National Basketball Association

NBA: 15 Young Players In Need Of A Breakout Season In 2016-17

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 2:54 p.m. ET

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Heading into the 2016-17 NBA season, here’s a look at 15 young players who are in desperate need of a breakout year.

Oct 20, 2015; Madison, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Michael Carter-Williams (5) drives to he basket against Minnesota Timberwolves guard Ricky Rubio (9) in the first quarter at Kohl Center. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

In a league where only one of 30 teams wins the championship every year, the other 29 NBA fan bases are constantly looking for a way to console themselves. This is a cyclical league, where contenders fall far more quickly than they rise, and every franchise that’s stuck in a rebuilding phase is constantly looking ahead to the next big thing.

Because of this, fans and NBA experts alike take as much joy in watching young players with upside try to establish themselves as they do watching big-name superstars like LeBron James or Stephen Curry achieve everlasting glory in the playoffs.

In essence, the NBA is always looking for the next big thing, reveling in every painful but necessary step that it takes to get to the top.

However, not every player with upside makes it in this league. From draft busts to unfulfilled flashes of potential, there are plenty of young players under the age of 25 that fail to put it all together and become more than just average role players.

Heading into a new NBA season, there are plenty of players who are on the verge of fitting that description. Here’s a look at 15 youngsters who drastically need a breakout season in 2016-17 in order to prove their worth to their current team, set themselves up for a better payday in free agency next summer…or stay in the league altogether.

Honorable Mentions: Tim Hardaway Jr., R.J. Hunter, James Young, Anthony Bennett, Thomas Robinson, Reggie Bullock, Ray McCallum, Ian Clark, James Michael McAdoo, Donatas Motiejunas, Jordan Adams, P.J. Hairston, John Henson, Cleanthony Early, Jerami Grant and Nik Stauskas

Mar 9, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Houston Rockets guard K.J. McDaniels (32) passes the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers during the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

15. K.J. McDaniels

You might remember K.J. McDaniels from his time with the 2014-15 Philadelphia 76ers.

That might be because of his contract dispute with the team, which led to McDaniels accepting a one-year, non-guaranteed tender that would allow him to become a restricted free agent after his rookie season, or it might be because of his explosive athleticism that produced off-the-backboard dunks or unfathomable alley-oops:

In either case, it doesn’t really matter; the Sixers traded him at the deadline of his rookie season, and ever since joining the Houston Rockets, McDaniels has been largely unable to earn time on the floor.

As a rookie for that lowly Sixers squad, McDaniels averaged 9.2 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.3 blocks in 25.4 minutes per game. Though he only shot 39.9 percent from the field, McDaniels established himself as one of the pleasant surprises of the 2014 NBA Draft class.

Unfortunately, putting up good numbers for the Sam Hinkie Sixers is hardly indicative of sustainable success, and in 47 games for the Rockets over the last year and a half, McDaniels has put up 2.1 points and 1.0 rebounds in 5.7 minutes per game on atrocious .391/.250/.458 shooting splits.

To be fair, he’s still only 23 years old, and the 2016-17 season will only be his third in the NBA. But with the Rockets trying to assemble a contender, McDaniels is a massively non-essential piece who needs to prove himself before the remaining two years of his contract are dealt elsewhere.

Mar 16, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Mitch McGary (33) shoots around Dallas Mavericks center Tyson Chandler (6) during the game at American Airlines Center. Dallas won 119-115. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

14. Mitch McGary

At this point, no one would be surprised to see Mitch McGary on a different team in 2016-17. After the Oklahoma City Thunder surprisingly traded for Joffrey Lauvergne, the team had 16 guaranteed contracts on the books for the upcoming season — one more than the max of 15.

That means the Thunder are not done making roster moves, and if they’re unable to make a trade to improve their wing depth, the default plan might just be waiving McGary, who has rapidly fallen out of favor with the organization.

To be clear, McGary still (probably) has a place in this league. In his rookie season, he flashed signs of real potential, averaging 6.3 points and 5.5 rebounds in only 15.2 minutes per game for head coach Scott Brooks.

But with the change to Billy Donovan, McGary’s role in the rotation quickly shriveled and died. In his second season, the former Michigan product averaged 1.3 points and 0.9 rebounds in only 3.6 minutes per game and 20 appearances — 12 fewer than his rookie season, most of which he spent injured.

His off-court issue with marijuana hasn’t helped his standing in OKC either, as McGary will serve a five-game suspension to start the 2016-17 season for breaking the NBA’s anti-drug policy. McGary has a great motor and interior skill set, but if he’s unable to stay out of trouble and earn playing time for someone this season, it may not be long before he’s out of the league.

