1 Player Every NBA Team Desperately Needs to Break Out in 2025
The year 2024 gave us breakout performances from players like Jalen Williams, Coby White, Alperen Şengün, Cam Thomas, Payton Pritchard and others—guys who made significant leaps in their games that were much-needed by their respective teams.
Which players will join this list in 2025?
Whether it be in the final portion of this season or looking ahead to the 2025-26 campaign, we're looking at one young player all 30 teams need to experience some sort of a breakout, with a realistic timeline attached.
Atlanta Hawks: G/F Zaccharie Risacher
1 of 30
Age: 19
Season: 1st
The No. 1 overall pick of the 2024 draft is having an OK rookie season, serving as a full-time starter for a now fun Atlanta Hawks team while averaging 10.8 points and 3.4 rebounds in 23.7 minutes.
We weren't expecting big things out of Risacher this year despite his draft position (hello, Harrison Barnes player comp). Simply looking like a good role player for now is fine, especially if the teenager can continue to improve his shot efficiency (28.9 percent from three).
Breakout Timeline: ASAP
If the Hawks want to cement themselves as a playoff team in the East, they'll need Risacher to begin his breakout as soon as possible.
The reality is that we're more likely to see a second-year leap from the 6'8" wing rather than major in-season improvements, especially given his limited offensive role alongside Trae Young, Jalen Johnson, De'Andre Hunter and others.
Boston Celtics: F Jordan Walsh
2 of 30
Age: 20
Season: 2nd
As if winning the 2024 championship wasn't enough, the Boston Celtics have now gotten a breakout season from 26-year-old backup point guard Payton Pritchard (15.7 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 42.5 percent from three).
There's not a lot of young talent on this veteran-heavy roster, although Walsh's playing time has increased now in his second season.
Breakout Timeline: 2025-26
Boston won't need much from the 6'7" forward this year, assuming there aren't any big roster shakeups at the trade deadline.
The Celtics are already projected to be $20 million above the second apron for next season, however. If the team is forced to move a high-priced veteran this summer, Walsh may be needed to play a bigger role off the bench in 2025-26.
Brooklyn Nets: PF Noah Clowney
3 of 30
Age: 20
Season: 2nd
The 21st overall pick of the 2023 draft, Clowney has mostly come off the bench thus far in his young career behind veterans like Cameron Johnson and Dorian Finney-Smith.
Now that the Brooklyn Nets continue to turn vets into draft picks and prioritize the growth of their young core, we could see a big second half of the season coming from Clowney.
Breakout Timeline: Post trade deadline
With Finney-Smith already shipped to the Los Angeles Lakers, Clowney should be keeping his fingers crossed that Johnson is moved as well.
In his nine career games as a starter, Clowney is averaging 11.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.0 block and shooting 45.0 percent from three. The Nets should be motivated to move Johnson for the potential draft pick return and the ability to give the 20-year-old Clowney a bigger role as well.
Charlotte Hornets: F Tidjane Salaün
4 of 30
Age: 19
Season: 1st
Taking Salaün with the No. 6 overall pick was a confusing choice by the Charlotte Hornets this past summer, who seem to be banking on the teenager's potential over more polished prospects available at their draft spot (Donovan Clingan, Dalton Knecht, Zach Edey, etc.).
So far Salaün has been pretty bad. His 4.9 points on 32.5 percent shooting overall haven't done much to help the lowly 7-25 Hornets, and Salaün has been even worse as of late (4.6 points on 28.9 percent shooting overall over his past eight contests).
Breakout Timeline: Anytime!
The Hornets are headed for another lost season even with LaMelo Ball already matching his games played total (22) from 2023-24.
The franchise desperately needs to see some sort of improvement from Salaün over the next few months.
Chicago Bulls: F Matas Buzelis
5 of 30
Age: 20
Season: 1st
Buzelis has played a steady yet small role off the Chicago Bulls' bench this season, but at 6'10" has the size and athleticism to become a major contributor before too long.
If he turns into a star (or at least a solid starter), the Bulls' ceiling grows even higher already with a core of Coby White, Josh Giddey, Ayo Dosunmu and Patrick Williams.
