Predicting every NBA team's breakout player for 2024-25 season

New Orleans Pelicans - Jordan Hawkins

Another young player who seized the moment in the preseason was Jordan Hawkins. In three games, the sophomore averaged 16.3 points while hitting 42.9 percent from deep on 4.7 tries per matchup. The 22-year-old showed tremendous growth, albeit via a small sample size, and coach Willie Green has already confirmed that the youngster will be in his nightly rotation.

With fellow forward Trey Murphy III battling a nagging hamstring injury, Hawkins may see extended time for the New Orleans Pelicans, giving him an opportunity to prove himself. With outside shooting being one of his best attributes, Hawkins should fit right in with this Pelicans group, spacing the floor for the star quartet of Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, CJ McCollum and Dejounte Murray.

New York Knicks - Miles McBride

Many would argue that Miles McBride already had his coming out party last season, as he saw a large role for the New York Knicks and became a key rotational piece for Tom Thibodeau. While true, there is still plenty of room for the recently-turned 24-year-old to grow, and in the event that he sees even more responsibility this season, he could develop even further.

McBride made the most of his minutes last night as a high-energy guard. Whenever he came in, he played energetic defense while shooting the long ball extremely well. With Donte DiVincenzo now in Minnesota, McBride could take over his role in the backcourt. While they have star power up top after trades for Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns, McBride's growth still matters for the Knicks.