Five breakout players for the 2023-24 NBA season

Giddey's shooting has always been the biggest question mark, and last year the Australian shot 32.5% from three, a substantial increase from 26.3% in his rookie season. 

Going into his third season in the NBA, we could see another jump in his shooting numbers, which will add a completely new dimension to his already impressive game.

Bruce Brown, Indiana Pacers

You can argue that Bruce Brown already had his breakout season last year with the Denver Nuggets, where he averaged 11.5 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.4 assists and played a pivotal role during the team's championship run. 

However, Brown might only just be getting started.

In the offseason Brown signed a two-year, $45M contract with the Indiana Pacers, indicating that the team envisions a large role for his Swiss Army knife style of play. Brown should have no problem playing alongside first-time All-Star Tyrese Haliburton and second-year phenom Bennedict Mathurin, offering his unique combination of rebounding, playmaking and defense to complement the potent offense those two bring to the floor.

Brown also brings championship pedigree to a young, talented group of players and is the perfect player for coach Rick Carlisle to lean on for another respected voice in the locker room. 

On the court, expect Brown to fill the stat sheet, making smart plays night in and night out. He might not produce the eye-popping stats you'd expect for a breakout player, but his intangibles should produce a more important counting stat, wins.

Mikal Bridges, Brooklyn Nets

After being acquired by the Brooklyn Nets in the Kevin Durant trade, Mikal Bridges assumed the role of number one option for a Nets team that was rudderless with the departure of its biggest star. 

His polished offensive scoring arsenal — which bears a striking resemblance to Durant's — was fully unleashed for the first time and Bridges jumped from 17.2 points per game with the Suns, to 26.1 points with the Nets

His efficiency left a lot to be desired, at only 47.5% shooting from the field, but going from a role player to a primary scorer is a tall task for any player. 

With a full offseason and training camp to find his footing as the Nets' franchise player, we should anticipate Bridges to take the next step into star player territory.

Deandre Ayton, Portland Trail Blazers

After a contentious five seasons with the Phoenix Suns, where he was asked to take a backseat offensively to his star teammates, and his frustration manifesting itself both on the court and in the locker room, Deandre Ayton has a chance for a fresh start with the Portland Trail Blazers.

For his career, Ayton averages 16.7 points and 10.4 rebounds per game but it's important to keep in mind that he put up these numbers as the third, sometimes fourth option for a majority of his career. 

On a Blazers team with low expectations, Ayton will have ample opportunities to showcase his talents and put up big counting stats.

His soft touch around the rim, coupled with his excellent midrange scoring arsenal should complement No. 2 overall pick Scoot Henderson's run-and-gun approach, resulting in a high amount of dump-offs and open shots off penetration. 

Defensively, Ayton still has the physical tools to be a force both inside the paint and out on the perimeter, a high-value skill for modern big men. 

Markelle Fultz, Orlando Magic

The former No. 1 overall pick has had a tumultuous NBA career thus far, as a combination of bad injury luck and mental struggles hampered his progression. After appearing in 72 games in the 2019-20 season, Fultz played in 26 games the following two seasons due to a torn ACL and lingering issues with his right shoulder.

Last season was Fultz's first relatively healthy season since the 2019-20 season with 60 games played and his production increased as a result. Fultz ended last season with a career-high 14 points and 5.7 assists per game on 51.4% shooting from the field.

His long-maligned shooting form hindered his isolation scoring, but it's clear that this is an area he has worked on in the offseason. That work seems to be paying off, as evidenced by this smooth step-back midrange jumper on Pelicans forward Zion Williamson in the preseason.

Going into the 2023-24 season, Fultz is expected to be the Magic's starting point guard, joining a talented trio of Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner and Wendell Carter Jr. in the quest for Orlando's first playoff appearance since 2020. 

With renewed confidence in his jumper, and another year to recover from his ACL injury, Fultz should hit the ground running and build off the success he saw last year.