Top 5 Breakout NBA Stars For Next Season
I have feeling that the upcoming NBA season is going to be one for the books.
While there are a plethora of superstars that the majority of casual fans will follow, there are a select few poised for a breakout year and may prove even more valuable for teams than the already established stars.
Here’s my top 5:
5. Brandon Roy: Some might say last seasonw as B-Roy’s official breakout season, but Brandon still has so much more to showcase that I think the ‘09-’10 season will be, by far, his best season yet. Roy has increased his scoring average 3-4 points incrementally each year he’s been in the League, and I don’t see how next season will be any different. Brandon has grown comfortably into his leadership role on the team and relishes being relied upon not only in crunch time, but also throughout the entire game. With veteran point guard Andre Miller at the helm, Roy will certainly get a few easier looks at the basket than he has in previous years. Look for Roy to average close to 25 a night along with 5 assists and 5 rebounds. Doing so will catapult him to Dwyane Wade-like status.
4. Leandro Barbosa: After determining that the new old-school version of the Suns under Terry Porter simply wasn’t a good fit for their personnel (duh), Steve Kerr elected to go back to the “7 Seconds or Less” system with Alvin Gentry at the helm; and there are no signs of that slowing down in ‘09-’10. Because of this, the Suns are going to need Barbosa to score the ball much more consistently than ever before. Nash will get his typical 15 points a night, Grant Hill will get you another 13-15, and Amar’e Stoudemire should be good for 23-25 a night. Other than those three, who is going to score the ball for the Suns? Jason Richardson isn’t consistent, Robin Lopez shows up once out of every 10 games, and Channing Frye and Jared Dudley can’t be counted on to help shoulder the load. If Barbosa slides into a starting position (which I think he should) the Brazilian Blur could score 20 a night. After a slow start last season mainly due to the death of his mother, look for LB to have his best season in the NBA yet.
3. Anthony Randolph: The dude can flat out score, and there isn’t any doubt he’ll get more of an opportunity to do that on the Warriors this season. Randolph only received about 18 minutes per game as a Warrior in ‘08-’09 but still put up notable numbers – 8 points and 6 rebounds a game on 46% shooting from the floor. In Summer League, Randolph killed it – 27 ppg on 61% shooting and 9 rpg in just 32 minutes, including a 42-point game. The only way Randolph isn’t a major player for the Warriors in ‘09-’10 is if Don Nelson somehow plays him only 20-25 minutes. Even Nelson can’t mess that up. Actually, yeah, he could.
2. O.J. Mayo: I feel sorry for Grizzlies fans. There is really no indication from the front office that they’ll ever make the necessary moves to be a legitimate force in the League, much less their division. However, I do envy that they get to watch O.J. Mayo on a nightly basis. Last season he averaged almost 19 points on 15 shots a game which isn’t bad, but I anticipate Mayo getting closer to 20 shots a night in ‘09-’10 which will lead to another 4-7 points to up his scoring average to about 23 or 24 ppg. On top of his scoring ability, he’s also a good distributor and he’ll become more comfortable passing the ball in his 2nd year in the league. Look for averages of 23 ppg, 4 apg, and 5 rpg and a potential trip to Dallas for the All-Star game.
1. Greg Oden: A strong, healthy, and motivated Oden in a center-deprived Western Conference is just what the Blazers need. not that it’s remotely fair to criticize a player who has only played 61 games in the league with averages of 9 points and 7 rebounds in just 20 minutes a game. Oden will be much further along in his development this season and much more familiar with the NBA physicality and style of play. It’s not a crazy stretch for Oden to potentially average an easy double-double and compete with Andrew Bynum for a starting spot in the All-Star game.
Who would you put on your Breakout List?
July 27th, 2009 at 11:35 am
aaron says:
I have a good feeling about Rodney Stuckey this year…especially if Rip gets traded.
July 27th, 2009 at 11:35 am
Simon says:
I like Oden if he can on the court for 35+ minutes per game. If he can do that he will get his numbers.
