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The new NBA season is nearly here and it is likely to be one of the most entertaining ever despite Golden State's expected dominance. In a league built around superstars, most live up to expectations. Others, however, are often both overpaid and lack consistency during crunch games.
Here are some of the most overhyped stars in the NBA that have a point to prove ahead of the upcoming season.
#4 Serge Ibaka
Serge Ibaka remains a solid NBA player but his best years look to be behind him. Ibaka performed best as part of the successful Oklahoma City Thunder team where he played a crucial role on defense. After seven years he was traded to the Orlando Magic where his shortcomings became clear.
Unable to assert his influence on a team lacking star power, he soon found himself in Toronto where he performs solidly but fails to blow anyone away. His current three years $65 million deal shows exactly why franchises have put too much trust into the big man to help lead a team. Hopefully this season he will return to his former self as he will be paired with a certain superstar from San Antonio - DeMar DeRozan.
#3 Carmelo Anthony
Carmelo's recent move to the Rockets failed to create the reaction and buzz that his arrival in Oklahoma generated 12 months ago. Arguments could be made that Carmelo Anthony is no longer a star, but he still has his fair share of supporters who believe he could even become an All-Star again.
Anthony has landed in the right spot if he is willing to come off the bench but if he starts in Houston then it is likely that NBA fans will be able to see further weaknesses in his game. The former superstar now clings to his past reputation whilst refusing to adapt his style of play, which has aged poorly in the NBA. Will we finally see the 'Olympic Melo' that was talked about so much last summer.
#2 Rajon Rondo
Rondo is a player that comes alive in the playoffs. He often performs a Jekyll and Hyde act in the regular season as he can go from a world-beater to a bad basketball player in a matter of minutes. His stats look great on paper but often do not match up to his actual performance and influence on a game.
His recent $9 million contract with the Lakers means that he will take up a large chunk of salary whilst also limiting Lonzo Ball's progress. Lakers fans will hope that Rando is motivated to perform to his best ability all season long due to having LeBron James by his side.
#1 Zach LaVine
LaVine is a special talent on the offensive end as he combines his flair with his ability to score baskets. His defense, however, leaves much to the imagination and it only seems to have gotten worse since suffering a number of serious injuries.
At just 23 years of age, LaVine still has plenty of time to live up to his high potential. For the next few seasons, he must try to remain relevant whilst playing on one of the worst rosters in the league. His huge $80 million contract shows the faith that the Chicago Bulls have put in him so hopefully, he can eventually become a star in the league.
