The league lacks superstar talent

[bcgenuis]

The NBA, IMO, is in a transition phase.  The outstanding old talent is on the way out and the mid age 28-32 stars (other than LeBron) don't compare to the prior "generation" and  under 27 young talent has yet to make their mark  and IMO just isnt there.  Also, I just don't see a young transcendent player out there.

Therefore, I believe for the next 3-5 years it'll be a LeBron led team or a team with an oldie + middling star + surround with above avg talent or "teams" with 2-3 of the middling stars that win similarly to the Pistons run.

Old talents, for example, Nowitzki, Duncan, Kobe are in the twilight of their careers.

Mid-age talents, other than Lebron, who really shines? Carmelo, Bosh, Wade, Love.  All can't do it without another 2 middling stars.

Young superstars, none have that magic that Kobe and KG had: Harden comes close and he closing in on middle age.

Which leads me to how do the Celtics move forward?  I think 2 ways, A) land the next transcendent star in the draft or B) acquire 2-3 mid aged stars that can work together and surround them with avg+ talent.

[jpotter33]

The NBA, IMO, is in a transition phase.  The outstanding old talent is on the way out and the mid age 28-32 stars (other than LeBron) don't compare to the prior "generation" and  under 27 young talent has yet to make their mark  and IMO just isnt there.  Also, I just don't see a young transcendent player out there.

Therefore, I believe for the next 3-5 years it'll be a LeBron led team or a team with an oldie + middling star + surround with above avg talent or "teams" with 2-3 of the middling stars that win similarly to the Pistons run.

Old talents, for example, Nowitzki, Duncan, Kobe are in the twilight of their careers.

Mid-age talents, other than Lebron, who really shines? Carmelo, Bosh, Wade, Love.  All can't do it without another 2 middling stars.

Young superstars, none have that magic that Kobe and KG had: Harden comes close and he closing in on middle age.

Which leads me to how do the Celtics move forward?  I think 2 ways, A) land the next transcendent star in the draft or B) acquire 2-3 mid aged stars that can work together and surround them with avg+ talent.

Anthony Davis?

[bcgenuis]

ok I'll give you Anthony Davis, although I dont think he'll become a Kobe or KG level talent. who else?

[tarheelsxxiii]

Anthony Davis. Kyrie (22). Anthony Davis.
I agree with your observation. I think we may be influenced by quite a few years of professional bball in the post-Jordan era, though.

[86MaxwellSmart]

the 2007-2008 Celtics would go 82-0 this season.

[Who]

Agreed -- league lacks numbers in number of top quality stars in the league today compared to early 00s or 90s. Not enough guys have come through to replace old battle-horses like Kobe, Dirk, KG and Duncan.

[Onslaught]

I've felt this way for years. It's never fully recovered for me from the 80's and early 90's.

[freshinthehouse]

While it can be argued that there is a lack of stars in the NBA, I'd argue that there are more quality teams in the NBA than there has been for quite some time.  Since around 2008 or so the quality of play in the NBA has really improved, especially since the doldrums of the early 00s.  I'd argue the last 5-7 NBA playoffs are the best we have seen in the last 25 years.  We're in a golden era of NBA basketball, folks.  Enjoy it.

[billysan]

I agree in general with your premise. There is another facet to it IMO. That is complete package superstars. Some have the physical talent but not The leadership or work ethic or pure desire. Take Dwight Howard for example. There are a few others.

I think John Wall is close. He might get there with Paul Pierce in his ear. Anthony Davis could be but needs a mentor IMO.

[ebonilla34]

Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook are all bonafide superstars who have that killer mentality.

[clover]

I agree in general with your premise. There is another facet to it IMO. That is complete package superstars. Some have the physical talent but not The leadership or work ethic or pure desire. Take Dwight Howard for example. There are a few others.

I think John Wall is close. He might get there with Paul Pierce in his ear. Anthony Davis could be but needs a mentor IMO.

What real superstars have needed teammate mentors?

[CFAN38]

I would say alot of the percieved lack of star talent comes from injuries. Rose and George where super stars who are dealing with injuires. Roy and Oden would have been star or maybe super stars if not for injuries. Another problem is the depth of the west over shadowing budding stars like Curry and Lillard. The east is so weak and the west is so strong that these guys don't flourish like they could. Put lilliard on a middle of the row team in the east and he would be a golded boy.

[Eja117]

I think a result of the steroids and HGH rampant in the game now certain players are playing longer and longer and it's delaying the development of the younger players. The Lakers haven't needed to develop a top swingman in 20 years. The Spurs haven't needed to develop a big man in about 18 years or so. Otto Porter can't get playing time because there's a 37 year old ahead of him. 
Not the most popular theory, but I'm stickin to it.

[greg683x]

I agree in general with your premise. There is another facet to it IMO. That is complete package superstars. Some have the physical talent but not The leadership or work ethic or pure desire. Take Dwight Howard for example. There are a few others.

I think John Wall is close. He might get there with Paul Pierce in his ear. Anthony Davis could be but needs a mentor IMO.

What real superstars have needed teammate mentors?

Kevin Garnett said Sam Mitchell was a huge influence on him his first yeas in Minnesota.  While he wasnt a teammate Kevin Mchale was also a big influence.

Tim Duncan had David Robinson.

Didnt Kobe have Nick Van Exel?  He might have had Byron Scott as well.

[The One]

I think there is a bit of East Coast bias seeping in here.

A lot of talent out west.  If they were in NY, Boston, Detroit...it would feel different.