NBA: 10 relative unknowns entering defining seasons in 2017-18

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3. Alex Len

Like the next player on this list, Alex Len had the unfortunate luck of being a restricted free agency after the 2016 spending spree had already come and gone. Facing a dried up market, Len was forced to accept a $4.2 million qualifying offer for the 2017-18 season, which will make him an unrestricted free agent next summer.

Unfortunately, that puts Len in a tricky position since the salary cap won’t expand by too much and the 2018 free agency class is loaded with star talent. Basically, the upcoming season is a crucial audition to entice not only the Phoenix Suns, but for any team in need of help in the frontcourt.

To this point in his career, the former No. 5 overall pick has disappointed. His first two seasons were marred by injury problems and over the last two, he failed to supplant Tyson Chandler in the starting lineup despite being a decade younger and more spry.

The breakout season hasn’t come and no one could blame the Suns for holding out on giving him a payday just yet. He was outplayed by Alan Williams after the All-Star break, and his 8.0 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game don’t scream “starting center.” The pressure is as fierce as it’s ever been to prove his place within #TheTimeline and finally live up to his high draft status.