July 27th, 2009 at 11:38 am
jzsmoove says:
The list was ok leading up to #1 then it got messed up by Oden’s name. Just let what is, be. No need to drum some more hype for the fella, its only gonna add to his bust status.
July 27th, 2009 at 11:39 am
jzsmoove says:
…Durant should be on the list…and maybe Bargnani. These two will average 20 ppg, 5 rebs.
July 27th, 2009 at 11:42 am
Kobeef says:
Andrea Bargnani:
He’s been handed a starting job on the Raps with nobody else on the team even close to battling for the spot (Rasho and O’Bryant). Brags will see a ton of PT and with that shiny new contract (5 years, 50 Million) the Raps management want to make every effort to help him prove he is worth the money.
Kevin Durant:
Call me a homer, but to me this kid’s ceiling is still a year or so away. Now that he has Harden and a more seasoned Westbrook backing him up, Durant will get less double teams and will be even more deadly. When it’s all said and done, Durant will be better than Tracy McGrady in his prime.
Andrew Bynum:
He was pretty lame towards the end of last year but he got it done. Now that he is fully recovered (and during the regular season he will see more plays) Bynum will return to his double-double level of a few years ago.
July 27th, 2009 at 11:42 am
JCarr says:
Devin Harris and gortat haha
July 27th, 2009 at 11:42 am
bobby stew says:
Barbosa and Oden will fall short. Barbosa really needed D’antoni’s system and coaching. Oden is what he is and what he will always be. Oden = Dalembert
July 27th, 2009 at 11:46 am
Lionheart says:
MICHEAL BEASLEYYY
July 27th, 2009 at 11:46 am
bone0315 says:
Kevin Durant could average close to 30 ppg this year. Dude was put on this Earth to score baskets. He will become a household NBA name this year. Scary part is dude will have just turned 21 when the season starts.
July 27th, 2009 at 11:51 am
danny says:
19pts on 15 shots??? you’ve gotta be kidding about oj mayo. He’s far from a star.
July 27th, 2009 at 11:53 am
mess says:
D-Will – I only add him because he still hasn’t made the All-Star team yet.
July 27th, 2009 at 11:55 am
POPPI GEE says:
I think Bobby Stew is right on this one.
I am thinking Nate Robinson if he avoids the little man syndrome of always trying to fight dudes.
One of those Lopez boys perhaps.
July 27th, 2009 at 11:55 am
dk says:
Kobe Bryant!
July 27th, 2009 at 11:56 am
dk says:
Glad you corrected that comment on Don Nelson, because he will fuck it up and fuck it up worse.
July 27th, 2009 at 12:03 pm
wiz says:
NICK YOUNG, ANDRAY BLATHCE
July 27th, 2009 at 12:07 pm
TruthBurns says:
Russell westbrook.
Dude is just too athletic.
July 27th, 2009 at 12:08 pm
100K says:
Oden wont do shit.
July 27th, 2009 at 12:10 pm
Jeff Chen says:
@9
“Kevin Durant could average close to 30 ppg this year. Dude was put on this Earth to score baskets. He will become a household NBA name this year. Scary part is dude will have just turned 21 when the season starts.”
I could not agree any more. He is going to average close to 30 a game this year and even with an improved Westbrook and a talented Harden, his team doesn’t have any quality big men. If the Thunder make the playoffs then it will be because of KD and he should receive a few MVP votes.
July 27th, 2009 at 12:13 pm
flavur says:
Deron Williams
Andre Iguodala
Brandon Roy
Rudy Gay
Derrick Rose
Nick Young
Rodney Stuckey
Charlie Villanueva
Paul Milsap
Thadeus Young
July 27th, 2009 at 12:23 pm
45% says:
why isnt durant number one?