Breakout Timeline: 2025-26 or post Zach LaVine trade
If this roster remains the same this season, it's hard to envision Buzelis becoming a starter or seeing his role grow in any real way. This points to a breakout next season or if Chicago can find a trade partner for LaVine, thus opening up more minutes on the wing.
Cleveland Cavaliers: G/F Jaylon Tyson
6 of 30
Age: 22
Season: 1st
Tyson has found playing time hard to come by on a Cleveland Cavaliers team that owns an NBA-best 29-4 record, something he's made peace with despite previously struggling with during his college career at beginning at Texas.
"I wasn't playing. Similar situation to this. Like, I wasn't playing. I was on a deep, older team," Tyson told Danny Cunningham of The Inside Shot. "I couldn't handle that right then and there. I couldn't handle that. So that's when I ultimately transferred mid-season."
If Tyson can be patient during this, his rookie season, his time could be coming as soon as October.
Breakout Timeline: 2025-26
Tyson is a do-it-all wing who's currently behind guys like Caris LeVert, Max Strus, Isaac Okoro, Dean Wade and Sam Merrill in the Cavs pecking order.
With LeVert set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer and the Cavaliers unlikely to keep him with an increasingly-expensive roster, Tyson could break out next year.
Dallas Mavericks: C Dereck Lively II
7 of 30
Age: 20
Season: 2nd
Following a 2023-24 campaign in which he finished sixth in Rookie of the Year voting, it looked like a monster sophomore season was coming for Lively.
The 7-footer has been good this year (8.7 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.6 blocks) but can still get into foul trouble, which has led to a restriction in minutes (24.1 a game).
Breakout Timeline: ASAP
Getting through the West will be even more challenging this year for the Dallas Mavericks, especially with the Oklahoma City Thunder looking like the title favorite of the conference.
A leap from Lively would go a long way in helping Dallas make the Finals once again, especially if he starts shooting threes and becomes more disciplined defensively.
Denver Nuggets: G/F Julian Strawther
8 of 30
Age: 22
Season: 2nd
A number of Denver Nuggets could qualify for this list. Given the team's need for three-point shooting (11.7 made threes per game, 26th in NBA), it's Strawther who could help out the most if he can continue to develop his outside game.
A first-round pick in 2023, Strawther has shown some growth (8.9 points, 36.7 percent from three) and has become a regular part of Denver's rotation now in Year 2.
Breakout Timeline: ASAP
Denver is in championship-or-bust mode, so the sooner a breakout can come for Strawther, the better.
Now shooting 40.0 percent on his catch-and-shoot threes over the last 10 games, perhaps we're seeing the beginning of something special from the 6'7" wing.
Detroit Pistons: SF Ron Holland
9 of 30
Age: 19
Season: 1st
There's a few young Detroit Pistons we'd love to see pop over the next few years, but perhaps none is more important to this front office than Holland.
The first draft pick by new president of basketball operations Trajan Langdon, Holland was the No. 5 overall selection in 2024 yet is averaging just 6.3 points on 21.7 percent shooting from three in his 15.8 minutes per game thus far.
Breakout Timeline: Post trade deadline
Langdon can essentially force head coach J.B. Bickerstaff to give Holland more minutes depending on what moves he makes at the trade deadline.
Shipping off veterans like Tim Hardaway Jr. or Malik Beasley would open up more playing time on the wing for Holland if Langdon feels his rookie is ready for the opportunity.
Golden State Warriors: SG Brandin Podziemski
10 of 30
Age: 21
Season: 2nd
It's been an extremely disappointing year for Podziemski, a player who looked primed to take over Klay Thompson's spot as a full-time starter for the Golden State Warriors following a terrific rookie season.
The second-year combo guard has struggled to shoot the ball (29.5 percent from three, down from 38.5 percent last year) and was considered to be Golden State's best trade chip in a potential deal for a star.
Breakout Timeline: Before trade deadline
The Warriors need Podziemski to resume his path to stardom immediately, both to help them avoid their slide down the Western Conference standings and to showcase him as a trade piece before the deadline.
