Every year there’s a collection of NBA players who break out onto the scene. This happens for a variety of reasons – from improving through offseason workouts to changes of scenery and more. Check out the list of five NBA players ready to break out in the 2021-22 season.
Five NBA Players Ready to Break Out This Season
More Playing Time, Better Results
Desmond Bane enjoyed a strong rookie campaign for the Memphis Grizzlies last season, averaging nine points and three rebounds per game. His best trait, however, is three-point shooting. Last season he shot over 43 percent from deep, already thrusting him into the top echelons of shooters in the league. Throw in his ability to handle the ball and charge at the basket, and Bane can become a legitimate offensive threat. The Grizzlies traded Grayson Allen, meaning Bane should see plenty of minutes of the bench at the two and three spots.
Terance Mann looked fantastic in the playoffs for the Los Angeles Clippers, earning minutes after the Kawhi Leonard injury. Leonard looks set to miss the majority of this season. This, of course, means Mann will see plenty of minutes. His high energy will be welcomed in every game for the Clippers, and he should also see a decent number of starts. Mann will make a name for himself in the league this season.
Darius Bazley is another contender to watch. He averaged over 13 points and seven boards for the Oklahoma City Thunder last season and should see more minutes this year as they continue to develop their younger players. Bazley has incredible bounce, which allows him to thrive on both sides of the floor. The Thunder may not be good, but Bazley will create must-watch television every time he’s on the floor.
New Roles for NBA Players
Monte Morris played well and earned himself a new contract as a bench option with the Denver Nuggets. When Jamal Murray went down with an injury, Morris stepped in as a starter and continued to do well. Murray will miss a bulk of this season, so Morris will continue to start. Already regarded as one of the better point guard options on the bench in the league, Morris will prove this season that he can be a reliable starter. Denver can’t always expect MVP Nikola Jokic to do anything and everything, so other players will have to step up. Morris is a solid shooter and great ball handler with top vision, and he should find himself in the Most Improved Player award conversation this season.
Another player who will linger in the Most Improved Player conversation is Gary Trent Jr. He immediately began playing very well once he was traded to the Toronto Raptors from the Portland Trail Blazers, mostly due to a new role. With Kyle Lowry out of Toronto, it looks like the starting two position next to Fred VanVleet belongs to Trent Jr. After averaging 15 points per game last season, and shooting well from deep while playing strong perimeter defense, Trent Jr. will become one of the top “three-and-d” stars in the league. There’s also a legitimate chance he can increase his scoring over to around 20 points per game.
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