore. His scoring as increased every year and last year he averaged 14 a game. He’s always been a great passer as he’s averaged over 8 assists a game while also chipping in 3 steals a game and 5 rebounds. Top 5 guard in the league no doubt and will be a force for years to come.
1. C Shaquille O’Neal 7’1 300 pounds 21 years old Vancouver Grizzlies
B+ D C A- B+ A
Gifted with uncanny size and athleticism. Will dominate offensively, defensively, and rebounding-wise. Will anchor your entire team and wreak havoc on opposing squads. Commands double and triple teams. Both an unstoppable force and an immovable object. Quite possibly may become the greatest big man of all time. An unmatched combination of size, strength, athleticism, and talent. Shaq makes the Grizz a force already without even playing a game. The first rookie in a long time that will be a clear front runner for league MVP. Very special player that doesn’t come around very often.
Here are the League’s brightest stars of tomorrow in order of talent.
25. PF Vin Baker 6’11 234 21 years old Portland Trailblazers
B C- C B- B+ C
Baker entered the 1993 draft amid speculation on if he’s maxed his ceiling or if he still has room to grow. None the less his talent and production at Hartford was worthy of the Blazers selecting him 8th in the draft and teaming him with Benoit Benjamin down low. Baker and Benjamin should work well together on both ends of the floor as Benjamin will draw double teams on offense and open the lane for Baker to eat up all the extra touches. On defense baker can play more aggressive knowing Big Ben is near waiting to swat the ball. Both should control the boards for the Blazers for years to come.
24. SF Rick Fox 6’7 234 pounds 23 years old Dallas Mavericks
B- C+ C+ A- C+ B
Fox is entering his 3rd year in the league and in his pervious two he’s been very solid for the young Mavs team. He’s made the rookie game in both seasons as a rookie and a sophomore. He’s hovered around 12.5 points per game while also bringing in 6 rebounds and a steal a game over his career. He won’t be a major scoring threat for the Mavs this season but you can bet he will challenge for making an All-NBA Defense team as he’s shown the ability to be a lock down defender and one who will take on any team’s best wing our point guard.
23. C Brian Williams 6’9 235 pounds 24 years old Seattle Sonics
B C D+ B B B
Williams saw his minutes per game go from 16 minutes as a rookie to almost 30 as a 2nd year vet for the Sonics this past season and the increase in minutes saw his production levels rise. Williams averaged around 7 ppg, 5 rebounds, and 1 assist a game his rookie year but his second season he averaged 12.5 ppg, 8 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 blocked shot. With veteran leadership from Will Perdue along with the Sonics big 3 in Roy Tarpley, Drazen, Petrovic, and Gary Payton expect Williams to continue to fly under the radar and to continue to raise his game and become a great player.
22. C Stanley Roberts 7’0 281 pounds 23 years old Indiana Pacers
B D C- A- C+ B
Roberts showed Shaq the ropes while they both were at LSU together and then Roberts moved onto the NBA. Roberts has improved each of this past two years at Indiana and his second season Roberts moved from a player with promise to a player waiting to bust out into star status. Roberts averaged 13 points and 9 rebounds a game while also adding almost three blocks a game. Roberts will called upon to be the low post threat of offense and be the last line of defense as the Pacers make a push for deep trip into the playoffs.
21. PF Cliff Robinson 6’10 225 pounds 26 years old Denver Nuggets
B- C C- A- B- A
Uncle Cliff had a very good season as a rookie where he averaged 11 points, 7 rebounds, and a block a game but his overall game seemed to slip the past two seasons although they have stayed the same when compared to who his rookie year. With a new contract in hand and coming off a good training camp the Nuggets brass feel a break out year is coming soon.
20. SG Harold Miner 6’5 214 pounds 22 years old Los Angles Lakers
B+ B C B C B
Miner entered the NBA with lots of question marks, but none about his talent, and more so about his off court issues. His rookie campaign quickly erased many of the question marks as he made the First Team All Rookie team where he averaged 14 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 steal a game. Another season that rivals his rookie campaign and you can expect all the worries about his future to disappear. Expect Miner to continue to rise in the ranks of the league’s best young talent.
19. SG Latrell Sprewell 6’5 190 pounds 22 years old Atlanta Hawks
C+ B C B+ D+ B
Sprewell is a surprise placement but its due the future ahead of him and not what he’s done in the past. Sprewell has the talent to be one of the best scorers in the league as he already has a high of 31 in one year in the UOSLR. He needs to be more consistent but once Spree can accomplish that the sky is the limit for this young star.
18. SG Pedrag Danilovic 6’5 200 pounds 23 years old Milwaukie Bucks
B- A- B- C+ C B
This Euro player blew up onto the scene in his second season where he got major minutes as he averaged over 35 minutes a game and averaged 13 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists a game. His career high is 31 points for the young Euro player could be challenged again this season. The question of this player is if his second season in the league is a fluke or will be back his play up and be a future star.
