subject: Nba Tickets - Breakout Players [print this page] Here are some players that I think are poised for a breakout season in 2009-10.
Anthony Randolph, Small Forward, Golden State Warriors: Randolph was the talk of the NBA this summer when he set the Vegas Summer League on fire with some electric performances. He's extremely athletic, but has learned how to harness his tremendous physical gifts and use them to their full potential. He's going to shine this season, despite the fact that Don Nelson prefers to play veterans. He's going to be a matchup nightmare and show himself to be a star in the making.
Greg Oden, Center, Portland Trail Blazers: Oden has really caught some tough breaks over the course of his short career, but I think he silences all the critics this season. Supposedly he's in great shape and ready to make good on his number one draft status. He's going to have a better understanding of defense, which will result in less fouling, and he should be a terror inside. With the increased minutes, he'll get more rebounds and alter more shots.
Danilo Gallinari, Small Forward, New York Knicks: The Rooster was hobbled all of his rookie season with a bad back, but he appears to be 100 percent healthy for the 2009-10 season. He should get a lot of playing time this season, as coach Mike D'Antoni has expressed his feeling that Gallinari can be a top-level player in this league.
Brandon Rush, Shooting Guard, Indiana Pacers: Rush played really well down the stretch last season and he might begin the year in the starting lineup if Mike Dunleavy isn't ready to play yet. Even when Dunleavy returns, though, I think he'll find a regular spot in the rotation due to his defense and outside shooting ability.
Joakim Noah, Center, Chicago Bulls: Noah has always played with energy and passion, but now he's also beginning to play smarter basketball. He looks like he's on his way to being a great rebounder and a good defender.
Thaddeus Young, Small Forward, Philadelphia 76ers: Young averaged about 15 points per game last season, but I don't think too many people know how good this kid is, and perhaps more importantly, how good he can be. With Andre Miller gone, there will be some shots for the taking and I would expect Young to get some more opportunities.
Louis Williams, Point Guard, Philadelphia 76ers: I would also expect a lot of Miller's overall workload to go to Williams, who has been groomed to take over the starting point guard spot for this team. He's still got to prove that he can consistently create for others, but his talent is undeniable.
Blake Griffin, Power Forward, Los Angeles Clippers: He'll be a breakout player in that I think he'll have an immediate impact and I think the Clippers will be a much-improved team this season. Due to the team's success, and his own, I think Griffin will receive a ton of praise throughout the course of the season, which is a breakout in one sense. He's going to be a major factor is his team experiencing a breakout season.
Kevin Durant, Small Forward, Oklahoma City Thunder: OK, he doesn't really count as a breakout candidate because he averaged 25 points per game last season, but his performance seems to have gone largely unnoticed by the casual NBA fan. That is probably partially due to his playing in a small market, but Durant is poised to have the kind of season that transcends market sizes.
There's a possibility that he leads the league in scoring in 2009-10, so it will be a breakout of sorts, one as a superstar. This kid is going to sell a ton of NBA tickets.
