Breakout Players By: 2K Insider | Monday October 27 2008 Summers are when most NBA players go on vacation. Some don't get a break because of commitments to their national teams like Yao Ming, Dirk Nowitzki and LeBron James. A few, however, use their spare time to improve conditioning and work on their game. These guys know their roles as professional athletes and want to come back the next season better than before. Whether it's because they have a new opportunity given their team dynamic or because they wanna be like Mike, let's discuss some guys to keep an eye on this coming season.
Devin Harris, Nets - It was inevitable that Jason Kidd was going to be traded, but the Nets did very well for themselves by landing the young and uber-talented Devin Harris. In Dallas, Devin took a backseat to Dirk, Josh and even Jason Terry. But now that the Nets are rebuilding and Vince Carter is slowing down, he will get the green light to showcase his abilities. No one doubts Devin's ability to score, but will he be able to run the team and get others involved?
Jose Calderon, Raptors - Last season, the Raptors had a point guard by committee situation that limited both what Jose Calderon and T.J. Ford could do alone. This season the training wheels come off and Calderon gets to run the show full-time. While Calderon is not a new name to the NBA, I think he'll surprise many with the numbers he'll put up playing 30+ minutes a game. Averaging a double-double and a spot on the East All-Stars is not out of the question.
Al Thornton, Clippers - The Clippers could have been featured on Extreme Makeover given the moves they made this off-season. As a result, Al Thornton is the starter at the 3 and will get plenty of touches. With the addition of the defensive minded Marcus Camby, Thornton will be expected to score. This won't be a problem as Al can do it all and score in a variety of ways.
Tyrus Thomas, Bulls - With rookie coach Vinny Del Negro at the helm, it looks like Tyrus will get consistent playing time. Whether that's an endorsement for Tyrus or a result of Chicago's front court depth, I don't know. Either way, this should be T.T.'s best year yet and a guy whose ratings should go up across the board.
John Salmons, Kings - Now that Artest is gone, the Kings are Kevin Martin's team. However, his wingman will be the versatile Salmons who can play the 1, 2 and 3. You have to like his all-around game, contributing in multiple ways. Look for him to set career high averages for every statistical category.
Thaddeus Young, 76ers - Thaddeus quietly had a successful rookie campaign for the surprising Sixers. This season he should earn the starting small forward spot, alongside Elton Brand and Samuel Dalembert on the front line. Philly fans have high expectations for 2008-09 and you can bet Thaddeus will be a part of it.
I'm sure there will be others who step it up this year who aren't listed above. Let us know who you think they are.
Caron Butler has struggled out the gate averaging 16.8 ppg on 0.397 FG% over 8 games. Perhaps he won't struggle as much when Antawn Jamison finally returns to the lineup.
Mid-range %
3pt %
Sacramento Kings - Tyreke Evans
Tyreke Evans has flourished since Kevin Martin went down with injury, averaging 23.0 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 5.0 apg and 1.4 spg. His confidence is sky high right now which bodes well for his eventual return to running point for the Kings.
Passing
3pt %
Milwaukee Bucks - Brandon Jennings
Brandon Jennings lit up the Warriors for 55 points Saturday night in a performance that had everyone talking. The Bucks finally got it right and looks to have gotten the steal of the draft this year.
Mid-range %
3pt %
Los Angeles Clippers - Chris Kaman
The bright spot for the Clippers has been Chris Kaman's improved offense of 21.8 ppg on 0.543 FG%. The NBA recently recognized him by naming Kaman the Western Conference Player of the Week.
Low Post
Block
Los Angeles Lakers - Andrew Bynum
Andrew Bynum is holding it down in the middle for the Lakers with 20.3 ppg, 11.8 rpg and 1.8 bpg averages. It's nice to finally see the young big man healthy and productive after some unfortunate injuries in recent years.
Low Post
Rebounding
New York Knicks - Toney Douglas
Toney Douglas has provided the Knicks with bench scoring over the last few games. No doubt Mike D'Antoni is frustrated with Chris Duhon's lack of scoring this year.
Mid-range %
3pt %
Chicago Bulls - Joakim Noah
Joakim Noah is averaging 12.1 ppg, 12.4 rpg and 2.0 bpg and providing a presence in the paint. This is exactly what the Bulls were hoping for when they made him their 2007 lottery pick.
Close-range %
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Indiana Pacers - Roy Hibbert
Second year center, Roy Hibbert, has improved significantly by averaging 12.6 ppg, 9.1 rpg and 2.5 bpg. He looks to be in better shape and understands his role better this time around.
