7 Players Poised for Breakout 2023-2024 Season

With the NBA season only a few days away, it’s that time of the year where analyst makes their predictions for the upcoming season. There is always excitement about seeing a young star or an unexpected star who breaks out onto the scene. Everyone who plays basketball and are in the NBA waits for their opportunity to have their defining moment. Here are five young players who I believe could have a breakout season.

Cade Cunningham, Guard, Detroit Pistons:

Every year, we see a young on-ball offensive guard/wing ascend into an All-Star caliber guard or into stardom. We typically see young stars take that kind of leap from Year 2 to Year 3. Last year, it was Anthony Edwards. The year before that, it was Ja Morant. And the year before that, it was Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. This year, it could very well be Cade Cunningham. A lot of people forgot this but Cade missed almost the entire season due to injury (he played only 12 games). Cade Cunningham was the unquestionable No.1 overall pick in a draft that included (Evan Mobley, Jalen Green, Scottie Barnes, and Franz Wagner). Through the first two seasons, Cade has averaged 17.8 points, 5.6 assists, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.2 steals a game. He also has a brand-new head coach in Monty Williams, who has a good track record of helping groom young talent throughout his coaching career in (Chris Paul in his New Orleans days, Devin Booker, Mikal Bridges, and etc). As long as Cade stays healthy, all indications is trending upwards for Cade Cunningham.

Jordan Poole, Guard, Washington Wizards:

Before Utah, Lauri Markkanen had a roller coaster start to his NBA career. Lauri Markkanen struggled during his time in Chicago. From there, he found some success in his lone season with Cleveland, but it wasn’t until he arrived in Utah that he really came into his own. Although, they play different positions, Jordan Poole situation is very similar to where Lauri Markkanen was last year. His first four seasons are the definition of highs and lows. Filled with highs (looking like the next one up for Golden State dynasty and lows (being benched during last years playoffs + being shipped off to Washington). Jordan Poole is an intriguing young player. He’s had some huge flashes as a dynamic scorer (Golden State 2022 Championship run). Now, he’s got the opportunity to show what he can truly do. A lot of people are down on him, however, keep this in mind, in the 43 games that he started for Golden State last year, Jordan Poole averaged 24.6 points, 4.6 assists, 3.1 rebounds per game on 57.8 true-shooting percentage from the field.

Jalen Johnson, Forward, Atlanta Hawks:

Coming into the NBA, Jalen Johnson was a very talented prospect, but a raw athletic forward. Due to the departure of John Collins, I believe Jalen Johnson will be the one to benefit the most from John Collins being traded. Jalen Johnson was a post-lottery first round pick, who didn’t have eye-popping numbers during his rookie season and sophomore seasons. Jalen Johnson averaged (2.4 PPG in 5.5 MPG) during his rookie and during his sophomore season, he averaged (5.6 PPG in 14.9 MPG). Jalen Johnson will benefit a lot and is a great fit next to Trae Young and Dejounte Murray. His athleticism and ability to run the court and finish at the rim fits well with Quin Snyder’s system. He can also attack close outs. His athleticism stands out. He has sneaky two-way potential. He has good size (6'9 with a 7' wingspan). He will see an huge increase in minutes under Quin Snyder and is primed for a breakout season for Atlanta.

Mark Williams, Center, Charlotte Hornets:

Mark Williams had a solid rookie campaign last season, putting up 9 points, 7.1 rebounds, and a block a game in only (19.3 MPG). I see a lot of similarities between Mark Williams and Nic Claxton. Heading into last season, Nic Claxton was a raw big man with a lot of defensive upside. And Nic Claxton transformed into one of the best defenders in the league. I believe Mark Williams is on a similar trajectory. Mark Williams is an athletic 7'footer with a 7'7 wingspan, who can really move his feet and can be a defensive anchor. Charlotte was a much better defensive team when Mark Williams was on the court, especially post All-Star break as Charlotte had a top ten defensive rating. Now, he’s coming into the year with a healthy team and a new coach in Steve Clifford, who is known as a defensive minded coach. On top of that, Mark Williams will get to play more with LaMelo Ball who will make the game a lot easier for him and will create an ample amount of lobs, easy baskets and dunks.

Devin Vassell, Guard/Wing, San Antonio Spurs:

Victor Wembanyama is getting majority of the attention in San Antonio. However; the player that I believe will benefit the most playing with Victor Wembanyama is Devin Vassell. Fresh off of a five-year, $146 million contract extension. This extension shows their level of commitment and how good the Spurs believe Vassell is/will be. Since his arrival, he has flown under the radar due to San Antonio being in rebuild mode. Devin Vassell is one of the few players on the Spurs who can create his own shot and is also an underrated two-way player. Devin Vassell has quietly improved offensively each year. Last season, he put up 18.5 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.1 steals, in 39 games. Given his elite shooting (39% from 3 on 7 attempts per game), his ability to handle the ball and create his own shot, along with his defensive upside. Also, factor him playing with a young and talented Spurs team. I expected him to become a lot more known after this season.

Jalen Williams, Guard/Wing, Oklahoma City Thunder:

Jalen Williams was better than anyone could have expected during his rookie season. He was one of the most efficient rookies in recent memory and a major draft steal (going 12th to the Oklahoma City Thunder). Jalen Williams would end up finishing second in Rookie of the Year voting. After the All-Star break is when Jalen Williams really began to take off. He was consistent and was OKC second best player behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, which helped propel the Thunder to a surprising Play-In tournament appearance. Jalen Williams averaged 14.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game while shooting 52.1 percent from the field. Williams screams versatility as he is 6’6 with a 7’2 wingspan. His strength and length helps him defend multiple positions. He has also shown he has the ability to run the offense and operate as a playmaker/ball-handler when needed. Which allows him to play multiple positions on offense. OKC has one of the most exciting young cores consisting of Jalen Williams, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, Josh Giddey, Luguentz Dort, Cason Wallace, and Ousmane Dieng. Jalen Williams has all of the physical traits and attributes of a star and to me, it’s not a matter of if he breaks out, it’s a matter of when, and it could happen as soon as this season.

Franz Wagner, Wing/Forward, Orlando Magic:

If theres something that defines Franz Wagner up to this point in his young NBA career, it is consistency and dependability. Last season, he averaged 18.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1 steal in 80 games. Franz Wagner has been very efficient his first two seasons in the NBA. His consistent play and constant progression since entering the NBA have made him not only a perennial starter for a young and talented Orlando Magic team but a young player with star potential. Franz is coming off of a phenomenal summer, in which, he won gold at the FIBA World Cup. Even though, he still in the beginning of his career, Wagner has proven to be very versatile and a well-rounded player. In his first two seasons with the Magic, he has filled in at multiple positions, including being the team’s primary ball handler. Defensively he can guard multiple positions (1 through 4) and he continues to improve on the defensive end. The future is bright and Orlando has one of the best young duos in the league in Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero. I believe Franz Wagner is in a prime position to breakout this upcoming season.