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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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Apr 3, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Andrew Wiggins (22) dribbles in the fourth quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at Target Center. The Dallas Mavericks beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 88-78. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /

11. Andrew Wiggins

Technically speaking, maybe a guy who averaged 20.7 points per game last season already had something of a “breakout season.” But there’s a difference between putting up big scoring numbers on a 29-win team and becoming the total package for a more demanding head coach like Tom Thibodeau.

In his first year under Thibs, there’s a good chance we see significant improvement from Wiggins on the defensive end of the floor. He already has the tools to become an elite wing defender; now he’ll have the proper instruction as well.

After averaging 3.6 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game last season, there’s also a good chance this third-year phenom begins to develop the other areas of his game. None is more important than his three-point shooting, which came in at a paltry 30 percent last year.

Putting up nearly 21 points a night was impressive for the NBA sophomore, but it didn’t lead to very many wins after the Minnesota Timberwolves‘ surprising 8-8 start.

In Year 3, under a defensive-minded coach who’s going to demand a lot from him a la Jimmy Butler, it wouldn’t be surprising to see this 21-year-old start to put it all together in a louder kind of breakout season.