With all the large transactions this offseason, many young players destined for massive improvement have been forgotten. In any other season, these players and their stories would be more-than-minor headlines. Superstar talent, however, has left these players in the shadows to the extent that only the most hardcore fans remember the potential of these players. Here is a look at the 5 players to add to your radar this NBA season.
Dejounte Murray
Coming off an unfortunate torn right ACL, Murray should be on the fast track for success. Multiple reports have come out that Murray’s recovery has gone as expected and that he should return with little/no limitations.
Entering his 4th season with the Spurs after playing in just 3 games last season, Murray is destined for improvement in this organization. He should comfortably win the starting point guard role over Derrick White before the all-star break.
With his role not limiting his potential, Murray must develop a consistent jumper to see the improvement I’m predicting. This is vital for modern-day point guards to thrive offensively.
Defensively, Murray’s incredible length (6’5 with a 6’10 wingspan) should allow him to lockdown smaller guards and play the passing lanes. It would not come as a big surprise if Murray made an all-defensive team or at least averaged 2+ steals per game. In a limited role 2 years ago, Murray averaged 1.2 steals per game, which is above average for his minutes played.
Ultimately, Murray has incredible size and athleticism that should allow Murray to become one of the better two-way guards in the NBA.
Michael Porter
The steal of the 2018 draft, in my opinion, Michael Porter Jr. finally gets a chance to prove it to the world. His playstyle almost mimics that of Kevin Durant as Porter has incredible length ( 6’10 with a 7’0 wingspan) and all-world shooting potential.
His injury history prevented him from being a top pick in the draft. However, if Porter can find a way to stay healthy, it seems that he has superstar potential.
Watching Porter play pick-up games this summer, it is apparent that he is almost always the best player on the court. His basketball maturity has shown as well with his polished triple-threat game.
The only limitation to his success is his limited role in the Nuggets rotation because of their insane depth. It may take a few years for Porter to get his opportunity, but if he stays healthy Porter will become a star.
Lonnie Walker IV
Coming off a rookie season that was tainted by a meniscus tear, Lonnie Walker IV hopes to bring his name back to relevancy. Walker being the 2nd Spurs player on this list shows my respect for R.C. Buford and the Spurs overall prospect scouting.
Walker was pronounced the sleeper pick of the draft shortly after the NBA draft concluded. He is lengthy enough at a 6’4 height and a 6’10 wingspan so that he can play solid defense.
His athleticism is what separates him from others as Walker walks around with a 40-inch vertical and a sprint time that was 2nd best in the NBA combine. The downside to Walker is that he is quite raw and does not possess lightning quick handles nor a consistent jumper.
His inclusion on this list comes from my faith in the Spurs training staff. They’ve developed nobody’s (Davis Bertans, Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili) into key contributors. This trend should carry on with Lonnie Walker IV.
OG Annunoby
Coming off an injury that prevented his full participation in the Toronto Raptors deep playoff run that resulted in a tittle, Annunoby should have a larger role this coming season.
Kawhi Leonard left for the LA Clippers in free agency and this allows OG (another small forward) to move into the main rotation. He should be fighting with Stanley Johnson for a spot in the starting lineup this offseason.
OG has tremendous upside as he possesses a 6’8 tall frame that includes long arms touted in his 7’2 wingspan. This gives Annunoby a great advantage on defense as he has the duo of length and versatility.
A large limitation to his success is his limited role as proven by his per 100 possessions stats (16.6 points, 1.6 steals, and 7 rebounds). His increased role in the retooling Raptors should give OG Annunoby a chance for massive improvement.
Bam Adebayo
After just turning only 22 years old, the Miami Heat’s only center is destined for an increase in production. Adebayo will almost certainly see the court at least 25+ minutes per night which will naturally increase his stats.
Bam has increased his PER in his second season to 17.90 and that trend should continue in Adebayo’s third season. Young players like Bam are known for having breakout seasons following their sophomore year in the league.
Adebayo has put up sub-par stats thus far in his short career (8.9 ppg, 7.3 rpg, 2.2 apg). Adebayo’s below-average performance gives no indications of a breakout season, however, his increased role on a playoff team should help him develop.
Speaking of development, who better to push his teammates to the limits than Jimmy Butler. The new leadership in Miami should propel Bam to fine-tune his post footwork and skillset.
I predict a stat line of 13.8 ppg and 8.6 rpg in his increased role in the improved Miami Heat rotation. With a stat line like this, Adebayo should be placed within the top 5 in the most improved player voting.
Most Improved Player Prediction
Despite the compelling situations of the aforementioned and the discluded (because they are quite popular) players, I predict that one of the Murray point guards will win the award (Dejounte or Jamal). They all have roles to support larger stat lines and they have all the tools to tap into more of their potential this upcoming season.
