- Thread starter
- #1
Wolves United
New Member
- Joined
- Apr 24, 2013
- Messages
- 450
- Reaction score
- 15
Young Players Who Could Break Out Next Season
In the NBA, giving young players minutes can help them develop and grow into quality players. However, many on this list haven't been given the opportunities to shine. Many of these players' breaking out party is determined on getting traded, but if they do they could take many by surprise. Adding valuable minutes and giving players playing time is crucial to getting a young player acclimated. Many of these young players on the list haven been given those minutes, and without those minutes fans haven't been able to see the true nature of their game.
Eric Bledsoe
Stat line: 8.8 ppg, 3.2 apg, 3.0 rpg
A 2013 dunk contest participant, Eric Bledsoe has the athleticism and strength to get to the basket at will. Although at first glance his stat line doesn't jump off the page, much of this can be attributed to being buried behind Chris Paul, Jamal Crawford and when he returns from injury, Chauncey Billups. At 23 years of age, Bledsoe is only in his third year in the league and he has already been in heavy trade rumors. If Bledsoe is traded to a team where he gets more minutes, he will become a good second option offensively and could win the Most Improved Player award next season. If Bledsoe wants to become an even better player, he will need to work on his shooting. Although he has relatively good shooting percentages, if he can become a very good shooter it would open up alot for his all-around game.
Jeff Green
Stat line: 12.6 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 1.5 apg
Jeff Green is a feel good story; he came back from open heart surgery and has been playing pretty well for a playoff team. However, despite getting close to 30 minutes a game, Green is averaging lower averages then his career mark, a startling regression for a well-paid player. That and his paltry passing skills may leave some skeptical of Green showing the promise that made him the 5th pick in the draft in 2008. Many seem to have forgotten about Green's Oklahoma City Thunder days, and how he averaged 16.5 ppg, 7 rpg and 2 apg. Green was not a "one hit wonder," because he backed it up the year after, and it was only then that Green's stats declined. Many of this can be attributed to switching systems and going from a starter to Paul Pierce's replacement. Adjusting systems is always hard, and missing a year because of heart surgery didn't help. Green has shown glimpses of his potential this season, for instance when he scored 43 points and did a good job of slowing down LeBron James in a game vs. the Heat. Green's problem this year has been inconsistency, but I predict Celtics coach Doc Rivers to find a way to put Green in the starting lineup next season, and Jeff Green will adjust accordingly.
Jared Sullinger
Stat line: PPG 6.0 RPG 5.90 APG 0.8
Jared Sullinger at one time was predicted to be a top 5 pick, but due to health concerns "Sully" fell all the way to the Celtics at the 21st pick. The Celtics pounced on the big man from Ohio State, and he proved some of the doubters wrong, before having his season cut short due to back surgery. Sullinger's soft touch around the rim and hustle could make him a potential double-double machine, despite being slightly undersized. If Sullinger gets more minutes and can expand his jump shot to a mid-range shot he can become a versatile player. Improving his shot is so crucial to his success because if he makes opponents guard him on the perimeter, he has the quickness to blow by and finish. Another thing that Sullinger needs to improve on is his interior defense. Guarding big-men can be difficult when undersized, but if Jared Sullinger can improve his shot blocking to at least a mediocre 1 a game (with minute boosts), he can boost his confidence. Barring a devastating knee injury, expect Sullinger to take giant strides next year.
Nikola Vucevic
Statline: 12.5 ppg, 11.6 rpg, 1.0 bpg
Many European big men are unfairly called labeled as "soft," but in only his second season out of Southern California, Nikola Vucevic has quickly and somewhat unexpectedly emerged as one of the games best rebounders. Standing at 7'0 tall, Vucevic is only 22 and has done an admirable job replacing the hole that Dwight Howard's departure left at center for the Orlando Magic. One thing that stands out
about Vucevic is his toughness around the rim, how he doesn't shy away from the basket, and that he excels at and-1 dunks. Vucveic
can step outside and make the open mid-range jump-shot and has a sweet baby hook. Nikola Vucevic is the second best offensive rebounder in the game, and set the Magic franchise record for rebounds in a game with 29. Bold Prediction: If Nikola Vucevic can become even more of a defensive stopper down low, I see Nikola Vucevic being a top 10 center (within the next two seasons).
