'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Factoring in how an NBA player can “break out” can be difficult to quantify. But for the purposes of this discussion, a breakout player would have to be someone who has shown the drive, skills and abilities that would make him carve an important role in a team’s success in the upcoming 2021-22 NBA season.
Rookies would have to be excluded as they could all possibly emerge as solid contributors in their second year. Players who have had a roster spot in the NBA within the past five years are the best candidates to consider on this list.
The East is an intriguing source of up-and-coming NBA players. With the defending champion Milwaukee Bucks and title-favorites Brooklyn Nets both playing in this conference, it will be tantalizing to see who will be the ascending players on the East roster who can help shape the conference’s playoff picture.
A quintet of rising NBA players who could affect the
Eastern Conference Playoffs
#5 Nicolas Claxton
The Brooklyn Nets could just run away with the NBA crown with an eight-man rotation that excludes any of the team’s youngsters. As skilled and as dominating the top eight players on the Nets roster are, health would be a very critical concern.
The Nets’ frontcourt is one of the oldest in the league. LaMarcus Aldridge, Blake Griffin and Paul Millsap have had serious injury histories in the past. If they can’t remain healthy, the Nets may be forced to play Kevin Durant at the 5. Playing KD at the 5 for long stretches would be brutal for the Nets. It could make or break their campaign.
Nicolas Claxton is an excellent defender and could anchor the restricted area for the Brooklyn Nets. Claxton’s main task would be to add bulk and weight to battle some of the heftier players in the NBA like Joel Embiid and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
If he meets half of his potential despite the presence of an aging frontline, Claxton would be a solid contributor to Brooklyn’s already high odds of winning it all.
#4 Cam Reddish
Cam Reddish oozes with raw talent that is so enticing. NBA analysts and scouts have often compared him to Paul George because of his length and defense. A glimpse of what he can do when healthy was clearly seen in his Game 6 performance against the Milwaukee Bucks.
The Atlanta Hawks have been saddled with players recently recovering from injuries. De’Andre Hunter’s knee injury will take time to bounce back from. Reddish will get the right opportunity to solidify his role and become an important piece of this Atlanta team. For the Hawks to replicate last season’s Eastern Conference Finals appearance, they will have to hope and expect a Reddish break out.
#3 Matisse Thybulle
The Philadelphia 76ers are in the middle of a standoff with NBA All-Star guard Ben Simmons. It is an impasse that could drag on until the trade deadline. With uncertainty surrounding the franchise, Thybulle is going to be a a critical part of this team.
The All-NBA second team selectee is only bound to get better. If the 76ers are going to be without their top perimeter defender, Thybulle’s part could only grow. Philadelphia continues to rely on the gritty Danny Green for defensive stops and shooting. If Thybulle manages to improve his 3P%, Doc Rivers would have to insert him into the starting lineup.
#2 Tyler Herro
An argument could be made that Tyler Herro had already “broken out.” He was so good in the 2020 NBA Eastern Conference Finals that it is easy to forget that Herro is still entering his third year and still trying to be consistent. His three-point shooting, free throw and eFG% have all gone down last season.
The chances of Herro getting back to the form he displayed before are great. He is a confident player who backs up his own expectations with hard work and determination. An improved Tyler Herro coming off the bench or starting for the Heat next season would be something to watch out for.
If he is consistent and regains his shooting form, the Miami Heat could be a dark horse to claim the NBA Eastern Conference championship.
#1 Robert Williams
The third year center out of Texas A&M is primed for the biggest break out season. Boston put their trust in Robert Williams when they signed him to a hefty extension this offseason. Despite Al Horford’s return to the Cs’ roster, the Celtics will rely heavily in Williams’ further development to challenge the Bucks and the Nets.
The work and results Robert Williams achieved in last year’s playoff series against the Brooklyn Nets confirmed just how valuable he can be for the Celtics to become a legit contender. He borders on the All-NBA defense and has become an offensive hub for Boston.
Even if Williams just duplicates his playoff accomplishments against the Nets for a large part of next season, he would be a surefire breakout star in the NBA.