17. SF Michael Finley 6’7 215 pounds 20 years old Dallas Maverics
B B- C B- C B
Finley enters the Dallas area as a franchise savior. Finley can finish around the rim strong or step back and hit the jumper. Has decent range on his shot, probably a bit past the three-point line. A pretty solid playmaker with the ball in his hands. He can create for himself or for his teammates. An above average ball-handler. Solid all-around defender who is capable of guarding SFs and SGs alike, but will probably find a better niche at SF. Has the upside to be a great starter in the league and possibly an All-Star.
16. SG Jamal Masburn 6’8 242 pounds 20 years old Atlanta Hawks
B+ B C- B C+ A
Masburn is leading the Atlanta Hawks in the right direction. He’s talented inside and hes talented outside. You simply cant guard Mash as they like to call him. He’s coming off a rookie campaign that saw him score 15 a game while also chipping in 6 rebounds, 2 assists, and one steal a game. Expect Mash to become an All-Star this season and possibly down the road a super start that can’t be stopped.
15. SG Jimmy Jackson 6’6 224 pounds, 22 years old Denver Nuggets
B- A- C B C B
Jimmy Jackson has taken the league by storm in his first 2 seasons in the league. He was MVP of the rookie game and a member of the All-Rookie team his first year. His second season he started out hot averaging over 20 ppg but then the Nuggets brought in Clyde the Glide Drexler to help mentor Jimmy and his numbers dipped down to a respectable 16 ppg and 6 rebounds a game. One pro scout said that Jimmy is one of the most underrated guards in the entire league due to Drexler being on the squad but he will get his dues eventually.
14. PG Sam Cassell 6’3 195 pounds 22 years old Atlanta Hawks
B- C+ B- B- D+ A
Sam Cassell enters the league with a log job of point guards on the roster for the Hawks but all are veteran leadership roles for the Sand Man and his development. Expect Cassell to play starter minutes right away for the Hawks and to run up and down with Masburn and Sprewell together. The Hawks might have the sexiest young wings in the entire league. If Cassell has as good of an impact as Mash and Spree did as rookies the Hawks future is really bright.
13. C Alonzo Mourning 6’10 244 pounds 23 years old Charlotte Hornets
B- C- C A B B
Zo enters his second year in the league as if his second is much like his second he will be a star right away. Zo entered the league right away as a defensive enforcer and a rebounding machine. Not many other big men in the UOSLR are as good of a rebounded and shot blocker as Zo is. His rookie year he averaged 7 points 8 rebounds, 3 blocks, and 2 assists for the Hornets. Zo and Karl Malone are a force to be reckoned with and one many teams simply wont have an answer for years to come.
12. PG Terrell Brandon 5’11 182 pounds 23 years old Denver Nuggets
C+ A- B+ B- C- B
Brandon is the Nuggets third young riser on the list and maybe the player with the most potential to be the best star in the league. Brandon was the Nuggets second consecutive 4th pick in the UOSLR draft after Jimmy Jackson he didn’t dissapoint to what Jackson accomplished as a rookie. Brandon won the rookie game MVP and was also a member of the All-Rookie team. Brandon averaged 13 points, 7 assists, 4 rebounds, and 1 steal a game and yet he improved his outside shooting even more along with his passing ability. Expect Brandon to continue to rise in the ranks of top guards in the league for years to come.
11. PF Chris Webber 6’10 260 pounds 20 years old Houston Rockets
B+ C- C+ B- B A
Potent scorer. Webber has a variety of go-to moves in the post. He can step out and hit the 14 footer when needed. A versatile defender, Webber can defend three positions. A solid rebounder, and a particularly talented offensive rebounder. Webber has good footwork and pretty court-vision for his position and size. Pretty impressive athletically, as well. A special player, without a doubt. Should be a top PF in the league for quite some time.
10. PF/C Dale Davis 6’11 230 pounds 24 years old Houston Rockets
B- D+ D- A- B B
Davis has had a very productive early career for the Rockets down low. A rebounding and shot blocking machine much like Alonzo Mourning of the Hornets Davis is the perfect budding star with C-Web. Davis has the chance to be one of the best rebounders and low post defenders in the league for the next 10 years. The Rockets certainly have a young version of Malone/ZO that should be better in the long run. Scary.
9. PF Christian Laettner 6’11 237 pounds 23 years old Phoenix Suns
B B- C B+ B- A
The man the entire league hates and the man everyone was yelling bust when the Suns drafted him with the 6th pick in last year’s draft. Laettner has used that playa hate and fueled his drive to succeed and turned himself into a very deadly player. He was a rookie game player as well as Rookie Second Team member but most impressive Laettner won the 6th man of the year award as a rookie. A strong training camp and the Suns now have a player who could become one of the best power forwards to ever play in the league.