Jimmy Butler
Stat line: 7.9 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 1.3 apg, 0.9 spg
Coming out of Marquette, Jimmy Butler wasn't expected to be much except a good role player. As a Marquette fan, I knew better. Jimmy Butler is a jack of all trades, and has been outperforming expectations in limited opportunities. Although the starting small-forward spot is actively taken with Lou Deng, knowing Coach Thibboudeau he'll find a way to get Butler even more minutes in the rotation. Butler's lanky body allows him to defend the perimeter well, and keeps the defense honest with his well-rounded approach. Although Jimmy Butler has a good field goal percentage overall, his low 30% shooting percentage from long range won't put him in any 3 Point Contests any time soon. If Jimmy Butler improves his game and continues to get solid minutes, he could win a sixth man of the year award in a couple of seasons.
Derrick Favors
Stat line: 9.5 ppg, 6.9 rpg, 1.6 bpg
For a player that was the main acquisition in the Deron Williams blockbuster and a big part of the Jazz's future, now in his 3rd season with the Utah Jazz, Favors has never had more than 9 starts a season. Many of this can be attributed to playing in a frontcourt that consists of Al Jefferson, Paul Millsap and Ends Kantar, minutes are hard to find. With that said, there is no excuse for Derrick Favors never getting more than 23 minutes a game in his four year career. Usually when a layer is selected 3rd overall, they usually start immediately or soon after. Favors has not been given that chance, but has still exceeded expectations in short minutes. Through no fault of his own, he hasn't been given the playing time that he deserves. All that will change next season, with Al Jefferson being a free agent it is unlikely that they re-sign him and Paul Millsap has constantly been in trade speculation over the years. Derrick Favors has already become one of the top shot blockers in the league, as evidenced by his PER 36 block statistics. If Tyrone Corbin is able to allocate more minutes to Favors, Favors will be a multiple All-Star during the duration of his career.
Andre Drummond
Stat line: 7.4 ppg, 7.5 rpg, 1.6 bpg
Despite many draft "experts' fearing that Andre Drummond would be a bust, Andre Drummond has taken the basketball world by surprise. Strong, athletic and a good rebounder, Drummond is everything that the Detroit Pistons could have hoped for when they selected Drummond. Being a 6'10 back to the basket center is no small task in the NBA, but Drummond’s size helps him fight through the challenge. His sheer athleticism helps him go around, through and sometimes even over helpless defenders. Andre Drummond's play this season will force the Pistons to make him the full time starter sometime next season, and Drummond will continue to improve his somewhat raw game. Although Andre Drummond will likely not ever put up more than 15 points a night, Drummond can bring back the old school back to the basket mentality, one of the league best rebounds and possibly win a Defensive Player of the Year award long the way.
Derrick Williams
Stat line: 11.8 5.6 rpg 0.5 bpg
After being the second overall draft pick in the 2011 NBA draft, Derrick Williams had a discouraging rookie season. With many labeling him as a bust and trade talks swirling, Derrick Williams stepped up his game amidst the plethora of injuries the Minnesota Timberwolves faced this season, especially Kevin Love. Derrick Williams is best suited to be a starter, and hasn't proven that he can be valuable off the bench. However, Williams has stepped up after the All-Star Break, averaging 16 points a contest after the festive weekend. Williams has developed a reliable mid-range jump-shot to accompany his athleticism and strength when attacking the baskets. Derrick Williams is one of the best finishers in the game, but he shoots a lot of three's and doesn't make as high of a percentage of them as you would like. Unlike his rookie campaign, Williams has been consistent when given and can drop between 18-20 points any given night. If Williams can surpass Andrei Kirilienko on the depth, or if he is traded to a team where he is given consistent minutes I envision Derrick Williams averaging 17 and 8 next season.
