Phoenix Suns
Breakout candidate: Josh Okogie
It doesn’t take a genius to realize that this is clearly an all-or-nothing season for the Phoenix Suns. After adding Bradley Beal during the offseason, the pressure is on the franchise to win a title. They have arguably the best top 4 in the NBA in Kevin Durant, Beal, Devin Booker, and Jusuf Nurkic, and some pretty quality role players as their supporting cast.
With how thin the team is beyond their top 4 and their veteran contributors, it’s hard to identify a possible breakout contributor. However, Josh Okogie is one possibility. He’s still just 25 years old and, at least for the moment, is listed as a starter heading into the start of the season. If the Suns are going to win a championship this season, Okogie is likely going to have to emerge as a consistent contributor.
It should be noted that a breakout year for Okogie won’t look like a breakout for another player. Playing next to KG, Booker, Beal, and Nurkic, the production won’t be there but his influence will be felt.