Here are five breakout players you might be paying close attention to during this upcoming NBA season:
Amen Thompson is poised to make a leap in his 22-year-old career with Houston Rockets. He was already making an impact last season, earning All-Defensive Team honors and participating in the Rising Stars game. With Kevin Durant's addition and Jalen Green's departure, Thompson is set for increased playmaking responsibility. The question now is whether he can maintain this level of performance.
Boston Celtics point guard Malcolm Pritchard is another player with a clear path to stardom. After an impressive season last year where he won the Sixth Man Award, Boston made several moves to bolster its offense without Jayson Tatum. With lower expectations comes more opportunity for Pritchard to excel in this new-look group.
The 21-year-old Jalen Duren has been quietly making a name for himself as one of Detroit's top players. He started all 78 games last season, shot a career-best 69.2% from the field and averaged a double-double for the second straight year. His growth in efficiency and playmaking ability have raised eyebrows.
Denver Nuggets forward Cameron Johnson made significant strides in his first season with Brooklyn, achieving career highs in points, field goal percentage, and assists. As he moves to Denver to replace Michael Porter Jr., Johnson is expected to provide a unique skillset that could benefit from playing alongside Nikola Jokic.
Pacers point guard Dalano Nembhard will be given the keys to the offense after Tyrese Haliburton's Achilles tear. With realistic expectations, Indiana will need to find ways to source offense from its roster without the team leader. The main beneficiary of this shift is Nembhard, who needs to improve his 3-point shooting to maintain production.
Note that these players have various challenges ahead and their success depends on a variety of circumstances. Nevertheless, based on the current situation, they stand out as breakout candidates for the upcoming NBA season.
Amen Thompson is poised to make a leap in his 22-year-old career with Houston Rockets. He was already making an impact last season, earning All-Defensive Team honors and participating in the Rising Stars game. With Kevin Durant's addition and Jalen Green's departure, Thompson is set for increased playmaking responsibility. The question now is whether he can maintain this level of performance.
Boston Celtics point guard Malcolm Pritchard is another player with a clear path to stardom. After an impressive season last year where he won the Sixth Man Award, Boston made several moves to bolster its offense without Jayson Tatum. With lower expectations comes more opportunity for Pritchard to excel in this new-look group.
The 21-year-old Jalen Duren has been quietly making a name for himself as one of Detroit's top players. He started all 78 games last season, shot a career-best 69.2% from the field and averaged a double-double for the second straight year. His growth in efficiency and playmaking ability have raised eyebrows.
Denver Nuggets forward Cameron Johnson made significant strides in his first season with Brooklyn, achieving career highs in points, field goal percentage, and assists. As he moves to Denver to replace Michael Porter Jr., Johnson is expected to provide a unique skillset that could benefit from playing alongside Nikola Jokic.
Pacers point guard Dalano Nembhard will be given the keys to the offense after Tyrese Haliburton's Achilles tear. With realistic expectations, Indiana will need to find ways to source offense from its roster without the team leader. The main beneficiary of this shift is Nembhard, who needs to improve his 3-point shooting to maintain production.
Note that these players have various challenges ahead and their success depends on a variety of circumstances. Nevertheless, based on the current situation, they stand out as breakout candidates for the upcoming NBA season.
. 78 games started in a row is crazy! But what's up with his name? Is that short for something or just weird? 
Anyway, back to him, his stats are impressive, but can he keep it up? And how's the pressure gonna affect him? 
These breakout players sound super interesting, especially Amen Thompson, I've been watching him play and he's got some sick moves 
. But, you know what's even more intriguing? The fact that these guys are gonna have to adapt to different team dynamics and expectations 
. Like, can Amen handle the added pressure of playing alongside KD? 
Anyway, I'm definitely keeping an eye on these guys, especially Jalen Duren and Cameron Johnson 
. Can't wait for the season to start! 
Amen Thompson is my dude, he's got game and I love how Houston Rockets bolstered their team to make him shine even brighter 
. Boston Celtics' Malcolm Pritchard is another one, gotta keep an eye on that 21-year-old Jalen Duren, kid's got skills 
. Pacers point guard Dalano Nembhard might need some work on his 3-ball, but I trust him to step up 
. Can't miss these breakout players this season!
...but i'm here for it, bring on the breakout season!
. I mean, he's already good at defense, but offense? That's a whole different ball game. And with Durant coming in and all, it's like throwing a rookie into the fire 
, Johnson's gotta keep that form up on the big stage 
, and Nembhard's just trying not to crumble under pressure 
The Celtics' new-look group might be interesting, but Malcolm Pritchard's gotta prove himself first. I'm not sold on Jalen Duren yet, he's still got some growing up to do 
. And Cameron Johnson's "unique skillset" just sounds like code for "we're stuck with a guy who can't shoot". 
! And have you seen Cameron Johnson's stats from last season? 
. The kid's on fire and I'm loving his playmaking skills! Malcolm Pritchard is another one to watch out for in Boston - that 6th man award last year was no fluke 
! And Dalano Nembhard, I feel you, Pacers fans! He's got this! Just gotta work on those 3s 
Can't wait for the season to start and see these talented individuals make their mark 
! Thompson's going to be like a point guard superhero with Durant around, might struggle to keep up 
. Pritchard's got this, I mean, who wouldn't want to play second fiddle to Jayson Tatum? 
. Nembhard's got the keys now, hope he doesn't get lost in traffic 
. Anyways, these guys are gonna make some noise this season, NBA on