Today’s NBA is currently dominated by players like Lebron James, Kobe Bryant, and Carmelo Anthony. But it also is experiencing a changeover in talent as the now 30 year old superstars of the past decade like Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Dwyane Wade are slowly being overtaken by young stars like Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Derrick Rose. Beyond that, the Association is filled with tons of talented players that have yet to fulfill their potential in the coming years to take their rightful place among the NBA’s elite. As part of our NBA Futures series, we thought it would be fun to project just how much of that potential some of these young players may one day fulfill and how they will one day overtake current stars to rank the Top 25 NBA Players by the year 2018……….





Age in 2018 – 23 The multi-talented forward taken 2nd overall in this year’s draft has the potential to be an elite player in the mold of current Knicks superstar Carmelo Anthony. He should be a 15-20 ppg scorer in his first season and may be an All Star by the time 2018 rolls around.





Age In 2018 – 29 It’s taken awhile for the talented guard to come into his own with the Raptors but he’s rapidly evolving into one of the game’s best 2 guards by making his first All Star appearance in 2014 and being chosen as a member of Team USA this Summer.





Age In 2018 – 24 If he can remain healthy, Embiid undoubtedly has the talent to be an immediate impact player for the 76ers. He’s the spitting image of former Rockets’ great Hakeem Olajuwon and could one day be in the mix as an MVP candidate if the Philadelphia rebuilding plan goes as planned over the next 4 seasons.





Age in 2018 – 32 Currently still only 28 years old, Howard has already won 3 NBA Defensive POY Awards, been an 8 time all Star, and led the Association in rebounding 5 times. While injuries and father time may rob him of some athleticism by the time 2018 rolls around, rebounding is a skill that usually remains even as players age gracefully. Remember, Charles Barkley still was pulling down double digit rebounds every game late into his 30’s and Howard is nearly a half a foot taller.





Age In 2018 – 26 The NBA’s reigning Rookie of the Year could emerge as one of the game’s best floor generals over the next 4 seasons and was already given an invite to participate in USA Basketball team trials this Summer. With his immense size and wingspan, it wouldn’t be a shock to see MCW evolve into one of the best 2 way backcourt players in the Association, regularly among the league leaders in steals and assists.





Age In 2018 – 23 By the time 2018 rolls around we will surely know if the most hyped HS player since Lebron was a legend in the making or just the next over-hyped Lottery pick. many experts agree that Wiggins could be the next elite superstar in the making to one day take over the throne from Lebron James and Kevin Durant as the game’s best player, although it won’t be easy in Minnesota.





Age In 2018 – 27 If he can keep his emotions under control, “Born Ready” has the ability to be a borderline All Star. A change of scenery, moving from Indiana to Charlotte for next season, might give Stephenson the green light to be his own star, emerging as one of the game’s best triple-double artists.





Age In 2018 – 27 Wall is already on his way to being one of the Association’s top point guards. In 4 years, Wall should have multiple All Star nods under his belt and could be a mainstay of USA Basketball for the next decade.





Age In 2018 – 25 Detroit would be smart to lock up the monstrous big man long term as he has the potential to be one of the game’s top big men over the next decade. He’s a rebounding demon and already has International experience as part of Team USA this Summer. If he ever puts together an offensive game he could be the next Shaq.





Age In 2018 – 27 Once the great triumvirate of Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, and Tony Parker finally retire, Leonard is the Spurs’ next franchise player in waiting. His emergence to superstardom may be sooner rather than later as he has already won a Finals MVP and is arguably San Antonio’s most talented all around player.





Age In 2018 – 28 One half of the “Splash Brothers”, Thompson is well on his way to being an elite NBA player and is already in the conversation as the best shooting guard the Association has to offer. Golden State made a wise choice not to trade the sharpshooting 2 guard as he already plays a starring role for Team USA this Summer and should have multiple All Star appearances by 2018.





