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

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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7. Dennis Schroder, PG, Atlanta Hawks

Dennis Schroder already made a pretty big step in 2016-17.

Becoming a starter for the first time, with the Atlanta Hawks, he put up 18 points and six assists a game. But he can be even better, as he showed in the playoffs where he notched his game up to another level.

Against the Wizards, Schroder put up 24.7 points and 7.7 assists and pushed the series to six games.

He will likely become even more of a focal point for the Hawks’ offence next season, assuming Paul Millsap will not return. This will be a golden opportunity to carry his playoff success into the 2017-18 season and become one of the top point guards in the league.