Predicting every NBA team's breakout player for 2024-25 season
By Dalton Sell
OKC Thunder - Cason Wallace
An All-Rookie selection in 2023-24, Cason Wallace showed plenty of potential for the OKC Thunder in his first season. With a strong motor defensively and an impressive 3-point stroke, Wallace, the tenth pick last year, has all of the makings to be the next great find for the Thunder as they aim to solidify their status as championship contenders.
Wallace will be tasked with further strengthening OKC's perimeter defense and growing on that side of the court. Learning from two of the best perimeter defenders out there in Lu Dort and Alex Caruso, Wallace finds himself in a situation most sophomores can only dream of. If he can take strides on the defensive end while also shooting above 40 percent from deep, he will be a vital rotational piece.
Orlando Magic - Anthony Black
After being selected sixth overall by the Orlando Magic last season, there were high expectations for guard Anthony Black. His role fluctuated night in and night out, having averaged just 4.6 points and 1.3 assists in 16.9 minutes. Still, there were plenty of potential-filled showings sprinkled throughout, and the 20-year-old could unearth some of that potential this coming season.
With fellow guard Markelle Fultz now gone, the door has opened for Black to see more minutes in the backcourt, which could fuel a breakout year. Last season, it felt like Black wasn't featured in the Magic offense as much as he could have been. This season, with the ball likely to be in his hands more, he could take that next step as a player.