There was quite a bit of hype leading up to the 2014 NBA Draft, and that class was supposed to contain a number of players possessing star-level talent who were worth tanking for. Unfortunately, the reality didn’t quite live up to the hyperbole that preceded last year’s draftees, and in fact, quite a few of the top ranked players missed significant time last season due to various injuries. These players included No. 2 overall pick Jabari Parker, No. 3 overall pick Joel Embiid, and No. 7 pick Julius Randle, just to name a few. The rest of the rookie class struggled to adjust to the pro game, as was to be expected, and while a number of players showed flashes of promise, none enjoyed a particularly dominant first year.
Of course, one lone season is not a sufficient sample size to properly judge a player, and many of these NBA sophomores should demonstrate significant improvement in their second professional campaigns. This brings me to the topic of the day: Which second-year player do you expect to have a breakout season in 2015/16?
Take to the comments section below to share your thoughts and opinions on the player or players whom you expect to have breakout seasons. If you are taking the glass is half empty approach, and don’t think any of last year’s draftees will distinguish themselves, then feel free to weigh in on why you feel that way. We look forward to what you have to say.
Note: Since these Shootarounds are meant to be guided by you the reader, we certainly welcome your input on the topics we present. If there is something you’d like to see pop up here for a discussion, shoot me a message at hoopsrumorsmailbag@gmail.com or hit me up on Twitter at @EddieScarito to submit topics or ideas for what we should present in future posts.
Aaron Gordon
yes. But only because I already consider Jabari Parker established.
This one’s easy, as far as I’m concerned: Jabari Parker. He was the most NBA-ready guy when he came out, and he looked pretty good in the 25 games he played prior to his injury. I think he’ll start slow and he won’t be 100%, but he can play at a high level in the NBA, no doubt about it.
Easy! Andrew Wiggins and Zach LaVine.
Am I biased?
Haha, well, maybe, but it’s not a bad idea to bet on the T’Wolves young talent. They could be a reincarnation of the 2008/09 Thunder, with Durant in year two and Russell Westbrook a rookie, plus Jeff Green. Not ready to win, but so much potential.
I think there are more than a couple of candidates here…I’m going to have to look at a list of all the 2nd year players b/c I can’t think of everyone off the top of my head
I think deffinitly Aaron Gordan Jabari Parker tj warren Rodney hood and potentially Walter taveres noah vonleh nik stauskas mitch mcgary if they get minutes
TJ warren
The Suns are banking on that, after all the small forwards they got rid of this summer.
Aaron Gordon
Julius Randle! With Lou Williams, Nick Young and an aging Kobe around to chuck up shots, his rebounding totals might lead all second year players.
I agree with Randle. I think his skills transfer well to the NBA style of play, and he would have had an impressive rookie season if not for the injury.
I am hoping for Kyle Anderson to continue to build on his momentum from Summer League. Spurs are loaded, but their wings outside of Danny, Kawhi and an old Manu are unproven. Kyle might get playing time, and could come through in games when Manu sits to spark the bench perimeter play.
Zack LaVine