NBA Survival Guide: 5 breakout prospects who can make significant leaps

Each of these breakout prospects, one from each of the final five draft classes, is poised to take a significant step forward. Whether they are showing flashes of greatness or are just developing, these players are ready to elevate their game and contribute significantly to the future of their teams.

Brandona Millera i Charlotte Hornets

Developed second in 2023

Miller's debut season is actually divided into two distinct parts. In the first 38 games, he averaged 14.7 points with 53.6% shooting, which is a good result for a rookie. Especially one who was asked to find his footing on a struggling team like Charlotte. He was deadly at draining 3g catches, but was quite inconsistent in other departments.

Then something changed. Over his last 35 games dating back to late January, Miller has raised the bar — 20.3 points per game on 56.4 percent shooting. He played more minutes, used it more often, and his efficiency increased in every area of ​​the court as he created his own shots. Check it out:

He's a novice who can learn everything in real time. Miller created for himself, taking tighter angles to the rim, absorbing contact and showing off his newfound confidence with mid-range fades and deep pull-up threes. At the end of the season he looked like a solid striker.

But here's where it gets really interesting: LaMelo Ball hasn't played in the season starting in late January, Normal when Miller's numbers started to climb. Coincidence? Probably not. Without LaMelo on the floor, Miller had more freedom to operate, and in this case, moving forward could have been difficult. We all know LaMelo is a pass-first defender, and having a guy like that should make Miller's life easier by giving him cleaner looks and more assists. However, if Miller is going to continue to develop as a playmaker and creator of his own, there has to be some balance.

Think about last season: When Miller played alongside LaMelo, he had the ball in his hands just 5.3 percent of the time. This is Royce O'Neale territory. But when LaMelo was sidelined, that number rose to 9.6 percent, or Paul George's level. What will happen when LaMelo returns? Will he let Miller cook? Because if that happens, it could be the key to Miller's next leap, and from a purely basketball standpoint, there's no doubt that Miller is ready for it. The only question is how well he and LaMelo can coexist and maximize each other's benefits.

Ryan Dunn of the Phoenix Suns

Developed 28th in 2024

Dunn was easy the best defensive prospect in the 2024 draft. At 6-foot-10 with a 7-foot wingspan, he can switch between positions, disrupt the passing lane, block shots, you name it. His defensive IQ is off the charts. Dunn flies on defense, executing impeccable turnovers, taking away shots at the hoop, and generally making life difficult for opponents. In a league increasingly defined by versatile wing-backs, Dunn has the potential to be a Herb Jones-level striker.

But the big question mark? His shooting. As a sophomore at Virginia, Dunn made just 35 three-pointers in 34 games, shooting just 20 percent. This isn't just inconsistency – it's borderline unplayable in today's NBA. So when the Suns grabbed him 28th, there was understandable skepticism. You knew what you were getting defensively, but could he survive on offense?

Here's the plot twist: In four preseason games with the Suns, Dunn made 12 of his 27 attempts from beyond the arc. A small sample, true, but there are reasons for optimism. His form looks much better, especially considering the way he uses his feet, and the fact that he's taking shots more often shows a level of confidence that simply wasn't there in Virginia. I talked to scouts before the draft and several of them insisted his shot had been improved during pre-draft workouts. One of the directors even told me that I would regret putting him in my 30s. After some thought and further research, I moved it to 16th place. Even that might be too low if his sweater holds up.

If Dunn shot even 35 percent from 3 at a decent volume – not elite, just average – he would have been picked in the lottery. If he shoots like he did in the preseason, we'll be talking about top ten, maybe even top five. He is exceptional defensively. Offensive isn't just about shooting. Dunn is a smart passer, a good screener and an effective finisher at the rim.

Here's why it matters for Phoenix: Defense and depth have been the biggest question marks heading into the upcoming season. Dunn won't solve everything, but he can have a real impact on both fronts. If his shot works, he will give the Suns a versatile, two-way player who can take some of the pressure off some stars. Yes, Phoenix's season still depends on the health of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal. But what if Dunn keeps hitting jumpers? It could be a kind of support that raises the ceiling.

Jalen Williams of the Oklahoma City Thunder

Drafted 12th in 2022

In the latest episode Program Kevin O'Connora listener named Jacob asked me: Aside from lack of experience, what is the biggest obstacle keeping the Thunder from winning a championship? I said the answer was the second superstar after Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. We know what SGA is capable of. However, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren were disappointed in the postseason. Not bad considering their youth. However, if the title is expected, one of them will have to flourish.

Williams seems to be the most likely candidate. This will be its third season, and it's already showing glimpses. However, his biggest weakness in the playoffs was his reluctance to shoot threes. He took several open looks after catching the ball and was reluctant to back off after dribbling. He tried to get under four per game all season long. However, in the pre-season the situation changes. Williams is a 3-point shooter and has had 10 shots in 33 minutes of play.

If Williams continues to make three-pointers off the dribble like the one above, it will change the landscape of what this Thunder team can be. If Williams doesn't take the next step? OKC is still cool, still young, but probably stuck in the same “great but not champions” category. Without this second star, Grom will run into a wall. However, if Jalen advances to the next level, we'll be talking about a team built to win now, not just in the future. If he doesn't, we'll probably have to wait another year or two before this team really breaks through.

Immanuel Quickley z Toronto Raptors

Drafted 25th in 2020 by the Knicks

Quickley's transfer to the Raptors last season took his game to a new level. Quickley had solid stats with the Knicks – 15 points and 2.5 assists per game – but after being traded to Toronto, those numbers increased to 18.6 points and 6.8 assists. Quickley went from being a sixth player to a regular player and his offensive role was strengthened. In New York, Quickley received 41 touches per game and held the ball for just 3.2 minutes. For the Raptors, that number skyrocketed to 75 touches and 6.2 minutes of possession per game. That's almost twice the time needed to attack, make decisions and create plays.

The Raptors rewarded Quickley with a five-year, $162.5 million contract, which says a lot about how they feel about him. They didn't do it need to sign the extension when they did.

This extra number explains the huge increase in assists and why he has become such a key figure for the Raptors. If Quickley continues this trend, he has the potential to become a cornerstone of Toronto's offense.

Deuce McBride z New York Knicks

Developed 36th in 2021

New York's decision to trade Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo for Karl-Anthony Towns is undoubtedly reshaping the frontcourt, but its negative effects have hit the backcourt just as hard. With DiVincenzo gone, the Knicks lost a playoff scorer and someone who provided stability on both ends of the floor. So now the question arises: who will perform? Enter Miles “Deuce” McBride. Though smaller than DiVincenzo, McBride offers fierce defense, a knockout jumper and dynamic shot creation that has only improved since last season when the Knicks moved Quickley and RJ Barrett in exchange for OG Anunoby.

Over the final two months of last season, McBride averaged 30 minutes per game, scoring just under 12 points while shooting 39 percent from 3. The Knicks felt comfortable moving Quickley and Barrett because they believed in DiVincenzo and McBride – and now doubling down on Deuce , also trading for DiVincenzo.

The Knicks have many players ahead of McBride in their rotation. Jalen Brunson will take over offensively, with Anunoby, Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart operating on the versatile wings, with Towns serving as the anchor in the middle. However, McBride could be a potential sixth Man of the Year candidate. He has already proven the Knicks right once. And now, with even more responsibility, Deuce must take the next step for New York to take advantage of its new-look roster.