The NBA is a continuous cycle of competition where every year teams win and lose. At the heart of competition, it’s the players that shine. As players age and graduate from the NBA, new players emerge every year to continue competing for the Larry O’ Brien trophy.
This time of the offseason is when it is most fun to look at potential breakout players to watch for in the upcoming NBA season. We're going to look at two of them.
John Collins (Atlanta Hawks, PF/C, 6-10, 235 lbs)
The Atlanta Hawks do not have many expectations coming into the 2018-2019 season given they finished with a dismal 24-58 record last season. What they do have is a glut of young players the likes of the fifth pick in the 2018 NBA draft in Trae Young, Taurean Prince and second year big man John Collins.
Of their three prized young guys, John Collins figures to have the biggest breakout season. Collins was a steady force throughout the year in Atlanta averaging a very solid 10.5 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game, while shooting 57.6% from the field.
He would consistently find himself being the highest energy guy on the floor, working hard on the offensive and defensive side of the ball. You could see that he was getting more and more comfortable as the season went on. He would routinely throw down monster dunks and big blocks, which certainly did not go unnoticed in the league.
Collins was an absolute beast in this year’s edition of the Las Vegas Summer League. He only wound up playing two games for the Hawks coaching staff to know that he just did not belong out there anymore.
In the two games he played, he flat out dominated. He showed his whole repertoire, averaging 24 points and 8.5 rebounds per game, while shooting 48% from the field. While the 48% shooting leaves quite to be desired from a big, the fact that Collins was putting up these big scoring numbers (even if it’s just summer league) should indicate his offensive game is trending upwards.
What's even more impressive, he seems to developed a shot from beyond the arc, draining five 3-pointers in only two games. Take what you want from two summer league games, but the potential he showed should have Hawks fans smiling from ear to ear.
Look for Collins to continue expanding his game this upcoming season. On a team where he will be featured as the number one big man, John Collins will get all he can handle. He to make mistakes and develop his chemistry with Trae Young and Taurean Prince as their core. The Hawks can afford all the time to let their young guys grow and Collins’ potential to be an elite 2 way player is a great start to a franchise that should be on the upswing in years to come.
Dejounte Murray (San Antonio Spurs, PG, 6-5, 170 lbs)
The upcoming season will be Dejounte Murray’s first as San Antonio’s primary point guard. The lanky 6-5 guard should find his role greatly expanded with the departure of long time Spurs legends Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili.
The Spurs have seemingly tried to hold back on Murray, as he only averaged 21 minutes per game last seaspn , but we should see that number skyrocket this year. Though wildly inconsistent last season, the increase in minutes, ball handling responsibilities and offensive expectations that will be given to Murray should very likely steadily increase his production.
His best game of the season last year came in April against the Los Angeles Lakers where he scored 23 points, grabbed 10 boards to go with 6 assists, 2 steals and a block in 37 minutes of action. The full stat line gives us a preview of what Dejounte Murray can really become if he fulfills his potential.
If Murray really breaks out this year, it would be because of the development of his jumper. Coming into the league as the 29th pick two years ago, it was well known that his jumpshot was a real problem. Throughout his two years in the NBA, his whole offensive game has been predicated on driving to the lane which made him rather predictable to defend. Adding a jumpshot, let alone a 3 point shot, will truly take his game to the next level.
He has only attempted 57 three point shots in his two years in the NBA and made 18 for 31.6%. However, the Spurs have one of the best shooting coaches in the league in Chip Engelland (the same coach who made Kawhi the knockdown shooter that he is) so that should work in Murray’s favor.
This upcoming season looks to be an exciting one for the only 21-year-old Dejounte Murray and the San Antonio Spurs. He will be relied on to handle some offensive load as well to be the anchor of their defense. Not only is a new Spurs era ushering in, but this year will be pivotal to see if the Spurs can continue to be the dominant force that they have been for the years to come. Dejounte Murray should find himself in the biggest role he has ever been in and that should give him a chance to really grow.
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