[Mr. HookShotParticipant]

Now pre-season has started we can make predictions for the upcoming year. Every year there is anticipation for the new guys, or the old guys taking the next step. Here are some under-the-radar players who could have a (mini) breakout this season.

Ben McLemore
Looking at Sac’s depth chart on the wing shows they have very little established talent on the wing. Gay will probably start at SF, but will play plenty of PF as the season progresses as well. Other than Belinelli, who really is more of a bench contributor anyway, McLemore is the only one who I believe is able to make the next step. Last year he showed his nice shot also produces results, as he upped is 3pt% by almost 4% (36% on the year), and as the season progressed last year he gained confidence, resulting in more shots and points. Having Cousins downlow helps in getting open looks, and although Im not the biggest fan of Rondo he will allow Ben to play to his strengths: spot-up shooting, slashing to the basket and running the break.

Clint Capela
Backing-up Dwight Howard, Capela will get plenty of chances this season to fill in for the injury-prone superstar. He gives the Rockets a dynamic back-up, who can absolutely excell on defense. His break-out party started during the play-offs, as he showed he can defend the rim while also being able to switch on pick-and-roll plays. His issue lies on offense. Like Howard, his FTs are horrible but he is not a lost cause. He is good at finishing at the rim, also through contact, and he can run the floor for easy points. A healthy Howard will mean the Rockets have one of the best back-up Cs in the game; an injured Howard will mean a break-out season for Capela.

Tony Snell
While the Bulls have solid players at the wing, none of them provides anything on defense except for Butler. However, we saw last year that his defense suffers when he is focused too much on offense, giving the Bulls need for someone who could take on the opposing team’s best wing player. Snell can be that guy, with long arms and solid lateral movement he can harrass opponents on the defensive end of the floor. However, we shouldn’t underestimate his offensive game, as especially in February and March he exploded to the tune of 13.6ppg. This year he will be relied on more heavily on defense, while on offense he will have to play within the flow of the game. However, if Butler and/or Rose struggle to stay healthy Hoiberg will demand a more diverse offensive game as well.

Others: Cleanthony Early, Jeremy Lamb,

[ChewyParticipant]

 to see Snelly Cat break out. One summer he dominated summer league and I got excited, just to be let down once the regular season starts.

He was in and out of Tibs doghouse so many times that I am starting to wonder if he will ever put it all together and become a rotation player.

I agree with you that he has to potential to break out, but I don’t think it will happen (I hope I’m wrong). His shooting % bump is a good sign tho

[ChewyParticipant]

 to see Snelly Cat break out. One summer he dominated summer league and I got excited, just to be let down once the regular season starts.

He was in and out of Tibs doghouse so many times that I am starting to wonder if he will ever put it all together and become a rotation player.

I agree with you that he has to potential to break out, but I don’t think it will happen (I hope I’m wrong). His shooting % bump is a good sign tho

[Andrew1984Participant]

 "Snelly Cat"

[Andrew1984Participant]

 "Snelly Cat"

[I May Be WrongParticipant]

I say Gary Harris plays a more defined role this season and becomes a double digit scorer for the Nuggets. I’d say about 11.5 points per game with good shooting percentages from the 3 and FT line. If Wilson or Gallo go down, then he may have more chances to increase that.

 

[I May Be WrongParticipant]

I say Gary Harris plays a more defined role this season and becomes a double digit scorer for the Nuggets. I’d say about 11.5 points per game with good shooting percentages from the 3 and FT line. If Wilson or Gallo go down, then he may have more chances to increase that.

 

[Mr. HookShotParticipant]

Nice pick; I actually deleted Harris from my list to make the list not to long. He has a very good shot at solid minutes, as most of their players are offense only guys and/or injury prone.

[Mr. HookShotParticipant]

Nice pick; I actually deleted Harris from my list to make the list not to long. He has a very good shot at solid minutes, as most of their players are offense only guys and/or injury prone.

