In the 2013-2014 NBA season, we saw a Miami Heat team lose to the San Antonio Spurs in the finals which officially broke up "The Big 3". Chris Bosh and Dwayne Wade decided to stay in Miami, while LeBron left to go back to Cleveland. Other surprising moves in the offseason was the 3 team trade of Kevin Love to Cleveland, with Minnesota receiving Andrew Wiggins, Anthony Bennett, and Thaddeus Young in return. Lance Stephenson bolted Indiana and find his way in Charlotte who was a surprising team who made it to the playoffs. Stephenson boosts their guard play and should see a duplicate season from the Hornets. The 2014-2015 season is a season to start fresh and we always see guys outperform their projections. Here is a list of ten guys, some who are already solid players or guys waiting to break out, I predict to have the projections exceeded:
1. SG Bradley Beal (Washington Wizards) 2013-2014 Stats: 41.9% FG, 40.2% 3P FG, 78.8% FT, 17.1 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 3.3 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.2 BPG
Bradley Beal is only 21 years old and came into the league at age 19. Beal only attended Florida for one season until he was drafted by the Washington Wizards with the 3rd pick in the 2012 NBA Draft. In high school and college ball, Beal used his athleticism to get to the basket and step out to hit the three pointer. With the Wizards young and stellar guard play, Beal has formed chemistry with another rising star in John Wall. Wizards have taken some time to develop this team and they look ready to make noise again in the Eastern Conference. Unfortunately, Beal broke his wrist in preseason and is out 6-8 weeks. Wizards shouldn't lose a step, but this may affect Beal from being the break out player I thought he would. He should improve this season regardless of the injury.
Projected 2014-2015 Stats: 42.7% FG, 38.9% 3P, 81.2% FT, 18.8 PPG. 4.3 RPG, 3.2 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.3 BPG
2. SG Klay Thompson (Golden State Warriors) 2013-2014 Stats: 44.4% FG, 41.7% 3P FG, 79.5% FT, 18.4 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 2.2 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.5 BPG
Klay Thompson falls on the break out list again this season because I feel he can make an even big jump from the season before. In the offseason, Klay Thompson has got to play with Team USA and play against our country's best in practices. Coach K made sure to get the best out of Klay this summer and he was hitting shots consistently. If he can transition his Team USA play on offense and the improvements on his defense, he has an offensive-friendly coach awaiting him in Steve Kerr. Steve Kerr knows a thing or two about shooting and hitting three pointers. What has been lethal guard play by Klay Thompson and Steph Curry, could exactly get more lethal if the rest of the team gels and learns to this offense. Steve Kerr wants to cut back on Steph Curry's minutes this year as well as utilize him more on the catch-and-shoot. For adjusting Steph Curry's game, that should allow to open it up for Klay Thompson. I expect big things out of Klay Thompson this season.
Projected 2014-2015 Stats: 45.6% FG, 42.8% 3P FG, 81.7% FT, 20.2 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 2.1 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.7 BPG
3. PF Serge Ibaka (Oklahoma City Thunder) 2013-2014 Stats: 53.6% FG, 38.3% 3P FG, 78.4% FT, 15.1 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 1.0 APG, 2.7 BPG, 0.5 SPG
Serge Ibaka is already a star in this league and shows this year-to-year. Ibaka is one of the best shot blockers in the game along with Anthony Davis, Andre Drummond, DeAndre Jordan, Tim Duncan, and Dwight Howard. Ibaka is lengthy with freakishly long arms and large hands to get up and block the shots. Oklahoma City Thunder had a dilemma in the past to pay for Ibaka or Harden and they chose the Ibaka route and it has paid off. With Kevin Durant now out for the first two months of the season with a Jones fracture of the foot, Thunder will now have to rely on Russell Westbrook and Serge Ibaka to carry this team until Durant returns to playing. This should increase Ibaka's minutes as well as scoring opportunities.
Projected 2014-2015 Stats: 53.2 FG%, 35.2% 3P FG, 77.2% FT, 17.7 PPG, 9.6 RPG, 2.5 BPG, 1.2 APG. 0.8 SPG
4. PG Jeff Teague (Atlanta Hawks) 2013-2014 Stats: 43.8% FG, 32.9% 3P FG, 84.6% FT, 16.5 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 6.7 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.2 BPG
Jeff Teague had a solid past season which help lead a depleted Hawks roster due to injuries into the playoffs as an 8 seed and almost advancing. Al Horford was lost early in the year for the whole season a vital part to their front court. Paul Millsap and Jeff Teague enjoyed a breakout season in the absence of Horford. With Horford back now, and the Hawks addressing defense in the draft in free agency, their players should create more offense opportunities off turnovers and solid offense. Teague should be one of those players who sees his numbers go up again and someone who made a name for himself in the playoffs. I expect Teague to carry over last season's success and then some.
