NBA: 5 Players That Are Way Overdue For A Breakout Season

Mar 29, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Victor Oladipo (5) drives to the basket against the Brooklyn Nets during the first quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 29, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Victor Oladipo (5) drives to the basket against the Brooklyn Nets during the first quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Bradley Beal

The Washington Wizards selected Bradley Beal with the third overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft. Beal possessed a lot of potential coming into the league and has been able to add to his arsenal of weapons each season. He’s improved his passing abilities, tightened up his ball handling, and has increased his efficiency each season.

Beal operates in the Wizards’ offense primarily playing off the ball next to John Wall. Beal exhausts his defenders by relentlessly running off of screens, curls and pin downs. His defenders can’t afford to become gassed either. A few quick zigs and zags and Beal is left with a wide open jump shot.

Beal has had some big moments in his first four years with the Wizards, none of which may be bigger than his playoff series against the Hawks two seasons ago.

Wall missed three games that series due to a hand injury. During those three Wall-less games, Beal averaged 24 points, eight assists, and five rebounds with 3.7 turnovers per game, stepping up his game on the biggest stage.

Next: NBA: 15 Young Players In Need Of Breakout Seasons In 2016-17

Beal has proven he has another gear in the playoffs but he just hasn’t been able to find any consistency throughout the regular season. Injuries have certainly played their part, but perhaps Beal will come back with a chip on his shoulder and break out with an All-Star-caliber season.