Enes Kanter
Stat line: 7.2 ppg, 4.3 rpg, o.5 bpg
Another big man that was a former third overall pick on the Utah Jazz's roster, likewise to the aforementioned Favors, Kanter has not been given the type of minutes that he deserves. Although he never played a single game at the University of Kentucky, Kanter impressed scouts at a Nike camp, and intrigued scout's from multiple teams. The amazing part of Kanter's numbers is that he is averaging only 15 minutes a game, but still putting up solid rebounding numbers. Kanter is one of the most polished big men, and his fundamentals on the low post are excellent. He has a wide variety of moves that he can use to score, and can finish with the contact. I expect Al Jefferson and Paul Millsap to not be members of the Jazz next season, allowing Kanter to slip into the starting center role where he can produce. If Kanter produces at a high level, the Jazz will have one of the best big man combos in the league with a Kanter-Derrick Favors tandem.
Greivis Vasquez
Stat line: 14.1 ppg, 9.2 apg, 4.4 rpg
Greivis Vasquez is having the best season in his young NBA career, but if he continues to improve it will merely be remembered as one of many great seasons by the point guard out of Maryland. Vasquez is averaging the 3rd most assists in the league, and is doing so on a lottery team. Vasquez's impressive rebounding makes him one of the best all-around young point-guards in the league. If Greivis Vasquez can become a better 3 point shooter (a good spot up, catch and shoot 3 point shooter at least) he can increase his point tallies next season by forcing the defense to play him tighter. With the defense guarding against the drive to the basket, and ready to jump the passing lanes Vasquez could be one of the league’s most unguardable players, in part because he is 6'6.
Ed Davis
Stat line: 8.0 ppg 5.6 rpg, 1.0 bpg
Coming out of North Carolina, Ed Davis was a late lottery pick by the Toronto Raptors who was progressing nicely, namely during this season. Don't let his stats fool you; Ed Davis is a very promising player who was averaging 10 points and 7 rebounds in 45 games for the Raptors. Davis was slowly starting to garner recognition from fans around the league before being shipped to the Memphis Grizzlies and being relegated to only 15 minutes a game. Part of this is because he's stuck behind Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph, and while Gasol won't likely be dealt, the possibility of "Z-Bo," leaving Tennessee is more likely than many think. Davis is a cheaper alternative to Randolph, and has his best years ahead of him unlike the 11th year veteran. This will all likely be reliant on the front office and whether they think that they should try to contend now, or go the young player route. The Grizzlies will try to compete for a title this season, and will likely find a way to give Davis some playing time next season. What's somewhat perplexing about Davis is that he's actually averaging more blocks in fewer minutes, averaging 1.3 in 15 minutes a game. If Ed Davis can add some weight and strength (only 232 pounds at 6'10) he can become a much better post player. He is very raw and needs some coaching to improve, but Ed Davis is a defensive catalyst and can be the starting power-forward for the Grizzlies' future.
Tobias Harris
Statline: 9.7 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 1.1 apg
In 70 games with the Milwaukee Bucks, Tobias Harris averaged five points a game and 11 minutes. The Milwaukee Bucks thought that they weren't losing anything when they traded him to the Orlando Magic, but in hindsight it's clear that they were wrong. In 22 games with the Magic, Harris has averaged 16 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists and 1.5 blocks a game. Tobias Harris is only 20 years old and has plenty of room to go, but at small-forward his all-around game has to please Magic fans. Since coming to the Magic, Harris has set a new career high in points (30, in a game in which he also had 11 boards) and in his first 18 games with the Magic, he scored in double figures 15 times, more than he had had in his two seasons with Milwaukee combined.