Projected 2014-2015 Stats: 44.8% FG, 35.2% 3P FG, 85.3 FT%, 17.9 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 7.6 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.2 BPG
5. PF Mason Plumlee (Brooklyn Nets) 2013-2014 Stats: 65.9% FG, 62.6% FT, 7.4 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 0.9 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.8 BPG
This is not the first Plumlee we have seen make an impact in the NBA. Riding the bench in Indiana, Miles Plumlee needed that trade to have a break out season in Phoenix. Here is another Plumlee who's up for a break out season. For being limited to 18 minutes a game last season as a rookie Plumlee took advantage and made a statement for why he was taken in the first round. Ahead of Plumlee he has Kevin Garnett who's trying to grab any momentum for production and who could possibly come off the bench this point of his career (Elton Brand for example). Plumlee is young, energetic, and has gained some experience playing for Team USA this past summer against the league's finest players. Brook Lopez is back now and will eat some post minutes, but Plumlee should be able to steal some minutes from Garnett. Plumlee can get 24-25 minutes and rotate with Lopez and Garnett this season. Mason could have a break out year.
Projected 2014-2015 Stats: 57.2% FG, 64.5 FT%, 12.5 PPG 8.1 RPG, 1.2 APG, 0.9 SPG, 1.3 BPG
6. SG Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (Detroit Pistons) 2013-2014 Stats: 39.6% FG, 31.9% 3P FG, 77.0% FT, 5.9 PPG, 2.0 RPG, 0.7 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.2 BPG
Kentavious was a rookie last season for a disaster Pistons team. Ever since their early 2000's teams, they've been mediocre since. The Pistons have dealt with shaky coaches, and general managers paying the wrong guys big money (aka Josh Smith). Josh Smith is a good player but he is not a super star. Smith is a complementary player. Pistons decided to get some experience and signed Stan Van Gundy to coach their game and runs the team's operations. Van Gundy is good at getting his big men and outside shooters active. Rodney Stuckey is gone now, and Kyle Singler looks like a 6th man off the bench. This opens the door for the 2013 8th overall pick, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. Pope got limited minutes last season and that could change this year with a new coach, new offense, and players who have left the team. Kentavious has the chance to shine with good passers being able to kick it out to him for the catch-and-shoot. Kentavious is also a decent perimeter defender as well creating turnovers. I expect a break out from Caldwell-Pope.
Projected 2014-2015 Stats: 43.1% FG, 36% 3P FG, 79.2% FT, 14.1 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 1.0 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.2 BPG
7. SG Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks) 2013-2014 Stats: 41.4% FG, 34.7% 3P FG, 68.3% FT, 6.8 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 1.9 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.8 BPG
Giannis is an interesting style of player. He kind of fits the mold of Kawahi Leonard in terms of they fit no definitive position. Giannis is the ultimate inbetweener because he has the height of a post, body of a shooting guard, and the play of a small forward so what to do you categorize him as? He fits best at the small forward which I think first year Bucks coach will instill the playbook for Jabari Parker, Brandon Knight, and Giannis Antetokounmpo. Giannis grew again this summer and is only 19 years of age. He is still developing his game and body still, and will be for the next three years in the league. Giannis possesses great athleticism and he can use that to defend the rim or get to the rim. The Bucks have a bright future with the picks they've made the last three years plus acquisitions and free agency signings. Giannis could see an expanded role this year which means more time and more touches as well.
Projected 2014-2015 Stats: 45.1%, 35.2% 3P FG, 72.3% FT, 13.7 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 3.6 APG, 1.3 SPG, 1.2 BPG
8. PF Kenneth Faried (Denver Nuggets) 2013-2014 Stats: 54.5% FG, 65.0% FT, 13.7 PPG, 8.6 RPG, 1.2 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.9 BPG
Kenneth Faried came onto the scene as a surprise this summer for Team USA. It was he and Anthony Davis who dominated the post for Team USA this summer and saw most of the minutes. "The Manimal" is truly a beast when he has the energy. Faried is a high-energy guy who uses his minutes wisely. The only concern is his inconsistency. Faried's game is hot and cold, and this summer he did not show signs of inconsistency. Team USA experience may have been the best option for him and he took advantage of it. Denver came off a mediocre year full of injuries and inexperience head coach Brian Shaw. Shaw and guys who were injured last year are back and ready to contribute as well as an old face from Orlando, Arron Afflalo. Faried has a great supporting cast and will dump it into the post and Faried will see his offensive touches. I see a boom in production offensively and defensively for Faried this season. Got to live up to that contract extension he signed this offseason right?
Projected 2014-2015 Stats: 55.7% FG, 66.4% FT, 15.2 PPG, 9.4 RPG, 1.2 APG, 1.0 SPG, 1.3 BPG
9. SG Rodney Stuckey (Indiana Pacers) 2013-2014 Stats: 43.6% FG, 27.3% 3P FG, 83.6% FT, 13.9 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 2.1 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.1 BPG
Rodney Stuckey has stayed within in the division and signed with Indiana this offseason. Stuckey put up consistent numbers for 7 years in Detroit but was never a part of a winning culture. Stuckey chose Indiana who has been a consistent team and have gone deep in the playoffs. This season, there is no Paul George, Danny Granger, Evan Turner, or Lance Stephenson. Those are scorers the team relied on last year from the wing. Stuckey has entered an empty field of guards and automatically assumes starting shooting guard this season. Pacers are good at moving the ball and should create opportunities for Stuckey to score and get to the free throw line. Stuckey could be a big part for this Pacers team that is down this season.
