Some NBA breakouts are easier to see coming than others. Tyrese Maxey was last season’s Most Improved Player, an award that seemed likely from the moment the Philadelphia 76ers’ relationship with James Harden crumbled. In contrast, second-place finisher Coby White came out of nowhere.
As we look ahead to 2024-25, we’ll try to isolate the next crop of young players looking to follow in Maxey’s and White’s footsteps.
Talent and past production are key factors in our guesses, but opportunity is also critical. Many of the guys we’ll feature are in specific situations that should allow them to thrive.
From the obvious hits (did you really think we’d write up potential breakouts without including Victor Wembanyama?) to the deeper cuts, all of these candidates are positioned to level up.
