My Top 5 NBA Players To Watch Out For This Season

Huge Basketball junkie. Like seriously. I just love the sport. The constant motion, the designs of certain signature shoes (Shoutouts to the Atlantic Penny II and Black/Red AJ XI), the tension of a close game and the excitement of nailing the game winning shot at the buzzer. I just LOVE the game. By identity, I'm a Knicks fan (insert joke here) and I'm not really expecting big things from them this season, but I will admit that they will have entertaining games in Mike D'Antoni's freelance offensive attack. Even so, I'll be enjoying this season. Intriguing draft picks on certain teams, storylines to follow and veterans who changed their zip codes this off season. Ya'll can catch games here.

(I dont advocate slacking off in college especially if you paid for your classes like I did, but that site was a lifesaver many a boring lecture class. Muahaha)

Here's my personal list of players that I will be on the lookout for this season:

Stephen Curry, #30, G for the Golden State Warriors: This kid is gonna be a problem. I'm calling it now. Sure, playing for a coach like Don Nelson wont exactly discipline a young player or hide their defensive shortcomings, but I'm hearing this kid is the BUSINESS. According to reports, he's been giving Monta Ellis (his main competition at the 1 spot) buckets, pulling from long and midrange. Son is a certified gunner. According to Nelson, his PG skills are underrated as he's been said to have the ability to feed the player with the hot hand. The Warriors need that on the floor as much as possible. I'm also hearing Steph and Anthony Morrow (who is a TOP three point threat) have great chemistry together and create a helluva matchup problem, so that's always gonna be interesting. About time. I hate watching Warriors games and Corey Maggette is just bullying his way through the lane. The media fueled "feud" between Steph and Monta Ellis for the PG spot will be interesting to watch as well.

Danilo Gallinari, #8, F for the New York Knicks: I cant front. I have little to no faith in European players. Lately, cats like Rudy Fernandez, Marc Gasol and Tony Parker have proven me wrong, but I think that in general a lotta these guys are overhyped (Knicks fans have conveniently forgetten about Mr. Lampe *shudders*). Not to say that some American/(insert nationality) players aint, but ya'll get my drift.

This kid is playing in the perfect system for someone with his talent. Dude is 6'9 (probably had another growth spurt that pushed his height up 2"). His jumper is legit (especially from outside) and dude has a remarkable handle for someone of his height. I've seen him pull the "Shamgod" out (scrimmage game or not, WOW).

The Knicks are a bit crowded at the forward spots so it's gonna be interesting to see him play on a team with guys like Al Harrington and Larry Hughes. His court vision is also pretty decent as well. His back problems seem to have gone away so here's hoping The Rooster has a good season.

Gilbert Arenas, #0, PG for the Washington Wizards: Not a "fan" of Mr. Arenas per se, but the man is a killer. He lives for the big shot and is always entertaining to watch as he plays with supreme confidence.

Example?

He was injured for a critical amount of time last season and I've seen this footage of him training with the legendary Tim Grover (who gets results), so I think it's safe to say that Gil will be coming back in full force.

Reportedly, he's cut back on the funny gimmicks and is more focused on being a leader for the Wizards, a team that added offensive weapons Randy Foye and Mike Miller in the offseason. His numbers may take a slight hit as he has more options, but you can bet on Gil to be a beast this season.

AI, #3, G; OJ Mayo, #32, G; Rudy Gay, #22, SF; Zach Randolph, #50, PF for the Memphis Grizzlies: This is gonna be the season where Memphis will achieve the attention it has lacked in the past. The addition of AI automatically sells jerseys and will add another 22 or so points a game if not more: AI's a volume scorer and needs the ball in his hands to make an impact. With OJ, Rudy and Zach, time will tell how this season will turn out for the Griz but it will be VERY interesting. Zach was a quiet addition and will add another 18-20 and 10 to the scoreboard for the Grizzles; there's not denying his talent, but we'll see if he even GETS the ball for his signature isolation play in the post: he clears out the baseline and pops a lefty J or backs down for a hook. OJ's a gunner. Rudy's a gunner as well. Those two reportedly had Alpha Dog battles on the court last season so when you throw two of the most noted Black Holes in the NBA on the team, you have a recipe for an "interesting" season. (I still think AI's best off the bench, where he can lead scoring for the second unit. Possible 6th Man of The Year?)

Ron Artest, #37, SF for the Los Angeles Lakers: Very interesting pick up for the Lakers. Phil Jack has the ability to get the most out of "misunderstood" players and is a master psychologist. LA by itself is lights, camera, action and adding one of the most "unique" players in the NBA to the mix is going to be interesting to watch. I remember reading a story of how Ron applied to Circuit City for the employee discount during a season in Circuit City. Intriguing.

Adding Ron to the mix lets Lamar come off the bench where he can do what he does on opposing second units; hell, it gives LA a LOT of versatility. Between Kobe and Ron, the perimeter and post defense at the SG/SF positions will be superb and Kobe will have some more defensive insurance. Ron is a bit of a chuck but his bullish strength and post game will be something to look for in the triangle offense. Not to mention, you can bet your top dollar dude will be a helluva entertainer off the court. If Phil could deal with Shaq/Kobe AND Rodman, dont worry about his relationship with Ron.

Honorable Mention: Courtney Lee, Shawn Marion, Demar Derozan, Vince Carter (defense??), Richard Jefferson, Ben Gordon, Rasheed Wallace, Andre Miller/Brandon Roy, Kevin Durant/Jeff Green, Michael Beasley.