Post by getbeard on Jun 12, 2014 21:14:12 GMT
Every league has its superstars, and there are no shortage here either. As we've moved through the years, those who have been stars for years are now aging significantly and while still relevant, to not have a stranglehold on the premier players of the league any more. Guys like Kobe Bryant, T-Mac, Caron Butler, Vince Carter; the list goes on and on of guys who were once the most prominent assets in the league, are now(in some cases) a shell of their former selves. Who will take their places as the next group of superstars in the league? Here is a list of whom I believe to be the top 10 upcoming superstars in the league under the age of 25.
Grading Criteria I'll admit is in large part personal opinion. I've taken into account variables ranging from age, current ratings, scouted potential, current team, and more. And here we go:
#10. Paul George
Age: 25 Experience: 3 Team: Boston Celtics
Current Ratings: B B C- B+ C B
Career Averages: 33.5 MPG 15.4 PPG 6.2 RBG 1.4 APG 1.3 SPG 1.0 BPG 1.3 TOpg
Paul George was the first overall selection in the 2010 NBADSL Draft. He was drafted to a team that already had one potential superstar wing in Tyreke Evans. The two form possibly the most explosive young scoring combination in the league. Last season was a career year for George, with career highs in multiple categories. He still has good potential, and will have the ability to grow alongside a young Celtics team that, if they can retain George and some other young players, should be a force in a very short time.
#9. Isiah Thomas
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Age: 21 Experience: 2 Team: Charlotte Hornets
Current Ratings: C A- B- B D+ B
Career Averages: 32.6 MPG 17.1 PPG 3.4 RPG 6.6 APG 1.0 SPG 0.2 BPG 1.8 TOpg
The little man with a big game was taken surprisingly early in the 2011 draft, but Hornets GM Itnas may have been on to something others didn't see. After a few very good TC's, Thomas has blossomed into a near superstar already right in front of our eyes. He possesses a very high quality rating line with some potential left to spare, he has shown he can score the rock but maybe more importantly has shown he can take care of the ball. His 2nd season was abruptly ended early by injury, but nonetheless still has a bright future in the league.
#8. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist
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Age: 21 Experience: Rookie Team: Denver Nuggets
Current Ratings: B- C+ C B C A
Career Averages: 33.1 MPG 24.6 PPG 6.7 RPG 2.1 APG 1.1 SPG 0.3 BPG 2.8 TOpg
The first overall selection of this past draft, his game seems to be instantly transitioning into the pros. Though just a small sample, his numbers look legitimate, and on good percentages. One of the only capable scorers on his team will certainly lead to some inflated numbers, but there is no questioning that he's got what it takes to evolve his game into a top tier type player in this league not only as a scorer but as a defender. Even if he goes without any crazy TC's, if he's able to consistently improve even slightly through his rookie deal he's destined to be a star.
#7. Damian Lillard
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Age: 21 Experience: 1 Team: Los Angeles Lakers
Current Ratings: C B+ B C D+ B
Career Averages: 29 MPG 16.5 PPG 3.2 RPG 5.6 APG 0.9 SPG 0.1 BPG 2.2 TOpg
The obvious homer pick that you knew was coming. What is also obvious is the studliness of Lillard. Despite a semi- disappointing rookie campaign, Damian has come out strong in his 2nd season and looks much improved. From season 1 to 2 he's on pace to bump is PPG average nearly 10 points, while shooting lights out efficiently. Currently slashing .468/.886/.488 in his sophomore season, his offensive game looks like the real deal, and despite a C defensive grade he's averaging almost a steal and a half per contest thus far. With that solid improvement from year 1 to 2, the future looks extremely bright in LA.
#6. Milan Macvan
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Age: 25 Experience: 2 Team: Charlotte Hornets
Current Ratings: C+ B C- A- C+ C
Career Averages: 34 MPG 19.2 PPG 10.8 RPG 1.9 APG 1.0 SPG 2.4 BPG 2.1 TOpg
I still have no fucking idea who this guy is. That being said, I know that he is an animal. Those ratings are no joke, and the performance might even be better. Probably one of the more complete players on this list, Milan gets it done on both sides of the floor. You can give Itnas some flack if you want for rebuilding for awhile, but he has absolutely nailed it on a couple no name guys, namely Macvan, but also the legendary Dejuan Summers who will not be making this list. Macvan would probably be a bit higher, but I believe he has probably reached right around the peak of where he will be for his prime. That being said, he should have a VERY productive career over at least the next few seasons.