[Robb_CParticipant]

Trade Snell for McDermott, I also agree with Gary Harris I love his game and fits Mike Malones Philosophy he will get good minutes.. I think Rodney Hood is going to have a great year, Coach Synder told me hes expecting great thing from him this year..I also think Kevin Seraphin going to the Knicks gives him an opportunity to showcase his offensive skill set, New York has no low post guys that are solid outside of him.. I can see them using him a bit. And obviously Julius Randle.. Dude is going to turn heads this year

[Robb_CParticipant]

Trade Snell for McDermott, I also agree with Gary Harris I love his game and fits Mike Malones Philosophy he will get good minutes.. I think Rodney Hood is going to have a great year, Coach Synder told me hes expecting great thing from him this year..I also think Kevin Seraphin going to the Knicks gives him an opportunity to showcase his offensive skill set, New York has no low post guys that are solid outside of him.. I can see them using him a bit. And obviously Julius Randle.. Dude is going to turn heads this year

[Mr. HookShotParticipant]

Problem with Seraphin is that he gives up too much on defense, and I question his fit in the triangle. Don’t get me wrong, I like him as a player, but not for this Knicks team.

[Robb_CParticipant]

i agree Seraphin is a bit underwhelming on D, but also realize Phil Jackson has put together a nice rotations of bigs that compliment each other.. With Robin Lopez and Kyle Oquinn you have two bigs that can neuturalize Seraphins poor defensive play.. Seraphin is the best low block scorer out of the three, hes actually a pretty decent fit for the triangle due to the fact hes not a face up guy example Andrew Bynum The team can run sets off him while the ball is in the post with Porzingis on the elbow. I think the only thing holding Seraphin back would be his passing .. I think hes a decent enough passer to make it work.. He has good hands and footwork.

[Robb_CParticipant]

i agree Seraphin is a bit underwhelming on D, but also realize Phil Jackson has put together a nice rotations of bigs that compliment each other.. With Robin Lopez and Kyle Oquinn you have two bigs that can neuturalize Seraphins poor defensive play.. Seraphin is the best low block scorer out of the three, hes actually a pretty decent fit for the triangle due to the fact hes not a face up guy example Andrew Bynum The team can run sets off him while the ball is in the post with Porzingis on the elbow. I think the only thing holding Seraphin back would be his passing .. I think hes a decent enough passer to make it work.. He has good hands and footwork.

[Mr. HookShotParticipant]

Problem with Seraphin is that he gives up too much on defense, and I question his fit in the triangle. Don’t get me wrong, I like him as a player, but not for this Knicks team.

[Robb_CParticipant]

Also with McDermott the only reason why he doesn’t start and is coming off the bench, is the obvious fact Hoiberg doesn’t want all of his best scorers on the floor at the same time..

[Robb_CParticipant]

Also with McDermott the only reason why he doesn’t start and is coming off the bench, is the obvious fact Hoiberg doesn’t want all of his best scorers on the floor at the same time..

[Dazzling Dunks and Basketball BloopersParticipant]

 Not sure if he qualifies as a break out player, since he has already had success in the NBA, but I expect danillo gallinari to have a career year (at least statistically) this season. He played extremely well down the stretch of last season and over the summer in international comp. With Lawson gone he should clearly be the number one option in Denver this year, and I could easily see him averaging over 20 ppg.

[Dazzling Dunks and Basketball BloopersParticipant]

 Not sure if he qualifies as a break out player, since he has already had success in the NBA, but I expect danillo gallinari to have a career year (at least statistically) this season. He played extremely well down the stretch of last season and over the summer in international comp. With Lawson gone he should clearly be the number one option in Denver this year, and I could easily see him averaging over 20 ppg.

[Robb_CParticipant]

Now that I that about it the big guy on the Denver Nuggets Nurkic is going to be solid as well.

[Robb_CParticipant]

Now that I that about it the big guy on the Denver Nuggets Nurkic is going to be solid as well.

