Breakout Player from Each Team: Central Division
With the NBA season right around the corner, preseason basketball winds down, and regular season tip-off starts a new year. October 22nd marks the first day when the New York Knicks visit the reigning champion Boston Celtics to break open the season. Before the start, it’s time to look at the breakout talents that could be the difference makers for each team. It can mean something different for every team. A breakout can mean a player that leaps into stardom, someone who will be an X-factor for winning or a young talent that bursts onto the scene. Here is a look at those guys for the Central Division.
Milwaukee Bucks: Gary Trent Jr.
Gary Trent Jr. may not seem like a breakout candidate as he enters his seventh year in the NBA. However, Trent is new to the roster and is still just 25 years old at the start of the season. He could be the Bucks’ difference maker, filling the void for a secondary guard to Damian Lillard. With opposing teams concerned about Giannis Antetokounmpo and Lillard, Trent poses as a shooting threat that knocked down 43% of his catch-and-shoot opportunities last season.
Chicago Bulls- Patrick Williams
As a former top-five pick in 2020, the Bulls could use a breakthrough for Patrick Williams. He’s continued success shooting the long ball and is versatile on the defensive end. The Bulls lack major depth in the frontcourt, which leads to more opportunity for Williams, surrounded by playmakers. With uncertainty about Zach LaVine’s future with the team, the Bulls may turn to developing young talent.
Cleveland Cavaliers- Evan Mobley
Evan Mobley sits at the second-best odds to win the Most Improved Player Award, only behind Victor Wembanyama. In a season where he battled injuries, Mobley took a step up in efficiency and showed a larger repertoire scoring-wise. He is still one of the premiere rim protectors in the league, and if he can unlock new heights on the offensive end, he could be looking at a potential All-Star in the East. With a new coach in Kenny Atkinson, Mobley looks to blossom into a true star if Cleveland wants to be competitors.
Indiana Pacers- Andrew Nembhard
This Pacers team shocked the world when they went to the Eastern Conference Finals and will need someone to step up if they want to be a threat again. With a ton of young guard talent to choose from- Benedict Mathurin, Aaron Nesmith, and Andrew Nembhard, I’ll take the playoff standout in Nembhard. He showcased excellent shooting, elite efficiency, and great playmaking, which makes him a perfect complement to Tyrese Haliburton. If Nembhard can continue that confidence, he operated within the playoffs; the Pacers can make some noise in the East.
Detroit Pistons- Cade Cunningham
Although Cade Cunningham is clearly a fantastic player, he could reach new heights this season. The Pistons changed coaches once again and added veterans such as Tobias Harris to put alongside Cunningham. After being hurt in his second year, Cunningham took a drastic step up in year three. If he is the building block for this Pistons team, it’s time for Cunningham to step into that All-Star status and average over 25 points per game while being a high-level facilitator.
