NBA: Predicting Every Team's Breakout Player For 2016-17

Oct 9, 2014; Lithonia, GA, USA; The NBA logo is shown with basketballs as the Atlanta Hawks conduct an open practice at Miller Grove High School. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

As NBA preseason begins, we predict and breakdown every team’s breakout player for the 2016-2017 season

NBA basketball is right around the corner and, with that being said, it’s time to project each NBA team as the preseason games get underway.

On that same note, predicting the next slate of breakout players for each team.

When selecting each team’s “breakout players”, we’re looking at players who have already made some headway in their careers, but are going to take it to the next level this season.

These guys are out to prove to their GM’s, and other teams GM’s, that they are worth a hefty contract in the next few years.

A few examples of “breakout” players over the last few seasons include C.J. McCollum, Hassan Whiteside and Kawhi Leonard. Who will the next slate feature? We explore.

Sep 26, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Dennis Schroder (17) talks with members of the media during Atlanta Hawks media day at The W Hotel. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

Atlanta Hawks: Dennis Schroder

Last season, Dennis Schroder began to take over the reins as the Atlanta Hawks point guard.

During the NBA playoffs, Schroder was given much more playing (crunch) time, it seemed, than starting point guard Jeff Teague.

With Jeff Teague being shipped out this offseason to the Indiana Pacers, Schroder will have complete freedom in the team’s offense and over the starting point guard position.

Watch out for the crafty, tenacious young guard as he looks to prove to the Atlanta Hawks he is worth a big contract. Schroder becomes a restricted free agent after this season. So, even beside proving that he can be a starting point guard in the NBA, he will have an opportunity to make huge coin this season.

Apr 28, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart (36) reacts against the Atlanta Hawks during the second half in game six of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports

Boston Celtics: Marcus Smart

Marcus Smart plays with passion and like all-defensive first-team teammate Avery Bradley, he is an in-your-face defender.

Smart is loved by the fans in Boston for his effort all over the floor. It is rare when a game goes by without seeing Smart diving on the floor for the ball. Vowing to improve his outside shot, which was easily the part of his game with the most room for improvement, Marcus Smart is bound for bigger and better things in 2016-17.

Could he be the next Russell Westbrook? They are quite similar in body type and tenacity. Though, Smart still has much to improve on the offensive end. Only time will tell.

Sep 28, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (24) poses for a photo during media day at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

Brooklyn Nets: Rondae Hollis-Jefferson

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson is entering his sophomore year in the NBA. In addition to a depleted Brooklyn Nets roster and a hopeless next few years, Hollis-Jefferson could turn out to be the future of this franchise.

While scoring just shy of six points per game last year and hauling in five rebounds per contest, Hollis-Jefferson showed that he belongs in the NBA at the young age of 20. Even though he had a solid rookie campaign, it was sad watching it cut short to injury.

With growth, maturity and most of all extended playing time, he will be able to show what he can really do on the hardwood.

Mar 29, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Charlotte Hornets center Cody Zeller (40) in action against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center. The Charlotte Hornets won 100-85. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Charlotte Hornets: Cody Zeller

Entering his fourth season in the NBA, Cody Zeller has shown glimpses of the potential that he often showcased during his time in college.

At 7-foot, Zeller is a big who can run the floor better than most at his size, which makes him valuable in today’s game. In addition, Zeller puts his explosiveness to use when he attacks the rim or skies for rebounds.

With Al Jefferson‘s departure this offseason, Zeller has big shoes and minutes to fill. Although this will be his fourth NBA season, he is only 23 years old and still has the potential to grow a lot in the NBA.

Look for Zeller to expand his game and be a key asset to the Charlotte Hornets this season.

Mar 31, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Nikola Mirotic (44) reacts after a play during the fourth quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Chicago Bulls: Nikola Mirotic

The Chicago Bulls Sixth Man of the Year candidate Nikola Mirotic is entering his third season. At 25 years old, and many years of experience as a professional basketball player overseas, Mirotic has a certain savvy to the way he plays.

As a 6-foot-10 power/small forward, he stretches the floor as well as any other forwards in the league.

Last season, Mirotic shot 35.5 percent from beyond the arc, and had three games where he made seven or more. After missing an extended period of time last season due to an injury, I expect that Mirotic will continue being a match up nightmare for opponents this coming season.

