Players Expected to Breakout 2021-2022 Continued

The previous list went over just a handful of players that were expected to make that leap this year. Many more players are going to be under a microscope this year as a lot of them will be expected to explode. This article will go over a couple more players who will have more opportunities to succeed this year. Hopefully, the players mentioned actually get the chance to showcase what they’ve learned this offseason.

Jaden McDaniels, Minnesota Timberwolves PF

McDaniels was the starting power forward for the Wolves last season. He put up some nice stat-lines every so often but like most rookies, he was sporadic. Nevertheless, he proved to be a fine addition to the starting lineup. McDaniels displayed his shot-blocking abilities (he averaged a swat a game) and his range (made 1.1 threes outs of 3.1 attempts a game, 36% from three). This year, his competition will be in the form of one Jarred Vanderbilt. Besides him, he’s not expected to have much competition for minutes. McDaniels will be expected to make a major leap this year and his media day was very encouraging. In the interview, he mentioned that he grew an extra inch and that he had been watching film on Brandon Ingram, Jonathan Isaac and Pascal Siakam in order to improve his game.

Michael Porter Jr., Denver Nuggets SF

Porter Jr. had one of the best sophomore seasons in the last decade. He more than doubled his point average from his rookie season, going from 9.0 points to 19.3 points. Not to mention his insane efficiency, when he shot 54% from the field, 45% from three, 79% from the line and averaged only 1.3 turnovers a game. Porter was injured his first full season in the league and apparently, the time off was very beneficial as the guy looks like a bona fide stud now. This season, more is expected of him in his third full season in the NBA. Look for him to put up better numbers as the number two option on the team behind MVP Nikola Jokic. Jamal Murray could take a while to come back from his ACL injury, so Porter’s production should remain high.

Robert Williams, Boston Celtics C

Williams aka “Time Lord” is one of the better per-minute guys in the NBA. When starting, he put up 8.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 0.8 steals and 1.8 blocks in 23 minutes a game. Per 36 mins, he averaged a hefty 15.2 points, 13.1 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1.6 steals and 3.3 blocks a game. He is a difference-maker on the court and his rebound/block rate is insane. With Daniel Theis and Tristan Thompson gone, he’s going to get a bigger opportunity to produce this year. If he can average more than 18.9 minutes a game, he will have a big chance make an All-Defensive team or even be in the running for the Most Improved Player award. Another thing he can work on: his range and shooting. If he can expand on his range, this team will be even deadlier then they already were.