Podziemski is a major key to both Golden State's present and future. The Warriors need a breakout from him as soon as possible.
Houston Rockets: PF Jabari Smith Jr.
11 of 30
*Editor's Note: This segment was written prior to Jabari Smith Jr. fracturing his hand. The PF is expected to be sidelined 4-8 weeks.
Age: 21
Season: 3rd
The No. 3 overall pick of the 2022 draft, Smith finds himself in an engrossing situation now in his third season with the Houston Rockets.
We've yet to see Smith make a major leap, yet he remains the starting power forward on a good 22-11 Rockets team that's clinging to a top-3 seed in the West. Still, with his usage rate at an all-time low and his shot efficiency down from last season, Smith may not ever break out with so many mouths to feed in Houston.
Breakout Timeline: Before summer 2025
Smith is eligible to sign a contract extension this offseason, so it's imperative that Houston knows what it's getting before making a major financial investment.
A trade may be best for both parties, helping the Rockets to land another All-Star and rerouting Smith to a place where he can truly blossom.
Indiana Pacers: PF Jarace Walker
12 of 30
Age: 21
Season: 2nd
The No. 8 overall pick of the 2023 draft, Walker is still yet to receive a big role with the Indiana Pacers now in Year 2. He's averaging 6.3 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.1 steals in 17.8 minutes almost exclusively off the bench.
Even with a number of frontcourt injuries, Walker remains the fourth big in the rotation behind Pascal Siakam, Myles Turner and Obi Toppin.
Breakout Timeline: 2025-26
Walker's time might have to wait until next season. Turner will be an unrestricted free agent this summer and the Pacers already have two players on max deals. If they can't afford to re-sign Turner and have to move Siakam to a full-time center role, we'll undoubtedly see a bigger role for Walker to follow.
Los Angeles Clippers: PF Kobe Brown
13 of 30
Age: 25
Season: 2nd
The Los Angeles Clippers don't possess a lot of young talent, so expecting any of their guys to "break out" anytime soon may be unrealistic.
Brown has missed a lot of time this season with a back issue but recently returned to active duty. He's not going to be a regular rotation member for now but may get forced into action if a player like Ivica Zubac has to miss games.
Breakout Timeline: 2025-26
The Clippers don't have a lot of first-round picks because of the Paul George trade, and they invested one of the remaining ones they had in Brown in 2023.
An older prospect who spent four years at Missouri, Brown's ceiling may not be all that high, but it would speak well of the Clippers' scouting department and coaching staff if he could develop into a rotation player over the next year.
Los Angeles Lakers: SG Max Christie
14 of 30
Age: 21
Season: 3rd
The Los Angeles Lakers have done everything in their power to turn Christie into a good NBA starter, something he could still become before too long.
The team gave him a four-year, $32 million extension coming off a sophomore season in which he averaged just 4.2 points, and now head coach JJ Redick has made him a regular part of the starting five.
Breakout Timeline: ASAP
With D'Angelo Russell traded to the Brooklyn Nets in a deal for Dorian Finney-Smith, the Lakers are down a guard who can bring some offensive pop to the floor.
Christie has been better lately (13.5 points, 40.9 percent from three over his last four games) and will need to continue this climb if Los Angeles wants to make the West playoffs.
Memphis Grizzlies: C Zach Edey
15 of 30![MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - DECEMBER 23: Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies and Zach Edey #14 of the Memphis Grizzlies talks during the game LA Clippers at FedExForum on December 23, 2024 in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)\](https://legacymedia.sportsplatform.io/image/upload/x_67,y_78,w_1392,h_928,c_crop/v1735610421/iidnau5gced7kwmmxile.jpg?w=684 "MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - DECEMBER 23: Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies and Zach Edey #14 of the Memphis Grizzlies talks during the game LA Clippers at FedExForum on December 23, 2024 in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)\")
Age: 22
Season: 1st
Edey could win Rookie of the Year this season, but that certainly doesn't mean he's incapable of breaking out again after a summer of work.
