NBA: 15 Candidates For Breakout Seasons In 2016-17

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Apr 1, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) during the game against the Orlando Magic at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Milwaukee won 113-110. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Giannis Antetokounmpo

With Khris Middleton sidelined for at least sixth months due to a torn hamstring, the Milwaukee Bucks are unlikely to break through in 2016-17. But just because the Bucks lost the most dangerous perimeter shooter in their starting five doesn’t mean that Giannis Antetokounmpo won’t have a breakout season of his own.

True enough, without Middleton to spread the floor and with a complete non-shooter like Michael Carter-Williams in the backcourt, the Greek Freak will have a harder time getting to the basket as the team’s de facto point guard.

But even if the driving lanes aren’t there, this 6’11” mass of lengthy limbs only needs to take about two steps to get to the basket anyway. After his stellar play following the All-Star break, it’s all too tempting to expect big things from Antetokounmpo in his fourth season.

In 2015-16, Giannis averaged 16.9 points, 7.7 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.4 blocks and 1.2 steals per game while shooting 50.6 percent from the floor and an uninspiring 25.7 percent from downtown.

After the All-Star break, however, he recorded five triple-doubles and averaged 18.8 points, 8.6 rebounds, 7.2 assists, 1.9 blocks and 1.4 steals per game. If he can improve his three-point touch even a little bit, continue to be a Swiss Army knife on offense and envelope opposing players with his length on the defensive end, he could very well be an All-Star this season.

Next: NBA Predictions:2016-17 Win Total Projections For All 30 Teams

The absence of Middleton postpones the internal development of Milwaukee’s three-man core for another year, but the Greek Freak could very well enjoy a breakout season regardless. At age 21 and fresh off a four-year, $100 million contract extension, Antetokounmpo has one of the brightest futures in the NBA. With Middleton out and the pressure on Giannis to produce, the 2016-17 season could be a very special one.