The Young Warriors, look out!

Anyone paying attention to this years Summer League action knows that the young players on the Golden State Warriors have serious game. Last year we saw the emergence of Anthony Morrow as a shooting star and the globs of potential packed into the 6,10 frame of Anthony Randolph. This summer those two have taken their game to new heights, dominating their opponents, albeit only rookies and select veterans.

Randolph led the Summer League with 26 points a game average, including a 42 point performance while Morrow tossed in a record 47 points in his final game of Summer League.

Add in the controlled play and deadly shooting of rookie Stephon Curry and this group of young Warriors looks ready to make a big difference in the regular season.

Curry will be paired with returning young star Monta Ellis in the backcourt while the front court is also loaded with young talent including center Andris Biedrins and Brandan Wright (who might finally be ready to emerge). Throw in returning vets Cory Maggette, Stephen Jackson, Marco Belinelli and Ronny Turiaf and the Warriors look poised for a breakout year.

Whether the Warriors will make the playoffs in the tough Western Conference remains to be seen but these things we do know: the Warriors will score, they will struggle on defense, their young talent is the envy of almost every team this side of Oklahoma City. I can't wait to watch this team run!

The Young 76ers, playoff bound

19 year old Jrue Holiday will have a rough wake up call when the NBA season begins. Assuming the 6ers sign a veteran point guard Holiday will likely spend much of the season on the bench, playing garbage minutes at the end of games and waving a towel when his teammates score. But Holiday is not the only young 76er hoping to contribute to the team next year.

Mo Speights, the 6,10 second year Power Forward from Florida is ready to make an impact. His offensive game is smooth and effective and he seems to have taken a page out of Tim Duncans playbook with his soft jump shot and effective post moves.

Thad Young is a star in the making. He showed in his second season that he not only belongs in the NBA but has an extremely bright future. And let me ask you this: Given what you know today would you rather draft Greg Oden or Thad Young?

7 foot center Jason Smith was injured last year but is getting back to full speed and will be ready to step in when starting center Sam Dalembert commits his third foul in the first quarter and is left to earn his millions on the bench. The 6ers are trying their best to trade Dalembert but will not likely find a taker. Either way, look for Jason Smith to find valuable minutes and contribute much to the team.

Louis Williams is due for a break out year. Drafted out of high school and relegated to the bench for the early part of his career Williams now has a chance for major minutes and needs to show that he's ready to handle the pressure. He's a streaky shooter and is at his best taking the ball to the rim and drawing fouls. This season should show us if Williams is a star in the making or a pure athlete struggling to learn the nuances of the game of basketball.

With Andre Iggy, Elton Brand returning and the likely addition of a veteran point guard the 76ers should ride a nice mix of veterans and youngsters into the playoffs again this coming season.

The Young Kings, not enough

The Kings drafted much needed outside help when they selected Tyreke Evans with the #4 pick. Evans has the ability to get into the lane, set up his teammates and bring the ball up the court. Look for veteran shooting guard Kevin Martin to benefit from the attention that the rookie will draw when he has the ball in his hands.

It remains to be seen whether or not Evans can really play the point guard position in the NBA but I think he'll get a long look at that position. He showed in his one season at Memphis that he is at his best with the ball in his hands and has a natural passing ability and superb handle. His length will make him a match up nightmare for opposing teams both on offense and defense.

Young big men Jason Thompson and Spencer Hawes should benefit as well with Evans dishing the ball in the lane and drawing attention on the perimeter. The offseason addition of Sergio Rodriquez and late first rounder Omri Cassipi provide an extra glimmer of hope in dreary Sacramento.

Look for the Kings to struggle for wins in the 09/10 season. Look for them to trade either or both of Kevin Martin and/or Andres Nocioni and look for the ping pong balls to bounce in their favor next May. Tyreke Evans is a nice building block for the Kings but they are a few young star players away from being considered up and coming contenders. Next years draft will be key to the success of this franchise.