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NBA: 10 players who could take the next step in 2017-18

By Jamie Campbell

Apr 4, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) and forward Andrew Wiggins (22) during the first quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 4, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) and forward Andrew Wiggins (22) during the first quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 7, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Andrew Wiggins (22) celebrates with center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) against the Los Angeles Clippers at Target Center. The Clippers defeated the Timberwolves 110-106. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 7, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Andrew Wiggins (22) celebrates with center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) against the Los Angeles Clippers at Target Center. The Clippers defeated the Timberwolves 110-106. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /

10 NBA players who could take the next step ahead of the 2017-18 season

The NBA always seems to have a ton of young talent. Some of the guys work out, while others don’t. It’s the way of the system. Nevertheless, the ones that do pan out are the ones that carry the league into a new era of basketball.

So, which players are the next crop of guys that will make the leap in 2017-18?

10. Norman Powell, G/F, Toronto Raptors

Norman Powell has shown flashes in his first two seasons in Toronto, but has never received the consistent minutes that he’s deserved. That changed in this year’s playoffs, where he was finally given a proper opportunity to showcase himself.

And boy did he take advantage.

In 25 minutes per game, Powell would go on to average just under 12 points, shooting 44 percent on threes, while also playing excellent defense.

He capped this off with a 25 point explosion in Game 5 against the Milwaukee Bucks.

If he can carry this momentum into the off-season and through to next year, expect Powell to become a quality “3-and-D” two-way wing for the Raptors. He may even take over the starting spot.

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