Five players to watch in the 2014-15 NBA season

WASHINGTON, USA – Five players to watch in the 2014-15 NBA season that starts on Tuesday:

Anthony Davis, New Orleans Pelicans: First overall pick in the 2012 draft, led New Orleans to 27 wins as a rookie and helped increase that number to 34 last season. A versatile big man who averaged 20.8 points per game, 10 rebounds and 2.8 blocks last season is poised to make an impact if he can stay healthy.

Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks: A 6-foot-11 (2m) frame has seen Antetokounmpo dubbed the “Greek Freak” and at 19 he’s still adding weight and strength. Going into his second NBA season he’s drawing raves from new Bucks coach Jason Kidd for his athleticism and versatility. Averaged 6.8 points and 4.4 rebounds in 24.6 minutes per game last season and this year helped Greece post a 5-0 record in World Cup group play.

Derrick Rose, Chicago Bulls: The 2011 NBA Most Valuable Player is back and appears to be ready to make up for lost time after a knee injury last November saw him miss the remainder of the season – which was to have been his comeback campaign after missing the entire 2012-2013 season recovering from a torn knee ligament suffered in the 2012 playoffs.

Jonas Valanciunas, Toronto Raptors: Drafted fifth overall by the Raptors in 2011, the Lithuanian 7-footer averaged 10.3 points and 7.6 rebounds in 138 starts in his two seasons. Last season led the team in rebounds and double-doubles then helped Lithuania reach the World Cup semi-finals, where they were crushed by the United States.

Andre Drummond, Detroit Pistons: Third-year center averaged a double-double (13.5 points-13.1 rebounds per game) while shooting 62.3 percent from the field last season, and should benefit from the arrival of new coach Stan Van Gundy. – Rappler.com