Predicting every NBA team's breakout player for 2024-25 season
By Dalton Sell
Chicago Bulls - Matas Buzelis
The Chicago Bulls have high hopes for Matas Buzelis, the 20-year-old they selected 11th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft. With Alex Caruso and DeMar DeRozan gone, the Bulls are clearly embracing a youth movement, and Buzelis' development will be essential in that. Though he had a difficult time in the preseason, he unquestionably has plenty of potential in tow.
The youngster will certainly play prominent minutes from day one, and one factor that should help his growth is playing next to two pass-first guards in Josh Giddey and Lonzo Ball. These two can set him up consistently on offense, helping him find his footing and get baskets often. The rookie forward is in a solid situation, and the franchise is banking on his development.
Cleveland Cavaliers - Craig Porter Jr.
As an undrafted rookie last season, Craig Porter Jr. went from a two-way player to standard contract rotational piece for the Cavaliers. Porter didn't put up the flashiest numbers, averaging 5.6 points and 2.3 assists per game, but the potential was there. In year two, he should see an increase in minutes, which could fuel a breakout campaign.
Porter can provide the Cavaliers solid minutes at the backup point guard spot behind Darius Garland. At 24 years old, he is more polished and experienced than many of the other players on this list, so he may be ready for the added responsibility. If he does indeed improve his game in all facets, Cleveland will have a hidden gem on their hands in the form of the undrafted point guard.