NBA: 10 Relative Unknowns Entering Defining Season In 2016-17

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Feb 25, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Harrison Barnes (40) drives past Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton (4) during the first quarter of a basketball game at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

It’s not always easy to find one’s place in the NBA. For every once-in-a-generation superstar like LeBron James or Stephen Curry, there are hundreds of players who top out as role players, third-stringers or even fail to make it in the league at all.

When it comes to new talent in the NBA Draft, the most interesting cases to look back on are the star players, the “steals” of the draft based on how late they were taken, and the “busts” based on how early they went in the draft.

But even after one, two, three or even more seasons in the league, it’s not always easy to tell which group a player belongs in. Whether it’s due to team fit, trades, inadequate playing time, D-League assignments or just paying one’s dues, it takes a while for some players to truly show us their place in the league.

Entering the 2016-17 season, there are plenty talented players who fit that description. Some are playing for new teams, some are hoping to make good on lucrative summer contracts and some are still trying to live up to their pre-draft hype back when they first entered the league.

Here’s a look at 10 players who, for whatever reason, enter the 2016-17 season as relative unknowns — and how they’ll look to provide a clearer picture of where they belong in the NBA in potentially career-defining seasons.

Honorable Mentions: Thomas Robinson, Jordan Clarkson, Tyler Johnson, John Henson, Alex Len, Kyle Anderson, Dewayne Dedmon, Jared Sullinger

Next: No. 10

NBA: 10 Relative Unknowns Entering Defining Seasons In 2016-17

By Gerald Bourguet | Sep 11, 2016

Entering the 2016-17 NBA season, here are 10 higher profile players who are still relative unknowns looking to prove where they belong in this league.