Hoops Habit
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NBA: Stars Being Born Before Our Very Eyes

By Maxwell Ogden

Nov 18, 2015; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs point guard Tony Parker (9) embraces teammate Kawhi Leonard (2) after a three pointer against the Denver Nuggets during the second half at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 18, 2015; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs point guard Tony Parker (9) embraces teammate Kawhi Leonard (2) after a three pointer against the Denver Nuggets during the second half at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /
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Stardom is elusive in the world of professional sports. In 2015-16, a powerful group of NBA players are reaching it.

Nov 18, 2015; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs point guard Tony Parker (9) embraces teammate Kawhi Leonard (2) after a three pointer against the Denver Nuggets during the second half at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 18, 2015; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs point guard Tony Parker (9) embraces teammate Kawhi Leonard (2) after a three pointer against the Denver Nuggets during the second half at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /

The NBA is at its best when the next generation meets the contemporary standard for greatness in a battle of future versus present. Players who were slapped with the upside tag begin to rival the athletes whom we’ve long regarded as the best of their time.

It’s still early in the season, but 2015-16 has been a shining example of that beautiful process.

For some players, there was a strong indication that stardom was on the horizon. For others, the road to their current place in the basketball world has been a long and tedious one, highlighted by being overlooked in the NBA Draft.

Some are closer to achieving stardom than others, but each of the following players are becoming genuine NBA stars before our very eyes.

Next: The Tiers