Top 2021-22 breakout candidate for each NBA team
Excitement awaits for another NBA season as the 2021-22 campaign stands on the horizon. While opening night is scheduled to take shape on Tuesday, October 19th, teams are beginning to finalize rosters, maximize chemistry, structure rotations, and make final preparations.
There’s already been a boatload of drama this offseason, headlined by the Ben Simmons saga, Kyrie Irving’s controversial actions, and the implemented COVID-19 vaccine mandates, but the league year is just getting started. Wait until the season officially starts, when teams begin newfound journeys, buzzer-beaters resurface, superstars return to superstardom, and new stars emerge.
Each year, there are always non-rookies that take a massive leap from the previous year to the next. Whether it’s making the jump to superstardom, All-Star status, or a consistent rotational role, we have seen it take place within each NBA roster every year. Before it all comes to fruition, it’s time to take a look at the top breakout candidates for each team this season.
As the 2021-22 NBA season looms closer to tip-off, we take a look at the top candidates that are poised to breakout for each team.
Eastern Conference
Atlanta Hawks: Cam Reddish
For the Atlanta Hawks, 22-year-old wing Cam Reddish is a breakout candidate to keep an eye on. He’s healthy, hungry, and expected to inherit a larger role for this Hawks squad that’s coming off a trip to the Eastern Conference Finals. Reddish was a bright spot at times throughout the last postseason, so there’s certainly optimism for the former Duke star to take a big leap and develop his skillset while efficiently contributing on a consistent basis. There’s a reason why the 2019 NBA draft class voted Cam Reddish as the most likely to have the best career out of the class.
Boston Celtics: Robert Williams III
The Boston Celtics are looking to bounce back this season with a reshaped roster after failing to meet expectations last year, and Robert Williams III will emerge as a major determinant toward their success. The 23-year-old versatile center has loads of preseason hype around his pending impact, and it’ll be intriguing to see what first-year head coach Ime Udoka can unlock out of him. Williams seems primed to earn a more prominent role.
Brooklyn Nets: Nicolas Claxton
Nicolas Claxton has shown glimpses of his true potential before and depending on his amount of playing time this season, there’s a strong chance that the growing center could make his way into the constant rotation of the Brooklyn Nets and effectively contribute. The 22-year-old has a promising skill set, especially on the defensive end, that can take his game to the next level.
Charlotte Hornets: Miles Bridges
The Charlotte Hornets will be an exciting team to watch this season, and athletic wing Miles Bridges will be one of the main reasons why. While paired with other young studs such as LaMelo Ball, Bridges should be able to maximize his all-around skill set. He’ll be poised to prove that he’s not just a highlight-reel dunker by uplifting his defensive prowess, flashy passing, and overall shooting to complement his incredible athleticism.
Chicago Bulls: Lonzo Ball
After signing with the Chicago Bulls this offseason, Lonzo Ball seems destined to take off right away in his new environment. With the exciting squad that Chicago has assembled, it should be the perfect situation for him to thrive as the true point guard and primary ball-handler. There are a few other potential breakout candidates for the Bulls that include 2020 fourth overall pick Patrick Williams and fellow newcomer Alex Caruso, but Lonzo should take the largest jump given his role and complementary abilities in the windy city.