OT What NBA players will "break out" this season?

Crabbe's is slightly worse, but to be fair I don't think DRtg is a good stat for comparing players on different teams or from different eras. It depends too much on the quality of your team's overall defense and the quality of defense around the league in general. Too many variables.

BNM

 

What's gonna be in his mind when quicker, longer, more athletic, defenders have gameplanned for him?

 

I still think Bobby Portis is someone who would really produce if given the chance. Averaged 16ppg and 11reb per 36 last year on 54% from inside the arc and 33% outside the arc.

His shot is fundamentally sound and I think it will continue to improve. However, if he gets chased off the line he's able to put the ball on the floor and score. Defense doesn't seem too great but he could be great offensively.

 

Good call, especially since the Bulls have every chance of being a total shitshow this year.

 

Calling Petrovic a shooter is selling him short. Even in his best season he only made 1.1 per game. on 2.4 shots per. He made 7.3 2 pointers on 13.8 per game at a .529 clip.

 

He also had a great handle and was an amazing passer. He could create for himself and others in ways Crabbe simply cannot.

BNM

 

I also think that Evan Fournier is criminally underrated, and if given an opportunity with a team that he fits with (Someone like Portland), he would shine.

He averaged 19ppg per 36 last year, but had an off year shooting. The year before last he averaged 15ppg on 50% inside the arc and 40% outside. He can really shoot the ball.

The difference between him and Crabbe is that he can handle the ball a little better, as well as create for himself and others. He consistently averages around 3 ast per game, but his situation in Orlando is the reason those numbers aren't better, as he's a very solid passer. He's not a consistent defender, but shows flashes of being solid, much like Crabbe.

His contract is bloated, but he's essentially what we hoped Crabbe would become. Orlando has a lot of wings, and only 4 big men (Speights, Gordon, Vucevic, Biyombo). Therefore, I would try to trade Leonard, Davis, and our 2018 1st for him. We'd shed Leonards contract, and not take on any more salary and basically upgrade Crabbe into Fournier.

I think Fournier would be great playing off of Lillard and McCollum as well as being a secondary or third ball handler. I think our motion offense fits his game perfectly and if we were able to acquire him, he'd breakout into a 6th Man Award Winner.

 

I think that Chicago is making the mistake of playing him at PF. He's not quick enough to check 4s, and he has the strength and length to defend Cs on a consistent basis. He'd fit better defensively there.

Offensively, Lauri and Portis would be pretty dynamic as all-around scorers. Lopez isn't the future there, and Felicio is nothing special. They need to go into the season starting him at C.

 

Forgot Vonleh is in a contract year. It's make or break.

 

My breakout players:
Ingram - I Don't want this to happen, but I think he wins MIP. With Lonzo's passing, he is going to get a lot of good looks. He'll be a poor man's Durant, which is still a good player.

Myles Turner - With a ton of talent leaving Indy, they will need someone to score. He has always been on the cusp of being legit, but will finally be the man. This team is going to be trash though.

Dejounte Murray - He has shown glimpses every time I have seen him, and his minutes should really go up this season. If you've heard some of the things Popovich has said about his ability, you wouldn't doubt. I haven't heard Pops talk about a player this positively since Kawhi. Bastards.

Nurk - You all know. All praise be unto him.

Dante Exum - This one is tough for me, because I really haven't liked him as a player at all. I have projected him as a bust from the beginning. However, I saw some things from him this summer that proved that he is a baller. He'll get a chance to show it as well, with the loss of Hayward.

Marquese Chriss - Another player that I didn't really like in the draft. But I have a gut feeling that he comes out looking solid this year.

Austin Rivers - I hate this kid. He used to be so easy to laugh off when he was absolutely the worst player in the league his first couple of seasons. He was the Meyers Leonard of combo guards. But, he plays the game hard now and I think we all remember how tough he played us in the playoffs after CP3 went down. He'll share his minutes with Beverly, Teodosic, and Lou Williams, but there is a lot of room for new scorers after the LA exodus.

 

I actually really like this idea.

 

It makes sense for both sides. Orlando likely doesn't want to pay Fourniers salary with all the young wing players they have (Ross, Herzonja, Isaac, Iwundu) and veteran wings they have as well (Afflalo, Simmons). They need depth at inside so Davis' expiring contract makes sense. Meyers can play backup C behind Biyombo and would give them an option if they trade Vucevic and fully tank. The pick is gravy that I think would make definitely worthwhile for them.

It would also allow us to keep our savings while having a full rotation, and use our TPE down the road. We could still look to address backup C by offering Napier and 2nds to NYK for O'Quinn (they need a PG, as Ntilikina is really their only PG on the roster), and still maintain our savings and TPE.

I hope Neil is looking at something like this. Fournier is really the best option for us at this point because he'd breakout here (had to tie it back to the actual thread topic lol).

 

Also, look out for Taurean Prince. He was a guy I loved at draft time last year and will have more offensive responsibility this year. He won't light it up offensively, but I think he could turn into a legit 3-and-D starter this year. Much like DeMarre Carrol when he played in ATL.

 

Sam Dekker as well.

 

I hate to break it to you but I have a feeling he won't be with the Clippers for long...

 

Crabbe is the obvious choice.

 

I think you're seriously overlooking TRob.

BNM

 

He never should have been GM. He was horrible at managing the cap/lux tax.

I like this quote from Ballmer:

In announcing the shift, Ballmer noted: “Doc knows how to win championships. That is what we prioritize, and that is what Doc will focus on.

That should be championship - singular. Yeah, Doc's championship formula = have two superstars fall in your lap in a year with no other dominant teams.

BNM