Breakout Player from Each Team: Southeast Division
The NBA season is just one weekend away, as preseason basketball winds down and regular season tip-off starts a new year. October 22nd marks the season opener, as the New York Knicks visit the reigning champion Boston Celtics. 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 Southeast Division.
Atlanta Hawks: Jalen Johnson
In year three, Jalen Johnson already took a massive leap, averaging 16.0 ppg, 8.7 rpg, and 3.6 apg. He shot at a fairly efficient clip, improving his three-point ball and making over 50% of his shots from the floor. Johnson did not get enough recognition from last season, as injuries interfered with a complete output. With Dejounte Murray leaving this offseason, Johnson can step into a much bigger responsibility, being the number two option to Trae Young.
Miami Heat: Nikola Jovic
The Miami Heat did not add a big name this offseason, so they need one of their young stars to blossom. Nikola Jovic is the perfect candidate. He started most games he played last year, and figures to be back in that same role next to Bam Adebayo. Jovic brings more size to the table for Miami and is the perfect player to stretch the floor for this roster. He shot about 40% from three-point range, while also grabbing rebounds and showing some playmaking in the limited amount of minutes he played. If injuries do not get to him this season, the Heat will look for Jovic to be a major contributor to their next push for a championship.
Charlotte Hornets: Brandon Miller
This one is not a big shocker. Brandon Miller already showed flashes of greatness in his rookie season, but now with one year under his belt, it’s time to show he’s an up-and-coming superstar. Miller got slightly overshadowed by the Rookie of the Year race between Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren. He also played on an extremely poor Hornets team that did not have LaMelo Ball playing alongside him for most of the year. If this Hornets roster can stay healthy, Miller should be in store to lead the way and perhaps make a playoff appearance as Charlotte’s future.
Orlando Magic: Anthony Black
The Orlando Magic already shocked the NBA world by finishing in the top five of the Eastern Conference standings. If this team wants to take it to the next level, they will need Anthony Black to step up in a big way. Black was the number six overall selection in the 2023 NBA Draft and now it’s time to prove the Magic drafted a player of that caliber. The Magic are in need of another ball-handler and are eager to expand Black’s role to fit that necessity. After a rookie year where he did not get much usage, Black needs to answer that call.
Washington Wizards: Bilal Coulibaly
It’s not a secret that the Wizards are stuck in a deep rebuild. They have traded for young players and have had high picks in the last several drafts. Bilal Coulibaly is someone that the franchise traded for on draft night of the 2023 NBA Draft and must be one of those key building blocks for Washington. Immediately in his rookie year, he was asked to guard the other team’s best perimeter player and proved he was one of the best defenders in the class. Towards the end of the season, we saw a leap on the offensive side. Coulibaly continued his progression by playing for the France National Team in this year’s Olympic games. As a tall, long guard, Coulibaly possesses the tools to be a terrific two-way guard.
