While the NBA off-season is still in full motion, and the regular season is months away, we are beginning to see how each roster will look. There are still certainly some moves that will be made and rosters to be filled, however; many of the key role players already are signed with a team. It seems as if every year there are players who “breakout”. Whether these players take the leap from role player to starter or starter to all-star, there are always players who make massive improvements. While it may be a bit easy, it's never to early to try and identify these potential breakout players.
Kemba Walker, Guard, Charlotte Hornets
While it may seem that Walker has already emerged as a solid point guard, I believe that he has the potential to take the next step this coming season. Walker made major steps from year 1 to year 2, however; his progress slowed this last season. The addition of Al Jefferson really benefited the Hornets,Walker's numbers slowed. He did manage to improve as a passer and rebounder, but his shooting percentage really declined and his scoring stagnated.
It can always be difficult adjusting to a new, offensive dominant player. This year, the Hornets have mad major improvements to their roster with the additions of Lance Stephenson, PJ Hairston, and Noah Vonleh. After a breakout year with Indiana, Stephenson signed a contract with the Hornets this off-season Despite his on court antics, he brings great perimeter defense and play making ability.
Hairston, is a rookie who has experience in the NBA D-League. Hairston is a big, physical presence and is also a fearless shooter. These two additions on the perimeter should make Walker's job much easier. He will no longer be asked to be his teams primary source of offense on the perimeter and will have great support on the defensive perimeter. Expect Walker's assist number's to climb as he now has plenty of weapons on the offensive end. His paltry shooting percentages as he will no longer have to carry his team on the offensive end.
Bradley Beal, Guard, Washington Wizards
In his second year with the Wizards, both Beal and the Wizards made great improvements. Beal improved in nearly every statistical category. Where Beal really shined was in the playoffs, as he elevated his game to another level. In 11 games in the postseason Beal averaged 19 points, five assists, and five rebounds.
There is no reason to think that Beal won't continue to improve in year three. With the loss of Trevor Ariza, the Wizards will be missing out on one of their key perimeter players. Not only will Beal need to pick up the slack on the offensive end, he will have more responsibility on the defensive end too.
Not only will Beal have a great opportunity to increase his production, the addition of a veteran like Paul Pierce will only help Beal. Plus, the chemistry with point guard John Wall will only continue to improve. With a weakened Eastern Conference, the Wizards seem to be in great position to succeed this year and much of their success will depend on Beal.
Tim Hardaway Jr, Forward, New York Knicks
In his rookie season, Hardaway emerged as one of the top rookies in his draft class. Given the opportunity, Hardaway thrived in ample playing time. In 23 minutes per game Hardaway averaged 10 points, one assist, and nearly two rebounds per game. He also shot 36 percent from behind the arc.
What is really encouraging is Hardaway's production in the Las Vegas Summer League just a few weeks ago. Hardaway averaged 23 points per game while shooting 44 percent from the field. Given his ability to play multiple positions, score, and youth, Hardaway will certainly be very important to the Knicks moving forward. If Hardaway can build off his Summer League performance and carry the momentum through training camp, he could be one of the Knicks best offensive players and garner major minutes.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Forward, Milwaukee Bucks
When he entered the league last year many people felt the Greek Freak was too raw to make any sort of immediate impact.. Through his limited and rather inconsistent playing, the Greek Freak shower flashes of greatness. Besides being an athletic freak, Giannis possesses excellent length and has already grown two inches since being drafted.
The Greek Freak has the size of a power forward but the skill set to play and defend multiple positions. Giannis' improvement showed in the Summer League where he dominated the competition. He averaged 17 points, six rebounds, and two assists while shooting 46 percent from the field and 37 percent from behind the arc. The Greek Freak's versatility will be the key to his success as he can take advantage of his opponents using his size, length, and athletic ability.
While Giannis is no where near his full potential, he should be a very valuable starter for a very untalented Bucks team. Given the change at ample playing time, and a very talented offensive forward teammate in Jabari Parker, Giannis should excel and only continue to improve in coming years.
Nerlens Noel, Guard, Philadelphia 76ers
After being selected with the sixth overall pick in the 2013 draft, Nerlens spent the entire season on he bench as he recovered for a torn ACL he suffered in college. Noel was one of the biggest unknowns going into this off-season as no one knew if he would still possess the elite athleticism that made him such an intriguing prospect. Noel made his long anticipated debut and he certainly didn't disappoint.
In four games, Noel averaged 12 points, six rebounds and three blocks per game. While these numbers don't really jump out at you, there are very impressive considering it's the first game he has played in over a year. If Nerlens can continue to put on muscle and get more adjusted to the NBA game he should thrive in his rookie campaign. Not only does he possess the necessary tools to succeed in the NBA, he is the ideal fit in the 76ers high pace offense. With a talented pass first point guard in Michael Carter-Williams, Noel will have every opportunity to emerge as one of the best young centers in the NBA.