[llperez]

 bellinelli is better then mclemore and should play more minutes.

[llperez]

 bellinelli is better then mclemore and should play more minutes.

[nill650Participant]

The ones most likely to have breakout seasons are Rudy Gobert ,Julius Randle and Wiggins…

There is a plethora of others poised to make big strides from Shabazz Muhammad to Andre Drummond.

 

[nill650Participant]

The ones most likely to have breakout seasons are Rudy Gobert ,Julius Randle and Wiggins…

There is a plethora of others poised to make big strides from Shabazz Muhammad to Andre Drummond.

 

[trelos6Participant]

Sorry to be a homer, but a few Celtics could break out this year.

1. Marcus Smart.  Solid rookie year, pretty decent 3point shot.  He will look to become "the man"

2. Kelly Olynyk.  Played well for Canada, his shot looks good, let’s hope he will fire up without the pump fakes.

3. David Lee.  He’s already broken out years ago, look for him to become a solid contributor with his increased minutes from last season.

 

 

  

[trelos6Participant]

Sorry to be a homer, but a few Celtics could break out this year.

1. Marcus Smart.  Solid rookie year, pretty decent 3point shot.  He will look to become "the man"

2. Kelly Olynyk.  Played well for Canada, his shot looks good, let’s hope he will fire up without the pump fakes.

3. David Lee.  He’s already broken out years ago, look for him to become a solid contributor with his increased minutes from last season.

 

 

  

[T Rex]

 Stanley Johnson, Marcus Smart, Aaron Gordon, Porzingis, Jerian Grant, Myles Turner, Nurkic, Hood

 

  

[trelos6Participant]

Johnson – yes

Smart – yes

Gordon – yes

Porzingis – he will struggle.  Have a few good games, maybe he puts it together in the last 20.  Dude looks sooo tall though, I reckon he’s 7’3".

Grant – No

Turner – parts of the season, he’ll look good.  Other parts, he’ll look lost.  Give him a year

Nurkic – continually improving.  mini break out

Hood – yes

 

 

  

[T Rex]

 Knicks are going to over-achieve. Melo will get all the credit, but the secret behind his dominant post scoring will be the spacing of Porzingis. And that’s okay with Porzingis.

Grant is a complete player, and he’ll get tons of minutes to quietly impact winning along with Porzingis.

 

 

[T Rex]

 Knicks are going to over-achieve. Melo will get all the credit, but the secret behind his dominant post scoring will be the spacing of Porzingis. And that’s okay with Porzingis.

Grant is a complete player, and he’ll get tons of minutes to quietly impact winning along with Porzingis.

 

 

[trelos6Participant]

Johnson – yes

Smart – yes

Gordon – yes

Porzingis – he will struggle.  Have a few good games, maybe he puts it together in the last 20.  Dude looks sooo tall though, I reckon he’s 7’3".

Grant – No

Turner – parts of the season, he’ll look good.  Other parts, he’ll look lost.  Give him a year

Nurkic – continually improving.  mini break out

Hood – yes

 

 

  

[T Rex]

 Stanley Johnson, Marcus Smart, Aaron Gordon, Porzingis, Jerian Grant, Myles Turner, Nurkic, Hood

 

  

[sheltwon3Participant]

 Zach Lavine should break out if he is starting

Julious Randle should have a break out

Clarkson should continue from last year which stat wise will constitute a break out.

Rondo should see a resurgence.

I like Rodney Hood but don’t sleep on Alex Burks

Also Al Jefferson and Nic Batum should show something special

I am high no Tony Snell too but I am not sure thing work out for him in Chicago, He may need a team change.

TJ Warren is going to be a wild card.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[trelos6Participant]

All stars in contract years theoretically should play very well. 

[trelos6Participant]

All stars in contract years theoretically should play very well. 

[sheltwon3Participant]

 Zach Lavine should break out if he is starting

Julious Randle should have a break out

Clarkson should continue from last year which stat wise will constitute a break out.

