Breakout player 12-13

[Durant35]

ESPN Insider Chris Palmer's "Starting 5" is a weekly series that breaks down a topic into five compelling components or arguments. Don't agree with him? Feel free to leave a comment!


The playoffs are an excellent proving ground to see what a player is truly capable of. Will he shrink? Will he adjust to the rigorous postseason style? Perhaps he may deliver a few surprises. The goal is to end the season on a strong note to build for the future. Here are five young playoff performers whose efforts in the postseason could carry over to next year and have them on the way to big things in 2012-13.


1. Kawhi Leonard, F, San Antonio Spurs


Early in the season Leonard operated in anonymity in the Spurs' clockwork offense, doing little things like boxing out, playing quality position defense and hitting the occasional deep 3-pointer off a Tony Parker kickout. But in the playoffs his versatility has really stood out. Against the Clippers he shot 50 percent from 3 and no small forward is averaging as many rebounds (4.9) in as few minutes (24.4). For a rookie his willingness to mix it up so aggressively underneath the boards in the playoffs is uncommon. His long arms and huge hands make him a constant threat on the glass and a hassle to shoot over defensively.

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I love this. Leonard's so flexible. He can play the 3-4 and honestly, he can defend four positions on the court as well. He has a nice jumper and I've heard he's a gym rat.

 

[ZigZag]

I'd see Kawhi in the gym all the time when I went to San Diego State. Def a fucking hard working, humble dude, it's awesome to see him playing so well and getting recognition.

 

[Hurricane Season]

Tristan Thompson

 

[elcheato]

I'm curious, what makes you say Tristan?

Anyway, I agree on 4 of the 5, with the one I don't agree with being Mario Chamlers. His ceiling is a spot up shooter who plays good defense and he's already reached it.

 

[BwareDWare94]

Not on a playoff team, but watch out for Chandler Parsons next year.

 

[elcheato]

no

 

[Mexi]

i was just thinking breakout players today lol

i have a guy who i really like.
hoping he gets more playing time next year. im guessing he does

Alec Burks from the Jazz

 

[BwareDWare94]

no

why not?