Hoops Habit
Fansided

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 /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 17
Next
NBA
Mar 28, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Gary Harris (14) in the third quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at the Pepsi Center. The Mavericks defeated the Nuggets 97-88. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

12. Gary Harris

Speaking of 3-and-D shooting guards on the rise, Gary Harris definitely deserves more love than he’s gotten over the last few months.

Despite proving himself as one of the NBA’s lockdown defenders for his position and putting up career-highs in scoring (12.3 points per game), field goal percentage (46.9), three-point percentage (35.4) and steals (1.3 per game), this Denver Nuggets sophomore was widely overlooked.

In fact, most people are wondering if Jamal Murray, Denver’s No. 7 overall pick in the draft this year, was brought on to replace him — right after a promising second season from Harris affirmed his long-term spot on the roster.

Now, nothing is ever guaranteed in this league, so perhaps his fit in Denver is not a completely foregone conclusion. But in addition to his stellar defense, which, again, is among the best in the league for his position, Harris made major strides from his rookie season in nearly every way.

At age 22, Harris has three years on the rookie Murray, he has a far more consistent three-point stroke, he improved leaps and bounds from his rookie year, and his defense makes him a perfect fit for what Michael Malone is trying to build in the Mile High City. A legitimate breakout season in 2016-17 wouldn’t be surprising as he fights to ensure his place in the rotation for the long haul.