One Player from Every NBA Team Set to Have a Career Year

The NBA lockout is still threatening the upcoming season's livelihood, and should we lose all or even part of a season, it will be postponing more than just roster transactions and general competition. Such an occurrence will be delaying the inevitable career seasons that numerous athletes are bound to have.

Every season we are treated to a variety of not only players who breakout, but to athletes who exceed what they have done the rest of their career, even if they have had a lot of success in the past. These are not just rookies or sophomores or third-years; some players have the season of their career five or more years in.

Whether it's exceeding their potential or foreshadowing things to come, career years are marked by impressive improvement and increased production.

Who are these athletes in question?

Read on to see one player from each NBA team that is set to have a career year next season. 

Atlanta Hawks: Marvin Williams

While tempted to choose Jeff Teague, one-year experience is not much of a career so the phrase "career year" really cannot apply. Instead, we look to Marvin Williams.

Williams averaged 10.4 points and 4.8 rebounds per game last season, continuing to display his great athleticism. He improved his three-point shooting, knocking down nearly 34 percent of his shots from beyond the arc, and he also runs the floor incredibly well.

Coming into the league, Williams was expected to become downright dominant, and while that hasn't exactly happened, his role is bound to increase next season because as soon as the Atlanta Hawks get a chance, Josh Smith is gone. And once he is, look for Williams to step up, improve his rebounding and become a go-to guy for the team.

A career year is on the horizon for Williams.

Boston Celtics: Jeff Green

Jeff Green struggled when he first came to the Boston Celtics last season, but much better days are on the horizon for the 25-year-old, starting with next year, which is why the team is sure to hold onto the restricted free agent.

Green averaged a combined 13.3 points and 4.8 rebounds per game last season. He is extremely versatile; he can score, rebound and pass the rock well. His ball handling needs some work as does his three-point shooting, but he is a promising talent nonetheless.

As Paul Pierce and Ray Allen continue to age, Rajon Rondo will look to feature other players on the perimeter more. Now that Green has had time to adjust to this new system, look for him to thrive off of extra looks and an increased role.

While with the Oklahoma City Thunder last season he was averaging over 15 points per game. Don't be surprised if he puts up more than that next year.

Charlotte Bobcats: D.J. Augustin

D.J. Augustin had arguably a career year last season, but he is set to have an even better one.

Stephen Jackson's attitude is elsewhere, but so are his scoring abilities, leading to increased offensive responsibility on Augustin's behalf. 

Augustin averaged 14.4 points and 6.1 assists per game last season. He is a solid floor general and distributes the ball well. He can also score when called upon, and he will be called upon often next season.

Kemba Walker's potential is unclear and Gerald Henderson, while promising, is inconsistent, as is Tyrus Thomas. The bulk of the offensive production is going to fall on Augustin's shoulders, and he is sure to deliver.

Look for him to have an even more productive season than last year.

Chicago Bulls: Taj Gibson

Entering only his third season in the NBA, Taj Gibson is set to have a career year.

The power forward averaged 7.1 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.3 blocks in just over 20 minutes per game last season. He is a very physical low-post player, superb shot blocker and an expert at crashing the glass. His scoring abilities are not incredible, but he is capable of improving and his incredible defense makes up for it.

With Carlos Boozer falling out of favor, the Chicago Bulls are set to use Gibson even more next season. His aggressive defense will become the pillar of low-post play for this team, and he will serve the Bulls well, keeping opposing players like Dwyane Wade, Amar'e Stoudemire and Paul Pierce from scoring at will inside the paint.

Boozer's loss will prove to be Gibson's gain.

Cleveland Cavaliers: Ramon Sessions

Ramon Sessions' name always seems to find its way into trade rumors, and with the year he is set to have, it is likely teams make further inquiries next season. 

Sessions averaged an impressive 13.3 points and 5.2 assists per game last season. He is a very unselfish playmaker, with the ability to score points in bunches. While he is not really a three-point threat, his jump shot is continuously improving, and his defense is solid.