Injuries have limited the 7'4" center to just 20 games (14 starts) thus far. Edey's numbers have been solid during his time on the court (11.3 points, 8.0 rebounds, 1.2 blocks), but his massive size and developing skill set should have us setting our expectations higher.
Breakout Timeline: Anytime with good health
We watched Edey grow and transform both his game and body during four years at Purdue. There's no reason to believe he won't continue to get significantly better as this season goes along and into the summer.
Already showcasing a solid three-point stroke (42.9 percent), Edey's ability to increase his minutes and defend without fouling will make him a major threat on both ends with time.
Miami Heat: F Nikola Jović
16 of 30
Age: 21
Season: 3rd
Both Jović and the Miami Heat are searching for the ideal role for the 6'10" forward, who's essentially split his time between starter and reserve over three years with the franchise.
A good shooter and underrated passer, Jović turning into a solid starting power forward would truly help Miami cement themselves as a playoff team in the East.
Breakout Timeline: Post trade deadline
The Jimmy Butler situation may have a lot to do with Jović, as moving the disgruntled forward at some point (either at the trade deadline or during the summer) would open up a bigger bite of the apple for the Serbian forward.
If the Heat want to bring in another veteran to complement Butler, Jović remains one of the team's best trade chips as well. A roster shakeup one way or another would likely help his breakout.
Milwaukee Bucks: SG AJ Johnson
17 of 30
Age: 20
Season: 1st
A breakout from Johnson is wishful thinking at this point, as the rookie has struggled even in the G League this season (13.7 points on 43.1 percent shooting overall, 28.9 percent from three).
His selection as a raw prospect in the 2024 first round by a championship-or-bust Milwaukee Bucks team was confusing at the time and makes even less sense now.
Breakout Timeline: 2025-26 at best
As much as this veteran Bucks team could use an infusion of young talent to complement Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard, Khris Middleton, Brook Lopez and others, Johnson simply won't be ready to contribute this year.
We're hoping the 6'4" shooting guard continues to add muscle and develop his outside shot so he can become part of the rotation by next season.
Minnesota Timberwolves: G Rob Dillingham
18 of 30
Age: 19
Season: 1st
It's been an extremely disappointing rookie season thus far for Dillingham, the No. 8 overall pick in the draft who was brought in to help provide some juice for this offense.
Instead, the Wolves' scoring attack ranks just 22nd overall (110.6 rating), something that Anthony Edwards has voiced his displeasure over. Dillingham has largely been a non-factor, averaging 3.7 points in his 8.5 minutes over 15 games.
Breakout Timeline: ASAP
The Wolves need a breakout from Dillingham as fast as possible. Mike Conley Jr. is finally showing his age and no one outside of Edwards and Julius Randle is averaging more than 12.4 points per game.
An electrifying scorer and playmaker at Kentucky, the Wolves simply need Dillingham to become a rotation piece for them down the stretch.
New Orleans Pelicans: G/F Jordan Hawkins
19 of 30
Age: 22
Season: 2nd
For a 5-29 New Orleans Pelicans team, the development of young players is perhaps the only positive takeaway from such a miserable season.
Injuries to wings like Trey Murphy III and Brandon Ingram have helped lead to an increase in playing time for Hawkins, although the 2023 lottery pick has yet to take full advantage. His 11.6 points per game are coming on just 35.8 percent shooting overall.
Breakout Timeline: Post Brandon Ingram
Ingram should return from an ankle injury in January, yet his long-term status with the team still remains in doubt. A free agent this summer, there should be motivation from New Orleans to move him before the deadline to avoid losing him for nothing or making a major financial commitment.
Hawkins isn't going to take Ingram's starting spot, but his 24.6 minutes a night could still increase if/when Ingram eventually moves on.
New York Knicks: G Pacome Dadiet
20 of 30
Age: 19
Season: 1st
A first-round pick by the New York Knicks last June, this fanbase may have to wait to see the French rookie make a real impact.
The Knicks drafted Dadiet for his 6'7" size and potential, knowing he'd be unlikely to crack the rotation in Year 1. Still, the teenager has largely come off the bench for the G League Westchester Knicks, making 39.0 percent of his overall shots and just 25.5 percent of his threes.
