NBA Playoffs 2014: Potential match winners for each team

Kawhi Leonard

Charlotte Hornets:

Kemba Walker

Kemba is already a player who many people have heard of. He is already showing signs of being an elite point guard and a potential all star next season. Charlotte is clearly trying to build a team around Walker, and after drafting P.J Hairston Charlotte will try to advance further in the NBA playoffs.

2013-14 stats: 17.7 points, 6.1 assists, 4.2 rebounds

Chicago Bulls:

Jimmy Butler

Jimmy Butler is definitely showing that he is one of the best defenders in the game but now he needs to work on his offensive game. His points per game improved this past season and at only 24 years of age, he could definitely improve further and become a quality starter. Another option for this team could be the recently drafted Doug Mcdermott. Doug is one of the best shooters from the draft and led the NCAA in points per game.

2013-14 stats: 13.1 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.6 assists

Cleveland Cavaliers:

Andrew Wiggins

The recently drafted Canadian has the biggest potential on the whole cavaliers lineup except for Kyrie Irving. Wiggins has drawn comparisons to Tracy Mcgrady who was an exceptional player. Andrew has shown the physical tools to becoming a threat in the NBA. but his confidence and consistency is still being questioned.

Dallas Mavericks:

Brendan Wright

The 8th pick from 2007 is yet to reach his potential, but his all-round game makes him an above average player. I do not believe that Brendan will become an all star but he definitely had a good 2013-14 season.

2013-14 stats: 9.1 points, 4.2 rebound, and player efficiency rating of 23.60

Denver Nuggets:

Kenneth Faried

Kenneth is an absolute beast on the defensive end and on the boards. He could become a potential all-star and possibly a defensive team member. He is only 24 years old, and after seeing his numbers thus far his potential is sky high.

2013-14 stats: 13.7 points, 8.6 rebound, and a player efficiency rating of 19.90

Detroit Pistons:

Andre Drummond

Andre could become the next best center in the league. His potential is amongst the highest in the NBA. He is a defensive standout and is the only highlight of the below average Pistons. Now with Stan Van Gundy as coach, one can expect to see improvement in Andre’s game. Stan was the coach of the similar Dwight Howard back in Orlando.

2013-14 stats: 13.5 points, 13.2 rebounds, and a player efficiency rating of 22.65

Golden State Warriors:

Klay Thompson

The less famous splash brother of Golden State is rumored to be part of the trade to Minnesota for Kevin Love. Every year his points per game average have improved. His 41% 3 point percentage was very impressive, he could become a future all-star.

2013-14 stats: 18.4 points, 2.2 assists, and 3.1 rebounds

Chandler Parsons:

The former second round pick has exceeded all expectations. He is one of the better players on the rockets and could definitely become an all-star. If Kevin Love goes to Houston, Chandler’s numbers will see a huge drop.

2013-14 stats: 16.6 points, 4 assists, and 5.5 rebounds

Indiana Pacers:

Lance Stephenson

His attitude during the playoffs was definitely pathetic, but he is a quality player with all-star potential. He definitely does not want to play in Indiana. He wants to become a primary scorer in the team. He has a lot of potential.

2013-14 stats: 13.8 points, 4.6 assists, and 7.2 rebounds

Los Angeles Clippers:

Nobody.

Deandre Jordan has already shown that he is a big threat in the league and the rest of the team (excluding Paul, Griffin, and Crawford) does not have much potential.

Los Angeles Lakers:

Julius Randle

The whole team is a mess, but after drafting Randle, the lakers have just found the starting piece of their franchise. Julius was the 7th pick in the draft and was one of the best power forwards in the draft and he will be receiving lots of playing time on the lakers.

Memphis Grizzlies:

Nobody. The team is definitely getting older and there is not much potential from any of the younger players.

Miami Heat:

Nobody. Shabazz Napier might become an above average point guard, but he is nowhere near in becoming a star in the NBA. The heat is not a team full of talent, its just three all-stars put together.

Milwaukee:

Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jabari Parker

This one was tough. The Greek freak showed signs of becoming a star in the NBA, even though his numbers won’t reflect it, I recommend that you should see his highlights during his rookie year. He will become a star after showing his amazing two way game and athleticism. Jabari was the second pick in the draft his offensive game is incredible, he could become the next scoring champion in a couple of years but his defensive game definitely needs work. Milwaukee has a bright future with Giannis and Jabari as the centerpieces.

Minnesota:

Gorgui Dieng

There is no real potential star on this team. Ricky Rubio has already shown that he is one of the best passers in the game, but he has also shown that he is one of the worst shooters. Gorgui had a below average rookie year, but he did show signs of becoming a potential quality starter.

