Breakout Candidates – Southeast Division

Atlanta Hawks:
-Dennis Shroder. I’m not as high on Shroder as I am on Teague, but Shroder should be in line for a breakout, mostly due to the extended playing time he will receive this upcoming year. The Hawks staff clearly believes in him, and he will get a lot of opportunities in Atlanta’s spread the wealth system. I’d expect a 15 and 7 year for Shroder, who although has talent, doesn’t strike me as a franchise-level point guard.

Charlotte Hornets:
-Michael Kidd-Gilchrist. “This is the year.” That’s what everyone was saying last year about MKG, whose year ended quickly following another injury. However, in those 7 games that he was healthy, MKG averaged almost 13, with 6.5 rebounds on over 54% from the floor and 42% from threes (only about 1 attempt per game, though). He looked very good, and the questions surrounding his jumper seemed to quell quite a bit. MKG has always been a very good defender and rebounder for his size, but I expect him to continue upon his success offensively last year. I think he will emerge as an all-star caliber player, and lift the Hornets to a top-5 defense next year and a playoff spot for the second straight year.
Honorable mention(s): Frank Kaminsky

Miami Heat:
-Josh Richardson. This was quite the close call between Richardson and Winslow, whom I also expect to breakout, but I thought I’d highlight Richardson here. He has the making of the next elite 3-and-D guard, with potential to offer much more to the table. He has excellent length and athleticism/quickness, and proved to be an already solid defender as a rookie, and I expect him to improve as a defender next year as the game continues to slow down for him. He proved to be an elite shooter as well, shooting over 46% from three last season! His rim-rocking athleticism also provided many highlights and memories in his freshman campaign. With D-Wade leaving town, Richardson will step into the starting lineup and excel. I believe in him, and think he’s going to be a really good starter for a long time.
Honorable mention(s): Justice Winslow, Briante Weber

Orlando Magic:
-Aaron Gordon. The Magic next season will be a league pass must-watch as they combine a lot of athleticism and defense in a young team, that although made questionable moves in free agency, looks like a potential playoff team in the East. New coach Frank Vogel claimed that Gordon is a “Paul George-like player”. Wow – that is some praise from one of the league’s best coaches. To unlock his full potential, I believe he should be utilized as a four, which could be done by unloading Vucevic to clear up some room in a crowded frontcourt (I don’t like his fit as a SF). Gordon has unbelievable athleticism, which has been shown in his frequent crowd-stunning dunks and will continue to be shown through those highlight-reel dunks and his defense. This Magic team has misused Gordon in his early career, and that could very well continue, but if they unload Vucevic and use him as a four behind Ibaka, I could see him finally breaking out.
Honorable mention(s): Mario Hezonja

Washington Wizards:
-Otto Porter. I know that a lot of members on this site prefer Oubre to Porter, and who knows who’s the better long-term option, but I see Porter breaking out next year. Over the last two months of the season, Porter shot about 45% from three and continued to play solid defense. I don’t know if he can continue that hot shooting for a whole season, but that suggests an upward trajectory with his outside stroke, which can only help John Wall.