**One Player Every NBA Team Desperately Needs to Break Out in 2025**
The NBA is a league that thrives on emerging stars, and in 2025, every team is hoping that one of their young players or unheralded talents will finally break through. With a mix of rising stars, role players, and even veterans on the brink of new levels of performance, the success of many teams hinges on a breakout player. Here’s a look at one player each NBA team desperately needs to break out in 2025 to elevate their team’s aspirations.
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### **1. Atlanta Hawks: Onyeka Okongwu**
The Atlanta Hawks need a big leap from Onyeka Okongwu in 2025. As the backup center behind Clint Capela, Okongwu has flashed immense potential as a defender and rebounder, but his offensive game is still catching up. If he can develop into a consistent scoring threat and maintain his elite rim protection, he could provide Atlanta with the defensive anchor and offensive versatility they need to contend in the Eastern Conference.
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### **2. Boston Celtics: Payton Pritchard**
While Boston has one of the deepest rosters in the NBA, they could use a breakout season from Payton Pritchard. The Celtics need another playmaker and scorer off the bench to relieve Marcus Smart and Jayson Tatum. If Pritchard can evolve into a steady floor general with a reliable outside shot, he could be the key to elevating Boston’s second unit and providing a spark when the starters rest.
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### **3. Brooklyn Nets: Cam Thomas**
Brooklyn has a lot of questions surrounding their roster as they attempt to rebuild after the departures of Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. Cam Thomas has shown flashes of scoring brilliance, but consistency has been a challenge. If he can break out as a more complete player and improve his efficiency, Thomas could be a major piece in Brooklyn’s offensive future, giving the team a go-to scorer and a potential cornerstone for the rebuilding process.
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### **4. Charlotte Hornets: James Bouknight**
The Hornets are still in the process of building around LaMelo Ball, and they desperately need James Bouknight to break out in 2025. Bouknight, a former lottery pick, has yet to show consistency at the NBA level. However, if he can take advantage of the opportunity to develop into a versatile scorer and defender, he could be the perfect complement to Ball, giving Charlotte a dynamic backcourt duo.
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### **5. Chicago Bulls: Patrick Williams**
Patrick Williams has the tools to become a cornerstone player for the Chicago Bulls. With his defensive versatility, size, and athleticism, he could be the ideal forward to pair with Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan. However, his offensive game has been slow to develop. If Williams can become a more aggressive scorer and an elite two-way player, Chicago’s ceiling could rise significantly in 2025.
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### **6. Cleveland Cavaliers: Evan Mobley**
Evan Mobley has already proven himself as one of the best young defenders in the NBA, but for the Cleveland Cavaliers to take the next step, they need Mobley’s offensive game to take a leap in 2025. If Mobley can develop a more reliable jump shot, expand his offensive repertoire, and become a dominant scoring presence alongside Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell, the Cavs will be an even more dangerous team in the East.
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### **7. Dallas Mavericks: Jaden Ivey**
While Luka Dončić is the focal point of Dallas’ offense, the team needs a secondary playmaker and scorer to help shoulder the load. Jaden Ivey could be the answer if he can continue to develop his playmaking and scoring abilities. With his elite speed and athleticism, Ivey could become the perfect complement to Dončić, providing the Mavs with a dynamic backcourt duo that can compete at the highest level.
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### **8. Denver Nuggets: Michael Porter Jr.**
While Michael Porter Jr. has shown his potential as a scorer, his development as a consistent two-way player is crucial for Denver’s championship aspirations. If Porter can break out as a more reliable defender and continue to knock down shots at a high level, the Nuggets will have one of the most potent lineups in the league, with the ability to match any team in both scoring and defense.
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### **9. Detroit Pistons: Jalen Ivey**
The Detroit Pistons are in full rebuild mode, and Jaden Ivey is their biggest hope for taking the next step forward. Ivey has displayed impressive flashes of athleticism and scoring potential, but consistency has been an issue. If Ivey can develop into a more polished playmaker and a consistent scoring threat, the Pistons could fast-track their rebuild and provide Cade Cunningham with a strong running mate in the backcourt.