Honorable Mention: Jonas Valanciunas
Taylor Jones
(Hoops-Nation Journalist)
In the NBA, giving young players minutes can help them develop and grow into quality players. However, many on this list haven't been given the opportunities to shine. Many of these players' breaking out party is determined on getting traded, but if they do they could take many by surprise. Adding valuable minutes and giving players playing time is crucial to getting a young player acclimated. Many of these young players on the list haven been given those minutes, and without those minutes fans haven't been able to see the true nature of their game.
Eric Bledsoe
Stat line: 8.8 ppg, 3.2 apg, 3.0 rpg
A 2013 dunk contest participant, Eric Bledsoe has the athleticism and strength to get to the basket at will. Although at first glance his stat line doesn't jump off the page, much of this can be attributed to being buried behind Chris Paul, Jamal Crawford and when he returns from injury, Chauncey Billups. At 23 years of age, Bledsoe is only in his third year in the league and he has already been in heavy trade rumors. If Bledsoe is traded to a team where he gets more minutes, he will become a good second option offensively and could win the Most Improved Player award next season. If Bledsoe wants to become an even better player, he will need to work on his shooting. Although he has relatively good shooting percentages, if he can become a very good shooter it would open up alot for his all-around game.
Jeff Green
Stat line: 12.6 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 1.5 apg
Jeff Green is a feel good story; he came back from open heart surgery and has been playing pretty well for a playoff team. However, despite getting close to 30 minutes a game, Green is averaging lower averages then his career mark, a startling regression for a well-paid player. That and his paltry passing skills may leave some skeptical of Green showing the promise that made him the 5th pick in the draft in 2008. Many seem to have forgotten about Green's Oklahoma City Thunder days, and how he averaged 16.5 ppg, 7 rpg and 2 apg. Green was not a "one hit wonder," because he backed it up the year after, and it was only then that Green's stats declined. Many of this can be attributed to switching systems and going from a starter to Paul Pierce's replacement. Adjusting systems is always hard, and missing a year because of heart surgery didn't help. Green has shown glimpses of his potential this season, for instance when he scored 43 points and did a good job of slowing down LeBron James in a game vs. the Heat. Green's problem this year has been inconsistency, but I predict Celtics coach Doc Rivers to find a way to put Green in the starting lineup next season, and Jeff Green will adjust accordingly.
Jared Sullinger
Stat line: PPG 6.0 RPG 5.90 APG 0.8
Jared Sullinger at one time was predicted to be a top 5 pick, but due to health concerns "Sully" fell all the way to the Celtics at the 21st pick. The Celtics pounced on the big man from Ohio State, and he proved some of the doubters wrong, before having his season cut short due to back surgery. Sullinger's soft touch around the rim and hustle could make him a potential double-double machine, despite being slightly undersized. If Sullinger gets more minutes and can expand his jump shot to a mid-range shot he can become a versatile player. Improving his shot is so crucial to his success because if he makes opponents guard him on the perimeter, he has the quickness to blow by and finish. Another thing that Sullinger needs to improve on is his interior defense. Guarding big-men can be difficult when undersized, but if Jared Sullinger can improve his shot blocking to at least a mediocre 1 a game (with minute boosts), he can boost his confidence. Barring a devastating knee injury, expect Sullinger to take giant strides next year.
Nikola Vucevic
Statline: 12.5 ppg, 11.6 rpg, 1.0 bpg
Many European big men are unfairly called labeled as "soft," but in only his second season out of Southern California, Nikola Vucevic has quickly and somewhat unexpectedly emerged as one of the games best rebounders. Standing at 7'0 tall, Vucevic is only 22 and has done an admirable job replacing the hole that Dwight Howard's departure left at center for the Orlando Magic. One thing that stands out
about Vucevic is his toughness around the rim, how he doesn't shy away from the basket, and that he excels at and-1 dunks. Vucveic
can step outside and make the open mid-range jump-shot and has a sweet baby hook. Nikola Vucevic is the second best offensive rebounder in the game, and set the Magic franchise record for rebounds in a game with 29. Bold Prediction: If Nikola Vucevic can become even more of a defensive stopper down low, I see Nikola Vucevic being a top 10 center (within the next two seasons).