Baron Davis is at the tail end of his career and Kyrie Irving won't be a superstar right out the gate, so Sessions is very important to this team, and not just in terms of trade value.

Don't be surprised if he plays his way onto the All-Star ballot this season. He has that kind of potential.

Dallas Mavericks: Rudy Fernandez

Rudy Fernandez should finally be able to come into his own as he enters his fourth season in the NBA.

Last season, Fernandez averaged 8.6 points, 2.5 assists and 1.1 steals per game with the Portland Trail Blazers, where he was incredibly unhappy. He has incredible athleticism and excels at creating his own shot. He navigates the court very well and when featured, he is lethal on the offensive end. His defense is also stellar and he is consistent at getting one more more steal per game.

The Dallas Mavericks roster is up in the air next season, as it is unclear whether or not Caron Butler, J.J. Barea and Tyson Chandler will be back. One thing is certain though, as Jason Kidd and Jason Terry age, the backcourt is in need of some firepower, especially if Barea walks.

Fernandez provides this, and then some. He should thrive off of the open looks and increased touches he is bound to get, and have himself the best season of his career.

Denver Nuggets: Danilo Gallinari

One of the only players who is sure to suit up for the Denver Nuggets next season is Danilo Gallinari, and when he takes the court he will find himself in an increased role.

Wilson Chandler has bolted for overseas, J.R. Smith might also, and it is unclear what is going to happen with Arron Afflalo, Kenyon Martin and Nene Hilario.

Gallinari averaged a combined 15.6 points and 4.9 rebounds per game last season. He is a tremendous shooter with a quick release, and his strong stature allows him to get to the basket effectively, when he chooses to. He is a capable defender, but must improve his rebounding.

Gallinari officially becomes one of the franchise's players next season, arguably a first option on offense. This is a role he has never assumed before, but should thrive in, and 20 points per game is not out of the question.

Detroit Pistons: Austin Daye

The Detroit Pistons do not have many bright spots on their roster, and while Austin Daye is still a work in progress, he is poised to have a career year next season.

Daye averaged 7.5 points and 3.8 rebounds per game last season. He's extremely versatile and can play both forward spots. He also has three-point range and handles the ball extremely well for someone his size.

Next season Daye is likely to assume a more prominent role on this struggling Pistons team, and it should prove to be the best season of his short career thus far, and possibly even a sign of good things to come.

Golden State Warriors: Stephen Curry

Stephen Curry, regardless of how the Monta Ellis situation pans out, is set to become the unquestioned leader of an unguided Golden State Warriors team.

Curry averaged 18.6 points, 5.8 assists and 1.5 steals per game last season. He is one of the purest shooters of the game and has a Ray Allen-like quick release. He has excellent court vision, which allows him to run the point effectively, and he is a threat from anywhere on the court.

Curry's basketball intelligence exceeds that of Ellis', making him the perfect athlete to lead this team. He had an impressive year last season, but that was only just the beginning.

Expect Curry to generate serious All-Star chatter next season.

Houston Rockets: Kyle Lowry

Yao Ming may be gone, but the Houston Rockets have an abundance of capable point guards in their possession, and Kyle Lowry should thrive under such competitive circumstances.

Last season he averaged 13.5 points, 6.5 assists, 4.1 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game. He is an effective defender with quick hands, and an excellent rebounder for a point guard. His jump shot needs some work, but he can penetrate to the basket with ease and score points that way.

Luis Scola seems to get better with age and Kevin Martin continues to impress, meaning defenses will be focusing primarily on them. This gives Lowry an enormous window of opportunity, which he will not waste.

Next season should prove to be the best one of his career.

Indiana Pacers: Roy Hibbert

The 24-year-old, 7'2" Roy Hibbert is going make his fourth NBA season one for the ages, establishing himself as one of the more dominant big men in the entire league.

Hibbert averaged 12.7 points, 7.5 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game last season for the Indiana Pacers. He is a very solid rebounder, who should grab close to 10 boards per game next year. He is not especially known for his quickness, but he has shed some weight giving him increased mobility. He also consistently works hard in the low-post and shows a nice touch around the rim.

