- Caris LeVert, Brooklyn Nets – This one is expected around the league. Caris already has a 51-point outing under his belt this season. For the season, Levert is averaging 17.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1 steal on 41% from the field and 38% from three. Without Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant, Spencer Dinwiddie, and Deandre Jordan, Levert is going to be the primary scoring option and ball-handler. I expect him to put on a show and average 25 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists. The Nets are not going to go far due to lack of talent but expect Caris Levert to show out and prove himself as a great piece next to Irving and Durant
- Rui Hachimura, Washington Wizards- Without John Wall and Bradley Beal, someone on the Wizards is going to have to become the Alpha. There are some veteran options like Ish Smith or Jerian Grant but for the most part the Wizards are a super young team. What better situation than Orlando for their high draft pick to show what he is capable of. The Wizards are not projected to even be close to making the playoffs which makes this the perfect opportunity for the Wizards coaches and front office to put the ball in Hachimura’s hands and see what he can do. If it goes well, the Wizards have another solid piece for their future. Hachimura has shown flashes throughout his rookie year and this is his chance to show his whole skill set
- Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns- Let me clarify, Devin Booker is already a star. He has one of the deepest scoring skills sets in the whole league. He can get to any part of the court he wants, essentially hit any shot, and his arsenal of step backs, fadeaways, and pull ups, make him almost un-guardable. So, after averaging 26 points, 4 rebounds, and 6.5 assists, how can I say he’s going to break out? Because I think he’s going to play even better than that. Booker has yet to make the playoffs in his whole career. Yet season after season he proves himself to be one of the best players in the league. This is one of those cases where it is not him. His team sucks. The Suns are not great and do not have many great pieces. Booker is their focal point and they play through him. If Booker somehow finds a way to get the Suns into the playoffs, I easily see him averaged 35 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 assists. Phoenix’s only shot of making the playoffs is if Booker plays like a man possessed which I am very confident he will. And he will solidify himself as a top 10 offensive player in the NBA.
