Breakout Players In 2023-2024

Here are three players in the Eastern Conference that will have every opportunity to standout this season.

(Thanks to Rob Carr/Getty Images)

It's always exciting when breakout players emerge seemingly out of nowhere. The previous season saw the likes of Mikal Bridges, Austin Reaves, and Bruce Brown rise to the occasion and establish themselves in significant roles. This could be attributed to their on-court growth, joining a new team, or a unique circumstance that allowed them more playing time than expected.

Looking ahead to the 2023-2024 basketball season, there are certain players in the Eastern Conference who might surprise us with their outstanding performances and earn themselves a spot in daily NBA conversations. Regardless of the reason, these players have the potential to become household names and capture the attention of the basketball world.

Obi Toppin- Indiana Pacers

The New York Knicks found themselves in an interesting situation when they drafted Toppin from Dayton a few seasons ago. His college career resembled that of Amar’e Stoudemire, a former Knicks All-Star. During his three seasons in New York, Toppin showed glimpses of his high-scoring ability in transition and while cutting on offense.

• He ranked in the top 20% of NBA players in PPS at Rim for two of his three seasons, and he finished in the top 15 in scoring in transition last season with more than 135 possessions.

His partnership with Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana's All-Star Point Guard, will not only help the Pacers improve their third-place ranking in PPP (Points per Possession) in transition but also assist the fourth-worst team in the NBA in scoring and shooting percentage inside the rim.

Marjon Beauchamp- Milwaukee Bucks

Sometimes being traded to a new team doesn't necessarily mean a breakout opportunity. It could just be due to other moves on the roster. When Milwaukee traded All-Star point guard Jrue Holiday and sharpshooter Grayson Allen in the Damion Lillard trade, it cleared the way for Beauchamp to potentially make a name for himself.

The second-year swingman has a lot of untapped potential. He started 11 games for Milwaukee and had a career-high 20 points against the Atlanta Hawks in November. Beauchamp's dedication to playing defense will earn him more playing time on a regular basis.

• Beauchamp finished in the 97th percentile in the catch-and-shoot PPS and defensive shooting percentage

• Allowed players to shoot 25% while being guarded by him in isolation

• Opposing players shot 31.5 in spot-up situations last season

Deni Avdija- Washington Wizards

Deni Avdija has had a mixed experience in his first three seasons playing in the NBA. He has shown potential in some moments, while other moments have left people wondering. However, going into this season, Deni is expected to have a more defined role, especially when it comes to the offense. With Bradley Beal now playing for Phoenix and Kristaps Porzingis on the Boston team, Deni has a chance to increase his scoring and have more opportunities with the ball in his possession.

One of Deni's most underrated talents is his passing ability. A great example from last season is when Bradley Beal was on the court. Beal had a 14% higher shooting percentage from corners and 4% higher beyond the arc when Deni was playing. Only Porzingis saw a decrease in his corner 3-point percentage when playing with Deni. With Beal gone and Jordan Poole taking his place, we should see an increase in Poole's shooting percentages and, more importantly, better shot quality.