In a league where dominant big men are hard to find, Hibbert is going to become one of the exceptions.

Next season is going to be a monster of a year for him.

Los Angeles Clippers: DeAndre Jordan

With increased playing time last season, DeAndre Jordan was impressive, averaging 7.1 points, 7.2 rebounds and 1.8 blocks in just over 25 minutes per game.

His numbers were not earth shattering, but he is still only 23 and learning the game. He is very explosive for his size, and plays above the rim effectively. Additionally, he runs the floor with an Amar'e Stoudemire-like quickness, impressive for someone 6'11".

Jordan is also going to block shots consistently. He has worked his way into a higher favor than Chris Kaman and should play over 30 minutes per game next season. Don't be surprised if he blocks three shots per game as a result.

The Los Angeles Clippers will do whatever it takes to retain the restricted free agent, given his huge upside.

Look for him to make a name for himself in the low-post that doesn't read "Blake Griffin's Sidekick" next season.

Los Angeles Lakers: Andrew Bynum

After six seasons of underachieving, Andrew Bynum is poised to have a career year during his lucky number seventh in the league.

Bynum averaged 11.3 points, 9.4 rebounds and two blocks per game last year. He has great hands for a big man and a dominant low-post game that doesn't come to the surface nearly enough. His defensive presence is phenomenal and he is capable of grabbing 12 plus rebounds per game.

Bynum has to improve his in-game intelligence, and while many may write him off in a season where he is bound to face incessant Dwight Howard related trade rumors, this will turn out to be the best year of his career.

Some players thrive in the face of adversity, and whether it be this, or the fact that Bynum finally comprehends how to use his size and talent efficiently, doesn't matter.

What matters is he will improve his production and work ethic, and become the consistently dominant presence the Los Angeles Lakers have always envisioned him to be. 

Memphis Grizzlies: Mike Conley

For the record, it was extremely difficult to pick just one player from the Memphis Grizzlies who is set to have a career year. Marc Gasol and OJ Mayo are two other candidates who are bound to do just that. 

That being said, Mike Conley also fits the bill, and given Gasol could sign elsewhere, and Mayo is constantly on the trade block, he gets the nod here.

Conley averaged 13.7 points, 6.5 assists and 1.8 steals per game last season. He emerged as one of the smarter, consistent players on the Grizzlies last year, and his quickness and ability to get to the basket is matched by few.

Conley is also a capable floor general and excellent ball handler. He really stepped up in Rudy Gay's absence, and Memphis will not only depend on him to direct the offense, but also to put up significant points next season.

Is an All-Star appearance on the horizon? 

Never say never.

Miami Heat: Dwyane Wade

The Miami Heat are another team that boasts a roster that makes it difficult to decipher who will have the career year next season, but the choice ultimately goes to Dwyane Wade.

Wade averaged 25.5 points, 6.4 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 1.1 blocks and 1.5 steals per game last season. He continued to be as talented and explosive a scorer as they come; he relentlessly attacked the basket and excelled at doing so. He also improved his jump shot and decision making skills by the end of last season.

Additionally, in terms of defense, Wade is as tough as they come. He is one of the best shot-blocking guards that the NBA has ever seen. And drifting back to offense, we cannot neglect to mention his nasty crossover.

As both Chris Bosh and LeBron James struggled somewhat during the postseason, it became clear that Wade was the one guy the Miami Heat absolutely needed. He doesn't fold under pressure and rarely succumbs to the temptation to publicly lash out.

Heading into next season, there should be no question who the leader of this team is, not even from James. Wade is the heart and soul of this organization, and as once again the unchallenged leader, look for the ball to run through him more in pressure situations and in general. 

Wade has already accomplished so much over his career, but expect him to take it a step further next season by increasing his production and becoming the first true leader that this "big three" has had.

Milwaukee Bucks: Brandon Jennings

Brandon Jennings, thanks largely in part to the acquisition of Stephen Jackson, is set to have a career year next season.