July 27th, 2009 at 12:29 pm
YOUNGFED says:
5. Stuckey
4. Ben Gordon (If we get rid of RIP)
3. D Rose
2. Milsap/Carlie V (toss up)
1.) AI (He’s got to much to lose not to)
July 27th, 2009 at 12:31 pm
YOUNGFED says:
Oh almost forgot Ben, Greg Oden (ROFLMAO and GTFOH) it aint never ever ever Happ’nin’
July 27th, 2009 at 12:37 pm
no j mayo says:
i just needed a place to say this, but if the grizz sign ai, what the fuck? what the fuckin fuck? i love ai, but combine him, zbo, gay and oj and have 4, yes 4!! dudes that need to massage the ball 15-20 seconds per possession to be effective. anybody else see the potential for disaster here? oj and rudy could see their growth seriously stunted
July 27th, 2009 at 12:48 pm
Chris says:
Randolph should be number 1 on the list, cause dammit, the Warriors need help from above.
July 27th, 2009 at 12:50 pm
bigdoggchad says:
I am gonna say Melo. Think he averages 26-29pts 7-9rebs 3-5 assists while improving on his defense and leadership. Just beginning were he left off in the Playoffs. Also solidifying his spot as one of the top 5 players in the league and get some MVP consideration.
July 27th, 2009 at 12:51 pm
capnkimo says:
its scary how good kevin durant can be if he just bulked up a bit
July 27th, 2009 at 12:52 pm
Otto says:
wait hold up, D-Will still hasn’t made the all-star team yet? Dang, I guess you’re right. That’s a shame.
July 27th, 2009 at 12:54 pm
karizmatic says:
Kevin Durant
D. Rose
Rondo
Milsap
July 27th, 2009 at 12:59 pm
Ben York says:
I actually had Durant on the list originally. But, as I thought about it, I considered last year his “breakout” year – 25 ppg, 7 rpg, 3 apg. In my opinion Oden is #1 because, essentially, he has nowhere to go except up.
July 27th, 2009 at 1:06 pm
KnicksFan84 says:
Danillo Gallinari will put up 20pts 5rebs 5assits 2stls.
July 27th, 2009 at 1:08 pm
LakeShow84 says:
BIG BYNUM
Bout to stay healthy and start droppin 15&10 a night..
July 27th, 2009 at 1:09 pm
Brian says:
What’s the fascination with Kevin Durant? People who are infatuated with him are like babies who stare at shiny objects. He’s very flashy, but where’s the substance? He doesn’t play any defense, and during his career the Sonics/Thunder have been outscored when he’s on the floor, and have outscored their opponents when he sits. He may very well go down in history as the next in the line of high scoring but flawed players like Pete Maravich, Geoff Petrie, Dominique Wilkins, Alex English, Adrian Dantley, and Allen Iverson. Those guys have a combined zero championship rings.
On the other hand, I don’t understand the urge to bash Greg Oden. You can’t judge him by his play last year. He was coming off 14 months during which he couldn’t play basketball (or even run) while he was rehabbing after his knee surgery. He hasn’t had a full off-season to work on his game since his senior year in high school. He hasn’t had a chance to show what he can do yet. Give him five months off to work on his game and get in shape, and of course you have to expect he’ll have a breakout year.
July 27th, 2009 at 1:10 pm
YOUNGFED says:
@29
With that logic every scrubb in the league could be #1 on the list. Hell we might as well throw Darko on the list or better yet Adam Morrison. SMDH.
July 27th, 2009 at 1:11 pm
Ian says:
parker will have his best season by far
and get mayo the fuck out of there i agree with danny.
sorry but 25 5 5 doesnt make roy wade status winning a chip while carrying your team does.
July 27th, 2009 at 1:26 pm
stanaeciouz says:
yeah kevin durant without a doubt!
July 27th, 2009 at 1:39 pm
JCARR says:
Devin Harris
July 27th, 2009 at 1:39 pm
lakerfanslovedick says:
look at oden’s PER and tell me hes a bust. most of you are idiots.
July 27th, 2009 at 1:43 pm
mellmeister says:
this are the ones i think that would have a breakout season for 09-10:
5) CARMELO ANTHONY, given his All-Star Status. The League disregarded him to be at par with the Best (LBJ,KB8,D-Wade) and wants to show his new found leadership that was displayed in this years playoffs. expect him to pickup on defense and have a complete all around game. They’ll surely give the Lakers a run for their money.
