Cole Aldrich selected as potential breakout player for Thunder

On a list of potential surprise players headed by Anthony Davis, The Sporting News says that Oklahoma City Thunder center Cole Aldrich might turn some heads this coming NBA season. The Kansas product is entering his third season.

Sean Deveney of The Sporting News says that Aldrich has "shown that he can rebound and sets good screens" during this preseason. Deveney also cites Aldrich averaging 1.6 blocks per game as evidence he can capably defend the rim despite below-average agility. Aldrich posted a 6.7 percent block rate in limited action for the Thunder in 2011-2012, a number that would have ranked only behind teammate Serge Ibaka's ridiculous 9.8 percent rate, if Aldrich had played enough minutes on the year.

Talk that Kendrick Perkins' heavy contract and below-standard play might have the Thunder using their 'amnesty' on the former Celtics center should have Thunder fans hoping Aldrich takes some positive steps forward in 2012-13.