The NBA is very different than what it was ten years ago. It has seemingly turned into a guard’s game overnight, favoring up-tempo style and high-scoring games.  The international scene now boasts of having some of the NBA’s top players, and the NBA Draft has become more about gambling on teenagers than it is about finding the most NBA-ready player.
 

Michael Jordan no longer dazzles with his tongue-wagging dunks; Hakeem Olajuwon no longer two-steps opponents off balance; Shaquille O’Neal is no longer the young stud with a bright future. Yet, as we enter this new chapter in NBA history, there is a lot to look forward to.
 

Let’s take a look at Philthy’s very first “The Next” Awards!
 

1. The Next…Superstar Center
Yao Ming is having a breakout season, averaging 25.7 ppg, 9.7 rbpg, and 1.8 bspg in his fifth season. He’s still only 26 years old and has a lot more developing to do. He’s lifted his Rockets to a 12-5 record.
 

Honorable mention goes to Dwight Howard.
 

There may not be a Hakeem Olajuwon, Patrick Ewing, David Robinson or young, athletic Shaquille O’Neal, but Yao and Howard along with other prospects should bring the dominant center back to the league.
 

2. The Next…Elite Point Guard
Steve Nash and Jason Kidd are getting older and players like John Stockton, Magic Johnson, Isiah Thomas, etc… have retired. Chris Paul looks to take over as the league’s top point guard. In only his second year, he’s led the injury-plagued Hornets to a respectable 8-8 record, averaging 18.2 ppg, 9.3 apg, and 2.2 spg.
 

There is a lot of potential in many other young point guards, but Paul seems to be the only one to have packaged that potential into results at this point.
 

3. The Next…Big Rivalry
Lebron James vs Dwayne Wade.
 

Sure, you could throw Carmelo Anthony in this mix, or even players like Gilbert Arenas. However, the James and Wade bout is interesting because both players do more for their team than either Melo or Arenas, including taking the ball up court and running the offense, scoring through penetration, rebounding, getting to the line, etc… They are the league’s next two top-flight stars.
 

4. The Next…“Stockton-to-Malone” combo
I’m going to leave this one up for discussion. I think Williams and Paul and potentially Felton are the top point guards of this list.
 
a. Deron Williams to Carlos Boozer
b. Chris Paul to David West
c. T.J. Ford to Chris Bosh
d. Jameer Nelson to Dwight Howard
e. Raymond Felton to Emeka Okafor
 

5. The Next…Star Quality Rookies
(All-"Future Rookie Stars" Team) 
 

C. Greg Oden…he’s a beast! His NCAA debut after missing much of the season with a broken hand, he scored 14 points, grabbed 10 boards and blocked 5 shots.
F. Kevin Durant…long and super-athletic. Some say he plays like a cross between Tracy McGrady and Andrei Kirilenko.
F. Joakim Noah…shot blocking extradoirdinare. Is working on his second National Title with the University of Florida.
PG. Derrick Rose…Big-time athlete. Supposedly the second coming of Gary Payton.
SG/PG. OJ Mayo…Another big-time athlete and high school rival of Rose. Supposedly the second coming of Dwayne Wade.
 

For more information on the stars of tomorrow, check out Future NBA Draft Prospects.