4) ALLEN IVERSON, whenever he got his back on the wall… this HOF always fights back and proves that he belongs, as long as he doesn’t go to the Grizz. he’ll be aight! (Bobcats you need his services there for you to crack on a playoff spot.)
3) DARKO MILICIC, Don’t sleep on the Serbian Stallion… this dude just needs a li’l whippin’ and you’d get DAVID LEE 2.0.
2) DERRICK ROSE, the bulls letting Ben Gordon off just assured that DRose can an additional 8-12 shots.
1) KEVIN DURANT, he’s goin for T-Mac’s rewind of 2004. expect winning baskets, nasty dunks, and an all star selection for this young dude.
GREG ODEN may or may not have a breakout season, question is, how can he shine if LaMarcus just keeps on getting better and Outshines Oden all the time. =)
July 27th, 2009 at 1:48 pm
Ben York says:
YOUNGFED –
You’re missing my point. Oden was a #1 pick that hasn’t truly had the opportunity to shine and this season will largely shape where the rest of his NBA career will go. See my analysis.
July 27th, 2009 at 1:48 pm
Chaos says:
Anthony Randolph
Greg Oden
Rodney Stuckey
Russell Westbrook
Michael Beasley
Paul Millsap
Wilson Chandler
Derrick Rose
July 27th, 2009 at 1:56 pm
jjankechu says:
what ian said. dwayne wade is DWAYNE F’N WADE because he absolutely tore through the playoffs to get a thoroughly mediocre heat team a chip. i like roy, but i’m not so sure he’s got that in him.
July 27th, 2009 at 2:06 pm
Tim says:
B Roy is already a star he’s made the all star games a couple years now.
July 27th, 2009 at 2:08 pm
Arrogant says:
Imma say Courtney Lee, and i know u guys forgot bout him but Luol Deng if he can stay healthy….
July 27th, 2009 at 2:13 pm
parker says:
Isn’t definition of breakout moving up to all star level? Roy is already there.
I’m with you on Oden…if he can stay healthy. His only issue is foul trouble and I think he can overcome those issues. Other than fouls what can his detractors point to?
Other players I think should be deserving of their first all star appearance this season are
Derrick Rose
Kevin Love
I also think Beasley will make a jump sort of how Durant did.
July 27th, 2009 at 2:30 pm
AB_40 says:
oden can get 8 to 10 points on ofensive boards alone. if he’s healthy and get’s into shape a lil more. he’s already a great defensive center a very good rebounder. and you just know andre miller is gonna get him the ball in the right spots. I think 14 and 9 something like that is atainable for him with some games where he’ll dominate.
anthony randolph is gonna get his minutes. don nelson told him to change his ways and he probably did just that but you never know if he’s gonna die guarding other big men. summer leauge is cool n all but some of the great power forwards and centers of today are almost impossible to stop. I can see brendan wright starting as well. if he has put it together this summer.
beasley is great, he works hard but his on court persona doesn’t have to change but it’s beter if it does. he just seems a little fake let’s not hope it’s gonna bite him. if odom comes that’s a nice forward tandem of versitale guys.
and it seems rudy gay has worked on his jumper now let’s hope he doesn’t fall in love with it and stops attacking the basket.
I wanna see how some of the international players perform at this summers european championships. especialy luol deng if he’s healthy he’s an asset to the chicago bulls.
July 27th, 2009 at 2:57 pm
rotceh says:
Gallinari will shine. Anthony Randolph, and Jason Thompson, will explode.
July 27th, 2009 at 2:58 pm
Jay Stacks says:
The OKC Thunder will never make the playoffs. Eventually Durant will walk and all this team will be known for is the potential to be a good team. Russell Westbrook-OVER RATED, Harden- is going to be inconsistent just like he was in college, Durant- will put up monster numbers till he realizes he just needs to move on, Jeff Green- He reminds me of Tim Thomas, Mullens- 7′1 athletic yet he insists on taking 17 foot jumpers, Nick Collison- can’t believe that guy is still on a NBA roster
July 27th, 2009 at 3:12 pm
Luigi says:
Gilbert Arenas comeback tour!
