by Ric S

Created on: February 28, 2007   Last Updated: May 11, 2007

The NBA surely has gained a global audience. Its fast-paced, non-stop action and drama truly appeals to most people. And the colorful, athletic players just add more excitement to the game. In listing out my ten most exciting NBA players to watch, I excluded those that have already gained superstar status. Everyone knows that Lebron, Kobe, Wade, AI, Melo excites everyone. They are paid huge salaries and are therefore expected to carry their teams to victory, draw out crowd to the arenas, and sell team merchandises as well. So, instead, here I present 10 most exciting players just coming out on their own and will be an all-star in a season or two:

1. Andre Iguodala (Philadelphia 76ers, G/F) - When the other AI was traded to Denver, AI2 became the main focal of sixers' offense, and he did not disappoint. The athletic swingman from Arizona college does everything: points, assist, steals, rebounds, blocks. And who can forget that nasty dunk coming from behind the backboard during the 2006 slam-dunk contest?

2. Dwight Howard (Orlando Magic, C) - Howard was actually an all-star for this season. The athletic and talented center just need a year or two to polish his game and he will become the most dominant player in the NBA following Shaq's footsteps.

3. Chris Paul (New Orleans Hornets, PG) - The 2005 Rookie of the year is one of the most talented and exciting point guard of recent drafts. Having a career average of 16.6 pts and 8.1 assists, Paul can carry the team to victory on his own even with a team composed mainly of role players.

4. Josh Smith (Atlanta Hawks, G/F) - The 2005 slam-dunk contest winner, Josh has a lot of dunk moves in his arsenal that he is often compared to another Hawks great, Dominique Wilkins. He is also very active in the defensive end, as evidenced by his 2.7 blocks averaged so far this season.

5. Tony Allen (Boston Celtics, G) - Taken with the 25th pick in 1st round of 2004 draft, Tony has the abilities to become a go-to player of a team. He averaged 11.5 ppg, 3.4 rebs, 1.7 ast in only 24 mins in 33 games this season before he got injured. If healthy and given playing time, Tony can be great second-scorer behind Paul Pierce.

6. Gerald Wallace (Charlotte Bobcats, F) - Nicknamed "Crash", the 6-7 forward plays with such reckless abandon, it usually make people watching him nervous. It is only reason why Wallace just can't seem to keep healthy, as there will always be a broken bone or pulled muscle somewhere.

7. Shaun Livingston (Los Angeles Clippers,

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