Age In 2018 – 28 Although he was a late cut from USA Basketball for the FIBA World Championships, few players’ stocks have been on the rise as rapidly as Lillard. In just 2 seasons, Lillard has won Rookie of the Year and made his first All Star appearance in 2014. The sky is the limit for Lillard as he could be primed to be one of the Association’s top floor generals for years to come.





Age In 2018 – 25 The still only 21 year old sharpshooter has already drawn comparisons as the “next Ray Allen.” The comparisons so far appear to be spot on as Beal is already one of the game’s best shooting guards despite only 2 years of NBA experience under his belt. By 2018, Beal and John Wall could form the NBA’s best backcourt duos for the next decade.





Age In 2018 – 28 Despite the horrific injury that derailed his USA Basketball experience this Summer, George is expected to make a full recovery for the 2015 season. By 2018, “PG-13” should be back to being an elite caliber franchise player and one of the dominating talents in the Eastern Conference.





Age In 2018 – 28 Everyone knows that the talent is there, after all “Boogie” already has a 22ppg and 12 board season under his belt. His downfall has been being able to keep his emotions in check. The new ownership group in Sacramento obviously has faith in Cousins to continue to evolve into one of the game’s elite big men by signing him long term. By 2018, Cousins will be in his prime and should be a mainstay as a Western Conference All Star.





Age In 2018 – 30 There’s no denying that Curry is already one of the most exciting players to watch currently in the Association. His “in the gym” range and “ball on a string” handles will entertain fans over the next 4 years as Curry and Klay Thompson hopefully will propel the Warriors toward being one of the elite teams out West.





Age In 2018 – 29 Following an impressive 26 ppg and 12 rebound season last year in Minnesota, it’s interesting to think that Love has just begun to scratch the surface as to just how good a player he can be. By 2018, Love will be in the prime of his career and hopefully alongside Lebron James, will have played in multiple NBA Finals.



Age In 2018 – 29 The former Dunk Contest Champion is still developing his offensive game but could be the best big man in the Association by the time 2018 comes around. In 4 years, he should be in the prime of his career and a potential Top 5 player in the NBA.





Age In 2018 – 29 This is a tough one. It’s hard to believe that Rose, the youngest MVP winner in league history, is still only 25 years old. But after playing in just 10 games over the past 2 seasons many wonder if Rose will ever return to form prior to the injuries. A healthy “D-Rose” could be a perennial MVP candidate and make the Chicago Bulls a title contender.





Age In 2018 – 29 While some point to his deficiencies on defense, Harden is undoubtedly one of the Association’s top offensive players coming off a season putting up back-to-back 25 ppg seasons. If he can continue his development Harden could be an MVP candidate and have the Rockets in the running for an NBA Title over the next 4 seasons.





Age In 2018 – 33 Currently the game’s best player, in 4 seasons Lebron will be 33 years old and will probably begin to lose a step. With that in mind, he made a smart decision to return home to Cleveland to play alongside 2 young studs in Irving and Love as he ages gracefully. Even though he may not still be the game’s top talent by 2018, he still should have a chance every year to contend for an NBA crown.





Age In 2018 – 29 While some have to be concerned about the recent knee injuries over the past year, Westbrook remains one of the most athletic and explosive players in the Association. On any given night, Westbrook can take over a game and he is still only 25 years old. By 2018, he should be in his prime, hopefully leading the Thunder to an NBA Title.





Age In 2018 – 26 Already an All Star Game MVP, Irving will only get better as he is still only 22 years young. Playing alongside uber talents like Lebron James and Kevin Love should only help Irving’s development over the next 4 years towards potentially being the NBA’s best PG by year 2018.





Age In 2018 – 25 I have no doubt that superstardom is in the future plans for Anthony Davis. His rare skill set that includes PG skills in a near 7 foot frame already makes him one of the game’s up-and-coming players today. By 2018, I’d put money on Davis to potentially be the NBA’s top draw, unless Kevin Durant has something to say about it.

