2013 NBA Free Agents Just Waiting to Break Out

The 2012-13 NBA regular season is merely hours away. Every new beginning requires a previous ending, however, which is exactly why the NBA period of free agency is one of such extreme importance.

It's also why the beginning of the 2012-13 season signals the potential end of a handful of player's current contracts.

Of those players, many are expecting to be rewarded handsomely from a financial standpoint. In order to reach that level of benefit, however, the players on this list must raise their game.

Fortunately, the 2013 season should offer the perfect opportunity for a breakout season. So who is on the rise?

D.J. Augustin, Indiana Pacers

Position: Point Guard

Age: 24

Experience: Four seasons

D.J. Augustin is one of the more talented young point guards in the NBA. Due to the fact that he played for the Charlotte Bobcats during his first four years in the league, however, only the diehard college basketball fans truly remember said fact.

It's an unfortunate truth that will be of no relevance once Augustin hits the floor as an Indiana Pacer.

Augustin is a scoring guard who has managed to become a quality facilitator. Although his tendency is to shoot first, the former Texas Longhorn is more than capable of running the pick-and-roll and building chemistry with motion scorers.

Unfortunately, playing in Charlotte didn't provide Augustin with very many opportunities to flash said abilities.

With the Pacers, one can expect Augustin to solidify the team's half-court attack. Although he will be primarily working with the second unit, the opportunities will be available for the lead guard to both score and facilitate.

With David West and Roy Hibbert in the paint, as well as the tandem of Danny Granger and Paul George on the perimeter, this should be an exciting season in Indiana.

For Augustin, this should also mark his leap to legitimacy. This comes right on time, as Augustin becomes a free agent just one season from now.

2011-12 Season Averages

14.17 PER, 11.1 PPG, 6.4 APG, 2.3 RPG, 0.8 SPG

DeMar DeRozan, Toronto Raptors

Position: Guard/Forward

Age: 23

Experience: Three seasons

Through his first three seasons in the NBA, DeMar DeRozan has proven to be an athletic wonder. Unfortunately, his basketball skills are not yet on par with his physical abilities.

Should he improve in even the slightest way during the 2012-13 regular season, expect his star to rise significantly. Also, expect his draw to increase come free agency, thus resulting in what could potentially be a max contract.

Before we get ahead of ourselves, however, let's acknowledge what DeRozan must improve upon.

First and foremost, the scoring slasher must develop any form of a jump shot. Despite being an excellent free-throw shooter, DeRozan has struggled from mid-range and been absolutely horrendous from beyond the arc.

A slash line of .422/.261/.810 during the 2012 season displays such. The fact that he made just 24 three-pointers all season also displays how one-dimensional an offensive player he is.

Although his dribbling and slashing skills are as good as any, DeRozan is a non-factor from anywhere but the interior. He offers no threat of pulling up for a jump shot or spreading the floor with a three-ball.

Should DeRozan have improved his shooting, however, he will be one of the hottest commodities on the market.

What's most important about DeRozan's development, however, is that he finds a way to contribute other than scoring. He posted season averages of 3.3 rebounds, two assists and 0.8 steals per game, which displays how poorly he performed everywhere but as a scorer.

If he hopes to land a max contract, DeRozan must notice the other players on the floor and maximize the limitless potential he possesses. In 2013, expect DeRozan to do just that.

2011-12 Season Averages

12.87 PER, 16.7 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 2.0 APG, 0.8 SPG

Wayne Ellington, Memphis Grizzlies

Position: Shooting Guard

Age: 24

Experience: Three seasons

Some people may be surprised to see Wayne Ellington's name on this list. Others may not even know who he is.

To solve both of those dilemmas, let's just say that Ellington is the type of role player whom a star-minded O.J. Mayo could never stoop to becoming. In other words, he's the perfect fit for the Memphis Grizzlies.

With all-time great defensemen Tony Allen starting at shooting guard, the Grizzlies need a sharpshooting 2 who can play the role of reserve. Ellington fits that bill, as his career percentage of 37.6 greatly outweighs his poor 32.4 percent shooting in 2012.

Ellington's UNC-honed fundamentals only further establishes him as the perfect fit in Memphis' two off-guard system.

Although he will not rise to the level of stardom that some of the other names on this list may, Ellington could work his way into the most consistent minutes of his career. In turn, his statistics will rise, and the exposure will come as the Grizzlies' make yet another run at the postseason.

Furthermore, Ellington fits the bill of a Daniel Green in San Antonio. He's a quality defender, dangerous shooter and a passionate player who coaches love to have on the roster.

