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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 3, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Phoenix Suns center Alex Len (21) dunks the ball against the Miami Heat during the first half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

11. Alex Len

Alex Len is still only 23 years old, and he’s shown more than his fair share of potential over the last few seasons. He’s also overcome plenty of obstacles in his first three seasons that have prevented him from finally breaking through.

In his rookie year, it was injuries. In his sophomore season, it was inexperience, Miles Plumlee‘s emergence as the opening night starter and more injuries. In his third season, it was Tyson Chandler‘s arrival, even if it provided the young Ukrainian with a proper mentor.

There were plenty of signs of promise for the former No. 5 overall pick last season. He averaged 9.0 points and 7.6 rebounds in 23.3 minutes per game — all career-highs — despite coming off the bench for 48 of his 78 appearances.

Len stayed healthy for the first season of his career, he put on some bulk to his slender frame, and games like his 31-15 double-double in March against Orlando or his 22-16 double-double against the Grizzlies in February proved he’s not some injury-prone draft bust.

The question for Len is whether he can do it consistently. He only shot 42.3 percent from the field, averaged a meager 0.8 blocks per game and though he made it through 78 games, his production and efficiency suffered as the minutes piled on. From March through the end of the season, Len shot a putrid 37.1 percent from the floor.

That won’t cut it for any seven-footer, let alone one whom the Suns are hoping can be a foundational piece for their youth movement. With Chandler being 33 years old, the time is now for Alex Len to unleash a true breakout season and overtake him as the team’s starting center.

Next: No. 10