By Darnell Mayberry •
Modified: October 28, 2008 at 2:36 pm • Published: October 27, 2008
Five most exciting players
- LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers: Combines Karl Malone's size with Michael Jordan's skills. As close to unstoppable as it gets.
Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers: Parents will someday tell their children about the day they saw him drop 81.
Chris Paul, New Orleans Hornets: Has made the things he did OKC look ordinary compared to what he does now.
Steve Nash, Phoenix Suns: Suns a little less run, but he's still every bit the fun.
Dwayne Wade, Miami Heat: Don't blink. He's nicknamed “Flash” for a reason. And he's healthy so look out.
Five breakout players
- Danny Granger, Indiana Pacers: Durable and has gotten better each season. And with Jermaine O'Neal gone, it's his team now.
- Thaddeus Young, Philadelphia 76ers: Should benefit the most from Elton Brand's arrival.
- Andray Blatche, Washington Wizards: Inconsistency has stunted his emergence. This could be his year.
- Al Thornton, Los Angeles Clippers: Strong candidate for MIP — Most Improved Player.
- Randy Foye, Minnesota Timberwolves: Last season's injuries prevented him from building on a solid rookie season.
Five new coaches
Larry Brown, Charlotte Bobcats: What? You didn't really think he was done coaching did you?
Scott Skiles, Milwaukee Bucks: Maybe Skiles can get them to play some D and end the underachieving.
Mike D'Antoni, New York Knicks: Stephon Marbury's no Steve Nash, Zach Randolph's no Amare Stoudemire and rookie Danilo Gallinari's no Shawn Marion — Good luck.
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