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NBA: 15 Candidates For Breakout Seasons In 2016-17

By Gerald Bourguet

Apr 1, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) drives for the basket as Orlando Magic guard Victor Oladipo (5) defends during the first quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 1, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) drives for the basket as Orlando Magic guard Victor Oladipo (5) defends during the first quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 8, 2015; Boulder, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) with the ball against Chicago Bulls forward Nikola Mirotic (44) during the first half at Coors Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /

Honorable Mentions:

Harrison Barnes — The opportunity is there with the Dallas Mavericks, but the efficiency might not be now that he won’t be served up wide open on a silver platter quite as often.

Nikola Jokic — The advanced statistics and per 36 minutes numbers love Jokic. Now we’ll see how they translate to full-time starter’s minutes in his second season with the Denver Nuggets.

Bismack Biyombo — A prime breakout target if not for Serge Ibaka, Nikola Vucevic, Aaron Gordon, and Jeff Green occupying spots in the same Orlando Magic frontcourt.

Festus Ezeli — The only things standing in his way with the Portland Trail Blazers are starting center Mason Plumlee and the same ongoing knee issues that have hindered his career thus far.

Related Story: NBA: 20 Players Looking To Shed Injury-Prone Lable In 2016-17

Marcus Smart — The Boston Celtics are ready to make the leap, but having Isaiah Thomas and Avery Bradley in the same backcourt may limit Smart’s opportunity to shine just yet.

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist — The time to show the world that tweaked jumper of his rapidly approaching, but we need to see him stay healthy for the Charlotte Hornets first.

Nikola Mirotic — With Rajon Rondo, Dwyane Wade and Jimmy Butler in the backcourt, Mirotic is going to have to take a big step forward and spread the floor for the Chicago Bulls as a stretch-4.

Alex Len — If there were ever a time to take Tyson Chandler‘s tutelage to heart and surpass him in the Phoenix Suns‘ starting lineup, it’s now.