Rondo should see a resurgence.

I like Rodney Hood but don’t sleep on Alex Burks

Also Al Jefferson and Nic Batum should show something special

I am high no Tony Snell too but I am not sure thing work out for him in Chicago, He may need a team change.

TJ Warren is going to be a wild card.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[daggers818Participant]

 Nemanja Bjelica, Wolves.  Kid looks like he’s ready to play ball.  Could be a surprise breakout and ROY candidate.

[daggers818Participant]

 Nemanja Bjelica, Wolves.  Kid looks like he’s ready to play ball.  Could be a surprise breakout and ROY candidate.

[mgreener_34Participant]

 Geez, the way you guys are talking about Snell you’d think he was a bust. The dude had a solid year last year, and wasn’t part of the rotation because Thibs doesn’t play young guys all that much, and he was behind solid veterans in Dunleavy and Butler. He still put up decent numbers for him minutes, and had that incredible February shooting 52% from 3 on 5 attempts. In the two months were he played nearly 30 minutes a game, he averaged close to 12/3.5/1.5 with good defense and great range on his 3 ball. I expect him to be a great role-player going forward in the mold of Shane Battier/Bruce Bowen just with not as elite defense. Solid player who could make a big impact on a winning team. 

I personally think Olidipo is going to turn heads this year and put up a solid 18/5/5 on good percentages. He’s just a beast, and he’s just about to enter his prime years. 

If we are only focsing on less obvious choices I think Mo Harkless is a solid choice, as he never had the chance to build any confidense under Vaughn, and has all the tools necessary to be a decent rotation player. He’s going to get minutes in POR this year, that’s for sure, so we’ll see if he’s actually put in work or not. 

Evan Fournier is another interesting player to me, and I think if given the minutes he could put up nice numbers. Great shooter, good passer, can dribble, and isn’t that bad at D. He’s still young, but already has proven that he’s an NBA player. I wish he wasn’t on the Magic, because I would like to see what he could do with minutes, but if pre-season is any indication, Skiles likes him, and he’s going to get the chance to prove his worth. 

TJ Warren might not be under the radar, becaue the dude has just been tearing it up in summer league and preseason so far. He’s such an interesting player, and I don’t see how the Suns dont get him minutes this year. Expect him to carve out a nice role for the team once Morris is gone. 

[mgreener_34Participant]

 Geez, the way you guys are talking about Snell you’d think he was a bust. The dude had a solid year last year, and wasn’t part of the rotation because Thibs doesn’t play young guys all that much, and he was behind solid veterans in Dunleavy and Butler. He still put up decent numbers for him minutes, and had that incredible February shooting 52% from 3 on 5 attempts. In the two months were he played nearly 30 minutes a game, he averaged close to 12/3.5/1.5 with good defense and great range on his 3 ball. I expect him to be a great role-player going forward in the mold of Shane Battier/Bruce Bowen just with not as elite defense. Solid player who could make a big impact on a winning team. 

I personally think Olidipo is going to turn heads this year and put up a solid 18/5/5 on good percentages. He’s just a beast, and he’s just about to enter his prime years. 

If we are only focsing on less obvious choices I think Mo Harkless is a solid choice, as he never had the chance to build any confidense under Vaughn, and has all the tools necessary to be a decent rotation player. He’s going to get minutes in POR this year, that’s for sure, so we’ll see if he’s actually put in work or not. 

Evan Fournier is another interesting player to me, and I think if given the minutes he could put up nice numbers. Great shooter, good passer, can dribble, and isn’t that bad at D. He’s still young, but already has proven that he’s an NBA player. I wish he wasn’t on the Magic, because I would like to see what he could do with minutes, but if pre-season is any indication, Skiles likes him, and he’s going to get the chance to prove his worth. 