Jan 23, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Archie Goodwin (20) celebrates after making the game winning three point basket against the Atlanta Hawks in the second half at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Suns won 98-95. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports

13. Archie Goodwin

As the youngest player on this list, Archie Goodwin‘s inclusion might seem a bit preemptive since he’s still only 22 years old. But for someone who’s been in the league for three years now, the pressure is on this former Kentucky product to prove himself in a backcourt crowded with other Kentucky products.

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Coming off the best season of his career, Goodwin averaged 8.9 points, 2.5 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 19.5 minutes per game — ALL career-highs — while shooting 41.7 percent from the field and 23.2 percent from three-point range.

However, Goodwin’s surge in playing time was due to one of the most tumultuous seasons in Phoenix Suns franchise history. Eric Bledsoe, Brandon Knight and Ronnie Price all dealt with significant injuries and head coach Jeff Hornacek was fired just before the trade deadline.

Hornacek and interim head coach Earl Watson were forced to look deep into the bench just to fill the point guard position at times, which saw Goodwin playing out of position as a shooting guard.

There were good moments (24 points on 7-of-11 shooting against the New Orleans Pelicans, a 26-6-6 against Philly, his game-winner against the Atlanta Hawks) and bad ones (3-of-15 shooting, four turnovers in a blowout loss to the New York Knicks).

For the first two years of his career, Goodwin’s failure to emerge was due to Phoenix’s log-jammed backcourt, his defensive flaws and his inability to spread the floor with a perimeter shot.

Entering his fourth NBA season, those issues haven’t been alleviated, and with Bledsoe, Knight, Devin Booker, Leandro Barbosa and Tyler Ulis all in the backcourt, Goodwin has his work cut out for him to prove he still has a long-term future with the Suns.

Apr 6, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Charlotte Hornets shooting guard Jeremy Lamb (3) drives against New York Knicks shooting guard Arron Afflalo (4) during the second quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

12. Jeremy Lamb

Talk about being phased out of the rotation. Early in the 2015-16 season with the Charlotte Hornets, Jeremy Lamb was just as important to the team’s bench as their designated sixth man, Jeremy Lin. By the end of the year, Lamb wasn’t even getting up off of Steve Clifford’s bench.

Before the All-Star break, Lamb was experiencing something of a breakout season, averaging 10.5 points and 4.2 rebounds in 20.8 minutes per game on .463/.316/.781 shooting. After the break, his numbers plummeted to 5.7 points and 3.1 rebounds in 14.5 minutes per game on .415/.292/.583 shooting.

It got so bad that Lamb’s standing with the team almost reached its breaking point leading up to the 2016 NBA Draft, as the Hornets looked to unload his contract to free up cap room for re-signing their many free agents.

Once expected to be the next success story for the Thunder’s youth development, Lamb was making the most of his fresh start in Charlotte until his minutes and production began to fade. With Nicolas Batum re-signed and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist healthy, Lamb may have a hard time earning favor with Clifford again.

As one of the league’s most efficient offenses last season, the Hornets needed perimeter shooting, which is why Troy Daniels started stealing Lamb’s minutes in the first place.

Daniels is gone now, but Marco Belinelli has replaced him and will try to provide the same three-point touch. Until Lamb can shore up that area of his game as a career 33.6 percent shooter from distance, he may struggle to re-establish himself in the rotation.

Mar 3, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Phoenix Suns center Alex Len (21) dunks the ball against the Miami Heat during the first half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

11. Alex Len

Alex Len is still only 23 years old, and he’s shown more than his fair share of potential over the last few seasons. He’s also overcome plenty of obstacles in his first three seasons that have prevented him from finally breaking through.

In his rookie year, it was injuries. In his sophomore season, it was inexperience, Miles Plumlee‘s emergence as the opening night starter and more injuries. In his third season, it was Tyson Chandler‘s arrival, even if it provided the young Ukrainian with a proper mentor.

There were plenty of signs of promise for the former No. 5 overall pick last season. He averaged 9.0 points and 7.6 rebounds in 23.3 minutes per game — all career-highs — despite coming off the bench for 48 of his 78 appearances.

Len stayed healthy for the first season of his career, he put on some bulk to his slender frame, and games like his 31-15 double-double in March against Orlando or his 22-16 double-double against the Grizzlies in February proved he’s not some injury-prone draft bust.

The question for Len is whether he can do it consistently. He only shot 42.3 percent from the field, averaged a meager 0.8 blocks per game and though he made it through 78 games, his production and efficiency suffered as the minutes piled on. From March through the end of the season, Len shot a putrid 37.1 percent from the floor.