Breakout Timeline: 2025-26 at best
New York could use some added depth on the wing, although they shouldn't expect Dadiet to provide it this season.
Despite being the 25th overall pick, Dadiet's rotation timeline should be expected to come next season, at the earliest.
Oklahoma City Thunder: PG Nikola Topić
21 of 30
Age: 19
Season: 1st
We've seen a number of players experience breakout seasons in Oklahoma City the past few years. When fully healthy, expect Topić to join this list.
The 6'6" point guard is projected to miss the entire year with a torn ACL, yet should hopefully join the Thunder in Summer League play.
Breakout Timeline: When ACL rehab is complete
Topić underwent surgery to fix his ACL in July 2024, so he should be fully cleared by training camp at the latest.
A 6'6" point guard, Topić is the ideal backup for Shai Gilegous-Alexander and should become a rotation member immediately by the start of next season.
Orlando Magic: G Anthony Black
22 of 30
Age: 19
Season: 1st
With Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner both sidelined, the Orlando Magic need Black more than ever. The No. 6 overall pick in the 2023 draft has yet to heed this call, however, and is averaging just 8.5 points and 3.5 assists on 26.6 percent shooting from three in 24.0 minutes a game this season.
Orlando improves by 7.2 points per 100 possessions when Black is on the bench, a figure that ranks in the 19th percentile via Cleaning the Glass.
Breakout Timeline: ASAP
The Magic's offense was already struggling before losing its top two scorers and now ranks just 26th overall.
For someone who hasn't shown enough playmaking chops to be a point guard and isn't shooting the ball well enough to be a two, Black needs to find his ideal role in the offense as quickly as possible.
Philadelphia 76ers: G/F Ricky Council IV
23 of 30
Age: 23
Season: 2nd
Council has carved out a spot for himself in the Philadelphia 76ers rotation, even when the stars on this team are healthy.
The 6'6" wing needs to start knocking down his outside shots, however, as his three-point percentage has dropped to 27.0 percent this season compared to 37.5 percent as a rookie.
Breakout Timeline: Now, with Jared McCain out
With star rookie McCain sidelined by a torn meniscus and veteran Eric Gordon struggling this season, the 76ers need Council to step up as a wing who can defend and knock down open shots.
A 7-3 record over their last 10 games has Philly knocking on the door of the East play-in tournament. A strong few months from Council can help them get there.
Phoenix Suns: F Ryan Dunn
24 of 30
Age: 21
Season: 1st
Dunn was selected by the Phoenix Suns with the 28th overall pick this past summer because of his defensive dominance and the hope that an outside shot would eventually follow.
His defense has lived up to expectations, which is important considering the Suns still just rank 21st overall on that side of the ball this season (115.0 rating).
Breakout Timeline: ASAP
We're still waiting on that three-point shot to come around, as Dunn was actually better in his first 14 games (32.1 percent) than his last 14 (27.9 percent).
Phoenix has fallen all the way to 11th place in the West and is in danger of missing the play-in tournament. As an older rookie, the Suns need better production from Dunn immediately.
Portland Trail Blazers: PG Scoot Henderson
25 of 30
Age: 20
Season: 2nd
We're still waiting on Henderson to grab on to the starting point guard job with these Portland Trail Blazers and refuse to let go. After all, there was a real debate between Henderson and Brandon Miller for the Charlotte Hornets with the No. 2 pick in the 2023 draft behind Victor Wembanyama.
Henderson has been better lately (13.8 points, 5.6 assists, 2.2 steals, 39.1 percent from three over his last five games), but he still needs to improve his shotmaking ability.
Breakout Timeline: When/if Anfernee Simons is traded
Simons and Shaedon Sharpe have been locked in as the Blazers' starting backcourt this season. While Sharpe, 21, is going to be a big part of Portland's future, Simons, 25, is a little older and is only under contract for one more year following this season.
If Simons is moved at the trade deadline, Henderson should be elevated to starting point guard duties.
