As we sadly start to look ahead to next season, now is a great time to look at some potential breakout stars:
Collin Sexton
Before we saw the season come to a close, Cleveland Cavaliers’ Guard Collin Sexton went on a tear averaging 30 points in his last 5 games.
Four out of those five teams that the Cavs played were against competitive teams.
Even though this might be because the Cavs are not good and Sexton is a top player, the “Young Bull” has continued to prove he can be a top option.
In order for Sexton to reach stardom however, his passing game has to be improved as he is only averaging about 3 assists a game.
Overall. Sexton has the tools to breakout and with the Cavs most likely getting a top pick in the draft, Cleveland may be good enough to return to the playoffs.
Jaren Jackson Jr
The Memphis Grizzlies were in prime position to make the playoffs this year.
Most of that is credited to star rookie Ja Morant coming in and being a force to reckoned with. Although, big man Jaren Jackson Jr. was the second best player on this roster, and a huge impact.
“Triple J” averaged close to 17 points, five rebounds, two blocks and a steal a game.
For a player in their second season, that is very impressive especially on the defensive side of the ball. Jackson’s game is very similar to Pascal Siakam and Draymond Green which is extremely valuable in today’s NBA.
If Jackson can improve on the boards and the passing game, Jackson and the Grizzlies can be scary.
Mitchell Robinson
Known for his spectacular defense, Robinson averaged over two blocks a game with seven total rebounds a night.
With the Knicks in the lottery again and this draft having a surplus of point guards (Lamelo Ball, Cole Anthony, Tyrese Haliburton, etc.) Robinson’ scoring is bound to increase from nine points a game, with a player that is a play maker.
For the future, Robinson should be the Knicks’s defensive anchor and should be surrounded with shooters and play makers.
De’Aaron Fox
Despite a tough season for Fox and his Kings thus far, in which they had positive playoff hopes, I still have faith that Fox can bounce back in a big way next season.
Fox will have Power Forward Marvin Bagley III back from injury, which will be huge for his quest to impress.
When Fox rises to stardom next season, remember where you heard it from first!
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Honorable Mentions: Coby White, Dejounte Murray, Wendell Carter Jr, and Kevin Huerter.
