Breakout Players for Each Team: Southwest Division
The NBA season is upon us. Tip is just hours away at TD Garden where the reigning champion Boston Celtics host the New York Knicks. Before it officially starts, it’s time to predict what faces will take the next leap in their NBA career and step into a larger role. Here are the breakout candidates in the Southwest Division.
Memphis Grizzlies: Vince Williams Jr.
Vince Williams Jr. was one of the few bright spots for this Memphis squad last year with all the injuries they dealt with. He emerged from out of nowhere, after being a second-round selection in 2022. In his time last year on a Grizzlies team that did not have much hope, Williams averaged double digits, grabbed 5.4 rebounds per game, and had 3.4 assists per game, all while impressing on the defensive end. The Grizzlies are back to the playoffs and beyond ambitions with Ja Morant back to health. Williams is currently injured to start the year but could be a major piece in the frontcourt moving forward.
Dallas Mavericks: Dereck Lively II
We saw what Dereck Lively II could bring to the table in the Mavericks championship run last season. The Duke product was outstanding at rim protecting, while being one of the most dangerous lob threats pairing with Luka Doncic. Lively’s only drawback was his amount of minutes, splitting time with Daniel Gafford. If the Mavericks trust the youngster and give him more opportunities, Lively could be in store for a huge season.
New Orleans Pelicans: Trey Murphy III
Trey Murphy III’s breakout has been stalled by opportunity. He simply has not gotten enough of it to fully emerge. With Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson in front of him for the past several years, Murphy has been a limited contributor. However, he has a ton of tools to be great. He is an efficient shooter with length to guard wings and has shown it at a high caliber whenever he filled in for an injured Williamson or Ingram. Now with the Pelicans extending him and talking about moving Ingram, there is clear hope for a breakout sooner rather than later for Murphy.
Houston Rockets: Jabari Smith Jr.
The Rockers are filled with massive amounts of potential and it will be interesting to see how the minute splits pan out. Jabari Smith Jr. is one of those young players with loads of potential. He is a big forward who can shoot the ball from deep and is still only 21 years old. There is a ton of time for him to continue to develop, but year three should see a major jump after a promising year two.
San Antonio Spurs: Devin Vassell
Victor Wembanyama obviously draws all the attention when it comes to this Spurs roster. The veteran additions of Chris Paul and Harrison Barnes should not only help Wembanyama but also a playmaking wing like Devin Vassell. He thrives in his three-and-D role, and now with more talent on the roster can see a much better opportunity. The Spurs will need a young guard to blossom for the future to pair with Wembanyama, and Vassell has the tools to do so.
