2012 NBA Re-Draft

By Kyle Soppe

With a plethora of young players dominating the game today, the question begs to be asked: If you’re drafting to start your NBA franchise, who ya got? Who gives your team the best chance to start a dynasty? Here’s my top 15 based on potential to improve and what we already know about them.

1. LeBron James (27 years old) ~ Career average of 28-7-7.  Makes everyone better, and can play anywhere.

2. Kevin Durant (23) ~ Best scorer in the league has improved his shooting percentage, rebounds, and assists.

3. Derrick Rose (23) ~ Reigning MVP has rising assist numbers and has shown flashes of an improved perimeter game.

4. Dwight Howard (26) ~ Only truly dominant center. Gives you a massive edge in scoring easy points as well as preventing them.

5. Chris Paul (26) ~ Point guard can do it all. Showing versatility and ability to adapt in LA.

6. Russell Westbrook (23) ~ Tools like Rose, just a year behind. FG percentages and points on the rise.

7. Kevin Love (23) ~ He can pass, dribble, and shoot at elite levels. Oh yea, and he averages 12 rpg for his career. Nothing he can’t do.

8. Rajon Rondo (26) ~ Limited scorer, but plays within himself. You can win a championship with him as your best player.

9. Kyrie Irving (19) ~ Averaging more assists, more points, less turnovers, and shooting better than Wade as a 21 yr old rookie.

10. Blake Griffin (22) ~ Skills are improving rapidly, but his athleticism won’t have an off night.

11. Steph Curry (23) – Injuries are a concern, but has elite percentages and improving assist/turnover ratio. Will be an elite PG soon.

12. Tyreke Evans (22) ~ A poor man’s LeBron. He’s got all the tools, and time is on his side.

13. John Wall (21) ~ Numbers are Rose like, and he’s struggling. Better passer than Rose. Has the swagger you need to succeed.

14. Deron Williams (27) ~ Sneaky athleticism makes him a tough match up. He’s a stronger version Nash.

15. DeMarcus Cousins (21) ~ Make him happy, and he’s a bargain. Throw back center will bang with anyone. He’s a 22-12 guy at least.

Honorable Mention:

Dwayne Wade (30) ~ Not sure how long his body can take the abuse.

Greg Monroe (21) ~ Believe he has the potential to be a 20-10-6 player.

Anthony Davis (18) ~ Yes, he’s in college, but he’s worth the risk.

Jrue Holliday (21) ~ Maybe not the stat stuffer, but he can lead a team and produce along the way.

Tony Parker (29) ~ All he does is win and make big time plays. Holliday will turn into Parker in 8 years.

Amar’e Stoudemire (29) ~ Love the talent, but can he lead a team to glory?

LaMarcus Aldridge (26) ~ Developing into a star later than projected, but a solid annual All Star for the next 8-10 years.

Ricky Rubio (21) ~ Won’t be the best player on a championship team, but could be most valuable with his passing abilities.

Eric Gordon (23) ~ Injury scares me, but name a better shooting guard under the age of 27.

James Harden (22) ~ Has shown play making tendencies that are easy to love. Unsure of athleticism.

Missed the cut

Kobe Bryant(33), Dirk Nowitski (33), Jeremy Lin (24), Carmelo Anthony (27), Rudy Gay (25), Andrew Bynum (24), DeMar DeRozan (22)