Jimmy Butler
Stat line: 7.9 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 1.3 apg, 0.9 spg
Coming out of Marquette, Jimmy Butler wasn't expected to be much except a good role player. As a Marquette fan, I knew better. Jimmy Butler is a jack of all trades, and has been outperforming expectations in limited opportunities. Although the starting small-forward spot is actively taken with Lou Deng, knowing Coach Thibboudeau he'll find a way to get Butler even more minutes in the rotation. Butler's lanky body allows him to defend the perimeter well, and keeps the defense honest with his well-rounded approach. Although Jimmy Butler has a good field goal percentage overall, his low 30% shooting percentage from long range won't put him in any 3 Point Contests any time soon. If Jimmy Butler improves his game and continues to get solid minutes, he could win a sixth man of the year award in a couple of seasons.
Derrick Favors
Stat line: 9.5 ppg, 6.9 rpg, 1.6 bpg
For a player that was the main acquisition in the Deron Williams blockbuster and a big part of the Jazz's future, now in his 3rd season with the Utah Jazz, Favors has never had more than 9 starts a season. Many of this can be attributed to playing in a frontcourt that consists of Al Jefferson, Paul Millsap and Ends Kantar, minutes are hard to find. With that said, there is no excuse for Derrick Favors never getting more than 23 minutes a game in his four year career. Usually when a layer is selected 3rd overall, they usually start immediately or soon after. Favors has not been given that chance, but has still exceeded expectations in short minutes. Through no fault of his own, he hasn't been given the playing time that he deserves. All that will change next season, with Al Jefferson being a free agent it is unlikely that they re-sign him and Paul Millsap has constantly been in trade speculation over the years. Derrick Favors has already become one of the top shot blockers in the league, as evidenced by his PER 36 block statistics. If Tyrone Corbin is able to allocate more minutes to Favors, Favors will be a multiple All-Star during the duration of his career.
Andre Drummond
Stat line: 7.4 ppg, 7.5 rpg, 1.6 bpg
Despite many draft "experts' fearing that Andre Drummond would be a bust, Andre Drummond has taken the basketball world by surprise. Strong, athletic and a good rebounder, Drummond is everything that the Detroit Pistons could have hoped for when they selected Drummond. Being a 6'10 back to the basket center is no small task in the NBA, but Drummond’s size helps him fight through the challenge. His sheer athleticism helps him go around, through and sometimes even over helpless defenders. Andre Drummond's play this season will force the Pistons to make him the full time starter sometime next season, and Drummond will continue to improve his somewhat raw game. Although Andre Drummond will likely not ever put up more than 15 points a night, Drummond can bring back the old school back to the basket mentality, one of the league best rebounds and possibly win a Defensive Player of the Year award long the way.
Derrick Williams
Stat line: 11.8 5.6 rpg 0.5 bpg
After being the second overall draft pick in the 2011 NBA draft, Derrick Williams had a discouraging rookie season. With many labeling him as a bust and trade talks swirling, Derrick Williams stepped up his game amidst the plethora of injuries the Minnesota Timberwolves faced this season, especially Kevin Love. Derrick Williams is best suited to be a starter, and hasn't proven that he can be valuable off the bench. However, Williams has stepped up after the All-Star Break, averaging 16 points a contest after the festive weekend. Williams has developed a reliable mid-range jump-shot to accompany his athleticism and strength when attacking the baskets. Derrick Williams is one of the best finishers in the game, but he shoots a lot of three's and doesn't make as high of a percentage of them as you would like. Unlike his rookie campaign, Williams has been consistent when given and can drop between 18-20 points any given night. If Williams can surpass Andrei Kirilienko on the depth, or if he is traded to a team where he is given consistent minutes I envision Derrick Williams averaging 17 and 8 next season.
