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5 NBA players having breakout 2016-17 seasons

By Roje Smith

ATLANTA, GA - FEBRUARY 20: DeMar DeRozan #10 of the Toronto Raptors dunks against Pero Antic #6 of the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena on February 20, 2015 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - FEBRUARY 20: DeMar DeRozan #10 of the Toronto Raptors dunks against Pero Antic #6 of the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena on February 20, 2015 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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TORONTO, ON – NOVEMBER 12: DeMar DeRozan #10 of the Toronto Raptors with the ball as Courtney Lee #5 of the New York Knicks plays defense during NBA game action at Air Canada Centre on November 12, 2016 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.”r(Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON – NOVEMBER 12: DeMar DeRozan #10 of the Toronto Raptors with the ball as Courtney Lee #5 of the New York Knicks plays defense during NBA game action at Air Canada Centre on November 12, 2016 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.”r(Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) /

1. DeMar DeRozan – SG – Toronto Raptors

As one of the top prospects in the high school class of 2008, DeMar DeRozan had high expectations placed on him. He was receiving NBA comparisons that ranged from Vince Carter to Kobe Bryant. Physically, his frame and athleticism were already fit for the NBA, but his overall skills were still raw.

He spent a year developing those skills while playing for the USC Trojans. Some of his immense potential was put on display when he led the Trojans to the 2009 Pac-10 title and a bid to the NCAA Tournament. It would be his first and final year on the USC campus as he chose to enter the 2009 NBA Draft. He was selected ninth overall by the Toronto Raptors and was seen as their next great player.

DeRozan’s first seven years in the league saw steady improvement from him. His scoring, passing ability, ball handling and defense gradually improved to the point where he received his first All-Star bid in 2014. DeMar was also an All-Star last season and clearly established himself as one of the better players in the league.

This has all changed for the 2016-17 season. DeRozan currently leads the NBA in scoring by averaging 33.2 points per game. It’s nearly 10 points higher than his career-best PPG last season of 23.5. He is also averaging 4.9 rebounds and 1.6 steals per game. Both of those are career highs for him. What’s even more impressive is his .510 field goal percentage and this seems like more than just a hot start to the season.

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Perhaps it was his gold medal experience in Rio this summer or him entering his prime at age 27. Whatever it is, his game has elevated to a completely different level. When you go from being considered “one of the better players” to having your achievements compared with Michael Jordan, then it’s clear that a breakout season is happening. This is exactly what’s happening with DeMar DeRozan.

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