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15 Athletes Who Will Take Over the Sports World in 2015

15 Athletes Who Will Take Over the Sports World in 2015

Indiana Pacers v Golden State Warriors
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There are a lot of athletes that have been gaining momentum over the last several months and there are a few ready to take over the sports world in 2015. These 15 athletes, most of which are already established, could push themselves into super stardom this year.

15. Rory McIlroy

PGA Championship - Round Two
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15. Rory McIlroy

PGA Championship - Round Two
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His breakout season was last year, but McIlroy could finally become the best golfer in the world for the long haul. If he can establish his dominance this season, McIlroy could really take off and become the new face of golf.

14. Zach LaVine

Sprite Slam Dunk Contest 2015
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14. Zach LaVine

Sprite Slam Dunk Contest 2015
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After his dazzling Slam Dunk Contest performance, high flyer Zach LaVine could start getting noticed a lot more. He probably won't be a superstar anytime soon, but he has freak athletic talent. That could be enough to get him on the highlight reel routinely.

13. Tomas Hertl

San Jose Sharks v Arizona Coyotes
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13. Tomas Hertl

San Jose Sharks v Arizona Coyotes
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After a great season a year ago, Hertl is turning into one of the best players in hockey. He still needs to come into his own and really take off and it seems like the rest of this season could do that for Hertl as the Sharks battle for playoff positioning.

12. Andrew Luck

Wild Card Playoffs - Kansas City Chiefs v Indianapolis Colts
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12. Andrew Luck

Wild Card Playoffs - Kansas City Chiefs v Indianapolis Colts
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Obviously, Andrew Luck is already a household name, but 2015 seems like a prime time for him to cement his status as an elite quarterback. He needs to cut down on the turnovers, but Luck is ready to become one of the great quarterbacks in the game.

11. Manny Machado

Baltimore Orioles v Tampa Bay Rays
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11. Manny Machado

Baltimore Orioles v Tampa Bay Rays
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Machado has superstar ability, but he can never stay healthy for an extended period of time. He will have to stay healthy this upcoming season for the Orioles to have a fighting chance. It sure seems like it's time for Machado to break out in 2015.

10. Nathan MacKinnon

2014 NHL Awards - Inside
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10. Nathan MacKinnon

2014 NHL Awards - Inside
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MacKinnon took the NHL by storm for the Avalanche last season and he's doing more of the same this season. While he's not recognized as a top five player in the league yet, if he keeps playing the way he has been, he will be in that discussion before too long.

9. Mike Evans

Tampa Bay Buccaneers v Detroit Lions
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9. Mike Evans

Tampa Bay Buccaneers v Detroit Lions
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He got off to a slow start in his rookie season, but Mike Evans proved he has the ability to find the end zone with regularity. It's been a problem finding someone to throw him the ball, but there's no doubt Evans is headed for superstardom very soon.

8. Kris Bryant

SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game - World Team v United States
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8. Kris Bryant

SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game - World Team v United States
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Bryant has never even played in an MLB game, but he's ready to break out for the Cubs. He should be up by late April this season and could take baseball by storm. With a combination of power and average, Bryant could be baseball's next superstar.

7. Tyler Seguin

Florida Panthers v Dallas Stars
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7. Tyler Seguin

Florida Panthers v Dallas Stars
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Until this season, Seguin's NHL career was off to a sluggish start. Now, he's an MVP candidate and he's finally realizing his potential. With that potential being so high, Seguin could soon be put in the same conversation as Crosby and Ovechkin.

6. Jose Abreu

Chicago White Sox v Chicago Cubs
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6. Jose Abreu

Chicago White Sox v Chicago Cubs
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Last year, this Cuban slugger proved to be worth the multi-year deal the White Sox signed him to in the offseason. He will have to avoid the sophomore slump this season, but if he can, he will be established as a top 10 hitter in the entire league.

5. Andrew McCutchen

Pittsburgh Pirates v Miami Marlins
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5. Andrew McCutchen

Pittsburgh Pirates v Miami Marlins
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McCutchen is an established superstar with an MVP already to his credit, but he could take his game to another level in 2015. Now that the Pirates have a deeper lineup, McCutchen doesn't have to force things as much. With a more relaxed approach may come even better results.

4. Steph Curry

NBA All-Star Game 2015
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4. Steph Curry

NBA All-Star Game 2015
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If the season ended today, the best shooter in the NBA would probably win the MVP award. He's shooting lights-out from the field and it's simply impressive to watch. As long as Curry keeps this pace up over the next couple years, he will already be considered among the great shooters in NBA history.

3. Giancarlo Stanton

Miami Marlins v New York Mets
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3. Giancarlo Stanton

Miami Marlins v New York Mets
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There are a lot of players who would just relax after signing the biggest contract in North American sports history, but Stanton doesn't seem like that kind of player. He always plays with a chip on his shoulder like he has something to prove. He has to prove he's worth the money he got, so it could be a big 2015 for Stanton.

2. Anthony Davis

NBA All-Star Portraits 2014
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2. Anthony Davis

NBA All-Star Portraits 2014
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Before getting injured, Davis was putting together one of the best seasons in the NBA. He's incredibly gifted for a big man and he's starting to hit mid-range jumpers as well. Watch out because if Davis develops an outside game, opposing teams can forget about trying to guard him.

1. Odell Beckham Jr.

Dallas Cowboys v New York Giants
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1. Odell Beckham Jr.

Dallas Cowboys v New York Giants
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Odell Beckham Jr. was a phenom last season, establishing himself as one of the best receivers in all of football. With his acrobatic ability and amazing hands, Beckham is a human highlight reel. For many years to come, Beckham is going to be making the Giants very happy they drafted him last year.

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