10.6 ppg, 8.5 rpg, 1.0 spg and 1.3 bpg might not seem like superstar stats but if I told you they came from a rookie while only playing 25:41 as a starter, would you think differently? What if this player were practically guaranteed a starting role next year and is considered to be the future of his franchise? Anthony Randolph has that potential. He has been compared to Lamar Odom numerous times for his ball handling skills, poise, defense, rebounding and scoring abilities.


Now Odom is a terrific player. Probably not a franchise type player. He might even be suited as a #2 or #3 option type of guy. But the only reason he isn’t a #1 option is that he chooses to lay back and let other people handle the pressure moments. When Odom chooses to play like a beast, he is practically unstoppable and that is the mentality that Randolph must obtain. He can’t be a timid player in the NBA or else he’ll end up being just a nice piece to the puzzle.


The Golden State Warriors need him to be a beast. He has shown that he can score, rebound and play defense. As well as distribute the ball well for a big man. With the Warriors current team the way it is, Randolph will have to prove that he is that big man that the Warriors thought he could be when they drafted him. It’ll be fun watching him play this coming season and seeing if he can improve on his performance last year.

Everyone knows that Kevin Durant is a star in the making but does anyone outside of Oklahoma really know how good this guy is? All you have to do is take a look at his numbers and combine them with the fact that he has only two years in the pros and it is easy to see that this kid is destined for greatness. This year he averaged 25.3 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 3.1 3pt at 42.2%, 1.3 spg and shot 47.6% from the field. Those are numbers anyone can use on their squad and next year you better not wait too long to draft him.


He improved on every single category except FT% and bpg but the drop was minimal in both of those categories. Durant is pushing for a first round draft choice next year and if I have a late first round or early second round choice I will not pass him up. Plus his Guard/Forward eligibility is a huge plus. The ceiling is unbelievably high for this kid and he should make a steady rise to the top very quick.

Q: I know it is early seeing that the season just ended but who do you think has the most potential to have a breakout season next year?


David- Detroit, MI


A: Anthony Randolph and here is why. He ended the season as a starter and should begin next year as the starting PF. His potential is through the roof. He finished the final month of the season averaging 15.1 ppg, 10.6 rpg, 1.5 spg and 0.9 bpg. In 15 March games he averaged 2 bpg. He has a chance to showcase his Lamar Odom type skill set and there really isn’t anything stopping him.


Q: Do you think that Kevin Garnett will still be considered a first round fantasy player in next year’s draft?


Patrick- Boston, MA


A: No, 15.8 ppg, 8.5 rpg 1.1 spg and 1.1 bpg just isn’t what you are looking for in a first round player. Garnett is the perfect case of a player that has way more value as a real player as opposed to a fantasy player.


Q: Heard any rumors lately involving future free agents or trades?


Eddie- Denver, CO


A: There are always rumors flying around but here is an interesting one. Dwayne Wade has said that he may consider signing a contract extension with the Miami Heat before he can opt out of his contract and become an unrestricted free agent for the summer of 2010. He has until July 1 to decide.


Q: Can the Golden State Warriors make it back to the playoffs next year with their current roster completely healthy?


Ashley- Hayward, CA


A: No, I don’t think they can. They need a true PG to run the show so Monta Ellis can do his thing and create offense without having to initiate it. Hopefully they will be able to find a solid PG in the draft or via trade. They will need Ellis to be that consistent scorer that everyone watched him become last year with the impending loss of Jamal Crawford due to not picking up his option. Stephen Jackson should be able to fully return and Anthony Randolph proved late in the season that he belongs in the starting 5 no matter what.