[White ChocolateParticipant]

From Hoopsworld:

What’s the best way to look back on the summer and forecast the future? By determining which players are most likely to accomplish certain feats followed by some traditional yearbook-style superlatives, of course.

Most Likely to Improve Team Offensively: LeBron James

Let’s not forget that before LeBron James struggled in the playoffs and made a series of questionable decisions this summer, he had one of the most impressive regular seasons of all-time averaging 29.7 points, 8.6 assists, and 7.3 rebounds. Going through this list, James could win or contend for nearly every category. He is essentially the popular kid who isn’t allowed to win anymore awards to make things fun for the rest of the class. Each of James’ moves have been heavily scrutinized this summer but he’s still one of the most dominant scorers in the NBA.

Honorable Mention: Chris Bosh, Carlos Boozer, Amar’e Stoudemire

With Dwyane Wade and Joe Johnson re-signing with their respective teams, these three forwards became the best offensive weapons on the market. Each of them averaged nearly twenty points per game last season and will drastically change how their new team runs their offense. Bosh, Boozer, and Stoudemire are all capable of going off on any given night and have experience carrying a team’s scoring load.

Most Likely To Improve Team Defensively: Trevor Ariza

As previously mentioned, you can make the argument that LeBron James belongs here with his chase-down blocks and clutch steals but Trevor Ariza has emerged as one of the better perimeter defenders in recent years. He averages nearly two steals per game and has developed a reputation as a lockdown defender. In Houston, he was expected to score more and let Shane Battier handle the tougher defensive assignments but now that he’s with the New Orleans Hornets, he’ll be able to get back to his old ways and bring some much needed athleticism and defense to the team.

Honorable Mention: LeBron James, Matt Barnes

James has to be mentioned but let’s not forget about Matt Barnes, the man brought in to counter Miami’s signings. When the Heat were able to snag James and Wade, it was important that the Lakers bring in some defensive help. Enter Matt Barnes who, along with Kobe Bryant and Ron Artest, has experience as a lockdown defender and gives Los Angeles the best chance at beating the powerhouse that has formed in South Beach.

Most Likely To Fill The Glue Guy Role Perfectly: Kirk Hinrich

Superstars dominated the headlines this summer but sometimes the addition of a glue guy can make the difference for a team. Kirk Hinrich is the player who always gets the job done, brings the locker room together, and sets the right tone. On a Washington Wizards team, he’ll be the veteran who leads by example with his work ethic and selfless play. In Chicago, Hinrich was known as the team’s glue guy and there have been concerns that the Bulls’ chemistry won’t be the same without his presence in the locker room next season. Ironically, Hinrich was dumped by Chicago as they tried to acquire one of the top tier stars that overshadow players like him. But at the end of the day, he’ll do what is asked of him and his presence can only help the Wizards.

Honorable Mention: James Posey, Matt Barnes, Keyon Dooling

Other glue guys include Posey, Barnes, and Dooling. It’s no coincidence that Posey has played for a number of contenders and has two championship rings. While his stint in New Orleans didn’t go as planned, he’ll try to turn around a Pacers’ organization that desperately needs to get everyone on the same page. Barnes may be looked at as a villain around the league but when he’s in your locker room, he makes sure that everyone knows a team is like a family and that everyone has each other’s back. In Orlando, he created rules that promoted the chemistry within the group. For example, nobody was allowed to head off to the team bus early after shootaround. The entire team had to go as a group even if it meant waiting for one person who was putting up extra shots. With all of the personalities in Los Angeles, he’ll continue being the player you hate to play against but love to have on your team. Dooling is one of the funniest players in the league and is great at bringing a group together. He includes everyone, breaks the ice, and he’ll be important next season with all of the new faces on the Bucks.

Most Likely To Succeed: Kevin Durant

The league is now Kevin Durant’s for the taking. Sure, the Miami Heat are going to be difficult to compete with but when it comes to individual accolades, Durant is about to fill up his trophy case. With James, Wade, and Bosh likely cancelling each other out during Most Valuable Player voting and taking on the role of villains, the stars have aligned – both figuratively and literally – for Durant to take home award after award while becoming the face of the NBA. Would it have happened sooner or later? Probably. His image is squeaky clean, he’s a terrific scorer, and he’s already become a fan favorite. But with the trio upsetting everyone outside of Miami, other superstars such as Carmelo Anthony and Chris Paul following suit, and the league in need of a new golden child to market, it will be hard for Durant not to find success. After inking a five-year extension with the Thunder this summer, everything is in place for Durant to take over the NBA.

