Predicting every NBA team's breakout player for 2024-25 season
By Dalton Sell
Milwaukee Bucks - AJ Green
One of the oldest teams in the league, the Milwaukee Bucks need to incorporate some youth into the rotation this season. A likely candidate for the job is AJ Green, the third-year wing who caught the eye of Doc Rivers last season. Green, an undrafted guard from Northern Iowa, has a unique skill set that could help him fit seamlessly into this rotation.
Green's greatest attribute is his perimeter shooting, having shot 41.2 percent from the outside during his first two seasons. That floor spacing ability could make him a valuable complementary piece in an offense with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, as he can be their kick-out threat from deep. Averaging 4.5 points and 1.2 career rebounds, AJ Green could shatter those numbers this season.
Minnesota Timberwolves - Josh Minott
After playing just 47 games in his first two seasons, Josh Minott came out in the preseason looking like a player who wants to crack the rotation. In five games, he averaged 13 points, five rebounds, 1.4 blocks and 1.2 steals per game while shooting 50 percent from deep. The 21-year-old looked like a legitimate two-way force, which should boost his individual stock mightily.
The loss of Kyle Anderson in free agency is a big one for Minnesota. While they beefed up their depth by adding Joe Ingles, he does not bring the same defensive impact. Although far more inexperienced than Ingles, Minott offers more upside, especially on the defensive side of the ball, so perhaps the youngster could get on the floor for the Minnesota Timberwolves at the forward spot.