Mar 29, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Iman Shumpert (4) passes off as Houston Rockets forward Clint Capela (15) defends during the fourth quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. The Rockets won 106-100. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Cleveland Cavaliers: Iman Shumpert

Iman Shumpert has been in the NBA for six years, bouncing back and forth from the New York Knicks to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

However, Shumpert found his niche coming off the bench for the Cavaliers last season and providing the spark of energy for the second unit. Shumpert should continue to be that spark of energy off the bench; an above average defender, which is exactly where his elite athleticism can be put to use.

Currently, J.R. Smith has yet to re-sign with the Cleveland Cavaliers, if this continues to be the case look for Shumpert’s work load to increase drastically.

Sep 26, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Dwight Powell (7) poses for a photo during Media Day at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Dallas Mavericks: Dwight Powell

Dwight Powell might have one of the easiest jobs in the NBA, backing up the future Hall of Famer Dirk Nowitzki.

Last season, Powell averaged 14 minutes a game off the bench. As a result, he averaged six points and four rebounds per game. Though, his Per 36 numbers were quite solid – 15 points, 10 rebounds.

With Dirk getting older and his playing time seeing a slight decrease, Powell’s minutes and stat averages should be on the rise. Powell is an explosive athlete who plays above the rim, and he’s shown improvements each year in the NBA.

Apr 8, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; San Antonio Spurs center Tim Duncan (21) defends against Denver Nuggets center Jusuf Nurkic (23) in the first quarter at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Denver Nuggets: Jusuf Nurkic

With the offseason departures of J.J. Hickson and Joffrey Lauvergne, there is plenty of minutes to go around in the Denver Nuggets frontcourt.

Jusuf Nurkic has only averaged 17 minutes of playing time in each of the past two years. Being the projected backup at the center position, his minutes per game should rise a bit (especially with Lauvergne gone).

Even though most of the attention will be on standout second-year big Nikola Jokic, Nurkic should still be able to see his fair share of workload on the offensive end. Especially in the second unit.

Look for Nurkic to keep the momentum going this season.

Apr 12, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (5) takes a shot against Miami Heat guard Josh Richardson (0) during the fourth quarter at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Heat win 99-93. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

Detroit Pistons: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope

One can make the argument that last year was Kentavious Caldwell-Pope’s coming out party.

After averaging 14.5 points, four rebounds and two assists per game, he was beginning to look like the typical NBA shooting guard. However, I believe he has a lot more in the tank.

He is a high volume shooter who can score from almost anywhere on the floor, and at the age of 23 he has a ton of potential that has yet to be seen untapped.

With Reggie Jackson being his backcourt partner in crime, the Pistons have the talent to make a run in the Eastern Conference. Even moreso if Caldwell-Pope continues his ascension.

Mar 14, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Ian Clark (21) dribbles the ball around New Orleans Pelicans guard Toney Douglas (16) in the second half at Oracle Arena. The Warriors won 125-107. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports

Golden State Warriors: Ian Clark

Ian Clark will see a lot more of the floor in Golden State this coming year. Leandro Barbosa, Brandon Rush and Andre Iguodala were the primary players off the bench in the backcourt last year for the Golden State Warriors.

This year is a different story.

With the addition of Kevin Durant and the Warriors love of the “small ball” lineup, I expect to see Curry, Thompson, Iguodala, Durant and Green all on the floor at the same time. What does this mean? Bench play will be crucial for the Warriors, and Ian Clark is just the guy for this role, to come in and produce at a high level while the stars get their rest.

Dec 29, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets forward Clint Capela (15) controls the ball as Atlanta Hawks forward Thabo Sefolosha (25) defends during the fourth quarter at Toyota Center. The Hawks defeated the Rockets 121-115. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Houston Rockets: Clint Capela

Clint Capela is 22 years old and will be the starting Center for the Houston Rockets this coming season.

With Dwight Howard no longer in the picture for the Rockets, Capela is expected to see a huge increase in minutes this season. Capela is a hybrid big man who is the defensive anchor in the paint, but has also shown moments of brilliance on the offensive end.