Projected 2014-2015 Stats: 44.6%, 29.1% 3P FG, 84.7% FT, 16.2 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 2.7 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.2 BPG
10. C Derrick Favors (Utah Jazz) 2013-2014 Stats: 52.2% FG, 66.9% FT, 13.3 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 1.2 APG, 1.0 SPG, 1.5 BPG
Derrick Favors was one of those highly recruited posts and highly praised draft prospects and the Utah Jazz took advantage and received Favors in a trade from New Jersey (at the time) for Derrick Deron Williams and other players. Favors played one season at Georgia Tech and he is still fairly young for the league at age 23. Favors has a solid array of balance on offense and defense, but is stuck in a rotation for a crowded front court between Enes Kanter, Rudy Gobert, and Trevor Booker. Favors is the most valuable of all four and will receive the most minutes. Favors is an exceptional shot blocker and rebounder and has an average offensive game. He was hampered by a hip injury last season and other injuries and looks to be healthy so far for this season. Utah had another successful draft in the Australian guard Dante Exum and small forward Rodney Hood from Duke. With the emergence of Gordon Hayward, and a point guard leader in Trey Burke, this create opportunities down low for the posts and lots of touches for Derrick Favors. This season he should exceed expectations we've all been waiting to see.
Projected 2014-2015 Stats: 54.1% FG, 68.1% FT, 15.5 PPG, 10.1 RPG, 1.2 APG, 1.1 SPG, 1.9 BPG
11. PG Darren Collison (Sacramento Kings) 2013-2014 Stats: 46.7% FG, 37.6% 3P FG, 85.7% FT, 11.4 PPG, 2.4 RPG, 3.7 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.2 BPG
Darren Collison was highly touted point guard in college who became average in the NBA. Collison is a solid back up point guard who has played on some good teams, most recently with the Los Angeles Clippers. Collison has always found himself in backup roles. When injuries occurred for other players on the team Collison stepped in real nicely. Now, this year in Sacramento, he is expected to start share duties with Ramon Sessions. Sacramento has a lot of young talent around the point guards who have veteran experience and leadership. Collison should be able to facilitate and feed the ball primarily to DeMarcus Cousins and Rudy Gay, then off to Ben McLemore and others. Collison finally gets the starting nod for now and must live up to the expectations now as a starting guard. Eric Bledsoe made the transition from back-up to starter, so should Darren Collison with a good, young Sacramento talent.
Projected 2014-2015 Stats: 45.5% FG, 39.0% 3P FG, 86.5% FT, 13.8 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 5.3 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.2 BPG
12. SG Victor Oladipo (Orlando Magic) 2013-2014 Stats: 41.9% FG, 32.7% 3P FG, 78.0% FT, 13.8 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 4.1 APG, 1.6 SPG, 0.5 BPG
The NBA's favorite to win Rookie of the Year ended up finishing runner-up last season to Michael Carter-Williams. Oladipo's game was experimental last year so he can establish a position that suits him best. Oladipo is gifted with vision and athleticism and that is good news for an Orlando Magic team who's putting together a good team. With the addition of Elfrid Payton who could win NBA Rookie of the Year, this allows Oladipo and him to create one of the best duos on the perimeter for defense and distributing the ball when on offense. Oladipo's athleticism will drive him to the basket to shoot free throws or will receive a pass for the catch-and-shoot opportunities. Orlando is young and could be dangerous in the next couple years, and Oladipo starting this season could be a big part after Arron Afflalo was traded to Denver. Potential breakout year for Victor.
Projected 2014-2015 Stats: 43.9%, 36.2% 3P FG, 80.2% FT, 17.3 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 4.9 APG, 2.0 SPG, 0.6 BPG
13. SG Tony Wroten Jr. (Philadelphia 76ers) 2013-2014 Stats: 42.7% FG, 21.3% 3P FG, 64.1% FT, 13.0 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 3.0 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.2 BPG
For a guy who left school too early, Wroten Jr, has had to work his way onto a team and has earned his way into a starting role at shooting guard this season for now, with K.J. McDaniels being a rookie. Wroten last year filled in for Carter-Williams when he went down with an injury and he filled in just fine. Wroten is not a natural passer and has had to learn, but he does better attacking the basket. Wroten is a poor perimeter shooter, but attacks the basket very well and draws contact. 76ers are going nowhere and are using the draft each year to make their team deeper. This should allow for Wroten to rack up the stat sheet this year.
Projected 2014-2015 Stats: 43.4%, 25.7% 3P FG, 66.8% FT, 14.4 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 3.5 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.2 BPG
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