Although he won't see a major payday, Ellington should secure some financial stability in a three-year deal come free agency.

2011-12 Season Averages

9.41 PER, 19.1 MPG, 6.1 PPG, 1.9 RPG

Taj Gibson, Chicago Bulls

Position: Forward

Age: 27

Experience: Three seasons

Anyone, who has watched Taj Gibson play, knows that he is far too gifted to average a mere 20.4 minutes per game. Aside from being an outstanding athlete, Gibson is a dominant defensive force who crashes the boards and has a budding offensive game.

So why not cough up a few more minutes?

On the defensive end of the floor, Gibson has the rare versatility to play sufficiently on the perimeter and overwhelmingly well inside. He possesses extraordinary leaping ability and times his shot-blocking attempts as well as any.

Gibson is also a physical rebounder who can take on an opponent in the post and counter an opposition's attempt at the pick-and-roll.

On offense, Gibson has begun to develop into one of the more promising players in the game today. His mid-range game remains a project, though it has improved tremendously through his three years in the league.

Gibson is also an aggressive offensive rebounder who creates second-scoring opportunities for himself and others. The fact that he can rise up and ferociously dunk the ball certainly doesn't hurt either.

As we witnessed with Omer Asik's $25.1 million deal from the Houston Rockets, reserves from the Chicago Bulls are quite valued around the league (via ESPN). Gibson could see similar money, especially if he begins to live up to his potential in 2013.

Based off his consistent improvement, it's safe to assume he will do so.

2011-12 Season Averages

16.90 PER, 20.4 MPG, 7.7 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 1.3 BPG

Gerald Henderson, Charlotte Bobcats

Position: Shooting Guard

Age: 24

Experience: Three seasons

One of the hidden gems during the Charlotte Bobcats' historic 7-59 season was shooting guard Gerald Henderson. Although he was unable to lead the team to many victories, Henderson posted career-high averages of 15.1 points, 4.1 rebounds and 2.3 assists.

Unfortunately, Henderson is an above-average jump shooter who relies on his mid-range game as if he were Ray Allen. Once that tendency is cleared up, one can expect the former Duke Blue Devil to emerge as one of the more recognizable names at the shooting guard position.

Henderson plays hard, is sound fundamentally and maintains his focus on the defensive end of the floor. Much like Wayne Ellington, he is a coach's dream.

Although Henderson has room for improvement, there is great reason to reward him financially. With smooth athleticism and youth, the 24-year-old could potentially emerge into one of the stars in the NBA.

If nothing else, he's a reliable scoring option who rarely plays out of his element. This led to a mere 1.8 turnovers per game in 2012, which offers yet another glimpse into the mistake-free game Henderson puts forth.

If you want a responsible player with a solid foundation and room to grow, you want Gerald Henderson.

2011-12 Season Averages

14.05 PER, 15.1 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 2.3 APG, 0.9 SPG

J.J. Hickson, Portland Trail Blazers

Position: Power Forward

Age: 24

Experience: Four seasons

J.J. Hickson of the Portland Trail Blazers has spent time at three different positions during his four seasons in the NBA.

During his time with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Hickson played small forward. While with the Sacramento Kings, he spent time at power forward. Upon moving to play with the Portland Trail Blazers, Hickson spent time at center.

For all of his versatility, it appears as if the 6'9" Hickson may be best fit to play the role of an undersized center.

Over the final month of the season, Hickson averaged 14.8 points, 9.5 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game. Despite standing at less than the average height, Hickson is more than capable of banging in the paint.

The fact that he's an occasionally explosive athlete certainly doesn't hurt his cause either.

During the 2012-13 season, Hickson will reprise his role as the Blazers' starting center. He will continue to build chemistry alongside LaMarcus Aldridge and compete for the right to maintain his status as a starter over rookie Meyers Leonard.

Whether he re-signs with the Trail Blazers or not, Hickson is on pace for a breakout season in 2012-13.

2011-12 Season Averages

14.91 PER, 23.0 MPG, 8.4 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 46.7% FG

Jrue Holiday, Philadelphia 76ers

Position: Point Guard

Age: 22

Experience: Three seasons

This past summer, Jrue Holiday made waves when he made it known that he is seeking a max contract (via Yahoo! Sports).

Considering Holiday is coming off a season in which he averaged just 13.5 points and 4.5 assists, however, it's difficult to defend such a claim—especially when Holiday is supposed to be the franchise point guard.

As he enters the 2012-13 season, Holiday has a chance to earn his money. Already a solid shooter and aggressive defender, the 6'4" point guard has the foundation in place for legitimate success at the NBA level.

