The NBA offseason took another dramatic turn on Monday night when the Cleveland Cavaliers dealt Kyrie Irving to the Boston Celtics in exchange for Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder, Ante Zizic and a first round pick. The Cavaliers are still the beasts of the east but they will have a much different look with Irving, Crowder and Derrick Rose on their roster in 2017-18. While the focus remains on the star power in the Atlantic division, we decided to take a look at some of the underrated young players that could be on the verge of becoming stars. Here is a look at the potential breakout stars in the NBA’s Central division.
C: Kevin Love, Cleveland Cavaliers
Irving is out of the mix in Cleveland and that should have a major impact on the dynamic of the team. The addition of Crowder should make the Cavaliers a better defensive team. It could also take some of the pressure off of Love at the defensive end of the floor and free him up to contribute at the other end. Love has the pure shooting ability to stretch the floor as a three-point shooter. However, the Cavaliers have failed to maximize his potential since he arrived. Maybe that changes this year with Love projected to play a bigger role in Cleveland.
SG: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
The fact that Antetokounmpo is on this list is a testament to his immense potential. Antetokounmpo averaged 22.9 points, 8.8 rebounds and 5.4 assists last year and made the Eastern Conference All-Star team. However, those that have watched him closely understand he still hasn’t maximized his potential at the NBA level. Antetokounmpo has worked hard to improve his jumper and his three-point shooting, something that will help him take another step as a more complete player in 2017-18. If Antetokounmpo could take another major step forward if he consistently hit his jumpers and even slightly improve his three-point shooting ability this coming season.
PF: Myles Turner, Indiana Pacers
Turner averaged 14.5 points, 7.3 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game last season. He has the potential to produce at an even higher level in 2017-18. The third-year center is still just 21-years-old and after steadily progressing each of the last two years he is ready to play an even bigger role for the Pacers. Indiana traded Paul George and committed to a different approach to the coming season with Turner expected to be more involved at the offensive end of the floor. There is no doubt he has the talent to be a star. Turn should be among the breakout players in the NBA’s Central division this coming season.
PG: Kris Dunn, Chicago Bulls
Dunn was one of the worst players in the NBA last season when he ranked last in true shooting percentage among the 248 players that attempted 300 field goals last season. However, if he can even slightly improve his shooting, he should be a much more productive player in 2017-18.
His situation in Minnesota was unclear as he was sharing time at point guard with Zach LaVine and Ricky Rubio. He never really got a chance to settle in. Dunn is a competitive athlete that has spent the offseason working on his jumper in order to become a more complete player. If that hard work translates to improvement on the floor then Dunn could be in line for a breakout season in Chicago.
PF: Stanley Johnson, Detroit Pistons
The Pistons have been waiting three years for a breakout season from Johnson. Perhaps this is the season it finally happens. Johnson still has the raw tools to be a difference maker in Detroit and with two years of experience under his belt, he could be close to a breakout season. Marcus Morris’ departure should open up even more minutes for the young power forward and now he must capitalize on the opportunity. A lot of people forget just how young he is. He is still just 21 years old – even after two years of experience. After averaging just 4.4 points and 1.4 rebounds last season, look for Johnson’s production to improve considerably for the Pistons in 2017-18.
The 2017 NBA futures are out. It’s been a wild offseason already, but keep an eye on the betting lines as they move around at Diamond Sportsbook! Get the latest NBA betting lines right here.