Honorable Mention: LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh

But as a far as rings go, a potential dynasty has formed in Miami. There’s no question that they’re a great team on paper and if they can coexist, they become every team’s nightmare. Say what you want about their individual legacies being tarnished, if they can win a string of championships it’s hard not to consider the experiment in South Beach a success.

Most Likely To Jump Out of The Gym: John Wall

While most of this list has featured players that found their way onto new teams via free agency or trades, it’s impossible not to mention the rookie when talking about the most athletic player. No superlatives list would be complete without naming the best athlete and John Wall may take the cake. His numbers at the Combine were astounding – 42″ max vertical, 10.83 in the lane agility drills, and 3.14 in the 3/4 court sprint – and he put on a show during the Las Vegas Summer League and most recently, at the Boost Mobile Elite 24 game in California.

Honorable Mention: Rudy Gay, Shannon Brown

Gay and Brown re-signed with their respective teams but there’s no question that these highflyers were two of the most athletic players on the market this summer. Each has proven that defenders should just get out of the lane if they’re preparing for takeoff. After all, even their misses look pretty. Derek Fisher’s face says it all.

Most Likely to Breakout: Anthony Morrow

Last season, Anthony Morrow’s minutes were constantly in flux and his role changed throughout the year. While it’s tough to gage out players will produce after leaving the trigger happy Warriors, Morrow is one of the players poised to take the next step and improve from his days in Golden State. With a starting role all but won and a clearly defined role in place, Morrow has been expanding his game and could emerge as more than just a sharpshooter in New Jersey.

Honorable Mention: Kelenna Azubuike, Shaun Livingston, Hakim Warrick

Similarly, these three players enter new situations that will put the ball in their hands. Azubuike will likely be the starter in New York and he’ll likely make a name for himself with his tough perimeter defense and knack for hitting open shots. Livingston steps in to replace Raymond Felton and will try to prove that his impressive numbers for Washington towards the end of last season weren’t a fluke. Warrick will play big minutes in Amar’e Stoudemire’s place and will benefit from playing with Steve Nash.

Most Likely to Become Famous: Amar’e Stoudemire

Amar’e Stoudemire has stepped onto basketball’s biggest stage in the concrete jungle where dreams are made of. While he has always been one of the most talented players in the league, he now has the chance to resurrect the Knicks and become the savior of New York basketball. If he turns the team into a legitimate contender and has them competing in the playoff each year, he steals the limelight and New York once again has something to cheer for in Madison Square Garden. If he can’t come through, he’ll be recognizable but it’ll be because he’s constantly being ripped to shreds on the back page of the tabloids. But with more endorsement opportunities than ever and a possible movie role in the works, Stoudemire’s Q score has already skyrocketed. What happens next is up to Stoudemire.

Honorable Mention: Chris Bosh, Steve Blake, Courtney Lee

It’s no secret that Bosh was interested in joining the trio in Miami to become more recognizable and increase his celebrity status. He has already received new endorsements and, if he wasn’t already well known before, he’ll be hard to miss this season since he’ll be playing every time you turn on your television. Steve Blake has either been a reserve or overlooked starter for much of his career. But by taking less money to join the Lakers, he’ll soon become well known to even the most casual basketball fan and it’s just a matter of time until he’s included in ridiculous trade proposals that make fans outside of Los Angeles simply shake their heads. After disappearing off of the face of the Earth with the lowly Nets last season, Courtney Lee is looking to revive his career in Houston. With his highlight reel plays, a deal with a Chinese shoe company likely right around the corner, and a trip to China in the works, it’s just a matter of time until he’s famous in at least one part of the world. This summer, Aaron Brooks nearly had his van flipped over as he rode through the streets of China. Welcome to the Rockets, Courtney.

View Alex Kennedy Archive Biggest Flirt: Chris Bosh

“So it’s like, well, in my case, I’m going to have fun with it. I’m going to play with people’s emotions. I’m going to be high and low. It’s entertaining to see people react to your real emotions because if it wasn’t fun I wouldn’t do it,” Chris Bosh told the New York Daily News last month. Being a technology lover, Bosh chose to toy with his followers on Twitter. Whether he was removing anything that had to do with Toronto from his profile or giving fans vague updates that left them begging for more information throughout the free agency process, Bosh was easily this summer’s biggest flirt.

