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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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Jan 17, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Dion Waiters (3) reacts after a play against the Miami Heat during the fourth quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Dion Waiters

Before the Victor Oladipo trade, it truly felt like Dion Waiters had found his place in the NBA. Though the Oklahoma City Thunder surrendered a 3-1 series lead in the Western Conference Finals, Waiters was a huge reason OKC even amassed that lead over a historically great team like the Golden State Warriors in the first place.

With the Thunder unveiling their own “Death Lineup,” Waiters played a significant role. His defense was superb in the postseason, and though his scoring completely fell off over the last three losses, Waiters shot a respectable 37.5 percent from deep and made up for his lack of scoring with defensive effort.

But when the Thunder brought in Oladipo for the 2-guard spot and eventually lost Kevin Durant in free agency, the need for paying up to re-sign Waiters, a restricted free agent, was reduced to nil.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BIVITDCjpmj/

At that point, he was resigned to a two-year, $5.8 million deal with the Miami Heat.

Best known for constantly calling for the rock, laughable transition attempts, inefficient scoring and an unmistakable sense of irrational confidence, Waiters will once again have to re-establish himself as a viable rotation player — most likely behind second-year shooting guard Josh Richardson.

Entering his fifth year in the league, this 24-year-old will be looking to bring believers back to Waiters Island. If he’s unable to do so in 2016-17, he’ll still have a $3.8 million player option to fall back on in 2017-18, but after being so close to finally breaking through, it’s back to square one for Dion.

Next: No. 2