5 Breakout players for next season, and why the Raptors’ fate is tied to one

No. 5: Brandin Podziemski, Golden State Warriors

The Golden State Warriors are a team primed for multiple breakout candidates, influenced by an uncertain heirarchy behind Stephen Curry on offense. Most players trying to take a step up the ladder have to displace someone ahead of them, but the Warriors merely have a yawning maw for young players to leap into and assert themselves.

Jonathan Kuminga is a popular name to bring up, but short of merely scoring more points it's not clear what his next steps look like; the Warriors hope he will continue to develop, but his growth has come in fits and starts. Moses Moody is a player capable of a breakout but this coaching staff doesn't seem to appreciate him.

One player whose runway is clearing for a breakout, however, is Brandin Podziemski, who is both a young player on the rise and someone with the opportunity to show it in an increased role. Klay Thompson is gone, eliminating competition for the starting spot next to Curry in the backcourt, and Chris Paul has also departed, meaning Podziemski can slide in as the backup point guard.

With the ball in his hands more he will have a chance to show what he can do running an offense, and whether he can add shot creation and playmaking to an already impressive resume of support skills like rebounding, cutting and shooting. He looked good in Summer League and was an invitee to the Team USA Select Camp, and the Warriors worked hard to protect him int rade discussions. All signs are pointing to Podziemski having as much space to grow as he would like.