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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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Feb 8, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) dribbles the ball up the court against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first half at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports /

14. Devin Booker

Though he’s the youngest player on this list at age 19 and is only entering his second season, Devin Booker has wasted no time in generating some considerable hype. Entering his sophomore year with the Phoenix Suns, there’s a legitimate chance he’s ready to explode onto the scene.

Though Booker will likely still be a woeful defender in 2016-17, he has the intelligence, length and size at 6’6″ to improve on that end with the proper diligence and more experience. On the offensive end of the floor, however, he’s already shown plenty of skills well beyond his years.

In his first season, Booker averaged 17.4 points, 3.5 assists and 3.0 rebounds per game in his 51 starts. The only reason the efficiency of that silky smooth jumper dipped was because he became the No. 1 option on offense for an injury-depleted Suns team. Most fans are ready to see him start over Brandon Knight at shooting guard.

Related Story: Phoenix Suns: 5 Reasons To Start Brandon Knight Over Devin Booker

The hype train for Devin Booker is very real. He earned NBA All-Rookie First Team honors last year, played for the USA Basketball Select Team over the summer, dominated Summer League and even had Drake rocking his jersey at Phoenix concerts.

If Eric Bledsoe or Knight get injured again, if the losses start piling up or if Booker proves he’s ready to surpass Knight in the lineup in training camp, his inevitable breakout season could come as early as 2016-17.