3 NBA Players Poised For Breakouts In 2024-2025

1. Jonathan Kuminga

If the Warriors want to make the playoffs this season, Jonathan Kuminga is going to have to have a breakout season. At +1400 on DraftKings, he has the third shortest odds to win Most Improved Player in 2024-2025, behind Victor Wembanyama (+1000) and Evan Mobley (+1000).

With Klay Thompson no longer with the Warriors and Steph Curry entering his 16th season, Kuminga is one of the young bright spots for Steve Kerr's team and will be relied upon a ton in 2024-2025. He averaged 16.1 points last season, which nearly doubled his scoring output in 2022-2023, but he'll have to up that production even more for Golden State to find success.

At 6'8" with a 7-foot wingspan, Kuminga has the physical tools to dominate on both ends of the floor. He's extremely quick and can finish at the rim, run the floor in transition, and guard multiple positions, making him a unique two-way player.

I also expect Kerr to utilize Kuminga in a role that maximizes those strengths more this season without Thompson on the team and Curry and Draymond Green both in the latter half of their careers. If the offense becomes a bit more tailored to Kuminga, he'll thrive and become a key contributor on both ends of the floor in the upcoming season.

2. Keyonte George

Keyonte George has the potential to break out in 2024-25 due to his versatile scoring ability and an increasing role for the Utah Jazz. George is coming off a rookie season in which he averaged 13.0 points, 2.8 rebounds and 4.4 assists, earning him a spot on the NBA All-Rookie Second Team.

He's a dynamic scorer who can create shots at all three levels, making him a consistent challenge for any defender to contain. With the Jazz amidst a rebuild, George's role should expand this upcoming season. Whether that's through more minutes or a starting position, he'll be provided greater opportunities to showcase his skills. He also showed improvement in his playmaking as last season went on, hinting at his potential to become a more complete offensive threat.

Physical maturation will also play a significant role, as another offseason of NBA-level training could make him stronger, quicker, and more explosive. Defensively, George has the length, quickness, and instincts to be a solid two-way player.

The Jazz have also been shopping guards Jordan Clarkson and Collin Sexton, which would clear the way for George to have plenty of playing time and more freedom within the offense.

He's priced at +3000 to win Most Improved Player this upcoming season, which is well behind the market leader, Wembanyama, at +1000. However, I love that price for George based on my expectations for him next year.

3. Andrew Nembhard

Andrew Nembhard proved through the NBA playoffs why he can be a breakout candidate this upcoming season. With Tyrese Haliburton sidelined in Games 3 and 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Celtics, Nembard was forced into a starting role. He was unphased, scoring a career-high 32 points on 12-of-21 shooting while adding nine assists with only two turnovers.

In Game 4, he finished with 24 points on 10-of-18 shooing and 10 dimes. Despite losing both games, he was the best player on the floor for the Pacers, proving his game is capable of taking another big leap forward.

Nembhard is known for his court vision and passing, averaging 4.5 assists per game during the regular season, and often serving as a key facilitator for Indiana. As he continues to refine his offensive game, particularly his three-point shooting and finishing at the rim, Nembhard could evolve into a dual-threat guard. If he increases his scoring from his current average of 9.5 points per game, he could become a more complete offensive player, opening up more opportunities for his teammates.

If Nembhard picks up where he left off in 2024, head coach Rick Carlisle will have no choice but to give him more playing time. At +10000, he's a longshot to win Most Improved Player in 2024-25, but I think that price is way too long, giving us plenty of value.