Enes Kanter
Stat line: 7.2 ppg, 4.3 rpg, o.5 bpg
Another big man that was a former third overall pick on the Utah Jazz's roster, likewise to the aforementioned Favors, Kanter has not been given the type of minutes that he deserves. Although he never played a single game at the University of Kentucky, Kanter impressed scouts at a Nike camp, and intrigued scout's from multiple teams. The amazing part of Kanter's numbers is that he is averaging only 15 minutes a game, but still putting up solid rebounding numbers. Kanter is one of the most polished big men, and his fundamentals on the low post are excellent. He has a wide variety of moves that he can use to score, and can finish with the contact. I expect Al Jefferson and Paul Millsap to not be members of the Jazz next season, allowing Kanter to slip into the starting center role where he can produce. If Kanter produces at a high level, the Jazz will have one of the best big man combos in the league with a Kanter-Derrick Favors tandem.
Greivis Vasquez
Stat line: 14.1 ppg, 9.2 apg, 4.4 rpg
Greivis Vasquez is having the best season in his young NBA career, but if he continues to improve it will merely be remembered as one of many great seasons by the point guard out of Maryland. Vasquez is averaging the 3rd most assists in the league, and is doing so on a lottery team. Vasquez's impressive rebounding makes him one of the best all-around young point-guards in the league. If Greivis Vasquez can become a better 3 point shooter (a good spot up, catch and shoot 3 point shooter at least) he can increase his point tallies next season by forcing the defense to play him tighter. With the defense guarding against the drive to the basket, and ready to jump the passing lanes Vasquez could be one of the league’s most unguardable players, in part because he is 6'6.
Ed Davis
Stat line: 8.0 ppg 5.6 rpg, 1.0 bpg
Coming out of North Carolina, Ed Davis was a late lottery pick by the Toronto Raptors who was progressing nicely, namely during this season. Don't let his stats fool you; Ed Davis is a very promising player who was averaging 10 points and 7 rebounds in 45 games for the Raptors. Davis was slowly starting to garner recognition from fans around the league before being shipped to the Memphis Grizzlies and being relegated to only 15 minutes a game. Part of this is because he's stuck behind Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph, and while Gasol won't likely be dealt, the possibility of "Z-Bo," leaving Tennessee is more likely than many think. Davis is a cheaper alternative to Randolph, and has his best years ahead of him unlike the 11th year veteran. This will all likely be reliant on the front office and whether they think that they should try to contend now, or go the young player route. The Grizzlies will try to compete for a title this season, and will likely find a way to give Davis some playing time next season. What's somewhat perplexing about Davis is that he's actually averaging more blocks in fewer minutes, averaging 1.3 in 15 minutes a game. If Ed Davis can add some weight and strength (only 232 pounds at 6'10) he can become a much better post player. He is very raw and needs some coaching to improve, but Ed Davis is a defensive catalyst and can be the starting power-forward for the Grizzlies' future.
Tobias Harris
Statline: 9.7 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 1.1 apg
In 70 games with the Milwaukee Bucks, Tobias Harris averaged five points a game and 11 minutes. The Milwaukee Bucks thought that they weren't losing anything when they traded him to the Orlando Magic, but in hindsight it's clear that they were wrong. In 22 games with the Magic, Harris has averaged 16 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists and 1.5 blocks a game. Tobias Harris is only 20 years old and has plenty of room to go, but at small-forward his all-around game has to please Magic fans. Since coming to the Magic, Harris has set a new career high in points (30, in a game in which he also had 11 boards) and in his first 18 games with the Magic, he scored in double figures 15 times, more than he had had in his two seasons with Milwaukee combined.
Honorable Mention: Jonas Valanciunas
Taylor Jones
(Hoops-Nation Journalist)
