Top 5 Breakout Players of 2010-11
This season has had some ridiculous free agent conspiracies, cough cough, oops, I mean signings. With the Miami Super friends taking all the media attention, and the 2010 FIBA World Championship, its hard to focus on the upcoming 2010-11 season.
Today we focus on which players will have a breakout season in 2010-11, and why.
1. Darren Collison, Indiana Pacers
If O’Brien doesn’t figure out how to adapt to his game, he is not a good coach. Collison posted All Star level caliber performances over 40 games as the starter while Chris Paul was out, which is a long enough stretch to dispel any chance of it being a fluke. 2.
Anthony Randolph, New York Knicks
If Randolph starts, he will show Amare what rebounding and blocking shots are. Randolph’s main threat to stunt his unreal breakout potential are injuries and Russian import Timofey Mosgov taking over the starting position at center.
Don Nelson had a Chris-Webber like vendetta against Randolph, but with a new coach and a new team, the sky is the limit for this kid.
3. Kevin Love, Minnesota Timberwolves
Look for Love to win the rebounding title, or come damn close. Seriously, his DNA attacks basketballs careening off the rim. With Jefferson gone, his numbers will spike, including assists.
Love is a brilliant passer, and although he lacks a but on the the defensive end, he will likely devise a strategy that works to make that part of his game solid as well. He is intelligent enough to make it happen.
4. Marreese Speights, Philadelphia 76ers
Look for him to dominate the minutes and the paint. Legitimate 15-10 here. Speights has the game, and frame, to help the 76ers turn things around. Like Randolph, he was riddled with injuries, and never quite was able to find his stride after returning.
With Samuel Dalembert gone, Speights has to share time with Elton Brand and his insane contract (good job Ed Stefanski!) who might get minutes simply because of his contract.
5. Tiago Splitter, San Antonio
After watching him in the FIBA Tournament, it is safe to say Splitter will have a break out year his first year in the NBA. He has it all. Power, athleticism, coordination, soft touch.
Splitter will get as many minutes as he can play, and pushes Duncan over to his natural power forward position. Although personal numbers can suffer in Poppovich’s system, Splitter will be a breakout player in how he changes the landscape in San Antonio this year.
Noteworthy:
Greg Oden, Travis Outlaw, Jrue Holliday, and Ramon Sessions.
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Mon, Sep 6, 2010 by Adam Sedie
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