by Andrew Bohardt

Created on: December 14, 2008

Once Michael Jordan retired from the Chicago Bulls after the 1997-98 season, the NBA needed to find a new face to market the league. After all, many of the NBA's superstars in the 1990's were getting old; Patrick Ewing was a shell of his former self, Karl Malone's days as an elite power forward were numbered, David Robinson's illustrious career was winding down, and the list goes on. Also, many of the up-and-coming stars hadn't reached their potential yet (i.e. Kobe Bryant, Kevin Garnett, etc.). In recent years, however, there have been several players who possess the same pizazz that Jordan played with. Here are three guys who can draw a crowd regardless of who and where they're playing:

1. Lebron James, Cleveland Cavaliers - Ever since Sports Illustrated annointed King James as "The Chosen One," he has been surrounded by hype. And amazingly enough, he has gone above and beyond the lofty expectations that were placed on him when the Cavaliers drafted him first overall in 2003. Not only does James perennially average over 25-6-6, but he does it with unparalled flair. James is a freak athlete, and jaws drop every time he leaves his feet for a monster slam or stuff.

2. Dwight Howard, Orlando Magic - Howard also falls into the freak athlete category (see the 2008 NBA Slam Dunk Contest when Howard donned a Superman cape and literally threw the ball through the basket after taking off from the foul line). But what makes Howard's game so entertaining is his defensive prowess. He is one of the only players in the league that fans have to pay attention to on both ends of the court because some of his swats are absolutely breathtaking. At 23, Howard will be entertaining fans for at least another decade.

3. Chris Paul, New Orleans Hornets - Unlike James and Howard, Paul doesn't possess elite athletic abilities (that's not to say he's a bad athlete, however). Rather, Paul uses his eyesight to delight fans with his no-look passes. Paul registered nearly 12 assists per game last season, and he has equalled that feat so far this year. He also possesses very quick hands, which is why he's near the top of the league in steals every season. And just like the other two, he has plenty of dazzling years left in the league.

Honorable Mentions: Kobe Bryant - Los Angeles Lakers, Kevin Garnett - Boston Celtics, Andre Iguodala - Philadelphia 76ers, Carmelo Anthony - Denver Nuggets, Amare Stoudemire, Phoenix Suns.

Learn more about this author, Andrew Bohardt.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.