NBA: One x-factor for every team heading into 2022-23

Houston Rockets – Alperen Sengun

The Houston Rockets have a collection of intriguing young talent, with all the hype surrounding Jalen Green and now Jabari Smith. However, an x-factor for the team this season could be Alperen Sengun.

Sengun has flashed throughout his short career in Houston and is expected to have an expanded role with the team this season.

Indiana Pacers – Chris Duarte

All eyes are expected to be on Tyrese Haliburton this season, but the Indiana Pacers aren’t just a one-player team at this point. They have a few interesting young prospects that could help change the math for the team this season. And one to watch is Chris Duarte.

Durate is coming off a solid rookie season for the Pacers and it’ll be interesting to see how he looks in year 2. If he continues to develop at a rapid pace, he could be a secondary building block next to Haliburton.