8. PG/SG/SF Penny Hardaway 6’7 200 pounds 20 years old Utah Jazz
B- B B+ C+ C A
Penny is a special player. Scouts were raving and saying he is the second coming of Magic Johnson as he has the ability to guard 3 positions and possibly even 4 down the road. The Jazz picked him 3rd in the 1993 draft and expect Penny and his lil penny side kick to start right away and be a star. Does just about everything well. Can score, pass the ball, create for himself or for teammates, can play solid defense, and is even a pretty decent rebounder. Has great athleticism. Perfect size for a SG, and will dominate PGs. A very unique player. Could become one of the most dynamic guards in league history.
7. PF PJ Brown 6’11 255 pounds 24 years old Milwaukee Bucks
B- C C B+ B- A
PJ Brown flew under the radar during the draft if you could a call a guy getting picked 8th in the 1993 draft. Brown fueled the anger he had after he thought he’d be picked inside the top 3 and slipped and turned his rookie year into the best year voted by the league Gms as the Rookie of the year. Brown averaged 15 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 stea, and 1 block a game his rookie year and is looking to take his second season in the UOSLR to even high levels.
6. PG Kenny Anderson 6’1 170 pounds 22 years old Cleveland Cavaliers
C+ A- B A- C B
Kenny Anderson quietly has become a top 5 pg in the entire UOSLR and should be deadly for years to come for the Cavs along with fellow rising star Shawn Kemp. Kenny Anderson averaged 17 points, 8 assists, 5 rebounds, and 2 steals a game in his second season for the Cavs. Teamed up with Kemp this team could have the best combo superstars for years to come. When Anderson comes off his rookie contract he will be demanding max money and could go to all 29 teams. Should be a fun time for the Anderson family and Kenny.
5. SF Larry Johnson 6’7 258 pounds 24 years old Charlotte Hornets
A- B+ C B B B
LJ comes to the Hornets as the number one pick and was entering the easiest transition from college to the pros. Going to a team that was loaded already LJ had no pressure to put up star numbers and with that ease in his mind LJ did just what wasn’t expected. Earned 3rd team All-League as a rookie and has averaged over 20 points a game in his first two years. Johnson has also been a productive rebounded as he’s averaged 9 rebounds in his first two games along with 3 assists as well. Johnson will be the league’s best SF for years to come.
4. PF Shawn Kemp 6’10 230 pounds 23 years old Cleveland Cavaliers
A- C- C A A- B
Kemp is entering his 4th season in the league and many thought his talents would never be matched. However his 3rd season saw a huge dip in scoring as he went from over 20 ppg to 15 in his third year. His athletic ability and raw talent still keep him in the top 5 in the league but if another sub par season for a player of Kemps level you can expect Kemp to drop in these rankings big time. Teamed up with Kenny Anderson and seeing how Anderson has improved each year in the league so far Kemp’s numbers should go back up as teams will also have to worry about Anderson.
3. PF/C Vlade Divac 6’11 251 pounds 25 years old Denver Nuggets
B C- C+ A A- B
The biggest surprise of this list Divac comes in at number 3 and is the Nuggets 4th player, which is a team high, in this list. Divac has been vastly underrated the past 3 seasons in the league where he’s averaged 15 and 10 in each season. Divac has improved each season and this past training camp Nuggets officials are boasting about Divac’s improved dunking and his defensive presence in the post. He’s been a one man show down low for the Nuggets but going into the 93-94 season Divac won’t be alone this season as the Nuggets brought in young gun Cliff Robinson and vet Blair Rasmussen who’s averaged 15 and 10 himself at the center position. Divac and Rasmussen should be a big force down low on offense and defense.
2. PG Gary Payton 6’4 180 pounds 25 years old Seattle SuperSonics
B C- C+ A A- B
The glove is the league’s best defender at the guard position and will be for years to come. Known for his trash talking he certainly can back it up. Payton was named to the league’s defensive team as a rookie and then the second team as a sophomore. His scoring as increased every year and last year he averaged 14 a game. He’s always been a great passer as he’s averaged over 8 assists a game while also chipping in 3 steals a game and 5 rebounds. Top 5 guard in the league no doubt and will be a force for years to come.
1. C Shaquille O’Neal 7’1 300 pounds 21 years old Vancouver Grizzlies
B+ D C A- B+ A
Gifted with uncanny size and athleticism. Will dominate offensively, defensively, and rebounding-wise. Will anchor your entire team and wreak havoc on opposing squads. Commands double and triple teams. Both an unstoppable force and an immovable object. Quite possibly may become the greatest big man of all time. An unmatched combination of size, strength, athleticism, and talent. Shaq makes the Grizz a force already without even playing a game. The first rookie in a long time that will be a clear front runner for league MVP. Very special player that doesn’t come around very often.
