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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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DENVER, CO – APRIL 09: Russell Westbrook
DENVER, CO – APRIL 09: Russell Westbrook /

8. Jamal Murray

The point guard spot is open for the taking in Denver and Jamal Murray is in great position to seize it. This dude has the ability to put the ball in the basket. After a starting the season on fire from beyond the arc, Murray struggled for the remainder of his rookie year.  He only knocked down 33 percent of his attempts from 3-point land by the end of the year. Murray is a natural shooter with excellent form though. With one full season to adjust to the NBA arc he should improve in that respect this season.

Another positive sign for Murray was that his playmaking got better as the year wore on. He also showed some ability to competently run pick-and-roll. Of course, looking at end of the season trends can be misleading; some teams tank and others rest their stars for the playoff run. But Murray definitely showed some promising growth throughout the year and he doesn’t turn 21 until February!

If Jamal does become a legit threat from downtown he should start for the Nuggets. Emmanuel Mudiay has disappointed greatly in two seasons. He turns the ball over too often, can’t shoot reliably and has played exceedingly poor defense for most of his career. Murray hasn’t shown much on the defensive end either, but his upside on offense far exceeds that of Mudiay. Don’t be surprised if Murray is the regular starter at the one in Denver by the end of the season.