TJ Warren might not be under the radar, becaue the dude has just been tearing it up in summer league and preseason so far. He’s such an interesting player, and I don’t see how the Suns dont get him minutes this year. Expect him to carve out a nice role for the team once Morris is gone. 

[T Rex]

 Bobby Portis averaging 15 rebounds and 9 points in two games so far.

 

 

[T Rex]

 Bobby Portis averaging 15 rebounds and 9 points in two games so far.

 

 

[nill650Participant]

 Yep,Portis was a steal as far as he fell and he is capable of an impact immediately doing the same relentless stuff he did in college..unfortunately there is a log jam with Gasol,Mirotic,and Gibson. Maybe he will get 10 minutes a night. It will be interesting to see if Hoiberg lets him play if he earns the time,or if he has to ride it out most of the year.

[nill650Participant]

 Yep,Portis was a steal as far as he fell and he is capable of an impact immediately doing the same relentless stuff he did in college..unfortunately there is a log jam with Gasol,Mirotic,and Gibson. Maybe he will get 10 minutes a night. It will be interesting to see if Hoiberg lets him play if he earns the time,or if he has to ride it out most of the year.

[NBAjunkie81Participant]

 He was a #7 overall Lottery pick in 2013 & averaged 8.8 ppg in 2014,  his rookie year, which is very good but he did it on 37% FG shooting 32% from the 3 pt line… Last year in 2014, he improved to 12.1 ppg while maintaining his rpg but he was Much more efficient -his apg improved & his FG% & 3pt% improved to 44% & 36% – that’s a young kid taking his profession seriously…

I like your breakdown of Butler’s game & how Snell can fit in defensively – Snell was the #20 overall pick in the 2013 Draft & he really had a nice sophomore season – his rebounds, assists & steals maintained bit his PPG & Rpg improved by 25% & 33% respectively in only about 17 min per game while his shooting Percentage for Both 2 7 3 pointers improved from 38% to 43% (2pt FG%) & 32% to 37% (3 pt FG%) so he improved his Production w/o increasing his Volume… He looks to be growing into a nice Solid professional basketballer… Great post……

[NBAjunkie81Participant]

 He was a #7 overall Lottery pick in 2013 & averaged 8.8 ppg in 2014,  his rookie year, which is very good but he did it on 37% FG shooting 32% from the 3 pt line… Last year in 2014, he improved to 12.1 ppg while maintaining his rpg but he was Much more efficient -his apg improved & his FG% & 3pt% improved to 44% & 36% – that’s a young kid taking his profession seriously…

I like your breakdown of Butler’s game & how Snell can fit in defensively – Snell was the #20 overall pick in the 2013 Draft & he really had a nice sophomore season – his rebounds, assists & steals maintained bit his PPG & Rpg improved by 25% & 33% respectively in only about 17 min per game while his shooting Percentage for Both 2 7 3 pointers improved from 38% to 43% (2pt FG%) & 32% to 37% (3 pt FG%) so he improved his Production w/o increasing his Volume… He looks to be growing into a nice Solid professional basketballer… Great post……

[OhCanada-Participant]

I hate to give out my fantasy secrets but here goes nothing.

Meyers Leonard will get the green light from Portland. They have been grooming him as insurance for Aldridge since he was drafted. Now we get to see the finished product. Last year he was an efficient player off the bench. He left you scratcing tour head wondering why he doesn’t get more time. This year he will be expected to fill two roles. Offensive big man replacing Aldridge and defensive anchor replacing Lopez. He should be food for at least 13-ppg, 7-rpg, 1.5-apg, and 1-bpg but don’t be surprised if he is more productive than that.

Reggie Jackson had a huge post allstar break with Detroit building chemistry with Drummond. Expect that to continue as he leads Detroit to relevance. They should compete for an 8th sees with him being their go to guy scoring and creating for the team.

Jeremy Lamb will likely get a chance to build chemistry with NCAA championship teammate Kemba Walker. With MKG injured and Kemba extended it only seems right to allow him to start at SG. His length with Batum at SF should be great and as much as I hate to say this chemistry wise MKGs injury maybe a blessing in disguise.

