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NBA: 15 Young Players In Need Of A Breakout Season In 2016-17

By Gerald Bourguet

Oct 20, 2015; Madison, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Michael Carter-Williams (5) drives to he basket against Minnesota Timberwolves guard Ricky Rubio (9) in the first quarter at Kohl Center. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 20, 2015; Madison, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Michael Carter-Williams (5) drives to he basket against Minnesota Timberwolves guard Ricky Rubio (9) in the first quarter at Kohl Center. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /
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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 /

6. Ben McLemore

Ben McLemore is no stranger to having his name on the trade block, and entering his fourth year with the Sacramento Kings, a breakout season would be a welcome sight for both his team and his bank account when he becomes a restricted free agent next summer.

For his career, McLemore holds career averages of 9.7 points per game on 34.7 percent shooting from three-point territory. But last season under George Karl, McLemore was unable to build upon a promising sophomore season, ultimately being replaced by James Anderson in the starting lineup.

Yes, you read that right. James Anderson.

Though he shot a career-high 36.2 percent from downtown last season, McLemore’s scoring dropped from 12.1 points per game the season before to 7.8 per game under Karl. In his first season under Dave Joerger, McLemore will have another chance to prove himself to a new head coach.

Most people focus on how Sacramento’s dysfunctional management has held back DeMarcus Cousins, and rightfully so. But the #FreeBoogie movement is just the headliner, since McLemore is no superstar talent and therefore could REALLY benefit from a bit of stability.

In a contract season, McLemore will need to prove himself to Joerger, to a Kings fan base already anticipating a breakup and to the outside world that will be trying to determine his market value every step of the way.

Next: No. 5