NBA: 5 Players primed for breakout seasons in 2022-23

Patrick Williams (David Banks-USA TODAY Sports)
Patrick Williams (David Banks-USA TODAY Sports)
2 of 6
Dallas Mavericks
Dallas Mavericks Jalen Brunson (Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports)

Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks 

Jalen Brunson had such an incredible season with the Dallas Mavericks that the New York Knicks came firing with a four-year $104 million contract in free agency. Brunson is coming from a breakout season with the Mavs averaging 16 points and five assists per game.

Brunson looked great and has become a household name. The Knicks believe he can offer an All-Star level season this year. With all the expectations on Brunson’s shoulders, if he can improve and potentially average 20 points per game while bringing the Knicks into the playoffs alongside Julius Randle and RJ Barrett (or maybe Donovan Mitchell?), Brunson may be the Most Improved Player award winner.

But he’ll have to prove it in New York. And there will be plenty of eyes watching him attempt to do that this season without Luka Doncic.