2013-14 stats: 4.8 points, 5 rebound, and a player efficiency rating of 16.58.

New Orleans Pelicans:

Ryan Anderson

He had an incredible year, many consider him as an all-star snub this year. But because he did not make the all star game, he has the right to be on this list. Ryan Anderson was of the better players and the overrated pelicans. Anthony Davis and him make a great frontcourt for the team. Ryan is only 26, so he is yet to show his potential.

2013-14 stats: 19.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, and PER of 18.89

New York Knicks:

Tim Hardaway Jr.

Tim showed signs of becoming a good player, but he will never be as good as his father. Tim has some high expectations because of his father but many people enjoyed seeing Tim and Dion Waiter’s 3 point shootout during the rising stars challenge this past season.

2013-14 stats: 10.2 points, 1.5 rebounds, 0.8 assists

Oklahoma City Thunder:

Reggie Jackson

Reggie has shown that he is one of the best backup point guards in the league. He has showed signs of becoming a starting point guard, he definitely become more known during the playoffs. He won’t have many opportunities to unleash his potential because of Russell Westbrook, this is why he reminds me of the Eric Bledsoe/Chris Paul situation.

2013-14 stats: 13.1 points, 4.1 assists, and 3.9 rebounds

Orlando Magic:

Victor Oladipo, Tobias Harris, and Nikola Vucevic

Orlando has a nice core of young players with Victor, Tobias, Nikola, and the recently drafted Elfrid Payton. It was hard deciding between these three players because all their skills are great and all three could become potential all-stars.

2013-14 stats:

Victor Oladipo: 13.8 points, 4.1 assists, and 4.1 rebounds

Nikola Vucevic: 14.2 points, 11 rebounds, and 0.8 blocks

Tobias Harris: 14.6 points, and 7 rebounds

Philadelphia 76ers:

Michael Carter Willams

It was hard deciding between Embiid and Carter Williams, but since Joel Embiid will be out for 4-6 months, Michael will become the favourite for potential breakout star of the 76ers. Michael was the eleventh pick in the 2013 NBA draft, he showed incredible skills during his rookie of the year season, showing he is an all around player.

Phoenix Suns:

Eric Bledsoe

Eric had the chance to show that he could run a team at the point position and he did succeed. He was the runner-up to the most improved player of the year. He definitely has all-star potential and is looking to get a huge contract this summer.

2013-14 stats: 17.7 points, 5.5 assists, and 4.7 rebounds

Portland Trail Blazers:

Nicolas Batum

The french small forward stood out this year. He has established himself as one of the scorers on the Trail Blazers. This year was the first year where Batum played all 82 games of the regular season. He could potentially become an all-star.

2013-14 stats: 13 points, 5.1 assists, 7.5 rebounds

Sacramento:

Isaiah Thomas

The last pick in the 2011 NBA draft shocked the world after being a nominee for rookie of the year. He has improved his game and next year he could potentially become an all-star. Sacramento has found their point guard of the future with Isaiah.

2013-14 stats: 20.3 points, 6.3 assists, 2.9 rebounds

San Antonio Spurs:

Kawhi Leonard

There was no doubt about this one. The 2014 finals MVP will definitely be seeing his numbers increase after an amazing postseason. Kawhi will become the face of the franchise when Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, and Tony Parker retire.

2013-14 stats: 12.8 points, 2 assists, and 6.2 rebounds

Toronto Raptors:

Jonas Valenciunas

Throughout the season, Jonas has shown signs of becoming an all-star, this year he showed more consistency in his game and put up big numbers. Drafted fifth in 2011, back then a lot of people were surprised by the pick and thought the Raptors were making the wrong decision. But 3 years later the pick has shown to have been a good one. This summer Jonas will be training with hall of fame center Hakeem Olajuwan, so don’t be surprised to see Jonas’ game improving.

2013-14 stats: 11.3 points, 8.8 rebounds, 0.9 blocks

Utah Jazz:

Dante Exum

He is the mystery of the draft, some people are still uncertain about his impact in the NBA because he did not play in the NCAA like the other top picks in the draft. But Dante is explosive and has tremendous athleticism. He could be a nominee for rookie of the year.

Washington Wizards:

Bradley Beal

It is still rumored that Bradley and John do not get along. If the wizards want to go far they definitely need their backcourt to get along. Bradley has done a great job at the two guard, he has shown flashes of all-star potential, and could help the wizards go far into the playoffs.

2013-14 stats: 17.1 points, 3.3 assists, 3.7 rebounds