"Ty Lawson, PG, Denver Nuggets
2010-11: 11.7 ppg, 4.7 apg, 2.6 rpg, 17.99 PER
Hollinger 2012 projections: 18.8, 4.0, 7.8, 19.60 PER

Ty Lawson
It's not Carmelo Anthony's team anymore, and it's still going to be a team that relies on a fast pace and frenetic play. In other words, it's perfectly suited for a super-fast point guard who is comfortable flying down the court. The Nuggets also have a roster that meshes well with a guard like Lawson. He's got a highly efficient low-post scorer, and other big men who can clog up the paint and start a lot of fast breaks with a bunch of shooters and wing racers.

Lawson can orchestrate an offense in full or half court, and he's capable of racking up high levels of assists or points, depending on what the defense offers. Chauncey Billups' absence is just as important as Anthony's, in the sense that it gives Lawson control of the team. Still, having a veteran around like Andre Miller is invaluable to offer encouragement and wisdom. Expect Lawson to be a serious contender for an All-Star appearance, and Denver is a legitimate dark horse for the Western Conference title."