Otto Porter has shown to be a very effective 3 and D type guy. He maybe limited with so much offensive firepower already on Washington yet he should be on watch lists. He has been playing great this preseason and was lights out in the playoffs.

Everyone is talking about Gary Harris without speaking about the guy he is fighting for minutes with. Will the Thrill Barton! One of my favourite basketball players. Hate to give this fantasy secret up but he will likely be getting 24-28 mpg off the bench this year and should be productive. He effects the game so many ways and if he gets to a point where he is playing 32-mpg he will get you more than just points and 3’s which is what your traditional SG does. He will also give assists, rebounds, steals, and blocks. Great player for deep leagues to grab.

 

 

 

 

 

[OhCanada-Participant]

I hate to give out my fantasy secrets but here goes nothing.

Meyers Leonard will get the green light from Portland. They have been grooming him as insurance for Aldridge since he was drafted. Now we get to see the finished product. Last year he was an efficient player off the bench. He left you scratcing tour head wondering why he doesn’t get more time. This year he will be expected to fill two roles. Offensive big man replacing Aldridge and defensive anchor replacing Lopez. He should be food for at least 13-ppg, 7-rpg, 1.5-apg, and 1-bpg but don’t be surprised if he is more productive than that.

Reggie Jackson had a huge post allstar break with Detroit building chemistry with Drummond. Expect that to continue as he leads Detroit to relevance. They should compete for an 8th sees with him being their go to guy scoring and creating for the team.

Jeremy Lamb will likely get a chance to build chemistry with NCAA championship teammate Kemba Walker. With MKG injured and Kemba extended it only seems right to allow him to start at SG. His length with Batum at SF should be great and as much as I hate to say this chemistry wise MKGs injury maybe a blessing in disguise.

Otto Porter has shown to be a very effective 3 and D type guy. He maybe limited with so much offensive firepower already on Washington yet he should be on watch lists. He has been playing great this preseason and was lights out in the playoffs.

Everyone is talking about Gary Harris without speaking about the guy he is fighting for minutes with. Will the Thrill Barton! One of my favourite basketball players. Hate to give this fantasy secret up but he will likely be getting 24-28 mpg off the bench this year and should be productive. He effects the game so many ways and if he gets to a point where he is playing 32-mpg he will get you more than just points and 3’s which is what your traditional SG does. He will also give assists, rebounds, steals, and blocks. Great player for deep leagues to grab.

 

 

 

 

 

[Rip256]

Delly.

Perpetually underrated. Dude cant get respect no matter what he does.

If he wasnt so unpopular, people would recognise the kind of positive impact he has on games.

DELLY DELLY DELLY!

[Rip256]

Delly.

Perpetually underrated. Dude cant get respect no matter what he does.

If he wasnt so unpopular, people would recognise the kind of positive impact he has on games.

DELLY DELLY DELLY!

[ZachAttackParticipant]

 He had the highest selling jersey throughout the playoffs but whatever…

[ZachAttackParticipant]

 He had the highest selling jersey throughout the playoffs but whatever…

[nill650Participant]

 i agree he is proving to be a lot better pro than anyone expected,esp me.However the cavs player I have been most impressed with is Cunningham. that makes 6 legit guards on that roster, with mo,shump,jr,delly,and kyrie.

[nill650Participant]

 i agree he is proving to be a lot better pro than anyone expected,esp me.However the cavs player I have been most impressed with is Cunningham. that makes 6 legit guards on that roster, with mo,shump,jr,delly,and kyrie.

[Rip256]

Lol dude. Ppl are going to accuse me of multiple accounts.

Haha zachattack…eat ur words tho.

 

[Rip256]

Lol dude. Ppl are going to accuse me of multiple accounts.

Haha zachattack…eat ur words tho.

 

[Author]

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