Capela has a ton of potential, however he is still very raw in terms of development. As a result of Howard leaving, a lot of minutes coming his way this season, he should see a huge increase in his production on both ends of the floor.

Sep 26, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Myles Turner (33) poses for photos during media day at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Indiana Pacers: Myles Turner

As a rookie, Myles Turner averaged 10.3 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game. Perhaps most noteworthy, he was only 19 years old at the time.

This year Turner is a year older, and had a complete NBA offseason to improve his game. With the addition of NBA veteran Al Jefferson, Turner’s potential should blossom and thus reach his full potential.

Learning from Jefferson, who is one of the most skilled back-to-the-basket big men in the NBA, Turner will improve his offensive game. As a result, Turner’s numbers should be on the rise as he enters his sophomore season.

Mar 5, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Austin Rivers (25) is defended by Atlanta Hawks guard Kyle Korver (26) during the second quarter at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Los Angeles Clippers: Austin Rivers

Austin Rivers is great at doing his job, which just so happens to be an energy combo guard off the bench for the Los Angeles Clippers.

Last season, the Clippers had a rather crowed backcourt with Chris Paul, J.J. Redick, Lance Stephenson, Jamal Crawford, Wesley Johnson and even Jeff Green at times. However, this year Stephenson and Green are no longer in the picture, and Johnson will be playing more small forward next to the aging Paul Pierce.

As a result, this gives the backcourt bench reins to Rivers and Crawford. These two are exciting to watch as both of them can score with just about anybody. Rivers is only 24 years old and has a tremendous amount of potential left in the tank.

Los Angeles Lakers: D’Angelo Russell, Julius Randle and Jordan Clarkson

These three are easily the NBA’s most intriguing trio as far as potential goes. The Los Angeles Lakers struck a goldmine with this core.

Though, they do not only do they have these three young talents, they also have this past year’s second overall pick in the NBA draft, Brandon Ingram. With Russell coming off of an impressive rookie year and Randle coming off an equally impressive sophomore year (only played 1 game his rookie year due to injury), and Clarkson continuing to impress, the Lakers are in good shape.

If you told me that any of the three players above were in contention for the NBA All-Star game, I would not be surprised. All three of these guys have enormous amounts of talent/potential and if the Lakers can keep them together, watch out.

Mar 7, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Troy Daniels (30) warms up before the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports

Memphis Grizzlies: Troy Daniels

Troy Daniels is a lethal threat from three-point land, previously with the Charlotte Hornets. Daniels had a very minimal role coming off the bench last season, but he gets a fresh start on the Memphis Grizzlies this season.

Figuring that the Grizzlies have a history of shooting woes, the expectation is that Daniels will get some more playing this this year.

Daniels could find a nice home in Memphis as he will easily be one of their best threats from beyond the arc. Although Memphis has historically played from the inside out, Daniels will help expand the floor with his outside jumper.

Apr 25, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Miami Heat forward Justice Winslow (20) looks on in the second half against the Charlotte Hornets in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Time Warner Cable Arena. The Hornets defeated the Heat 89-85. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

Miami Heat: Justise Winslow

Entering his sophomore season, Justise Winslow is going to see a tremendous jump in not only playing time, but what is expected of him on both ends of the floor.

The Miami Heat had a horrific offseason, losing Dwyane Wade and Luol Deng in free agency, and Chris Bosh and his health concerns. So what is next for the Heat?

It looks like a rebuild is in store, and they have two great young pieces to build around in Hassan Whiteside and Winslow. Without a doubt, Justise Winslow will be a huge factor for the Heat not only this coming season but for seasons to come.

Apr 11, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Jabari Parker (12) brings the ball down court during the first quarter of a basketball game against the Orlando Magic at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

Milwaukee Bucks: Jabari Parker

The hype that surrounded Jabari Parker coming out of college has seemed to fade as he has had injury issues during his rookie season.

Despite that, it’s often forgotten that Parker is only 21 years old and still has a ton of potential.

The biggest issue is his jumper, as he has yet to find his rhythm (possibly due to injury during his first year in the league). However, if Parker can stay healthy, look out. The former second overall pick could have his coming out party at any given time, and that could very well come this season.