That won’t cut it for any seven-footer, let alone one whom the Suns are hoping can be a foundational piece for their youth movement. With Chandler being 33 years old, the time is now for Alex Len to unleash a true breakout season and overtake him as the team’s starting center.

Feb 18, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Utah Jazz guard Trey Burke (3) dribbles past Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) during the second half at Verizon Center. The Washington Wizards won 103-89. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

10. Trey Burke

On draft night 2013, the Utah Jazz fan base was ecstatic when their team traded up to take Trey Burke with the ninth overall pick. But what started off as a promising union between the two sides quickly unraveled into a sixth man demotion and messy fit overall.

In his three seasons in Salt Lake City, Burke’s career-high field goal percentage was 41.3 percent. His minutes declined with each passing season, resulting in a career low 21.3 minutes per game last year. With George Hill joining a guard nucleus of Dante Exum, Alec Burks, Raul Neto and Rodney Hood, Burke quickly burned out.

At only 23 years old, he’ll get his chance for a fresh start with the Washington Wizards, who were in need of some backcourt support and traded for Burke over the offseason.

To this point in his career, Burke has been an inefficient gunner best suited for a bench role, averaging 12.1 points and 4.2 assists per game on .384/.329/.818 shooting splits.

That may continue to be the case in Washington, but for Burke’s sake, he’ll need to start making significant progress toward being a more efficient weapon off the pine. That starts in 2016-17, when the pressure will be on to prove that all he needed was a change of scenery.

Mar 23, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Maurice Harkless (4) dunks the ball against Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) during the first quarter of the game at Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports

9. Maurice Harkless

The Portland Trail Blazers just rewarded Maurice Harkless with a four-year, $40 million contract extension, so it’s not like this 23-year-old is playing to make ends meet in 2016-17. But after such a hefty investment, Rip City would probably like to see him build on his strong finish to the 2015-16 campaign.

Though he only averaged 6.4 points and 3.6 rebounds in 18.7 minutes per game on the season, Harkless earned Terry Stotts’ trust over the final three weeks of the season. He averaged 12.0 points and 6.5 rebounds in 27.5 minutes per game in that span, shooting 47.6 percent from the floor as well.

Harkless is still unable to spread the floor to three-point range, and it’s a bit disconcerting that the best season of his four-year NBA career remains his rookie campaign in 2012-13.

But with the Blazers going all in on their current core, young players like Harkless could be the defining line between the success and failure of their accelerated rebuild.

It’s time for this fifth year player to start making strides forward with the raw potential we’ve seen go relatively untapped for far too long — especially after that leap-of-faith contract he just earned. It’s time to fine-tune that perimeter jumper and become more than an 11th man.

As good as Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum are, it’ll take internal development from players just like Harkless to really build something in Portland.

Apr 10, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Shabazz Napier (13) enters the game during the second half against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena. The Heat won 118-96. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

8. Shabazz Napier

It seems like only yesterday that LeBron James was tweeting about how Shabazz Napier was the best point guard in the 2014 NBA Draft. A little more than two years later, Napier is already 25 years old and possibly fighting for his place in this league.

Entering his third season, the former four-year star from UCONN will be suiting up for his third NBA team. The Blazers traded for him over the summer, removing him from an Orlando Magic squad where he averaged a grand total of 3.7 points and 1.8 assists in only 10.9 minutes per game.

In his rookie season with the Miami Heat, Napier averaged 5.1 points and 2.5 assists in 19.8 minutes per game while shooting a respectable 36.4 percent from three-point range. Unfortunately, his shooting splits plummeted to .338/.327/.733 last year in Orlando.

In Portland, Napier will have to return to the more efficient three-point shooting he displayed — albeit in a small sample size — in Miami as a rookie.

Thanks to the hype that LeBron James exacerbated and a Blazers backcourt that usually just alternates between Lillard and McCollum running the show at the point, Napier will have his work cut out for him to create a niche for himself in Rip City.

Oct 23, 2015; Lincoln, NE, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Tony Snell (20) dribbles against the Dallas Mavericks at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Chicago defeated Dallas 103-102. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports

7. Tony Snell

Not long ago, the Chicago Bulls front office believed that Tony Snell would develop into the 3-and-D wing they’d need to replace Mike Dunleavy at the small forward spot one day. The day of Dunleavy’s departure has come and gone, but Snell is no closer to being that solution on the wing.

Last season, Snell failed once again to take the next step forward, averaging 5.3 points and 3.1 rebounds in a career-high 20.3 minutes per game. He also shot a career-worst 37.2 percent from the field despite shooting a decent 36.1 percent from three-point range.

