NBA FanHouse walks through the Valley of the Most Likely; we shall fear no topic.
Considering the malaisial murmuring in June 2006, last year's rookies weren't that bad. Andrea Bargnani showed fire most expected to be absent; LaMarcus Aldridge and Brandon Roy will be undisputed stars of their team this year; Tyrus Thomas and Rudy Gay shocked and awed in spurts. Certainly, the class seems better than 2000 (the most recent abomination). In fact, it might eventually be considered a good class. But...
The class of 2007 is going to blow those guys out of the water. Even with Greg Oden taking a rain check, the talent infusion is overwhelming. Kevin Durant, natch, is already the alpha and beta in Seattle. Al Horford might start at center for Atlanta opening night... and no one seems to be questioning the call. Mike Conley has a double-double under his belt; Brandan Wright's adjusting to life above the rim; Nick Young is fitting in with the Wacky Wizards; Javaris Crittenton might steal minutes from Jordan Farmar; Joakim Noah's gotten rave reviews. I'll see your Jorge Garbajosa and raise you Luis Scola and Juan Carlos Navarro.
You know, I think the freshmen might break the sophomores five-year win streak during All-Star weekend. And this isn't to disparage the 2006s -- it's just that each stud rookie from last year will most likely be trumped this year. As in Durant > Roy, Horford > Aldridge, etc. 2007 won't eclipse the LeBron/Melo/Wade/Bosh class of '03... but it's certainly a favorite for #2 of the oughts.
View all of our "Most Likely" previews.
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