[zcnumerounoParticipant]

Before I delve into my predictions for players who I see breaking out, I feel it necessary to add a caveat that I should have included in my previous instillation of this series. When I say “can guard four (or even five) positions” I don’t mean that Marcus Smart or RHJ can go toe-to-toe with Paul Millsap or Dwight Howard all game. All I mean by this is that guys like Smart can switch on to up to four or five positions and hold their own for stretches. Obviously Smart is better off guarding 1-3, but he has shown the ability to switch on to and guard bigs in pinches, which is what I meant. I know that I should have specified this more, and that is my mistake. Only LeBron, IMO, can claim to have the ability to guard the best player on the court at all times, no matter the position, thanks to his insane combination of skill, BB IQ, size and athleticism.

Chicago Bulls:
– Bobby Portis. Many were surprised to see Portis fall all the way down to the Bulls in last year’s draft. Portis’ combination of size, skill and above-average athleticism screamed lottery to me and many others, and the Bulls made out like bandits with Bobby. If the Bulls finally are able to unload Taj Gibson, Portis should take a featured role as the first Bulls big off the bench. Portis fits the mold as a modern big that can stretch the floor (shot over 30% from three last year), and should continue to improve as a 3-point threat. He has an inside-outside game that will make it tough to keep him on the bench for long stretches. Still only 21, Portis has a lot of time to groom and improve, and I believe that he, and not Mirotic, is the better player going forward for the Bulls.
Honorable mention(s): Doug McDermott

Cleveland Cavs:
– Kay Felder. I normally stay away from rookies in these rankings, but it is tough to pinpoint a breakout candidate for the defending champs outside of Felder. I picked Felder because, IMO, he has the most upward mobility of any player on this team. As a rookie, and a second rounder, not too much is expected from him. He will get his chances though, as there will be a gaping hole at the backup point with Delly gone and Mo literally being on his last legs. Felder’s speed and shot-making ability could make him a nice change-of-pace second unit guard for the Cavs right away, but his lack of size and defensive chops could just as likely keep him on the bench for most of the season.

Detroit Pistons:
– Stanley Johnson. Johnson had a pretty underwhelming rookie campaign, as he shot under 38% from the floor and just over 30% from three in about 23 minutes per game. But Johnson’s size (6’7″, 245) and athleticism suggest a huge jump coming. Johnson should be able to take the next step as the game slows down for him. His defense will be his calling card, and rightfully so, but his near 80% conversion rate at the line suggests his shooting percentages will rise as well. Don’t forget that Johnson just turned 20 a few months ago. This kid looks like he’s gonna be a good one.
Honorable mention(s): KCP

Indiana Pacers:
– Myles Turner. With an older team in place, Turner is one of the few logical choices as a breakout candidate. His injury concerns and overall awkwardness pushed him back in last year’s draft, but he dispelled those concerns with very good play from the get-go. Turner has stretch-5 capabilities (even though his percentages from distance don’t necessarily show that) to go along with rim protecting abilities. Bigs like him don’t grow on trees, and Bird’s squad will feature him more heavily. Having Big Al as a tutor will only help his developing post game as well.

Milwaukee Bucks:
– Jabari Parker. One could argue that Parker already broke out, and that could very well be true. Parker averaged nearly 15 per game on the season, but averaged about 20 as the season wound down. In what was essentially an extension of Parker’s rookie season, he performed very well, especially after the all-star break. Parker showed his scoring prowess in many different ways, highlighted by his dunking acumen (this guy needs to be in a dunk contest soon). While his defense may never be great, I think he could very well be serviceable in this area especially if the Bucks utilize Henson more as a rim protector next to him. I expect his three point stroke to improve also to respectability, which is key when playing in the Bucks’ space-less offense.
Honorable mention(s): John Henson, Giannis

[RUDEBOY_Participant]

 with oladipo gone,i expect mario to breakout in orlando..

[CDPHParticipant]

I think you nailed it with Myles Turner

Deep(ish) Thoughts 

 

 

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