#5. Steph Curry
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Age: 25 Experience: 4 Team: Philadelphia 76ers
Current Ratings: C A B+ B- C- B
Career Averages: 36 MPG 16 PPG 4.5 RPG 7.0 APG 1.6 SPG 0.2 BPG 2.6 TOpg
One of the best ratings of anyone on the list, and would probably be closer to the top if the production would match those ratings. I think most would agree that they probably expected better numbers when seeing Curry's name. That A rating is sexy as hell, but he has yet to crack 20ppg in a season thus far, which I fully expected him to sooner than later once he was drafted. Last season was a career high for him in points though, so possibly that could trend upwards if some adjustments are made to get Curry the ball more. His career %'s are solid, so the numbers could possibly be improved.
#4. Anthony Davis
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Age: 21 Experience: 1 Team: Miami Heat
Current Ratings: C 21 6'10'' 220 B C- D+ B+ C+ B
Career Averages: 28.9 MPG 12.1 PPG 8.3 RPG 1.0 APG 0.7 SPG 2.7 BPG 1.3 TOpg
Now, this may be the most controversial player on the list as far as where I'm putting him. His numbers aren't eye popping, yet, but the Heat hit the jackpot and drafted him onto an already solid squad, which limited his scoring numbers and to an extent his minutes. In a league full of chuckers and high potential PG's, Anthony Davis is the kind of player who may just change some GM's view on how they want to build a team. In just his 2nd season at age 21 he is blocking 3.5 shots per game to go along with 13.8 points and 11.8 rebounds. He is also shooting over 75% from the line in his career thus far, and over 80% this season. He is an absolute game changing big man in multiple facets of the game, and could be a league changing type big man if its production continues to rise, as I expect it to.
#3. Kevin Love
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Age: 24 Experience: 5 Team: Orlando Magic
Current Ratings: B B+ C B A- C
Career Averages: 30.4 MPG 18.1 PPG 9.8 RPG 3.5 APG 0.9 SPG 1.3 BPG 2.9 TOpg
The Love Machine is one of the most experienced players on this list. He is also one of the most complete, he can score and rebound with anyone in the league, and his defense is beginning to catch up to the other aspects. His scoring has been very consistent throughout his career, and nearly every other statistic has trended up since his entrance into the league. Would like to see him become a bit more consistent with the 3 ball, but otherwise he is very efficient, and one of the better big man FT shooters in the league. Love will have a long productive career.
#2. Kyrie Irving
Age: 21 Experience: 2 Team: Cleveland Cavaliers
Current Ratings: B- A- B B- D B
Career Averages: 35.7 MPG 24.4 PPG 3.7 RPG 7.1 APG 1.6 SPG 0.2 BPG 1.7 TOpg
Kyrie has bursted onto the scene and established himself as a superstar already. Averaging nearly 23 ppg as a rookie, and has only steadily improved that each season, making him one of the elite scorers in the league. For someone with the ball in his hands as much as Kyrie, he doesnt turn the ball over and shoots it efficiently from all over the floor. Kyrie is still only 21 years old, and if he's not already, will be in the conversation for best player in the league very soon.
#1. Derrick Rose
Age: 25 Experience: 5 Team: Minnesota Timberwolves
Current Ratings: B B+ A- A- C C
Career Averages: 33.1 MPG 16.1 PPG 5.4 RPG 8 APG 1.5 SPG 0.2 BPG 2.2 TOpg
Easily the most accomplished player on the list already. Has a ratings line to make you drool, and a stats line to match. You can complain about 16 ppg if you want, but your a fool if you do. Rose has played on a team with multiple players who could be the #1 scoring option on nearly every team, so the "low" ppg only makes sense. 8 apg doesnt tell the story either as he has been around 10 for 3 season in a row. He's won an MVP. He's won a playoff MVP. He's got a ring. By the end of his career, Rose could potentially be in the conversation with Kobe/Vince Carter as far as best legacy in this sim league.
