Top 5 breakout players in the 2019-20 NBA season so far

Brandon Ingram
Brandon Ingram

Now that the NBA standings are taking shape and the individual stats of players have started to mean much more than just initial blips on the radar, we have ample data at hand to ascertain the key breakout potential in the league.

Although the 82-game long season incorporates the highest of highs and the lowest of lows for every player on a personal level, consistency is what sets apart the best from the rest. Moreover, some forgotten names have showcased flashes of brilliance in their new threads, resulting in a wider scope for unpredictability during the ongoing season.

Let's take a look at the five most probable contenders to conjure breakout performances this year.


#5 Malcolm Brogdon

Malcolm Brogdon was the Rookie of the Year back in 2017.
Malcolm Brogdon was the Rookie of the Year back in 2017.

After his impressive first year, Malcolm Brogdon has failed to make a major ripple in terms of individual accomplishments. His role has often been that of a reliable scorer, capable of spreading the floor while also acting as the facilitator when needed.

But his newest setup might have just resulted in the most favourable environment for his personal growth so far. After playing in the shadow of Giannis Antetokounmpo for a fairly long time, Brogdon is set to take charge of his destiny in an Indiana Pacers uniform.

So far, he is averaging a team-high 22.5 points per game, on an impressive 46% shooting from the field, as Indiana hold a 0.5 record out East to start the season. Moreover, he is dishing out a career-high 9.7 assists and pulling down another career-high of 4.7 boards per game.

The 27-year-old's presence on the court has proved to be pivotal for the lethal Pacers lineup, which houses Myles Turner and Domantas Sabonis as well. It will be interesting to see how he complements the skills of All-Star Victor Oladipo when he returns from rehab.

#4 Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Standing at 6-foot-6, Shai was the 11th overall pick by the Charlotte Hornets back in 2018
Standing at 6-foot-6, Shai was the 11th overall pick by the Charlotte Hornets back in 2018

Having played a secondary scorer's role in all 82 games last year for the Los Angeles Clippers, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander averaged almost 11 points per game. Now that he finds himself in a dramatic situation in Oklahoma, the 21-year-old has decided to take the reins of the franchise and turn it into an individual show.

In the games played thus far, the youngster is averaging 21.8 points and pulling down over 7 boards per game. Unfortunately for him though, the Oklahoma City Thunder have lost 4 of their first 6 games.

That said, SGA's confidence is not getting pulled down by his team's shortcomings as he continues to attempt over 17 FGs per game, converting at a respectable 46% clip.


#3 Brandon Ingram

It's amazing how the players evolve when given their head space
It's amazing how the players evolve when given their head space

With no LeBron James to watch over and the dust settled, Brandon Ingram is putting together the best start of any regular season in his career so far. The New Orleans Pelicans lost Zion Williamson to an early injury, and Ingram seems to have pounced on the waiting opportunity to show what he is made of.

In what is turning out to be a lone bright spot in NOLA's disappointing campaign, Ingram is averaging 26 points and over 7 rebounds per game, on a blazing 56% clip from the field. He is gliding across the court, getting to his spots, and knocking down elbow jumpers with utmost ease.

The 22-year-old is attempting around 5 long-range shots per game and making around 48% of them as well. The dynamics of Zion's absence have played out positively for Brandon in a way nobody had foreseen.

#2 Pascal Siakam

Pascal Siakam
Pascal Siakam

Pascal Siakam's rise to fame was accelerated by Kawhi Leonard's one-year pit-stop in Toronto. Having won the 'Most Improved Player' award, Spicy P is taking things to a whole new level (and he just might win it again).

The Cameroon native is averaging a team-leading 26 points per game (also his career-best) along with 8.5 rebounds as well. Ever since Leonard decided to exit the frame, it opened up a plethora of avenues for Siakam's distinctive skill-set. He has emerged as the offensive leader of this squad and is playing with confidence.

Moreover, with around 5.5 three-point attempts per game (while also converting on 42% of those) this season so far, Pascal's long-range shooting has seen a mammoth leap forward.


#1 Luka Doncic

The 20-year-old possesses the basketball IQ of an experienced NBA veteran
The 20-year-old possesses the basketball IQ of an experienced NBA veteran

Coupled with a talent like Kristaps Porzingis, the Slovenian sensation has taken over Dallas Mavericks basketball with authority. Luka Doncic carries the poise, grit and agility to have a long and successful career - one that eventually might be placed alongside the likes of Dirk Nowitzki or Manu Ginobili when all is said and done.

While a sophomore leap is on the cards, Doncic is making it look way too easy. His effortless triple-doubles have bagged him averages like 26.7 points, 10.3 rebounds and 9.5 assists per game, across the 6 games he has played so far.

Doncic is projected to be an All-Star at the very least if he continues to obliterate defenses. His immaculate court-vision and ability to make clutch shots down the stretch are something that none of the players in his age group are even close to developing on a consistent basis.

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Edited by Musab Abid