Apr 3, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Gorgui Dieng (5) dribbles in the third quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at Target Center. The Dallas Mavericks beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 88-78. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

Minnesota Timberwolves: Gorgui Dieng

Playing alongside of one of the best big men in the NBA (Karl-Anthony Towns), Gorgui Dieng is often severely overshadowed.

Because Dieng isn’t much of a threat with the ball, he thrives on the boards and his hustle and energy is what sets him apart. Expect Dieng to have a huge season, especially after the Wolves announced that Nikola Pekovic would miss the entire season.

Ding is 26 years old, which isn’t exactly “that young”, but he could still blossom into a special player in this league.

Sep 23, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans Langston Galloway (10) poses for a portrait as mascot Pierre the Pelicans sneaks in from behind during media day at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

New Orleans Pelicans: Langston Galloway

Langston Galloway, a former New York Knick, has proven that he can play in this league. In New York, he averaged 12 points, four rebounds, and three assists as a starter in New York.

Now, playing behind one of the most fragile backcourt duos in the league, in Tyreke Evans and Jrue Holiday, Galloway could end up seeing a lot more playing time than he envisioned as Evans is already sidelined until what seems to be December.

I would not be surprised if the starting backcourt in New Orleans was rookie Buddy Hield and Langston Galloway come January.

Apr 11, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Justin Holiday (7) moves the ball down the court during the second quarter of the game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports

New York Knicks: Justin Holiday

The older brother of Jrue Holiday is the New York Knicks’ Justin Holiday, a 6-foot-6 combo guard who can do a number of different things.

With his stints in Golden State and Atlanta, Holiday played limited minutes off of the bench. However, in New York, Holiday should ultimately beat out guard Sasha Vujacic for the backup shooting guard position and could be that spark the Knicks need off the bench.

If any player in New York is to break onto the scene this year, it will be Holiday. We know what Derrick Rose, Carmelo Anthony, Joakim Noah and Kristaps Porzingis can all do. For the most part, a breakout season from Holiday would be quite unpredictable.

May 6, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Andre Roberson (21) shoots the ball against the San Antonio Spurs during the first quarter in game three of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports

Oklahoma City Thunder: Andre Roberson

Losing the former NBA scoring champion and MVP leaves huge shoes to fill at the small forward position in Oklahoma City.

By default, this responsibility falls to Andre Roberson. While Roberson is a defensive wing who has struggled on the offensive end of the floor thus far in his NBA career, he has had an entire offseason to prepare for his new role.

As a result, Roberson could come out and shock a lot of people…if he can develop an outside jumper, he would no longer be a liability on that end of the floor. Thus ending up being a Thunder life-er, a la Nick Collison.

Apr 11, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton (4) holds off Milwaukee Bucks guard Rashad Vaughn (20) during the first quarter of a basketball game at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

Orlando Magic: Elfrid Payton

As rough as Elfrid Payton’s offseason might have been, after losing backcourt running mate Victor Oladipo, the addition of big men Serge Ibaka and Bismack Bioyombo was huge for his eventual development.

The Orlando Magic are a young team and Payton can thrive with the young talent around him. Last year, Payton averaged 10.7 points, 6.4 assists and 3.6 rebounds per game.

With Oladipo’s departure, Payton will have to help fill the void, especially on the offensive end of the floor. Watch out for Elfrid Payton as he could be in line for a career year.

Sep 26, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Robert Covington (33) during media day at the Philadelphia 76ers Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Philadelphia 76ers: Robert Covington

With Ben Simmons being out for three months with a broken foot, Robert Covington’s name will be called a lot more than he was thinking it would this coming season.

Covington is a threat on the offensive end as a 6-foot-9 forward who can stretch the floor with the best of them. As unfortunate it is to see a young prospect like Ben Simmons go down with an injury, Covington will be an immediate replacement until Simmons can get healthy.

Look out for Covington and Jahlil Okafor to provide a majority of the offensive firepower for the young 76er team. And Joel Embiid, if he’s healthy.

Jan 2, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Phoenix Suns forward TJ Warren (12) shoots the ball while defended by Sacramento Kings center Kosta Koufos (41) during the first quarter of the NBA game at Sleep Train Arena. Mandatory Credit: Godofredo Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Phoenix Suns: T.J. Warren

T.J. Warren was an unbelievable scorer in college, however, in the NBA he has yet to really find his niche.