Block
Rebounding
Philadelphia 76ers - Samuel Dalembert
Samuel Dalembert's production has taken a dip with averages of 6.2 ppg and 6.8 rpg. Now that Marresse Speights is out for extended time, the Sixers need Sammy D to step it up.
Block
Rebounding
New York Knicks - Chris Duhon
Chris Duhon can't hit the side of a barn, averaging 6.5 ppg on 0.228 FG%. This has allowed Toney Douglas to get significant run in recent games.
Mid-range %
3pt %
Latest News
Golden State Warriors - Kelenna Azubuike
Kelenna Azubuike tore his left patellar tendon and is done for the season. Swingmen Anthony Morrow and Corey Maggette will share the extra minutes.
Charlotte Bobcats - Stephen Jackson
Stephen Jackson got his wish and was traded to Charlotte where he gets a fresh start. Acie Law joins him in exchange for Raja Bell and Vladimir Radmanovic.
Golden State Warriors - Raja Bell
Raja Bell immediately opted for surgery to repair his fractured wrist, thus ending his season. His top priority is to get healthy for free agency rather than play for the lowly Warriors.
Orlando Magic - Rashard Lewis
Rashard Lewis has finished serving his 10 game suspension and is starting at power forward again. It should take him a couple weeks to work off the rust and get back into game shape.
Philadelphia 76ers - Marreese Speights
Marresse Speights strained the MCL in his left knee and is out 6 to 8 weeks. He had been providing a nice scoring punch off the bench this season.
Portland Blazers - Travis Outlaw
High flyer Travis Outlaw has a stress fracture in his left foot and will miss 3 to 5 months. Rudy Fernandez and Martell Webster are more than capable of picking up the slack.
Memphis Grizzlies - Jamaal Tinsley
The Grizzlies took another gamble and signed troubled point guard Jamaal Tinsley. J.T. had been out of the NBA for over a year so expectations are low.
New Orleans Hornets - Chris Paul
Chris Paul severely sprained his ankle and is out at least 3 to 4 weeks. Rookie Darren Collison takes over the starting gig with Bobby Brown backing him up
Washington Wizards - Caron Butler
Caron Butler has struggled out the gate averaging 16.8 ppg on 0.397 FG% over 8 games. 
Sacramento Kings - Tyreke Evans
Tyreke Evans has flourished since Kevin Martin went down with injury, averaging 23.0 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 5.0 apg and 1.4 spg. 
Milwaukee Bucks - Brandon Jennings
Brandon Jennings lit up the Warriors for 55 points Saturday night in a performance that had everyone talking. 
Los Angeles Clippers - Chris Kaman
The bright spot for the Clippers has been Chris Kaman's improved offense of 21.8 ppg on 0.543 FG%. 
Los Angeles Lakers - Andrew Bynum
Andrew Bynum is holding it down in the middle for the Lakers with 20.3 ppg, 11.8 rpg and 1.8 bpg averages. 
New York Knicks - Toney Douglas
Toney Douglas has provided the Knicks with bench scoring over the last few games. 
Chicago Bulls - Joakim Noah
Joakim Noah is averaging 12.1 ppg, 12.4 rpg and 2.0 bpg and providing a presence in the paint. 
Indiana Pacers - Roy Hibbert
Second year center, Roy Hibbert, has improved significantly by averaging 12.6 ppg, 9.1 rpg and 2.5 bpg. 
Philadelphia 76ers - Samuel Dalembert
Samuel Dalembert's production has taken a dip with averages of 6.2 ppg and 6.8 rpg. 
Chris Duhon can't hit the side of a barn, averaging 6.5 ppg on 0.228 FG%. 
Golden State Warriors - Kelenna Azubuike
Kelenna Azubuike tore his left patellar tendon and is done for the season. 
Charlotte Bobcats - Stephen Jackson
Stephen Jackson got his wish and was traded to Charlotte where he gets a fresh start. 
Raja Bell immediately opted for surgery to repair his fractured wrist, thus ending his season. 
Orlando Magic - Rashard Lewis
Rashard Lewis has finished serving his 10 game suspension and is starting at power forward again. 
Marresse Speights strained the MCL in his left knee and is out 6 to 8 weeks. 
Portland Blazers - Travis Outlaw
High flyer Travis Outlaw has a stress fracture in his left foot and will miss 3 to 5 months. 
Memphis Grizzlies - Jamaal Tinsley
The Grizzlies took another gamble and signed troubled point guard Jamaal Tinsley. 
New Orleans Hornets - Chris Paul
Chris Paul severely sprained his ankle and is out at least 3 to 4 weeks. 
