Will these players step up and make an impact this season? 10 to Watch

[Max Power]

Will these players step up and make an impact this season?
Ten to Watch

By Rob Peterson

Need a reason to watch this season? We have 10 of them. From players that have taken refuge in new cities to others that are expected to take the proverbial "next step," we take a look at 10 of the more intriguing players to keep an eye on in the 2004-05 season.

Jonathan Bender, F, Indiana Pacers
The word may as well be stamped on Jonathan Bender's forehead: Potential. But injuries and inconsistency have helped derail this athletic seven-footer. After five years in the NBA, and with Al Harrington (see below) now in Atlanta, Bender is expected to deliver on his "potential" this season. Now if he could just get on the floor; due to a sore knee, Bender has yet to play in the preseason.

Jamal Crawford, G, New York Knicks
For whatever reason, Jamal Crawford never seemed to fit in in Chicago. Was he a point guard? Was he a two? Crawford will try to answer those questions this season with the Knicks, where the talented guard (who averaged 17.3 points per game last season) will share time with Stephon Marbury and Allan Houston. Will Crawford be happy if he doesn't get to start? Whoops. More questions.

Erick Dampier, C, Dallas Mavericks
Last season, with his contract expiring and free agency on the horizon, Erick Dampier had his best season ever for the Golden State Warriors. Now, after a sign-and-trade deal with Dallas, Dampier is expected to repeat this performance for the perennially post-poor Mavs. Still, some NBA experts have questioned his desire. It'll be up to Dampier to shore up his rep, as well as the Mavericks' interior defense.

Pau Gasol, F, Memphis Grizzlies
Why would we include Pau Gasol, the 2002 got milk? Rookie of the Year, in this list? Well, Gasol may have been one of the top players in Athens this summer, as he carried his native Spain to a 5-0 record in group play. In short, he was dominant. It will be interesting to see if Gasol can do the same for the Grizzlies in the hyper-competitive Southwest Division.

Drew Gooden, F, Cleveland Cavaliers
Like Crawford, Cavaliers forward Drew Gooden also has yet to find his footing in the NBA. After competing for minutes with Gasol in Memphis and Juwan Howard in Orlando, Gooden now gets the power forward position all to himself in Cleveland, where he replaces not-so-dearly-departed Carlos Boozer. If Gooden's numbers so far -- 11.4 rebounds per game in the preseason -- are any indication, then Cavaliers fans won't miss Boozer in the slightest.

Al Harrington, F, Atlanta Hawks
One of the league's best sixth men, Al Harrington will get starter's minutes in Atlanta. After averaging career-highs in minutes (30.9) and points (13.3) last season, Harrington should get more minutes than he ever imagined for the Hawks. More minutes also means more opportunities to score and to lead. If he can make the most of his time, Harrington has the potential to become one of the best small forwards in the East.

Grant Hill, F, Orlando Magic
Remember Grant Hill, the six-time All-Star and one-time heir to both Michael Jordan's star-powered throne and Scottie Pippen's crown as the most versatile player in the league? Well, carrying that burden proved too much for his left ankle to bear. After missing all of last season and the better part of the three before that, Hill is now back on the floor for the Magic. Can he contribute for an entire season? Just the fact that he's been playing 24.6 minutes per game in the preseason is reason enough to get excited.

Nenê, F, Denver Nuggets
This season, Nenê could find minutes tough to come by in Denver. By trading three first-round draft picks for Kenyon Martin, the Nuggets have made a commitment to having Martin as their power forward of the future. What does that leave for Nenê, the Nuggets' former power forward of the future? Nuggets coach Jeff Bzdelik will need to do some expert juggling to keep everyone happy.

Mehmet Okur, F, Utah Jazz
Mehmet Okur, fresh off of winning a title with the Pistons in 2004, will man the post for the Jazz this season. In Utah, Okur, who can hit the mid-range (and the long-range) jumper, should fit in perfectly with Jerry Sloan's offense and new frontcourt mate, Carlos Boozer. Expect Okur's numbers (minutes, points, rebounds) to increase significantly in '04-05.

Gerald Wallace, F, Charlotte Bobcats
Gerald Wallace was always one of those players whose potential tantalized his former team, the Kings, and fans alike. Never able to break into Sacramento's deep lineup, the blazingly athletic Wallace should get plenty of burn for his new squad, the expansion Charlotte Bobcats. Just 22, Wallace should more than triple his career average for minutes per game (9.7) this season.

[Poindexter Einstein]

Good list. Usually lists like these are crappy, but this guy seems to have a good feel for players transitioning from one role or team to another. I would remove Gasol, cause he hasnt really changed - maybe add Turkoglu or even Nash or KMart or Brent Barry. Or for a key player, how about someone like Tyrone Lue or whoever starts at PG for Hou?

[The Miles]

Drew Gooden is going to officially bust out this season.

[sike]

Still, some NBA experts have questioned his desire.

coach AJ's number one assignment