And that's the way I see it. Obviously this is 100% based off my opinions, and I look forward to comments/arguments of who should be on here that I missed. Obviously tons of great young guys in the league, but these 10 are those who I feel i'd want most to build my team around and are capable of being among the best players in the league sooner than later in this league. Thanks for reading!
Grading Criteria I'll admit is in large part personal opinion. I've taken into account variables ranging from age, current ratings, scouted potential, current team, and more. And here we go:
#10. Paul George
Age: 25 Experience: 3 Team: Boston Celtics
Current Ratings: B B C- B+ C B
Career Averages: 33.5 MPG 15.4 PPG 6.2 RBG 1.4 APG 1.3 SPG 1.0 BPG 1.3 TOpg
Paul George was the first overall selection in the 2010 NBADSL Draft. He was drafted to a team that already had one potential superstar wing in Tyreke Evans. The two form possibly the most explosive young scoring combination in the league. Last season was a career year for George, with career highs in multiple categories. He still has good potential, and will have the ability to grow alongside a young Celtics team that, if they can retain George and some other young players, should be a force in a very short time.
#9. Isiah Thomas
Age: 21 Experience: 2 Team: Charlotte Hornets
Current Ratings: C A- B- B D+ B
Career Averages: 32.6 MPG 17.1 PPG 3.4 RPG 6.6 APG 1.0 SPG 0.2 BPG 1.8 TOpg
The little man with a big game was taken surprisingly early in the 2011 draft, but Hornets GM Itnas may have been on to something others didn't see. After a few very good TC's, Thomas has blossomed into a near superstar already right in front of our eyes. He possesses a very high quality rating line with some potential left to spare, he has shown he can score the rock but maybe more importantly has shown he can take care of the ball. His 2nd season was abruptly ended early by injury, but nonetheless still has a bright future in the league.
#8. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist
Age: 21 Experience: Rookie Team: Denver Nuggets
Current Ratings: B- C+ C B C A
Career Averages: 33.1 MPG 24.6 PPG 6.7 RPG 2.1 APG 1.1 SPG 0.3 BPG 2.8 TOpg
The first overall selection of this past draft, his game seems to be instantly transitioning into the pros. Though just a small sample, his numbers look legitimate, and on good percentages. One of the only capable scorers on his team will certainly lead to some inflated numbers, but there is no questioning that he's got what it takes to evolve his game into a top tier type player in this league not only as a scorer but as a defender. Even if he goes without any crazy TC's, if he's able to consistently improve even slightly through his rookie deal he's destined to be a star.
#7. Damian Lillard
Age: 21 Experience: 1 Team: Los Angeles Lakers
Current Ratings: C B+ B C D+ B
Career Averages: 29 MPG 16.5 PPG 3.2 RPG 5.6 APG 0.9 SPG 0.1 BPG 2.2 TOpg
The obvious homer pick that you knew was coming. What is also obvious is the studliness of Lillard. Despite a semi- disappointing rookie campaign, Damian has come out strong in his 2nd season and looks much improved. From season 1 to 2 he's on pace to bump is PPG average nearly 10 points, while shooting lights out efficiently. Currently slashing .468/.886/.488 in his sophomore season, his offensive game looks like the real deal, and despite a C defensive grade he's averaging almost a steal and a half per contest thus far. With that solid improvement from year 1 to 2, the future looks extremely bright in LA.
#6. Milan Macvan
Age: 25 Experience: 2 Team: Charlotte Hornets
Current Ratings: C+ B C- A- C+ C
Career Averages: 34 MPG 19.2 PPG 10.8 RPG 1.9 APG 1.0 SPG 2.4 BPG 2.1 TOpg
I still have no fucking idea who this guy is. That being said, I know that he is an animal. Those ratings are no joke, and the performance might even be better. Probably one of the more complete players on this list, Milan gets it done on both sides of the floor. You can give Itnas some flack if you want for rebuilding for awhile, but he has absolutely nailed it on a couple no name guys, namely Macvan, but also the legendary Dejuan Summers who will not be making this list. Macvan would probably be a bit higher, but I believe he has probably reached right around the peak of where he will be for his prime. That being said, he should have a VERY productive career over at least the next few seasons.