Honorable Mention: LeBron James

Not only did James flirt with fans, he was leading on several organizations and potential teammates around the league until just minutes before “The Decision” began airing. Speaking of which…

Most Dramatic: LeBron James

“It’s gotten ridiculous, I think,” Stan Van Gundy told reporters during the AirTran Airways Pro Summer League. “I mean it’s almost like a parody of itself, this whole situation now. Come on, an hour long? OK, it takes 15 seconds to say, ‘I’ve decided to stay in Cleveland. But we’ve got another 59 minutes and 45 seconds to, what, promote LeBron James? As if we don’t do that enough. Look, the guy’s a great player and wherever he goes — and my bet would be Cleveland — that place will be excited and the whole thing. But an hour-long special?” That opinion was held by the majority of basketball fans after James chose to announce his decision with an hour long special on ESPN. What his handlers expected to be a celebration and perfect way to end weeks of anticipation turned into an awkward interview with depressing cutaways to crying fans and burning jerseys.

Honorable Mention: Anthony Tolliver

Anthony Tolliver’s parody video titled “The Decision: Part Deux!” almost made James’ special worth it. While the “special” only lasted one-minute, it was very funny and helped get Tolliver’s name out there. Even with the howling wolf sound effect, it was much better than James’ production.

The Best Couple: LeBron James and Dwyane Wade

Chris Bosh may have been following Dwyane Wade around “for two weeks like a lapdog,” according to Stan Van Gundy but at the end of the day, they don’t form the best duo to watch in Miami. Love them or hate them, James and Wade are poised to be one of the most exciting and talented tandems in league history. Bosh is an important piece that makes the Heat a legitimate contender but he takes a backseat to James and Wade. As teams positioned themselves to grab one of the superstar free agents this summer, the Heat were able to sign two of the league’s top five scorers. Pat Riley was the matchmaker in this situation and now the rest of the league can just hope for an ugly breakup.

Honorable Mention: Paul Pierce and Ray Allen, Raymond Felton and Amar’e Stoudemire

Pierce and Allen choosing to return to Boston may not have seemed like big news but it keeps the Celtics’ core together. When healthy, they’ve proven to be nearly unstoppable and it gives the team a chance to compete before their window closes once and for all. The Knicks weren’t able to lure several of their top options to New York but they were able to lock up their point guard-big man duo of the future.

The Odd Couple: Kobe Bryant and Matt Barnes

While both players respect each other now, it would have been hard to imagine Kobe Bryant and Matt Barnes joining forces last season. After pump fakes to the face and exchanging words after nearly every possession during last season’s showdown in Orlando, the two have put the past behind them and teamed up in Los Angeles. This is the second offseason that the Lakers have brought on one of Bryant’s biggest adversaries after adding Ron Artest to the roster last summer. After watching the emotions from this matchup spill into the locker rooms during postgame availability, it’s surprising to say the least that Barnes and Bryant will now wear the same colors.

Honorable Mention: Kwame Brown and Michael Jordan

Their relationship has been well documented. Jordan called Brown some not-so-pleasant names during their stint together in Washington and the two hated one another for years. Many have said that Jordan’s berating stripped Brown of all of his confidence and was a major reason he never tapped into his seemingly limitless potential. Jordan has never heard the end of his decision to draft Brown, who was his first draft pick as an executive. But that’s water under the bridge now. The two have reunited in Charlotte and it feels so good.

[RUDEBOY_Participant]

i might be wrong..but i think the Hornets could’ve gotten alot more for Collison then just Trevor Ariza

[RUDEBOY_Participant]

i might be wrong..but i think the Hornets could’ve gotten alot more for Collison then just Trevor Ariza

[gregoden08Participant]

How would Bosh cancel out LBJ for the MVP? I completely disagree. The award generally goes to the best player on the best team.

[gregoden08Participant]

How would Bosh cancel out LBJ for the MVP? I completely disagree. The award generally goes to the best player on the best team.

[Mr.Knick 32Participant]

This is the 1st article you posted that didn’t have anything to do with Utah….good job.

[Mr.Knick 32Participant]

This is the 1st article you posted that didn’t have anything to do with Utah….good job.

[stanford hoops]

Walls vertical is 39 not 42. I tried telling Alex that but couldn’t sign onto facebook

what else could the hornets have gotten? I don’t think they have alot of cap space and collins contract is small.

[stanford hoops]

Walls vertical is 39 not 42. I tried telling Alex that but couldn’t sign onto facebook

what else could the hornets have gotten? I don’t think they have alot of cap space and collins contract is small.

[Author]

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