Breakout Players from Each Team: Pacific Division
The NBA season has arrived. Tip-off is just hours away at TD Garden where the reigning champion Boston Celtics host the New York Knicks. Before the action starts, you must be on the lookout for new star faces to arrive in the 2024-25 season. Here is a list of potential bloomers to be on the lookout for this NBA season in the Pacific Division.
Golden State Warriors: Jonathan Kuminga
If the Warriors want to be relevant in the playoffs once again, they need Jonathan Kuminga to be a star. Steph Curry remains at the top of his game as we saw in this year’s Olympics, but he cannot carry this Warriors roster to another title by himself. Kuminga was a high-profile prospect who has shown flashes of dominant athleticism. Kuminga is playing for a contract extension this offseason and has high hopes for himself, comparing his trajectory to the likes of Kawhi Leonard and Pascal Siakam, according to Shams. To reach that caliber, Kuminga needs to reach new heights now.
Los Angeles Clippers: Kevin Porter Jr.
There’s some serious concern with Kevin Porter Jr.’s legal troubles that could prevent him from making any difference this year, but he is currently reinstated in the NBA after missing last season. This is a young player who is incredibly talented at scoring and playmaking. He has increased his scoring every year while averaging around six assists in his time with the Rockets. With Kawhi Leonard already out indefinitely, this Clippers team is incredibly desperate and needs someone to make an offensive impact. As long as he gets the chance, Porter Jr. could’ve found his perfect opportunity to bounce back.
Los Angeles Lakers: Dalton Knecht
It’s hard to choose a rookie to be a breakout candidate, especially in a weaker 2024 class. However, the Lakers drafted Dalton Knecht to make an immediate impact. He is already a 23-year-old proven scorer that showed out in the preseason. Knecht averaged 18 points per game on 43.6% from the field, and capped off the preseason with a 35-point performance, scoring 20 consecutive points in the fourth quarter and overtime to lead the Lakers to a win. Being the highest-scoring rookie in the preseason, Knecht is ready to step into a major role off the bench and be an offensive weapon playing with LeBron James and company.
Phoenix Suns: Tyus Jones
Tyus Jones is already 28 years old, so do not expect him to be the newest star in the making. The Suns have a roster that lacks depth, but the offseason acquisition of Jones could be huge. Phoenix finally has a true point guard and one that has leveled up his game every year. Jones scored 12 points per game on 41.4% from three-point land, all while averaging 7.3 assists per contest. Now surrounded by Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal, Jones is the distributor for the most talent he has ever had and should get some clean looks from deep range each game.
Sacramento Kings: Keegan Murray
With the addition of DeMar DeRozan in the offseason, this Kings lineup is full of established players. Keegan Murray is the answer for the Kings if they want to be legitimate contenders. Murray is one of the league’s most efficient three-point shooters and should be much more set up with the talent around him. He was also one of the most underrated defenders last season, priming himself to become one of the league’s top two-way wings.