Jennings averaged 16.2 points, 4.8 assists and 1.5 steals per game last season for the Milwaukee Bucks, numbers which he is destined to improve upon. His court vision is impressive, as are his ball handling skills. He has a great knowledge of the game and is agile in everything he does.

Jennings also has one of the quicker releases in the game, meaning he needs very little room to get off a shot. His three-point shooting is also tremendous.

With the addition of Jackson, Jennings has another offensive weapon other than Andrew Bogut to dish off to. Jackson's presence also opens up the floor a bit more, as he draws a significant amount of attention from opposing defenses on the perimeter. This should give Jennings more opportunities to drive the ball inside as well as receive more open looks from the outside. As a result, it is not impossible for Jennings to put up 20 or more points per game.

The stage is set in Milwaukee for Jennings to have a career year.

Minnesota Timberwolves: Anthony Randolph

Spending some time buried on the New York Knicks bench last season gave time for Anthony Randolph to gain some perspective, and a greater appreciation for the game.

In very limited action with the Knicks and during his time with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Randolph averaged a combined 7.6 points and four rebounds per game. He is a gifted offensive player who can shoot the ball as well as post-up. He is also a solid ball handler for his size and can be a very good rebounder.

Randolph has an abundance of potential, but he never spent time being humbled. Last season should have at least done that for him. Next season, expect to see him improve on the defensive end as well as the offensive end and receive a significant amount of playing time as a result.

Next season, "lazy" and "entitled" should prove to be terms no longer associated with the versatile forward.

New Jersey Nets: Brook Lopez

Amidst all of the palpable tension that Dwight Howard trade talk is likely to cause within the New Jersey Nets' locker room, Brook Lopez is going to have the best season of his career.

Last season, Lopez averaged 20.4 points, six rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game. He is very efficient around the basket and very athletic for his size. He needs to improve his rebounding, but his overall defense is pretty solid.

Deron Williams is going to help Lopez flourish, with his precise court vision and his ability to draw the defense toward the perimeter. Lopez may have become the second option on offense with the acquisition of Williams, but this could actually lead to him scoring 25 or more points per game.

Lopez is on the precipice of stardom, and he is set to have a superstar-like season. He could even generate some All-Star buzz.

The speculation surrounding Lopez and the Nets will be anything but predictable, yet his cool, calm and collect demeanor should carry him to the best season of his career. 

New Orleans Hornets: Chris Paul

Chris Paul is poised to have one of the best seasons of his career next year. 

Why exactly? After all, isn't he already one of the best? Of course, but he is heading into a contract year, and is going to want to showcase his talents to the fullest extent for the rest of league.

Paul averaged 15.9 points, 9.8 assists, 4.1 rebounds and 2.4 steals per game last season. He is one of the most elusive players in the NBA, and has a Steve Nash-like court vision about him. Additionally, he has the ability to take over games, carrying the full burden of his team's scoring, and he is also a strong defender.

Most see Paul bolting for another team next summer, and if this is true, he is going to want to prove he is at full capacity so that absolutely no team gives a second thought to his questionable health bill.

Furthermore, there is a strong possibility that either David West or Carl Landry, or both, sign elsewhere this offseason, which will only put the ball in Paul's hands more.

Interest in Paul may be high now, one-year from his free-agency, but after the season he is prepared to have, it will only peak further.

Paul continues to get better as a player and leader, so don't be taken aback when he has the best season of his career next year.

New York Knicks: Carmelo Anthony

Carmelo Anthony struggled to grasp the seven seconds or less system while with the New York Knicks, but he found ways to score nonetheless and has the ability to acclimate himself to this unfamiliar style of play.

Last season, Anthony averaged 25.6 points and 7.3 rebounds per game. He is one of the most versatile scorers the game has ever seen and isn't afraid to take the pressure shot. He is a solid rebounder and is emerging as a legitimate threat from beyond the arc.

