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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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Mar 16, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Mitch McGary (33) shoots around Dallas Mavericks center Tyson Chandler (6) during the game at American Airlines Center. Dallas won 119-115. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

14. Mitch McGary

At this point, no one would be surprised to see Mitch McGary on a different team in 2016-17. After the Oklahoma City Thunder surprisingly traded for Joffrey Lauvergne, the team had 16 guaranteed contracts on the books for the upcoming season — one more than the max of 15.

That means the Thunder are not done making roster moves, and if they’re unable to make a trade to improve their wing depth, the default plan might just be waiving McGary, who has rapidly fallen out of favor with the organization.

To be clear, McGary still (probably) has a place in this league. In his rookie season, he flashed signs of real potential, averaging 6.3 points and 5.5 rebounds in only 15.2 minutes per game for head coach Scott Brooks.

But with the change to Billy Donovan, McGary’s role in the rotation quickly shriveled and died. In his second season, the former Michigan product averaged 1.3 points and 0.9 rebounds in only 3.6 minutes per game and 20 appearances — 12 fewer than his rookie season, most of which he spent injured.

His off-court issue with marijuana hasn’t helped his standing in OKC either, as McGary will serve a five-game suspension to start the 2016-17 season for breaking the NBA’s anti-drug policy. McGary has a great motor and interior skill set, but if he’s unable to stay out of trouble and earn playing time for someone this season, it may not be long before he’s out of the league.

Next: No. 13