2023-2024 features an extremely competitive season, one that we haven’t seen in years. Luka Doncic may be named the MVP and Anthony Davis could achieve his first DPOY award. The championship is available for everyone and there are already heavy favorites to capture it like the Milwaukee Bucks, Boston Celtics, Denver Nuggets, and more. But, some names may shock everyone this year as they are just about to blossom. Let’s take a look at young players who could potentially break out this season and find out they will be stars in the future.
From ROTY to MIP: Scottie Barnes
The 2022 Rookie of the Year had very similar stats in his first two seasons. But, lately, Scottie Barnes is taking it to the next level. From 15.3 PPG to 21.5 PPG, Barnes is making a case as a Most Improved Player of the Year nominee.
Scottie Barnes over his last 6 games:
30 PTS – 11 REB – 6 AST
24 PTS – 8 REB – 8 AST
21 PTS – 12 REB – 5 AST
20 PTS – 12 REB – 2 AST
24 PTS – 8 REB – 5 AST
22 PTS – 10 REB – 10 AST pic.twitter.com/uonbRvaguX— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) November 5, 2023
The Toronto Raptors have always been a decent team. Some seasons they’re in, sometimes they’re not. But, one thing is for sure, their developing young core of Barnes and Anunoby and with the help of veterans like Pascal Siakam and Dennis Schroder, the Raptors are going to cause problems in the East.
The new Nets star: Cam Thomas
The Brooklyn Nets were left shattered after the implosion of the big three of Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden. However, it seems that this team turned out to be better than it was before. Ben Simmons is looking like he’s finding his confidence again while Mikal Bridges is out there playing very well. The biggest shocker in this squad is the 22-year-old Cam Thomas.
Giannis 🆚 Cam Thomas was a battle 🍿 pic.twitter.com/ir03GYCJ5N
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) November 7, 2023
Well, it’s not completely shocking as this enigmatic kid has shown flashes of his scoring ability last season. Less than 10 games in the 2023-2024 season and Thomas already leads the Nets in points with 26.9 points per game. The Nets are now rebuilding, but they may have found the guy to build around. With Simmons and Bridges as the defensive anchors, there’s no way this team doesn’t even make at least the play-in tournament.
Break out MVP: Anthony Edwards
Minnesota has been on a tear in their last 4 games, thanks to Anthony Edwards. Ant-Man was drafted first overall in 2020 and was expected to become a superstar immediately.
Anthony Edwards in his last 4 games for the Timberwolves:
🔹29.8 PPG
🔹5.5 RPG
🔹5.5 APG
🔹56% FG
🔹4-0 record pic.twitter.com/j6AtymD0s0— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) November 9, 2023
Anthony Edwards is already a big name in the league after being selected to the All-Star game and Team USA (for the 2023 FIBA World Cup). Right now, Edwards is averaging close to 28 points a night and has even been included in MVP discussions. This season, the athletic dunker may break out from just being the dynamic scoring wing to being in the same sentence as one of the best shooting guards in the league. An elite group including Devin Booker, James Harden, and Donovan Mitchell.
Second-year bloom: Shaedon Sharpe
Trailblazers sophomore Shaedon Sharpe found a great opportunity, thanks to the Damian Lillard trade. After Dame was sent to Milwaukee, 2022 7th overall pick Shaedon Sharpe’s minutes were bumped from 22 minutes to now playing almost 40 minutes a game.
Shaedon Sharpe so far this season:
20.5 PPG
5.5 RPG
45% FG
38% 3PT
86% FT(🎥 @7rsterling) https://t.co/2CulYtX6G2
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) November 4, 2023
Last season, Sharpe was only averaging 10 points a game. But, with Blazers’ head coach Chauncey Billups giving the young guard more playing time, Sharpe now scores about 20 points a night.
Break-out player and potential firs-time All Star: Desmond Bane
The Memphis Grizzlies was one of the most hated teams last season, but people fail to realize that they also have arguably the best young core in the league. Though they are currently struggling early in the season because of setbacks due to injuries (Steven Adams) and player suspensions (Ja Morant), a Grizzlies player seems to be flourishing and could break out this year – the sharpshooting Desmond Bane.
Desmond Bane battled hard despite the Grizzlies' OT loss 🐻 pic.twitter.com/XoWXpAZluJ
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) November 4, 2023
Bane, despite the banter of having disproportionate hands, is actually one of the best three-point shooting guards in the league. He was shooting an amazing 40.8% from three last season. In fact, Bane also bumped his scoring averages from 21.5 PPG to 25.1 PPG while still gaining his efficiency and defensive mentality. Ja Morant’s absence may have been a factor in that, but we’re not going to take anything away from Bane. It’s highly likely that Desmond Bane will become a first-time NBA All-Star this season if he continues doing what he does. At this rate, Desmond Bane is looking like Prime Ray Allen.
