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

No. 2: Jalen Johnson, Atlanta Hawks

It is possible that the breakout for Jalen Johnson came last season, when he became a full-time starter and averaged 16 points per game. It feels like more is coming, however, and the increased opportunity and the youth movement on the roster is setting the stage for a big season for Johnson.

The onetime Duke forward took a massive step forward a year ago, but only played in 56 games as nagging injuries kept him out of the lineup. He went from 5.6 points per game as a sophomore to 16 points per game last year, more than doubling his playing time.

Now Dejounte Murray is gone, and he wasn't replaced by any high-octane scorers. Even No. 1 overall pick Zaccherie Rissacher doesn't look ready to take on a large usage role out of the gate. That means Johnson could have the ball in his hands even more, and his growth thus far suggests he will do something with it.

The best version of Johnson, and what Atlanta hopes it will get, is a forward so athletic and skilled that they are getting 24 points, 10 rebounds and five assists from their starting power forward, and sprinkling in some solid defensive impact as well. If the Hawks can lean into more of an up-tempo identity they could thrive given their young forwards and the ramp to improvement ahead of them.