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### **10. Golden State Warriors: Moses Moody**
Moses Moody has shown promise as a young wing with defensive potential, but 2025 could be his breakout season if he continues to develop. Golden State needs more consistency from their bench players, and Moody could emerge as a reliable two-way contributor. His ability to defend and knock down open shots would be invaluable, giving the Warriors a potential depth piece that can help them make another title push.
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### **11. Houston Rockets: Jabari Smith Jr.**
Jabari Smith Jr. is the Houston Rockets’ most highly touted young player, and they need him to break out in 2025. After a somewhat quiet rookie season, Smith has the tools to be an elite two-way player with his shooting touch and defensive ability. If Smith can take his game to the next level and become a reliable scorer, the Rockets’ rebuilding process could accelerate rapidly, helping to form the core alongside Jalen Green and Alperen Şengün.
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### **12. Indiana Pacers: Benedict Mathurin**
Benedict Mathurin showed flashes of his scoring prowess during his rookie season, but if Indiana wants to contend for a playoff spot in the future, Mathurin needs to take a big leap in 2025. His ability to create his own shot and score efficiently will be key for the Pacers, especially alongside Tyrese Haliburton. If Mathurin can grow into a consistent scorer and reliable all-around contributor, he could quickly become the second star that Indiana needs.
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### **13. Los Angeles Clippers: Terance Mann**
The Los Angeles Clippers have been searching for consistency and depth to pair alongside Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. Terance Mann has been a key role player for the Clippers, but his breakout in 2025 could elevate the team’s chances of competing for a championship. If Mann can develop into a more consistent scorer, especially from beyond the arc, while continuing to be a versatile defender, the Clippers’ chances of finally reaching the Finals could be significantly enhanced.
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### **14. Los Angeles Lakers: Austin Reaves**
Austin Reaves was a breakout star for the Lakers during their playoff run in 2023, and in 2025, he needs to take the next step. If Reaves can become a more consistent secondary scorer, especially from beyond the arc, and maintain his strong defensive play, he would be the perfect complement to LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Reaves has the potential to develop into a key part of the Lakers’ future success.
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### **15. Memphis Grizzlies: Ziaire Williams**
Memphis has a solid core led by Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Desmond Bane, but the Grizzlies could use a breakout season from Ziaire Williams in 2025. Williams’ length and athleticism make him an intriguing prospect, but he needs to develop his scoring and overall offensive game. If he can emerge as a consistent two-way player, he could become a valuable piece in Memphis’ quest for a championship.
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### **16. Miami Heat: Nikola Jovic**
Nikola Jovic showed flashes of potential during his rookie season with Miami. The Heat need him to break out in 2025 and develop into the versatile forward they hoped for when they drafted him. If Jovic can refine his shooting touch and continue to improve his defensive game, he could be a valuable contributor to a Miami team looking to stay competitive in the East.
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### **17. Milwaukee Bucks: MarJon Beauchamp**
MarJon Beauchamp has impressed in limited minutes, but for the Bucks to remain a title contender in 2025, they need him to develop into a reliable two-way contributor. Beauchamp has the athleticism and defense to make an impact, but if he can add more scoring consistency, he could be the perfect player to round out Milwaukee’s rotation and help Giannis Antetokounmpo pursue another title.
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### **18. Minnesota Timberwolves: Jaden Ivey**
The Timberwolves could use a breakout season from Jaden Ivey to help take pressure off Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards. Ivey has the potential to be a dynamic scorer and playmaker, and if he can provide that for Minnesota, the team could ascend in the Western Conference standings.
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### **19. New Orleans Pelicans: Trey Murphy III**
Trey Murphy III is a promising young player with the potential to be a key part of New Orleans’ future. The Pelicans need him to break out in 2025 by refining his scoring and becoming a more consistent three-point shooter. His ability to stretch the floor and provide defensive versatility will be crucial for New Orleans to reach its full potential alongside Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram.
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### **20. New York Knicks: Obi Toppin**
Obi Toppin has shown flashes of athleticism and scoring ability, but he’s yet to carve out a significant role with the Knicks. In 2025, Toppin needs to break out by becoming a more consistent offensive weapon, particularly as a shooter and finisher. His development
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