…. and also Nick Young… turn into a force (JR Smith/Jet scoring type)
… n i think this is the yr Melo goes from all-star…to LeBron/Wade Status.
also, Hedo will tail off.
I also think this is the yr Bynum puts it all together also.
Then for my finale. The combination of Eric Gordon n Blake Griffin will/should make ALL Clipper fans extremly happy because Gordon can shoot/score the rock. Blake can do the rest. pick n rolls all day that is…if BD isnt injured. i think Baron is holding Gordon back.
July 27th, 2009 at 3:23 pm
doc says:
I like your list except for Barbosa.Id put Thad Young up there for a breakout year too.Iggy and Marreese got a chance too.
July 27th, 2009 at 3:29 pm
Michorizo says:
KEVIN DURANT … enough said
July 27th, 2009 at 3:37 pm
K Dizzle says:
Russell Westbrook bein called “OVERRATED” is the stupidest shit I’ve read today. So you wouldn’t want him on your squad?
@ Ben
No way in the world does Barbosa ever start over JRich?
There’s more to the game than scoring and JRich is a better overall player, plus Barbosa don’t even pretend to play defense
July 27th, 2009 at 4:15 pm
LukeCage22 says:
Jose Calderon
Brook Lopez
Courtney Lee
Spencer Hawes
Mike Beasley
Russell Westbrook
July 27th, 2009 at 4:17 pm
ean says:
I think Durant will be on there. Harden will help bridge that gap between Westbrook and Durant. The one problem I see is that Harden will want the ball in his hands and Westbrook is worthless off of the ball. Anyway people that call Harden inconsistent never watched ASU games, the dude had entire teams collapse on just him. I think he will really shine as the No. 2 or 3 option. I like him playing alongside a PG liek Steve Blake though… someone who can hit open shots.
Anyway GO will break out this year no doubt. I see him as 13 ppg 10.5 rpg and 2.5 bpg…. just my guess though.
July 27th, 2009 at 4:30 pm
Jau says:
Andrea bargnani son
July 27th, 2009 at 4:30 pm
Ses says:
Oden is a BUM, Keep Dreaming!!!!!
July 27th, 2009 at 5:40 pm
Blake says:
How will Brandon Roy increasing his scoring average by the same margin he has his entire career make this his “breakout” year?
I agree with whoever said Rodney Stuckey, and I’ll throw another name into the ring; Brandon Bass. He will probably get the starter’s job in Orlando with Hedo Turkoglu out of the way, and this guy has shown flashes of brilliance in Dallas. Can’t wait to see what he can do in the absolutely loaded Magic lineup.
July 27th, 2009 at 6:16 pm
JAZZ 1ST says:
5 Anthony Morrow
4 Rajon Rondo
3 Nate Robinson
2 Anthony Randolph
1 Paul Miilsap
July 27th, 2009 at 8:25 pm
Ben York says:
@51 (K Dizzle)
And J-Rich does? (See Spurs/Suns game Christmas Day ‘08)
July 27th, 2009 at 10:54 pm
pak-yaw says:
melo wont be a breakout star nxt season.
If he really has learned to be a leader i think he’ll probably hover around last years stats at about 23-25ppg, 5-8rpg and about 3-5apg. he’ll just have to improve more on his individual and team defense.
he already knows how to pick his spots in order to lead the nuggets deep into the playoffs.
July 27th, 2009 at 11:16 pm
We're Bucked says:
I completely agree with Anthony Randolph. If given minutes he will explode for all star numbers.
To go with a guy not on the list, I will suggest Brandon Jennings. Moreso out of need than anything else. If the Bucks are going to be relevant, and then at some point down the road good, Jennings will need to be a star. There is a pretty good collection of athletes now on the roster, so hopefully when Jennings is putting in 20-25 mintutes/game, the Bucks are playing uptempo basketball. Which should lead to an almost nightly highlight from Jennings. How good he will actually become is unknown, but he will NOT be boring.
