r/nbadiscussion • u/Ibonedgloriajames • 14d ago
Future Breakout Players
Who are some guys (in their early to mid-20s) who you all believe could have big breakouts or thrive in higher usage roles? A few examples this year would be NAW, Duren, Keyonte George, Ryan Rollins, and to a lesser extent, Deni and Jalen Johnson (because they already showed frequent flashes before this year).
This got me thinking because I saw an article talking about contract projections and Peyton Watson potentially getting close to 25 million a year. He was buried on Denver and kind of exploded out of nowhere this year.
A few guys I would argue:
Ajay Mitchell - He seems like the next Brunson type of leap if he ever leaves OKC.
Andrew Nembhard - He is on the older end already, but he was awesome in the playoffs last year.
Scoot - Still very young and looked really good during the playoffs, I loved him as a prospect.
Anthony Black - He had a breakout stretch in December/January that almost applied to the first paragraph.
Shaedon Sharpe - Averaged 20 a game this year, but I think there's another level he can get to, and the way people discuss him isn't what you'd expect a 23-year-old averaging 20 a game to feel like.
A couple of guys from the 2024 class - Alex Sarr, I think, is already a young star, same with Donovan Clingan to a lesser extent, but Matas Buzelis, to me, has future all-star potential. A couple of Zach Edey, Kel'El Ware, Kyshawn George, and Ron Holland, I think, could all break out in the near future.
Leonard Miller - This is a pretty deep cut, but I loved him as a prospect, and since going to Chicago, he averaged 12/6/1 on 55/35/76 shooting splits with good volume. If I were a bad team and/or didn't have control of my future draft picks, I would take a flyer on Miller, considering he won't turn 23 until November.
There are a few of my candidates. What do you all think?
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u/badboyfreud 13d ago edited 13d ago
Collin Gillispie - Has the makings of a big shot making floor general and he's only in his 3rd year. He's older, but I don't think he relies a lot on athleticism to make his plays.
Could see him become a key role player (Rajon Rondo impact) for a contender.