Here's another thread for killing the summertime. From1996 to 1999 there has been major infusion of talent in the NBA, similar to the 1983-1985 drafts. That previous era gave some of the greatest players in history, but only 2 of them (MJ and Dream) had what it takes to lead a team to championship. Barkely, Stockton/Malone, Ewing got to the finals but didn't win it. Who of the young studs in the NBA do you think can take a team to the title. Here's my list: Guys that can: 1. Kobe. He's no Pippen, when Shaq retires he'll shine even brighter. 2. Paul Pierce. The guy is unstopable. He scored the most points in the NBA this season. 3. Tim Duncan. He already did it, Admiral was just a role player on that team Guys that will come short: 1. Iverson. As long as the East is so crappy he'll have a shot at getting to the finals, but I don't see him getting over the hump. 2. Vince Carter. Soft, both physically and mentally. 3. Garnett. ( I know he was drafted earlier, but I'll put him anyway, because of his age) 4. Steve. sorry guys, I don't see Franchise being the One. 5. Brand. Nice guy, hard worker, but talent is limited.
I don't think Kobe can lead his team to a title without Shaq. Once he's on his own he'll probably go overboard trying to prove he can be the MAN and he'll forget about his teammates. I do think that Pierce, Nowitzki, and maybe even TMAC can lead their teams to the championship level.
Baron Davis.. he may not be a league leader in anything, but this guys special. I see him as being the "floor leader" and guiding his team - if only he could get better support
Dirk Nowitzki is definitely one of them. He's a big game player who is redefining the role of a 7-footer.