July 28th, 2009 at 3:00 am
kulas says:
kevin durant
July 28th, 2009 at 4:34 am
josh tha roc says:
ramon sessions
July 28th, 2009 at 5:52 am
sh!tfaced says:
what about al jefferson? can’t believe the player who just missed out being in an all-star last year isn’t even mentioned.
July 28th, 2009 at 10:39 am
QQ says:
@Luigi
“… n i think this is the yr Melo goes from all-star…to LeBron/Wade Status.”
Youza retard. Melo will NEVER be on lebron/wade status.
Wipe the semen outta ya eyes and see the big picture.
Faggot.
July 28th, 2009 at 2:00 pm
Luigi says:
yeah… n in 2003 people said LeBron James was gonna be the most overhyped player the game has ever seen. n look where that went. its just a damn opinion no need for names
July 28th, 2009 at 4:35 pm
Sinigang says:
You are forgetting one person?
MONTA ELLIS
23 ppg 5 asst 5 rebounds 2 steals
You Heard It Here.
July 28th, 2009 at 4:54 pm
Seven Duece says:
I think Kevin Durant is about to be offensively ridiculous starting this year. Barring injuries, he’s giving the L around 28-30 points a game on 47%. Until he gets that D up though, it’ll be tough in OKC.
July 29th, 2009 at 10:21 pm
PlayoffGrizz09 says:
Wait Rudy & OJ will have monster seasons under the new system. Maybe not stat wise but Rudy will avr 25/6/3 and Mayo wil 22/4/2 that with more Chemistry. 42 wins 8th seed 2009-2010 season. You read it here 1st
July 29th, 2009 at 11:06 pm
utahJZZ says:
Andrea Bargnani –
Kinda like the 2nd coming of Dirk Nowitzki, I see him averaging 20 ppg and 6.5 rpg
Boris Diaw –
flourished with bobcats after the trade, I see him averaging 15 ppg, 7 rpg, 6 apg
Anthony Randolph –
A Chris Bosh type player, with heart and passion for the game, a big running in that system is gonna get some buckets, 14.5 ppg, 8.5 rpg
Randy Foye –
In my opinion, 1 of the most underrated players in the league, Imagine 17 ppg, 5 apg
Kendrick Perkins –
Gets no media attention whatsoever, 13 ppg, 10 rpg
August 1st, 2009 at 6:41 pm
ejay says:
NICK YOUNG-He just needs playing time anyone who is a wizards fan knows that hes improved alot this year and just needs PT to have HIS season. Yes, This is the same guy that posted 65 or something points in 2 days.
KD-Nothing needs to be said. It’s KD
MR.Arenas-We’re all hoping gilbert comes back to the old hibachi himself
B-easy-The guy needs to step up
Robin Lopez-Shaq is gone this guy needs to take adv.
August 3rd, 2009 at 4:42 am
JesusChrist says:
Gerald Wallace.
The best rebounding small forward in the league, will develop a 3point shot and average 20/9/3 next season.
He’ll carry the Bobcats to the playoffs. Quote me on that
August 3rd, 2009 at 7:33 pm
alldayjaybx says:
1.Kevin Durant
2.Wilson Chandler(has to be a bit more consistent and try to put up bigger numbers)
3.Ramon Sessions
4.Brook Lopez
5.OJ Mayo
6.Anthony Randolph
September 7th, 2009 at 2:44 pm
Suns1594 says:
Barbosa > J. Rich
Barbosa will never be a DPoY candidate, but he showed major strides of improvement last year especially after Terry Porter was fired. He showed he can use his speed and 6-10 wingspan effectively to get into the opponent’s passing lanes. Plus we all know the chemistry Nash and Barbs share on offense.
Jason Richardson is a good player, but he’s more productive w/ the ball in his hands so he can create his own shot. I think he’d be a better fit with the second unit, but come on, J-Rich is “too big” to be a bench player.