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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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Mar 9, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) and forward Clint Capela (15) talk during a break in the second half against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center. The Houston Rockets won 118-104. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

10. Clint Capela

With Dwight Howard gone and the Houston Rockets going all in on a high-powered offense, Clint Capela‘s breakout season is going to need to come a bit sooner than expected. In just his third season, this 22-year-old will be tasked with preventing Houston’s defense from being a complete dumpster fire.

James Harden in Mike D’Antoni‘s system will be thrilling to watch, but with his well-documented flaws on the defensive end, not to mention the additions of shoot-first, defend-never players like Ryan Anderson and Eric Gordon, Houston’s 21st ranked defense from last season is going to be even worse in 2016-17.

Capela, who averaged 7.0 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.2 blocks in 19.1 minutes per game last season, has the raw talent to be a defensive anchor. He’s shown signs of great shot-blocking instinct and this season, he’s a safe bet to average a double-double.

It’s not just the defensive end where Capela will be expected to make strides, however, since the young Swiss center may also be a terrific piece of D’Antoni’s pick-and-roll offense as the screen-setter and rim-runner.

Nene Hilario is not exactly what you’d picture when you think of positive veteran influences, but he’ll be able to teach Capela a thing or two. It’s unfair to put so much responsibility on a 22-year-old like Capela this soon, but drastic times call for drastic improvement.