NBA News and Player Updates for 2016-17 Season: Devin Booker Tops List of Breakout Sophomores
Booker, D'Angelo Russell and a bunch of sophomores may dominate next season.
The 1984 draft class produced five Hall-of-Famers, including Hakeem Olajuwon and Michael Jordan. The 1996 draft had Kobe Bryant and Allen Iverson. 2003 had LeBron James and Dwyane Wade.
In a few years' time, the 2015 class may be up there with the best of all-time. The performances of Kentucky's Karl-Anthony Towns and Latvian Kristaps Porzingis already make a strong case for that distinction. Yet they are not the only one who give their draft year a glorious name.
Enter Devin Booker, D'Angelo Russell and a host of other players that are expected to climb player standings in their sophomore year.
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1. Devin Booker
The Phoenix Suns rookie had been forced to take on a huge role for the team, and he has not disappointed. The absence of top-tier scorers Brandon Knight and Eric Bledsoe sidelined with injuries only made Booker's numbers soar to the Rookie of the Year shortlist.
The 19-year-old guard ended the season with an average of 13.8 points per game on 42.3 percent shooting and 34.3 percent from beyond the arc. In addition, he also finished four games scoring over 30. These numbers had him named to the All-Rookie First Team.
He still has a lot to improve on, but he is confident he can one day top everyone in his sophomore class. He will be tested next season, however, as the starting shooting guard on Earl Watson's lineup.
2. D'Angelo Russell
The once-great Los Angeles Lakers have had tumultuous seasons in recent years, sinking to the bottom of the Western Conference. With the departure of franchise superstar Kobe Bryant, they would have to rely on their pool of potential Messianic players.
Their biggest chance could be Russell, who turned in a convincing rookie run in an otherwise underwhelming Lakers season. He averaged 13.2 points and 3.3 assists per game, which he only improved on this offseason.
Playing in the Las Vegas Summer League, he averaged 21.8 points, 6.2 rebounds and 4 assists, hitting 47.7 percent off field goals and 40 percent from three. He also expects to be trained more, with Byron Scott out and new coach Luke Walton giving him starting minutes.
3. Justise Winslow
Winslow is not exactly a rookie favorite. He only got 6.2 points per game on 42.2 percent shooting and just 27.7 percent on three-pointers. However, he has an opportunity to grow in a larger role.
The departures of Luol Deng to the Lakers and veteran Dwyane Wade to Chicago requires Winslow to develop his scoring game for the Miami Heat. Chris Bosh is the remaining star in the team, and if he becomes the father figure Winslow needs badly, the youngster might improve to become a defensive stalwart in the league.
More breakout stars
Other potential stars in the list include:
4. Myles Turner (Indiana Pacers)
5. Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (Brooklyn Nets)
6. Mario Hezonja (Orlando Magic)
7. Cameron Payne (Oklahoma City Thunder)
8. Larry Nance Jr. (Los Angeles Lakers)
