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

Dallas Mavericks - Quentin Grimes

Not only did the Dallas Mavericks shed Tim Hardaway Jr.'s contract in a trade with the Detroit Pistons earlier this offseason, but they also got Quentin Grimes in return. Though he's coming off a down year due to injury, Grimes has the potential to be a perfect fit in this Dallas rotation if the 24-year-old is back to full strength entering the season.

Grimes is known for his sweet shooting and defense. For his career, he has averaged 8.5 points while hitting 37.1 percent of his triples. On a Dallas team with superstar talent like Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, who are also excellent facilitators, Grimes should thrive as a shooter due to the open looks. If he can hit those while playing defense, his importance will know no bounds for the Mavericks.

Denver Nuggets - Christian Braun

Throughout his first two seasons, Christian Braun has already shown he can help a contender, as he was on that title-winning Nuggets team in 2023. Yet, his importance shot through the roof when the Nuggets lost Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to the Orlando Magic in free agency. With that key cog gone, Braun will be the primary player asked to step up in his place.

Braun has all of the makings to be a do-it-all player. He can shoot, score, facilitate and defend well. Last season, in his second year, he took a leap in all of these categories, but entering year three, he needs to take another one for the Nuggets. If Braun can fill KCP's shoes, not only would it help the Nuggets contend this season, but it could extend their title window for years to come.