Trying to not completely give up hope on Snell? Good read from @Tyler_Pleiss https://t.co/phfjnnlMm7

— Kelly Scaletta (@KellyScaletta) August 11, 2016

Even with Dunleavy injured for most of last season and Doug McDermott working to find his rhythm in his formative years, Snell failed to reach out and claim the starting small forward role as his own. McDermott appears to have a higher ceiling at this point, and the versatility of Denzel Valentine could be another threat to Snell’s minutes in 2016-17.

Although Snell and his all-encompassing wingspan earned career high minutes last season, he racked up an alarmingly high number of DNP-CDs over the final two months and could be in danger of falling out of the rotation — or Chicago in general — altogether.

This upcoming season, Snell needs to make strides towards becoming the 3-and-D wing the Bulls have been waiting for. If he’s unable to knock down perimeter looks and become more of a lockdown defender on the wing, he’s going to have a hard time paving his way to a lasting role in Chi-town…or earning a lucrative contract in restricted free agency next summer.

Apr 2, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Ben McLemore (23) in the fourth quarter against the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

6. Ben McLemore

Ben McLemore is no stranger to having his name on the trade block, and entering his fourth year with the Sacramento Kings, a breakout season would be a welcome sight for both his team and his bank account when he becomes a restricted free agent next summer.

For his career, McLemore holds career averages of 9.7 points per game on 34.7 percent shooting from three-point territory. But last season under George Karl, McLemore was unable to build upon a promising sophomore season, ultimately being replaced by James Anderson in the starting lineup.

Yes, you read that right. James Anderson.

Though he shot a career-high 36.2 percent from downtown last season, McLemore’s scoring dropped from 12.1 points per game the season before to 7.8 per game under Karl. In his first season under Dave Joerger, McLemore will have another chance to prove himself to a new head coach.

Most people focus on how Sacramento’s dysfunctional management has held back DeMarcus Cousins, and rightfully so. But the #FreeBoogie movement is just the headliner, since McLemore is no superstar talent and therefore could REALLY benefit from a bit of stability.

In a contract season, McLemore will need to prove himself to Joerger, to a Kings fan base already anticipating a breakup and to the outside world that will be trying to determine his market value every step of the way.

May 13, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Toronto Raptors forward Terrence Ross (31) shoots the ball in front of Miami Heat guard Josh Richardson (0) during the first quarter in game six of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

5. Terrence Ross

Terrence Ross is on the books for $31 million over the next three years, so he’s hardly playing to put food on the table. But entering his fifth season in the league, this 25-year-old wing’s game has basically plateaued.

Over the last three seasons with the Toronto Raptors, Ross has averaged 10.9, 9.8 and 9.9 points per game, respectively. He’s shot 42.3 percent, 41.0 percent and 43.1 percent from the field and 39.5 percent, 37.2 percent and 38.6 percent from three-point range, respectively.

There’s something to be said for consistency, but Ross has brought little more than efficient three-point shooting and a few eye-popping displays of athleticism in limited minutes. He hardly gets to the foul line, he isn’t a lockdown defender and he doesn’t contribute outside of the scoring column.

At this point, most “We The North” fans have accepted that he’ll never be a star. Games like his 51-point, 10-triple performance from his sophomore season suggested he might develop into one, but Ross has never been able to put it all together.

He still has room for growth, but his recurring struggles in the postseason would’ve been a major story over the last few seasons if not for all the attention being given to Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan‘s similar shooting woes.

Toronto has Ross on an agreeable contract for the next three years, but with the emergence of Norman Powell and the Raptors trying to build on their conference finals appearance last season, it’d be nice to see some sort of forward progress in 2016-17.

Apr 12, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets forward Terrence Jones (6) guards New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) during the game at the Toyota Center. The Rockets defeated the Pelicans 121-114. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

4. Terrence Jones

Our second Terrence on the list, Terrence Jones will be looking to rebuild his value with the New Orleans Pelicans on a one-year minimum contract. For a player who once figured to be the third member of the Houston Rockets’ Big Three, the last few years could not have gone worse for T-Jones.

Once upon a time, Jones was putting up 12.1 points and 6.9 rebounds per game in his sophomore season, attempting to expand his range to the three-point line and exciting Rockets fans with his strong rebounding.

But because of injuries, the emergence of Donatas Motiejunas and the switch from head coach Kevin McHale to interim J.B. Bickerstaff, Jones’ bright future never materialized.