As Warren will be serving as the hopeful backup small forward behind P.J. Tucker and battling the veteran Jared Dudley for minutes, Warren could finally begin to show what he is capable of.

Warren is a versatile scorer and that is the perfect recipe for a bench player in the NBA. As Warren continues to grow and produce, the Suns could have their small forward of the future right before their eyes.

Sep 26, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Allen Crabbe (23) poses during media day at the Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports

Portland Trailblazers: Allen Crabbe

Although Allen Crabbe is playing behind one of the best back courts in the NBA, he managed to average just shy of 10 points in the Blazers playoff run last year. With the addition of swing man Evan Turner, Crabbe will have more of a defined role coming off the bench. It seems as if he will be the go to guy in the second unit and asked to produce at a higher level than last year. At only 24 years old, Crabbe could come onto the scene as a 6th man of the year candidate for the Portland Trailblazers.

Apr 2, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Ben McLemore (23) in the fourth quarter against the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Sacramento Kings: Ben McLemore

Ben McLemore will be coming off the Sacramento Kings bench for the first time the last two years. However, I think this will ultimately help him in find his footing in the NBA.

At only 23 years old, the 6-foot-5 shooting guard shows glimpses of how good he could be. McLemore is a very athletic shooting guard who has a good outside jumper.

If McLemore can finally find his stride and rhythm, he will be a very valuable piece off the bench for the Sacramento Kings. That’s, of course, they don’t elect to trade him before he gets another opportunity to prove himself.

Apr 13, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Kyle Anderson (1) drives to the basket past Dallas Mavericks guard Raymond Felton (2) during the second half at the American Airlines Center. The Spurs defeat the Mavericks 96-91. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

San Antonio Spurs: Kyle Anderson

Entering his third NBA season, the 6-foot-9 swing man is still being overshadowed by the San Antonio Spurs franchise cornerstone Kawhi Leonard.

Consequently, Anderson won’t even be considered as a starter. Although Anderson only averaged 16 minutes per game last season, he has proved his worth. While winning the NBA Summer League MVP, Anderson averaged 22 points and six rebounds.

Anderson will come out of his shell off the bench and show us what he did in the NBA Summer League. He could be in this league for a very long time and, eventually down the road, he will be a starter for someone, it’s just a matter of when and where.

May 9, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Toronto Raptors guard Norman Powell (24) dunks the ball as Miami Heat forward Josh McRoberts (4) trails during the second quarter in game four of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Toronto Raptors: Norman Powell

While Norman Powell only played in 49 games last year for the Toronto Raptors, he stepped up big in the NBA Playoffs, especially in Game 3 of their first round series against the Indiana Pacers.

Paul George had scored 37 points through three quarters, then with Powell being the primary defender in the fourth, George was held to two points. Difference maker.

Powell plays with tons of energy and passion. Going into his sophomore season, Powell will be the guy off the bench for the Raptors who gives the second unit that spark that they need.

Apr 15, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Utah Jazz guard Dante Exum (11) brings the ball up the court during the first quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Utah Jazz: Dante Exum

Dante Exum has been a slight disappointment thus far for the Utah Jazz. The former 5th overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft is out to prove that he can play in this league.

Exum had a very underwhelming rookie year as he only averaged 4.8 points and 2.4 assists per game. However, with a lot of growth to come, the 21-year-old should be coming back this season with a vengeance after missing the entire season to injury.

Exum is a talented combo guard who needs to develop a jumper; once he develops an outside shot, he could be dangerous.

Dec 7, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Washington Wizards forward Otto Porter Jr. (22) dribbles the ball during the first half against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Washington Wizards: Otto Porter Jr.

Otto Porter Jr. has shown improvement each year in the NBA, as a young player should.

Last year, as a 22-year-old, he averaged 30 minutes per game for the Washington Wizards. As a result, he has managed to put up 11.6 points and 5.2 rebounds per game.

With another full NBA offseason to improve his game and more maturity to go along with it, his averages should only be on the rise. I wouldn’t be surprised if the 6-foot-8 forward averaged 15 points and seven rebounds per game this coming year.

Do you agree with our predictions for the next slate of breakout players in the NBA?