The NEXT generation

Before I start, I have to state that I am very excited with the direction the NBA is going.

The league is moving away from grind it out, low scoring games, and players are becoming more and more skilled.

So who are the NEXT generation of players that will carry the NBA into the new millennium?

Here's a look at the top 5 best players to watch over the next five years and why.

1. Lebron James

Lebron is the most talented player with the most upside in the next five years, huge surprise. He is a cross between Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan. A freak of a player who can succeed in any situation and a talent who will one day lead a team to a championship, it is just a matter of time.

The thing that strikes me about Lebron is his maturity. Carmelo Anthony has the talent, but had his childish moments this season. James has handled the pressure very well and has succeeded. Many people didn't notice, but he didn't lash out openly when Carlos Boozer was let go by the Cavs. That kind of behavior is almost expected out of a 19 year old these days. A player with his talent, his youth, and his maturity will invariably develop.

I think it is safe to say, "Believe the Hype."

2. Yao Ming

Ming is the best player on the Rockets, right now. Yes, he is light years ahead of Tracy McGrady as far as attitude and overall talent goes. Don't even bother to argue this point, it is a known fact. Like, what goes up must come down.

To think, he is 7'6, 300 pounds, and he has the skills of a guard. Ming is my favorite big man in the league right now. The way he glides up and down the court, his sweet jumper, his precision passes, and his ability to post up against anybody.

If Houston would only put a few pass first guards around him who would cut to the basket and hit an open jump shot every once in awhile! Imagine, how fun that would be to watch. Where are Jeff Hornacek and Steve Kerr when you need them?

3. Andrei Kirilenko

Check out these numbers -- 16.5 points, 8.1 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.92 steals, 2.8 blocks ... this is the line you can expect out of him every night. He is 6'9, 225 pounds, and is only 23. Many may disagree with me, but the fact is there have been very few players in league history that could fill out a stat sheet like this.

I have stated before and I will state again, Andrei will be the toughest match up in the NBA for years to come and will redefine the term "all-around" player.

4. Amare Stoudemire

At 21 years old, Amare stands at 6'11, 245 pounds, and demonstrates mind blowing athleticism. His stats jumped from 13.5 points and 8.7 rebounds per game in his first season to 20.6 points and 9.1 rebounds a game in his second. If this trend holds up, Amare will average 31.4 points and 9.5 rebounds a game in his third season. Microsoft's numbers didn't jump this fast! On top of that, he averaged over 1.5 blocks, 1 steal and all of his shooting percentages went up last season.

I know 31 and 9 may be unrealistic, but it demonstrates how talented and how good Amare is and will one day be.

5. Carmelo Anthony

Definitely immature, definitely talented, but has won everywhere he has been. Melo will average 30 points a game one day and will lead Denver deep into the playoffs. Sadly, he will have to battle through Andrei, Yao, and Amare to get a shot at Lebron. I reiterate my original point, I am very excited where the NBA is heading over the next five years and I hope you are too!

You can see more of Stephen's writing at http://www.thesportmanagementnetwork.org or discuss this article with the author at http://smasters1.proboards31.com/index.cgi .