@TerrenceJones1 speaking on his relationship with @AntDavis23. More on this story here: https://t.co/KjALgboVP7 pic.twitter.com/d4iq9sKxo7

— Oliver Maroney (@OMaroneyNBA) July 30, 2016

Ever since his promising second season, Jones missed 49 and then 32 games over the next two seasons. His numbers shrank to 8.7 points and 4.2 rebounds per game last year — all while playing six fewer minutes per game — and he shot just 31.6 percent from three-point range.

He was never able to become the stretch-4 Houston was searching for, and even as a restricted free agent this summer, the offers never poured in for the athletic 24-year-old.

Jones plays with a competitive fire when healthy, and he’s still young enough to make a name for himself with this change of scenery. But if he’s unable to carve out minutes on this Pelicans roster alongside his former Kentucky teammate Anthony Davis, he may never approach his full NBA potential.

Jan 17, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Dion Waiters (3) reacts after a play against the Miami Heat during the fourth quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports

3. Dion Waiters

Before the Victor Oladipo trade, it truly felt like Dion Waiters had found his place in the NBA. Though the Oklahoma City Thunder surrendered a 3-1 series lead in the Western Conference Finals, Waiters was a huge reason OKC even amassed that lead over a historically great team like the Golden State Warriors in the first place.

With the Thunder unveiling their own “Death Lineup,” Waiters played a significant role. His defense was superb in the postseason, and though his scoring completely fell off over the last three losses, Waiters shot a respectable 37.5 percent from deep and made up for his lack of scoring with defensive effort.

But when the Thunder brought in Oladipo for the 2-guard spot and eventually lost Kevin Durant in free agency, the need for paying up to re-sign Waiters, a restricted free agent, was reduced to nil.

At that point, he was resigned to a two-year, $5.8 million deal with the Miami Heat.

Best known for constantly calling for the rock, laughable transition attempts, inefficient scoring and an unmistakable sense of irrational confidence, Waiters will once again have to re-establish himself as a viable rotation player — most likely behind second-year shooting guard Josh Richardson.

Entering his fifth year in the league, this 24-year-old will be looking to bring believers back to Waiters Island. If he’s unable to do so in 2016-17, he’ll still have a $3.8 million player option to fall back on in 2017-18, but after being so close to finally breaking through, it’s back to square one for Dion.

Feb 20, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Michael Carter-Williams (5) reacts after scoring against the Atlanta Hawks during the second half at Philips Arena. The Bucks defeated the Hawks 117-109 in double overtime. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

2. Michael Carter-Williams

The 2016-17 campaign will be a make-or-break season for Michael Carter-Williams, there’s no question about it. He’s been teetering on the edge of obscurity ever since the Philadelphia 76ers traded away their former Rookie of the Year, and in a crowded Milwaukee Bucks backcourt, he’ll have to prove he belongs.

With Jason Kidd opting to play Giannis Antetokounmpo as the team’s starting point guard and Matthew Dellavedova, Jason Terry, Tyler Ennis and Rashad Vaughn all fighting for minutes, MCW has his work cut out for him before he hits restricted free agency next summer.

Last season in Milwaukee, Carter-Williams averaged 11.5 points, 5.2 assists and 5.1 rebounds per game. He even shot a respectable 45.2 percent from the floor and used his length to bother opposing point guards on the defensive end.

Unfortunately, MCW lost his starting job to Jerryd Bayless, starting in only 37 of his 54 games. He missed the final 23 games of the season due to knee tendinitis and a torn labrum in his hip, which, not so coincidentally, is when Milwaukee’s Big Three of Jabari Parker, Khris Middleton and the Greek Freak started playing their best basketball.

As a restricted free agent, the Bucks might not want to pay up for MCW’s services in restricted free agency next summer, especially with Delly locked in as their backup point guard for four years. There’s no way around it: MCW must prove himself as a starter this year, even if Giannis will take on most of the playmaking duties.

At this point, Carter-Williams is playing to prove himself to another team in need of backcourt help, but it’s stunning how far this 24-year-old has fallen from — or rather, been able to build upon — his promising rookie season.

Mar 16, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Ricky Rubio (9) dribbles in the second half against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Minnesota defeated Memphis 114-108. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

1. Ricky Rubio

For those who have been paying attention, Ricky Rubio has already established himself as one of the NBA’s elite defenders for his position, a dynamic passer and an underrated part of what limited success the Minnesota Timberwolves have had over the last few years.

Has he lived up to the pre-draft hype that surrounded him when he first came stateside? No. Will he ever be able to live down how the Wolves passed on Stephen Curry for him (and Jonny Flynn) in the 2009 NBA Draft? Probably not.