Hoops Nation

#12 Paul George-Indiana Pacers

Paul George is a young player that has all-star potential. For the 2013 season, Paul George will be a top 12 shooting guard. George brings athleticism to the Pacers. He is a big time dunker and is similar to Andre Iguodala. George will move up this list as his career goes on, but I don’t see him being a top 10 shooting guard until he can be a true 1st or 2nd option on a team. Either way, George has a great career in front of him.
Stat Predictions:15 points per game, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal.

 

#11 Evan Turner-Philadelphia 76ers

While Turner has been a disappointment in his career so far, he still is young and has showed flashes of brilliance. As with most people in the league, I believe Turner could still become the all-star player people thought of him as. Even with Andre Iguodala on the team, I expect Turner to take over the team and have a breakout season. The young guard should be in contention for Most Improved Player.

Stat Predictions:17 points per game, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal.

 

#10 DeMar DeRozan-Toronto Raptors

DeMar is already considered Toronto’s leader and the franchise player to build around. He has showed he is capable of becoming a big time player and being a first option on a team. I expect him to get to an all-star game or 2 in the future. DeMar has great potential and Raptors fans should be excited.This very well could be a breakout season for him. Either way, he will finally emerge as a top 10 shooting guard and give Raptors fans a reason to be excited for the future.
Stat Predictions:19 points per game, 4 rebounds, 3 assists.

 

#9 Kevin Martin-Houston Rockets

Kevin Martin has always been a great player capable of being a very very good 2nd option. He is a pure scorer that can put up 20 points per game. I expect Kevin to have a good season and compete for his first all-star bid. I expect. This could be one of Kevin’s last years in the top 12 though, as he appears to be exiting his prime, a prime where he once scored 25 points per game. Either way, Kevin is a great player that deserves this #9 spot.
Stat Predictions:17 points per game, 3 rebounds, 3 assists.

 

#8 Joe Johnson-Brooklyn Nets

Despite being overpaid, Joe Johnson is still a great player that is has been to all-star games. He is getting older, so he may be in his last years as a top 10 shooting guard. Either way, he will help out the Nets a lot and should be an effective as Deron Williams side kick. Johnson could be in contention for another all-star appearance, but I am not expecting it. Still, the Nets should be excited that they have a player next to D-Will that is capable of putting up 20 points a night.
Stat Predictions:18 points per game, 4 rebounds, 3 assists.

 

#7 Tyreke Evans-Sacramento Kings

Tyreke is another good young player that could have a huge breakout season soon. He had a great rookie season but has failed to impress ever since. Even with that, Tyreke is a great player that will be an all-star someday. Instead of being the 1st option that many Kings fans hoped for, he may be a great 2nd option, most likely to DeMarcus Cousins. I expect Tyreke to have a good season and help push his Kings to the 40 win mark.
Stat Predictions:17 points per game, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal.

 

#6 Manu Ginobili-San Antonio Spurs

Manu at #6 is a risk because of the injuries he suffered this past season.Even with that, I have faith that he will be able to come back and have one more good season in the league. Ginobili is getting old and this should be the last time we see him in the top 12 category. I expect Ginobili to give a lot to the Spurs this season with a more spread out schedule.
Stat Predictions:17 points per game, 4 rebounds, 4 assists.

 

#5 James Harden-Oklahoma City Thunder

James Harden is the best 6th man in the league, and it really can’t be argued. He is the third piece to a big 3 in Oklahoma City. Harden averaged 16 points per game last season and I expect that to improve. Harden is still very young and has not reached his prime yet. It should not come as a surprise if Scott Brooks throws him in the starting lineup for the 2012/2013 season. Until he does though, I don’t see him scoring more than 20 points per game.
Stat Predictions:18 points per game, 3 rebounds, 4 assists.

 

#4 Eric Gordon-New Orleans Hornets

When healthy, Eric Gordon is a top 5 shooting guard in the league. The problem? He can’t stay healthy. Gordon only played 9 games last season, so putting him at #4 is a risk, but in those 9 games he played, he was terrific. Gordon is on track to go to his first ever all-star game this season. Once in his prime, it wouldn’t surprise me if he was competing for MVP’s.  Will he ever win the MVP trophy? Probably not. I do expect him to get to multiple all-star appearances though.

Stat Predictions:21 points per game, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal.

 

#3 Monta Ellis-Milwaukee Bucks

Monta Ellis is a pure scorer that can be capable of putting up 40 points in a game when he is on, he has did it many times before. Monta Ellis is entering his prime and could have the best season of his career this year. I believe that Ellis will get to his first all-star game this season. He is too good of a scorer to never make the star studded game. Monta will look for help from Brandon Jennings to push the Bucks back into the playoffs. Ellis’s best seasons are right around the corner.
Stat Predictions: 22 points per game, 4 assists, 3 rebounds, 1 steal.

 

#2 Dwyane Wade-Miami Heat

The 2 time NBA champion is coming off of a rough season where he battled injuries, but I expect him to bounce back well. Flash may be exiting his prime, but he is still a great player and a top 3 shooting guard. I think Wade will have a great season next to LeBron this season. He needs to gain confidence in himself and be 100% healthy for this to happen though. Wade will remain in this spot for the next few seasons.
Stat Predictions: 23 points per game, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, 1 block.

 

#1 Kobe Bryant-Los Angeles Lakers

The #1 shooting guard in the NBA. Who else then the future hall of famer, Kobe Bryant. Kobe is aging but his game has remained the same. I expect this to be Kobe’s final MVP chase. Like I said, he is getting older and can’t do this forever. With Nash by his side, Bryant will look for championship number six.Kobe should have another great season. There isn’t much to say about The Mamba, you know what he is going to do, and you know what he is after.
Stat Predictions: 27 points per game, 4 assists, 4 rebounds, 1 steal.