Sacramento Kings: F Keegan Murray
26 of 30
Age: 24
Season: 3rd
Last season Murray was neck-and-neck with Malik Monk for the third-leading scorer on this Sacramento Kings team and on his way to living up to his selection as the No. 4 overall pick in the 2022 draft.
Now with the addition of DeMar DeRozan and with Monk entering the starting lineup, Murray's scoring is down to a career-low 11.6 points per game. His 41.3 field goal percentage and 28.6 percent mark from three are also the worst of his three years.
Breakout Timeline: Following a roster shakeup
De'Aaron Fox trade chatter will dominate the news up to the deadline, but the Kings should consider finding a new home for DeRozan instead.
With Murray, Fox and Domantas Sabonis on the floor without another ball-dominant player in DeRozan, Sacramento has a net rating of plus-10.7. With DeRozan, this number plummets to just plus-2.3 via Cleaning the Glass.
The Kings need to make some sort of major roster shakeup for Murray to break out, which may include benching or trading DeRozan.
San Antonio Spurs: SG Malaki Branham
27 of 30
Age: 21
Season: 3rd
As the San Antonio Spurs add talent the role for Branham only decreases. Now in his third season, the former first-round pick is averaging career lows in minutes (11.9), shot attempts (4.8), scoring (5.8), assists (1.2) and nearly every other category.
Now with Devin Vassell back from injury, we may continue to see a small role from Branham moving forward. This is unfortunate, as the 6'4" guard can play and function as a three-level scorer.
Breakout Timeline: 2025-26
It doesn't look like Branham is going to have the opportunity to break out for San Antonio this season, barring some big roster change at the trade deadline or an injury.
With Chris Paul hitting free agency this summer (or possibly retiring), more playing time could be coming next year alongside Stephon Castle in the backcourt.
Toronto Raptors: PG Immanuel Quickley
28 of 30
Age: 25
Season: 5th
Quickley has spent far more time in the league than most of the players on this list, yet he hasn't experienced a full breakout year to this point. He played well following a trade to the Toronto Raptors last season but has missed the vast majority of this year because of a partial UCL tear in his left elbow.
This is a player with All-Star talent who hasn't had the opportunity to showcase it yet after mostly coming off the bench for the New York Knicks.
Breakout Timeline: Now, with his recent return to the court
Quickley put up 21 points and 15 assists against just one turnover in his first game of action since Nov. 10, reminding us all what he's capable of contributing.
After signing a five-year, $162.5 million contract last summer, we should see a real breakout coming from Quickley over the next few months and into the 2025-26 season.
Utah Jazz: F Cody Williams
29 of 30
Age: 20
Season: 1st
Now that Keyonte George has begun his breakout, Williams becomes the next crucial evolution piece for the Utah Jazz. Selected 10th overall this past summer, Williams has been pretty bad thus far during his rookie year.
Averaging just 3.5 points and 2.3 rebounds in 19.2 minutes while shooting 31.2 percent overall, it's been a disastrous start to Williams' young career. His negative-12.4 swing rating ranks in the 7th percentile via Cleaning the Glass.
Breakout Timeline: Post trade deadline
The trade deadline should include some selling by a 7-25 Jazz team, with veterans like John Collins, Jordan Clarkson and others possibly on the move.
It's going to be baptism by fire for Williams, who should inevitably see his role grow as Utah looks to solidify its chances at a top pick in 2025.
Washington Wizards: SG Kyshawn George
30 of 30
Age: 21
Season: 1st
One of the Washington Wizards' three first-round picks in 2024, George has also been the worst so far this season.
The 6'7" shooting guard has the size to become a solid pro but has been miserable shooting the ball from three (25.2 percent), an area where a whopping 66.2 percent of his shot attempts come from.
Breakout Timeline: When a true point guard is acquired
Jordan Poole and Malcolm Brogdon can both facilitate, but neither should be considered a true point guard. Considering that George has been reliant on others to get him the ball (93.9 percent of his three-point field goals have been off an assist this year), it's no wonder his shooting numbers have been so bad.
Don't expect a breakout from George until the Wizards acquire a real floor general either via the draft, free agency or in a trade.
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