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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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Russell
BROOKLYN, NY – JUNE 26: D’Angelo Russell /

3. D’Angelo Russell

After two somewhat turbulent seasons in Los Angeles, a change of scenery could really benefit the former No. 2 overall pick. D’Angelo will have more of an opportunity to shine in Brooklyn, playing in a system that can accentuate his best skills. Russell will finally get a chance to show off his great vision in spread pick and rolls flanked by floor spacers. The court in Los Angeles often got cramped because the Lakers played multiple non-shooting bigs like Julius Randle and Timo Mozgov.  Los Angeles actually had few reliable shooters across the whole roster, so Russell wasn’t in an ideal position to succeed that often. He should become far more effective as a scorer and playmaker with more shooters around him in Brooklyn.

Russell will share lead ball handling duties with Jeremy Lin, so an increased usage and minutes load should improve his raw statistical production. Beyond higher usage, the coaching staff of Kenny Atkinson has the potential to sharpen D’Angelo’s game in a number of areas. In his first two seasons, Russell has scored at a very poor rate in transition. That’s somewhat concerning because the Nets play at a rapid pace, pushing the ball and running whenever possible. They actually led the league in pace last season (per ESPN Hollinger Stats). D’Angelo isn’t a particularly great athlete that can get to the rim at will, so he often settles for jumpers in transition situations. If he can get better shots off in transition, he’ll make a substantial leap as a scorer.