Despite all of the raw talent, however, Holiday has yet to find a way to turn ability into production.

During the 2011 regular season, Holiday averaged 14.0 points and 6.5 assists. He posted 15 double-doubles and even registered a triple-double to show the progress that he'd made from his rookie season.

In 2012, however, Holiday saw his numbers dip to 13.5 and 4.5. He only registered one double-double during the season, which is due to much more than just Evan Turner and Andre Iguodala taking up time as ball-handlers.

With Iguodala out of town, Holiday has a chance to prove that his 2012 shortcomings were nothing but a fluke. In turn, the former UCLA Bruin could earn himself the max contract he's been dreaming of.

2011-12 Season Averages

14.74 PER, 13.5 PPG, 4.5 APG, 3.3 RPG, 1.6 SPG, 38.0% 3PT

Ty Lawson, Denver Nuggets

Position: Point Guard

Age: 24

Experience: Three seasons

Ty Lawson is becoming a trendy pick for the label of breakout performer in 2012-13. He's coming off a regular season in which he averaged 16.4 points and 6.6 assists per game, which ranked him in the Top 10 point guards from a statistical standpoint.

Lawson's postseason performances, however, were what began the leap to elite.

Matched against the Los Angeles Lakers, Lawson put the Denver Nuggets on his back and led the team to a near-upset of their favored opponent. During the seven-game series, Lawson averaged 19.0 points and six assists.

He scored at least 24 points in four games and put up 32 with Denver down 3-2 in the series.

Although Lawson is in talks with the Nuggets to renew his contract, there is a chance he opts to sign elsewhere (via Benjamin Hochman of the Denver Post). If that were to be the case, the former UNC Tar Heel would likely emerge as a prime candidate for a max contract.

When you're 24 and already have a breakout postseason performance under your belt, that's simply what you can expect.

The hurdle for Lawson to overcome will be the presence of elite ball-handlers and facilitators Andre Miller and Andre Iguodala. Each will command the ball in their hands and occasionally force Lawson to work as an off-guard.

Fortunately, Lawson is more than capable of working in that role. Such versatility simply adds to his stock as a free-agent gem.

2011-12 Season Averages

19.43 PER, 16.4 PPG, 6.6 APG, 3.7 RPG, 1.3 SPG

Eric Maynor, Oklahoma City Thunder

Position: Point Guard

Age: 25

Experience: Three seasons

Prior to falling victim to a season-ending torn ACL, Eric Maynor of the Oklahoma City Thunder was regarded as one of the best backup point guards in the NBA (via USA Today). 2013 just so happens to be the perfect re-launching pad.

James Harden was traded to the Houston Rockets, thus opening a void for a player to step up as the sixth man. Rookies Perry Jones III and Jeremy Lamb could step up in that department.

Another option could be defensive guru Thabo Sefolosha.

With Maynor thriving as a lead guard, Russell Westbrook could potentially playing off of the ball. It now appears as if the former VCU star could step in and receive an elevated level of playing time.

As for those who believe Maynor will re-sign before the offseason,  The Oklahoman has learned that he will not. This opens the door for Maynor to break out in 2013 and emerge as a popular player on the free-agent market.

You can also expect to see Maynor garner some postseason headlines for his play in the clutch.

2010-11 Season Averages

14.6 MPG, 4.2 PPG, 2.9 APG, 1.5 RPG, 38.5% 3PT

Dorell Wright, Philadelphia 76ers

Position: Small Forward

Age: 26

Experience: Eight seasons

During the 2011 NBA season, Dorell Wright posted season averages of 16.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, three assists and 1.5 steals per game. The belief around the league was that the 6'9" small forward was finally en route to stardom.

Just one year later, Wright put up numbers of 10.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.5 assists and one steal per contest. The process of becoming a star took one giant step backward.

During the 2012 preseason, Wright stepped up and averaged 14.4 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.4 steals per game. He shot 54.3 percent from the floor, as well as 48.0 percent from beyond the arc.

Although the preseason is not necessarily a dictation of what will transpire during the regular season, it is a sign of what Wright is capable of. Although he is known as a sharpshooter, Wright has suddenly begun to display versatility.

At 26, Wright is in fact entering his prime. At 6'9", he's also entering a stage in which he can physically dominate his opponent without the need to step back and take a long jump shot.

Should the preseason carry over to the regular season, expect Wright to emerge as one of the young faces of Philadelphia's promising season. Also, expect him to be rewarded handsomely come free agency.

2011-12 Season Averages

15.07 PER, 10.3 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 1.5 APG, 1.0 SPG