Breaking down five future All-Stars

Here's what they do well and what needs improvement to make the squad in 2013

Originally Published: February 26, 2012

By John Carroll | ESPN Insider

The NBA's annual All-Star Game often serves as a barometer for which players' careers are on the rise and which ones are on the decline. Kevin Garnett and Tim Duncan are conspicuously absent from this year's rosters, and perhaps names such as Paul Pierce, Steve Nash, Tony Parker and Joe Johnson might soon follow suit.

As these veteran stars slowly move out of the picture, it's only natural to start looking for the up-and-comers who will soon take their place. Friday night's NBA Rising Stars Challenge offered a peek at some young players who might fill those sizable shoes and showcase their talents in the 2013 All-Star Game.

Here's a scouting breakdown of five of the most likely candidates, what skills they possess now and what they need to improve to be part of next year's midseason gala.

1. DeMarcus Cousins, C, Sacramento Kings

Scouting report: Cousins currently is averaging 16.4 ppg and 11.3 rpg. A rookie first-teamer last season, Cousins has the size and skill to be an All-Star. This is best seen in the low post. He commands deep position in the paint and can score over most NBA bigs. Cousins is an excellent passer for a big man, averaging 2.1 apg in his career.

He also is a monster on the offensive glass, averaging 4.5 offensive boards per game. Defensively he works hard and contests opponents' shots, but he is not an elite shot-blocker despite his height.

To read the full article here, become an ESPN Insider today.

ESPN The Magazine subscribers

Activate your Insider account »
Need more information?

View Insider Benefits »

John Carroll

Scouts, Basketball Recruiting

Archive

John Carroll joined Scouts Inc. after nine years as an NBA coach, including a seven-year tenure with the Boston Celtics that concluded with a four-month stint as interim head coach in 2003-04. Before joining the NBA, Carroll spent six years as head coach at Duquesne University and seven years at Seton Hall as an assistant to head coach P.J. Carlesimo.