NBA
5 NBA Players Ready to Breakout Next Season
The NBA is a league of stars, and every season the same names are thrown around as the top players. Recently with long time elite players starting to fall off (Dwyane Wade, Carmelo, etc…) the new era of young stars are ready to take over. With the 2018-2019 season only a month away, who are these young stars taking the next step?
Disclaimer: This list does not include NBA sophomores because it is too early to judge their development, and it is too common for them to hit a slump.
Honorable Mentions: Zach Lavine, Andrew Wiggins, Jamal Murray, Jabari Parker, Myles Turner, Brandon Ingram, Jaylen Brown, Kris Dunn
Khris Middleton
2017-2018 stats: 20.1 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 4.0 APG, 1.5 SPG, 46/36/84
Projected 2018-2019 stats: 23 PPG, 5 RPG, 3.5 APG, 1.5 SPG, 47/40/86
This one is one of my favorites. Khris Middleton has always been a dynamic scorer in Milwaukee. The problem is the he plays for the Bucks and that hurts his exposure to the NBA world. That is no more. After averaging a devastating 24.7 points on the Celtics in a 7 game series, he has put the league on notice. Middleton’s deadly sharpshooting, and ability to lock up positions 1-4 makes him prime to breakout.
Prediction: Khris Middleton becomes a first time all-star while leading the Bucks to a playoff series win.
Nikola Jokic
2017-2018 stats: 18.5 PPG, 10.7 RPG, 6.1 APG, 1.2 SPG, 50/39/85
Projected 2018-2019 stats: 21 PPG, 11.5 RPG, 7 APG, 1 SPG, 55/41/88
Nikola Jokic technically broke out last season, however he will make the another step this year. The Denver Nuggets center is more to the “unicorn” nickname than Kristaps Porzingis could ever be. Jokic is a 7-footer who can grab a rebound, and run the entire offense like a point guard. His long arms make him a nuisance defensively by creating havoc on pick & rolls. While the knock on him is his lack of athleticism, Jokic has a very crafty way of making his defenders look like fools. He has improved every season so far, so I expect Jokic to increase in almost every stat category while refining his post game.
Prediction: Nuggets make the playoffs while Jokic starts at center for the All-Star team, and is selected to the All-NBA 2nd Team.
Devin Booker
2017-2018 stats: 24.9 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 4.7 APG, 3.6 TOV, 43/38/87
Projected 2018-2019 stats: 26 PPG, 4RPG, 6 APG, 2.9 TOV, 47/41/90
The Phoenix Suns made vasts improvements to their roster over the summer. Adding first overall pick DeAndre Ayton, to go with Mikal Bridges and Trevor Ariza will speed up the rebuild. However, Devin Booker will take it into overdrive. Booker has the makings of a all time great. With his ability to score the rock and his devotion for the game, he is one of my favorite players to watch. Booker will now have more help next season improving his efficiency numbers.
Prediction: Phoenix Suns win at least 8 more games and Devin Booker becomes a first time All-Star.
D’Angelo Russell
2017-2018 stats: 15.5 PPG, 5.2 APG, 3.9 RPG, 0.8 SPG, 3.1 TOV 41/32/74
Projected 2018-2019 stats: 20 PPG, 7.0 APG, 4.0 RPG. 1.3 SPG, 2.7 TOV 45/38/77
Oh how it makes me happy when the Lakers lose a trade.
The Los Angeles Lakers sent D’Angelo Russell to the Nets in the summer of 2017 to make space for Lonzo Ball. The Lakers will soon find out this was a huge mistake. Unfortunately, last season Russell went down 12 games into the year costing him a large chunk of what was supposed to be his break out year. The good news is that he was able to average 20.9 points, 5.7 assists, and 4.7 rebounds over that 12-game stretch. It has been reported recently that Russell is in the best shape of his career, and has been making great improvements in maturity. Playing along a group of good young players should bump his assists, while lower his unacceptable amount of turnovers from last season.
Prediction: D’Angelo Russell breaks out as one of the best point guards in the east.
Aaron Gordon
2017-2018 stats: 17.6 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 2.3 APG, 1.0 SPG 43/33/70
Projected 2018-2019 stats: 23.0 PPG, 8.0 RPG, 4.0APG, 1.0 SPG, 45/35/74
If you thought Aaron Gordon peaked in 2018, then you’re in for a surprise. Gordon proved last season that he is more than just a phenomenal dunker, but an all-around star. The Orlando Magic were able to lock up the young forward to a 4-year extension this past summer, and this deal was a steal. Gordon will be entering his 5th NBA season, and is on the brink of becoming an elite scorer. He possess the ability to bully smaller wings, while being too quick for opposing forwards. He is a mismatch for almost every player in the NBA. The Magic were also able to draft center Mo Bamba this offseason. Bamba should take the pressure off of Gordon on defense, allowing him to run in the fast break more often.
Prediction: Aaron Gordon evolves into one of the best scorers in the league, becomes an All-Star, and is selected to the All-NBA 3rd Team.
Photo credit to Keith Allison via Flickr
