NBA: Predicting Every Team’s Breakout Player For 2016-17

Oct 9, 2014; Lithonia, GA, USA; The NBA logo is shown with basketballs as the Atlanta Hawks conduct an open practice at Miller Grove High School. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 9, 2014; Lithonia, GA, USA; The NBA logo is shown with basketballs as the Atlanta Hawks conduct an open practice at Miller Grove High School. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
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Apr 8, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; San Antonio Spurs center Tim Duncan (21) defends against Denver Nuggets center Jusuf Nurkic (23) in the first quarter at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 8, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; San Antonio Spurs center Tim Duncan (21) defends against Denver Nuggets center Jusuf Nurkic (23) in the first quarter at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Denver Nuggets: Jusuf Nurkic

With the offseason departures of J.J. Hickson and Joffrey Lauvergne, there is plenty of minutes to go around in the Denver Nuggets frontcourt.

Jusuf Nurkic has only averaged 17 minutes of playing time in each of the past two years. Being the projected backup at the center position, his minutes per game should rise a bit (especially with Lauvergne gone).

Even though most of the attention will be on standout second-year big Nikola Jokic, Nurkic should still be able to see his fair share of workload on the offensive end. Especially in the second unit.

Look for Nurkic to keep the momentum going this season.