Many may believe that there really isn't much else Anthony could do, but Mike D'Antoni's system is designed for scorers and Anthony is one of the best in that department. Additionally, with Mike Woodson on board, look for Anthony's defense and conditioning to improve drastically.

Anthony put up huge numbers despite struggling within a new system for much of last season, so imagine what he is going to do once he fully adjusts. It's a scary thought.

Next season is going to be a career year for Anthony.

Oklahoma City Thunder: Kevin Durant

What more could Kevin Durant do? Increase his production even further and put the Oklahoma City Thunder in position to contend for the top spot in the Western Conference.

Durant averaged 27.7 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.1 steals and one block per game last season. He is one of the best scorers the game has ever seen, and is a threat from the inside and out. He also has terrific ball handling skills and is very elusive for his size. His defense is understated and he has the ability to single handedly carry his team to success.

Some may not be able to envision Durant having a career year next season, but the fact is with the emergence of Russell Westbrook as a superstar, and players like Kendrick Perkins, Serge Ibaka and James Harden in the rotation, opposing defenses are easily split. This will open it up for everyone involved, including Durant.

The Thunder are going to make some serious noise on the coattails of Durant next season. A championship may prove to be within reach as well as another scoring title for the small forward. Maybe even a league MVP.

In regard to Durant, the best has yet to come.

Orlando Magic: Dwight Howard

Dwight Howard is approaching a turning point in his career, and while most believe that his days with the Orlando Magic are numbered, there isn't the slightest chance he leaves without a fight.

Howard does like it in Orlando and will of course be pulling for either Gilbert Arenas to return to superstar status or the Magic to acquire another star to pair alongside him.

Additionally, even if Howard is already plotting his escape, he is going to want to give teams a reason to pursue him further.

Howard's average of 22.9 points, 14.1 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game will not be the best we see from him. He is a dominant low-post scorer and arguably the best defender in the game. And he continues to work hard to improve; his work ethic is rivaled by hardly anyone.

Howard is already a superstar, but his best days are not behind him, rather they have yet to come.

Expect next season to be a career year for the already prolific big man.

Philadelphia 76ers: Thaddeus Young

Thaddeus Young is set to make some serious noise in his fifth NBA season.

Last year, Young averaged 12.7 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game. He is extremely athletic and is the perfect size for the 3. He is still developing his game, but has shown he is capable at both ends of the floor.

With Andre Iguodala transitioning into a more candid role as a point-forward, look for the Philadelphia 76ers to lean on Young more. His scoring totals should increase as should his rebounds per game.

He is truly set to have the best season of his career, one that could lead to a large payday should he not sign a long term extension with the 76ers this offseason.

Phoenix Suns: Marcin Gortat

After spending over three years in the shadow of Dwight Howard, Marcin Gortat began to make a name for himself when he joined the Phoenix Suns.

While with Phoenix last season, Gortat averaged 13 points, 9.3 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game. He is an excellent athlete, especially in the rebounding and shot-blocking department. His offensive game has always been considered weak, but he started to develop a solid low-post and mid-range game toward the end of last season.

After next season, we should be referring to Gortat as one of the most capable big men in the game.

Portland Trail Blazers: Nicolas Batum

Nicolas Batum had a very impressive season this past year, averaging 12.4 points and 4.5 rebounds per game, a production level he is prepared to exceed next season.

Batum has a freakishly long wingspan for his size and he is one of the most athletic small forwards in the league. If he gets into a rhythm, the points just seem to come easy to him, and his defense is solid as well.

With the acquisition of Raymond Felton, not only does Batum have a premiere point guard to deliver him the ball, but it is another offensive weapon opposing defenses have to focus on. Between Felton, Bradon Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge, Batum may become an afterthought to the opposition. This means more open looks, something he is bound to take advantage of.

Batum does need to become more consistent in his performances, but the core that the Portland Trail Blazers has assembled should make it easy for him to take his game to the next level.

Sacramento Kings: Donte Greene

When the Sacramento Kings shipped out Omri Casspi this summer, minutes opened up for Donte Greene, and he is ready to embrace an increased role.

