There are always young stars with fresh faces ready to impact their team as a new season means high hopes. Here's a list compiled by Fran Blinebury of NBA.com, detailing players who have improved the most. In my eyes, these guys are ready to take their team to another level, here's why.
First on his list is Khawi Leonard. Wait, we want this guy to improve more? The only way is up for the 21-year-old and who has already pocketed two full seasons worth of experiences in the NBA. An NBA trophy would have looked great on the youngster's resume, but the Miami Heat rose to the occasion. It was his first Finals appearance, but it should be the first of many as the Spurs have a knack for getting great players.
Harrison Barnes provided much talk during the 2012 NBA Draft as the North Carolina Tar Heel went seventh overall. In his first ever playoff appearance, Barnes averaged almost 17 points per game, proving he's a scorer and not scared to take big shots. The Warriors are expected to make the playoffs once again and this time, Leonard and the San Antonio Spurs will have to play even harder if they want to eliminate these guys.
Jonas Valanciunas can make a difference as he's expected to get more playing time in Toronto. The Raptors were only four games out of making the playoffs last season. The Detroit Pistons are much improved, but with Rudy Gay in the mix and a potent bench with Steve Novak, D.J. Augustin and Tyler Hansbrough, the Raptors look competitive.
Jeremy Lamb could provide a punch out of the Oklahoma City Thunders' bench. He was traded over to OKC in the James Harden deal after being picked 12th in the 2012 NBA Draft. There will be no more Kevin Martin as he moved on to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Look for Lamb to make greater contributions as Russell Westbrook will likely ease back into action after suffering his playoff-ending knee injury.
Blinebury mentioned Eric Bledsoe on the list of young guys who have improved, but the Phoenix Suns don't look capable of making a run in the playoffs, so he won't make this list. The Suns finished in last place in the West in 2012-2013.
