The '09-'10 NBA Season: Which Athletes Will Rise to Stardom?

In every sport known to man there is always a point in time when the greats must retire and the young must rise. In the NBA, young talent infects each and every organization out there. A select few of young players are relied heavily upon to improve their overall game, learn everything their veteran surroundings offer them, and eventually take the responsibility of leading their team.Just take a look at Dwyane Wade. Drafted in 2003, Wade entered a team with young talent. Alongside of Flash were players like Lamar Odom, Caron Butler, and Udonis Haslem.After an excellent rookie season, Wade improved dramatically during his sophomore year, obtaining literally every bit and piece of veteran information out there.By his third year, the Heat acquired Shaq and unlike most young players, Wade already possessed the leadership to bring his team to victory.Once the Heat won the championship during the '05-'06 season, Wade leaped from a young All-Star with not much experience to a top tier NBA player with Super-stardom written all over him.Getting back to the upcoming season, which budding athletes have the heart and determination within them to step up and ascend to that elite level this year?Brandon RoyAlready known as an established All-Star, B-Roy undoubtedly has the talent and ability to emerge to that elite level. Entering just his fourth season in the league at the young age of 25, Roy has seen an improvement in virtually every statistical category from the minute he first stepped foot onto the NBA court.With a young nucleus surrounding him, Roy is unquestionably depended upon to hit the big shot and carry his team to success. As seen already throughout his short career, Roy has proven that ice water runs through his veins during the last seconds of any fourth quarter game.Kevin DurantAt this day and age, you don't see many 6'10" athletes handling the ball as exceptional as Kevin Durant.Already averaging 25.3 PPG during his sophomore season, KD has shown massive potential of evolving into a mega superstar. Being just 20 years old, Durant's true talent will not peak until at least five seasons from now.With great expectations for the upcoming season, it would come to no surprise if Durant captures his first scoring title in the NBA before reaching the age of 22.Danny GrangerStanding 6'8" and weighing 230 lbs, Danny Granger is as versatile as it gets in the NBA. With the ability to dribble the ball, shoot the three, block the shot, steal the pass, grab the rebound, and distribute the assist, Granger's potential is clearly immeasurable.Since getting drafted as the 17th pick in the 2005 NBA Draft, Granger's averages have elevated season by season.At the age of 26, Granger is on the verge of entering the beginning stages of his prime and from the looks of things, the swingman is destined to make a name for his underrated caliber. var fansnap_syndslot_clientId = "720815042-869600645"; var fansnap_syndslot_template = "blu-nba-300x250"; var fansnap_syndslot_category = "NBA"; var fansnap_syndslot_numResults = 1;