Greene averaged 5.8 points and 2.1 rebounds in just over 16 minutes per game last season. Despite such lackluster numbers, he is a very capable offensive player. At 6'11", he can score from the inside, but also from the perimeter, and he is a matchup nightmare for many teams.

Greene needs to improve his rebounding, but he is only 23, and with more time on the floor, he should progress quite nicely.

Don't be surprised if he plays himself into the starting small forward slot next season by having a career year.

San Antonio Spurs: Tony Parker

Why is Tony Parker set to have a career year, especially after all the controversy he has caused this summer?

The controversy is part of the reason he is set to have a career year. If the San Antonio Spurs are truly intent on trading him, he is going to want to showcase his talents to the league so that he becomes a more desirable asset than he already may be.

Additionally, Tim Duncan, Richard Jefferson and Manu Ginobili are aging fast, dwindling down his offensive options. Are they still competent? Yes, but if the Spurs are to stay among the Western Conference's elite, they are going to need Parker to step up.

This was a partial reality last season, as Duncan's and Jefferson's decreased mobility called for Parker to assume a larger role. He delivered, averaging 17.5 points, 6.6 assists and 1.2 steals per game.

Parker is one of the quickest players in the league, and directs the offense efficiently. He can breakdown defenses rather easily and scores from both the inside and out. His ball handling skills, specifically his ability to create off the dribble is amazing.

Parker may be shrouded in controversy and unanswered questions heading into next season, but such adversity should prove to be fuel for his fire. 

A career year is in store for Parker next season.

Toronto Raptors: Jerryd Bayless

Jerry Bayless turned some heads last season, averaging 9.2 points and 3.7 assists in just over 20 minutes of burn per game.

Heading into next season, he is likely battling Jose Calderon for the starting point guard position, and there is a good chance he may win it. He is extremely athletic and adept at creating his own shot. His ball handling skills are excellent, especially when navigating his way through traffic.

Bayless does need to become more prone to having a pass first mentality, but given more minutes he should be able to adjust to that.

Bayless' fourth year is poised to be a career season. One that may even have Calderon asking for a trade.

Utah Jazz: Al Jefferson

Al Jefferson had a spectacular season for the Utah Jazz last year, averaging 18.6 points, 9.7 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game, and with Deron Williams out of town and Andrei Kirilenko not exactly far behind him, he becomes the unquestioned go-to guy.

Jefferson has great hands and decent mobility for his size. His low-post skills are above average and his conditioning is the best it has ever been. 

Additionally, Jefferson is also a borderline double-digit rebounding machine, and his defense has improved over the years to the point where the he has become an effective shot-blocker.

The Jazz are entering a rebuilding stage, but Jefferson is at the top of his game, and with increased responsibility as the unquestioned franchise player, he is sure to shine out in Utah.

Jefferson was impressive last season, but he is set to do even more damage in the low-post next season.

Washington Wizards: JaVale McGee

John Wall seemed to make everyone around him better last season, including JaVale McGee, but next season he is set to take his game to a whole other level, and without a doubt have the best year of his career.

Last season, McGee averaged 10.1 points, eight rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game. He has sick hops for an athlete his size and he proved to be a defensive stalwart at times. He is also a very capable low-post scorer and rebounder. His play needs to become more consistent, but he's only 23 and should be able to improve upon that.

With the emergence of Nick Young and Andray Blatche, in addition to John Wall, as the Washington Wizards' primary offensive weapons, McGee is set to become a benefactor of split focus. Opposing defenses are going to allow him more whittle room down low because they will be so concerned with Blatche. Look for his offensive numbers to skyrocket.

Additionally, expect him to improve his defense further. His great leaping ability makes him a premiere shot-blocker, and his above average athleticism allows him guard even the most physical of big men.

Yes, McGee is coming off a promising season, but this time next year it will seem like nothing compared to what he will have accomplished.

You can follow Dan Favale on Twitter here @DannyFavs2033.