For the last couple years the basketball punditry have been begging the public at large to pay attention to the professional game. This is not just a desperate plea to save their jobs, but a wake up call to a generation of fans lost after the 1998-99 NBA lockout. The game is good again and it is not just because the rules have been adjusted to allow for dribble penetration. The league talent pool has finally caught up with the rapid expansion that spread the talent thin in the 1990s (also the high school senior movement is over, thank goodness, though now we have freshman dominating draft day).
The nostalgic writer will paint a Rembrandt, beckoning for the day when every franchise had its star. That was never the case, of course, but there were enough stars on enough franchises to make just about any game interesting. The modern rendition of the game may not have the depth of those teams yet, and they may never (though I think the busts of seasons past can become the solid role players of seasons future), but there is definitely enough star talent to go around once again.
Want proof? Here is a list of star (not necessarily superstar talent, but definitely players equipped with the skill to lead their team to victory).
Atlanta Hawks: SG Jo Johnson (yes, even after the terrible Magic series he is a star)
Boston Celtics: PG Rajon Rondo and the zombie big three (PF Kevin Garnett, SF Paul Pierce, and SG Ray Allen)
Charlotte Bobcats: Well, North Carolina will always be a college basketball state, so who cares if there is no star here
Chicago Bulls: PG Derrick Rose and, presumably, PF Carlos Boozer
Dallas Mavericks: PF Dirk Nowitzki
Denver Nuggets: SF Carmelo Anthony, at least until the trade deadline
Detroit Pistons: A team as void of talent as the city’s housing market is value
Golden State: Let me introduce the super guard combo of PG Stephen Curry and SG Monta Ellis
Houston Rockets: C Yao Ming is a force even if he is playing part time.
Indiana Pacers: SF Danny Granger is a quiet storm whose cell is unfortunately stuck swirling around Indianapolis
Los Angeles Clippers: It appears PF Blake Griffin is for real. This ranking may be preemptive now, but by next season he will be an All Star
Los Angeles Lakers: SG Kobe Bryant and PF masking as a C Pau Gasol
Memphis Grizzlies: At times SF Rudy Gay, SG O.J. Mayo, and a rejuvenated PF Zach Randolph can be unstoppable, but none is a true star
Miami Heat: SF LeBron James, SG Dwayne Wade, and PF Chris Bosh, in that order
Milwaukee Bucks: PG Brandon Jennings is bringing hope to the Bradley Center
Minnesota Timberwolves: Not since Garnett
New Jersey Nets: Brook Lopez will one day be a Top-5 NBA Center, keep watching
New Orleans Hornets: PG Chris Paul is still a superstar, just an unappreciated one
New York Knicks: People keep telling me Amare Stoudamire is a star, not sure I believe it yet
Oklahoma City Thunder: SF Kevin Durant and PG Russell Westbrook will tormenting the West for years to come
Orlando Magic: C Dwight Howard, I guess, right?
Philadelphia 76ers: Sorry, but SG Andre Iguodala is just missing something despite all around stats
Phoenix Suns: PG Steve Nash will be playing until he’s 50
Portland Trail Blazers: SG Brandon Roy is what Rudy Gay could have been
Sacramento Kings: PG Tyreke Evans is the real thing and PF/C Demarcus Cousins may join him as a star later this season
San Antonio Spurs: PG Tony Parker, C Tim Duncan, and SG Manu Ginobili, in that order
Toronto Raptors: None and none on the way
Utah Jazz: PG Deron Williams may be the best point guard in the NBA
Washington Wizards: PG John Wall, the floor is yours