This is a continuation of the 2022-2023 NBA Season Player Breakout Predictions. More players are expected to improve upon their previous season due to a change of scenery, more freedom and, simply put, development. Here is the 2022-2023 NBA Season Player Breakout Predictions Pt. 2.
Moses Moody: Golden State Warriors
Much like Jonathan Kuminga, Moody is going to have ample opportunities due to the departure of half the team. He had a nice run in the Summer League, averaging 19.2 points, 2.8 boards, 2.5 dimes, 1.5 steals, 1.5 blocks, and 2.8 turnovers a game. He didn’t necessarily shoot lights out, going for 38% from the field, 27% from the three-point line and 87% from the line. Now that he has finals experience along with the opportunity to consistently play alongside Draymond Green, Steph Curry and Klay Thompson, maybe he can shoot it more efficiently come the start of the season. Moody and Kuminga are going to be very good for a very long time.
Jalen Brunson: New York Knicks
Brunson was one of the biggest stories at the beginning of free agency. Relegated to secondary-ball handling duties, Brunson is now going to be the main initiator on offense for this club. His averages from last season were pretty nice given that he was playing second fiddle to Luka Doncic: 16.3 points, 3.9 boards, 4.9 dimes, and 0.8 steals a game on 50% from the field, 37% from three and 84% from the line. The shooting splits were nothing to scoff at. Plus, his second playoff run went way better than expected. Brunson put up averages of 21.6 points, 4.6 boards, 3.7 dimes, 0.8 steals, and 0.1 blocks a game on 47% from the field, 35% from three and 80% from the line. Now that he doesn’t have to worry about Doncic handling the ball, Brunson is in for a Most Improved Player-esque season.
Tre Jones: San Antonio Spurs
Dejounte Murray being traded away is going to leave the one spot wide open. Earlier on in the offseason, there were reports that Jones would step into the starting lineup. If these reports are true, expect Jones to have a nice season. As a sophomore, he averaged six points, 2.2 boards, three dimes, 0.6 steals, 0.1 blocks on 49% from the field, 20% from three and 78% from the line. Per 36 mins, he averaged 13 points, 4.9 boards, 7.3 dimes, 1.3 steals, 0.2 blocks, and just 1.4 turnovers a game. His averages are very nice, and his low turnover rate is spectacular. Expect Jones to have a major role on this team, especially since they’re playing for ping pong balls this year.
Keldon Johnson: San Antonio Spurs
Johnson just signed a nice four-year, $80 mil contract this offseason. The Spurs wouldn’t have given him this extension if they didn’t think he was going to make that leap. Last season, Johnson put up some very good numbers. He averaged 17 points, 6.1 boards, 2.1 dimes, 0.7 steals, and 0.2 blocks a game on 47% from the field, 40% from three and 76% from the line. The three-point shooting was definitely a surprise, as he went from 0.9 threes a game during the 2020-2021 season to 2.1 threes this season. Johnson is going to be another major part of what this team does. Expect him to improve even more this season, especially since he’ll be the number one scorer.