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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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Feb 20, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Michael Carter-Williams (5) reacts after scoring against the Atlanta Hawks during the second half at Philips Arena. The Bucks defeated the Hawks 117-109 in double overtime. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Michael Carter-Williams

The 2016-17 campaign will be a make-or-break season for Michael Carter-Williams, there’s no question about it. He’s been teetering on the edge of obscurity ever since the Philadelphia 76ers traded away their former Rookie of the Year, and in a crowded Milwaukee Bucks backcourt, he’ll have to prove he belongs.

With Jason Kidd opting to play Giannis Antetokounmpo as the team’s starting point guard and Matthew Dellavedova, Jason Terry, Tyler Ennis and Rashad Vaughn all fighting for minutes, MCW has his work cut out for him before he hits restricted free agency next summer.

Last season in Milwaukee, Carter-Williams averaged 11.5 points, 5.2 assists and 5.1 rebounds per game. He even shot a respectable 45.2 percent from the floor and used his length to bother opposing point guards on the defensive end.

Unfortunately, MCW lost his starting job to Jerryd Bayless, starting in only 37 of his 54 games. He missed the final 23 games of the season due to knee tendinitis and a torn labrum in his hip, which, not so coincidentally, is when Milwaukee’s Big Three of Jabari Parker, Khris Middleton and the Greek Freak started playing their best basketball.

As a restricted free agent, the Bucks might not want to pay up for MCW’s services in restricted free agency next summer, especially with Delly locked in as their backup point guard for four years. There’s no way around it: MCW must prove himself as a starter this year, even if Giannis will take on most of the playmaking duties.

At this point, Carter-Williams is playing to prove himself to another team in need of backcourt help, but it’s stunning how far this 24-year-old has fallen from — or rather, been able to build upon — his promising rookie season.

Next: No. 1