#5. Steph Curry
Age: 25 Experience: 4 Team: Philadelphia 76ers
Current Ratings: C A B+ B- C- B
Career Averages: 36 MPG 16 PPG 4.5 RPG 7.0 APG 1.6 SPG 0.2 BPG 2.6 TOpg
One of the best ratings of anyone on the list, and would probably be closer to the top if the production would match those ratings. I think most would agree that they probably expected better numbers when seeing Curry's name. That A rating is sexy as hell, but he has yet to crack 20ppg in a season thus far, which I fully expected him to sooner than later once he was drafted. Last season was a career high for him in points though, so possibly that could trend upwards if some adjustments are made to get Curry the ball more. His career %'s are solid, so the numbers could possibly be improved.
#4. Anthony Davis
Age: 21 Experience: 1 Team: Miami Heat
Current Ratings: C 21 6'10'' 220 B C- D+ B+ C+ B
Career Averages: 28.9 MPG 12.1 PPG 8.3 RPG 1.0 APG 0.7 SPG 2.7 BPG 1.3 TOpg
Now, this may be the most controversial player on the list as far as where I'm putting him. His numbers aren't eye popping, yet, but the Heat hit the jackpot and drafted him onto an already solid squad, which limited his scoring numbers and to an extent his minutes. In a league full of chuckers and high potential PG's, Anthony Davis is the kind of player who may just change some GM's view on how they want to build a team. In just his 2nd season at age 21 he is blocking 3.5 shots per game to go along with 13.8 points and 11.8 rebounds. He is also shooting over 75% from the line in his career thus far, and over 80% this season. He is an absolute game changing big man in multiple facets of the game, and could be a league changing type big man if its production continues to rise, as I expect it to.
#3. Kevin Love
Age: 24 Experience: 5 Team: Orlando Magic
Current Ratings: B B+ C B A- C
Career Averages: 30.4 MPG 18.1 PPG 9.8 RPG 3.5 APG 0.9 SPG 1.3 BPG 2.9 TOpg
The Love Machine is one of the most experienced players on this list. He is also one of the most complete, he can score and rebound with anyone in the league, and his defense is beginning to catch up to the other aspects. His scoring has been very consistent throughout his career, and nearly every other statistic has trended up since his entrance into the league. Would like to see him become a bit more consistent with the 3 ball, but otherwise he is very efficient, and one of the better big man FT shooters in the league. Love will have a long productive career.
#2. Kyrie Irving
Age: 21 Experience: 2 Team: Cleveland Cavaliers
Current Ratings: B- A- B B- D B
Career Averages: 35.7 MPG 24.4 PPG 3.7 RPG 7.1 APG 1.6 SPG 0.2 BPG 1.7 TOpg
Kyrie has bursted onto the scene and established himself as a superstar already. Averaging nearly 23 ppg as a rookie, and has only steadily improved that each season, making him one of the elite scorers in the league. For someone with the ball in his hands as much as Kyrie, he doesnt turn the ball over and shoots it efficiently from all over the floor. Kyrie is still only 21 years old, and if he's not already, will be in the conversation for best player in the league very soon.
#1. Derrick Rose
Age: 25 Experience: 5 Team: Minnesota Timberwolves
Current Ratings: B B+ A- A- C C
Career Averages: 33.1 MPG 16.1 PPG 5.4 RPG 8 APG 1.5 SPG 0.2 BPG 2.2 TOpg
Easily the most accomplished player on the list already. Has a ratings line to make you drool, and a stats line to match. You can complain about 16 ppg if you want, but your a fool if you do. Rose has played on a team with multiple players who could be the #1 scoring option on nearly every team, so the "low" ppg only makes sense. 8 apg doesnt tell the story either as he has been around 10 for 3 season in a row. He's won an MVP. He's won a playoff MVP. He's got a ring. By the end of his career, Rose could potentially be in the conversation with Kobe/Vince Carter as far as best legacy in this sim league.
And that's the way I see it. Obviously this is 100% based off my opinions, and I look forward to comments/arguments of who should be on here that I missed. Obviously tons of great young guys in the league, but these 10 are those who I feel i'd want most to build my team around and are capable of being among the best players in the league sooner than later in this league. Thanks for reading!
