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NBA Season Preview 2017-2018: 10 players that will make a leap this season

By Jerry Christodoulatos

MILWAUKEE, WI - MARCH 08: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks works against Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks during a game at the BMO Harris Bradley Center on March 8, 2017 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WI - MARCH 08: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks works against Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks during a game at the BMO Harris Bradley Center on March 8, 2017 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
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Who are the ten players most likely to make substantive leaps and add to their respective skill sets in the 2017-18 NBA season?

Every season a few players make huge improvements to their game and alter the ceiling of their respective franchises. Last season for example, Giannis Antetokounmpo went from not even being a top 30 NBA player to receiving All-NBA Second Team honors. For any Dragon Ball Z fans, that’s akin to Gohan reaching Super Saiyan 2 in his battle against Cell; we all knew you had the power Giannis, but we definitely didn’t realize how much!

We can define a leap as a substantial increase in skill, production and consistency. Obviously, not every guy that makes a leap is powering up to Super Saiyan levels like Giannis. Players improve at varying rates and they don’t have to become superstars to make a difference for their teams.

Another thing to keep in mind here is the delicate balance between a legitimate increase in skill and an uptick in usage. On this list we’re looking for guys that are ready to take on bigger roles and excel, improving both their production and usage rate. Players that receive more minutes or shot volume and put up empty calorie stats generally haven’t made major improvements.

As discussed above, leaps can differ quite widely in degree. Within the scope of this list, the higher a player is ranked, the greater I expect his chances of making a big leap this season to be. Let’s dive in and take a look at ten guys that should make significant jumps this season.