US media predicts 7 players likely to break out in the new season: Lakers’ new addition included, teammate of Yang Hansen also listed

On September 6th Beijing time, HoopsHype published a list of 7 players poised for a breakout in the upcoming season, featuring Lakers’ new signing LaRavia and Yang Hansen’s teammate Shaden Sharp —

LaRavia (Lakers)

LaRavia is not widely known — during the first three years of his career, injuries restricted him to just 136 games. However, now joining the Lakers, he is in an ideal environment for a breakout: he will play alongside LeBron James, Luka Dončić, and Austin Reaves.

LaRavia is likely to appear as a high-minute backup wing, capable of covering positions from shooting guard to power forward. This positional versatility will be valuable for the Lakers, who still lack depth and rely heavily on their core players, helping him earn substantial playing time.

Last season, LaRavia shot 42% from three-point range and set career highs in passing, rebounding, and defensive metrics per possession. Compared to the player he replaces, Dorian Finney-Smith, LaRavia shows greater potential in ball handling and secondary playmaking.

LaRavia needs to adjust his playing style somewhat: he must become more aggressive on defense and more proactive in catching and shooting three-pointers. If he achieves this, he could join the long list of role players who have blossomed alongside LeBron James.

Matherlin and Nembhard (Pacers)

With two guards expected to make significant strides, the Pacers are unlikely to finish at the bottom of their division. Matherlin is attending training camp as an undisputed opening night starter for the first time in his career. He is about to enter contract extension talks, and the Pacers’ management will closely watch his progress in off-ball defense and decision-making. Scoring has never been an issue for Matherlin, and this season he will have the chance to prove he has improved other areas of his game.

Nembhard will take over the point guard duties. He has previously stepped up impressively in pressure situations, most notably during the 2024 Eastern Conference Finals when Tyrese Haliburton was out for games three and four — facing tough defenders like Jrue Holiday, Derrick White, and Jaylen Brown, Nembhard still scored 56 points efficiently across those two games.

Hauser (Celtics)

Next season, the Celtics will face the challenge of missing several key players: Jayson Tatum is injured, Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday have departed.

Someone must step up to fill the scoring void. We know Jaylen Brown is eager to prove himself as the undisputed leader, and Derrick White will also push to reach his personal best.

Hauser might receive more playing time and ball usage than expected, especially if the Celtics finalize a trade for Anfernee Simons. In Boston’s three-point focused offense, Hauser is the most reliable shooter remaining, and his three-point attempt rate is expected to rise dramatically next season.

Brandon Miller (Hornets)

Fans have not seen Brandon Miller on the court for quite some time. Early last season, he suffered a wrist injury on his shooting hand, and the Hornets chose to shut him down early to ensure full recovery.

However, entering his third professional season, Miller has an excellent opportunity to prove himself. Additionally, the Hornets have improved their perimeter shooting this season, which may allow Miller easier chances to attack the rim — last season only 16% of his shots came at the basket, a disappointingly low rate that hurt his overall shooting percentage. Also, Charles Lee and the coaching staff likely spent last season emphasizing how Miller can improve his off-ball defense.

Next summer, Miller will be eligible for contract extension talks. As a highly competitive player, he will be eager to demonstrate his progress and why he deserves a max contract.

Shaden Sharp (Trail Blazers)

Last season, Sharp averaged 18.5 points per game, leading some to question how much more he can improve. His athleticism is elite, rivaled only by the Thompson brothers (Amen and Osar Thompson) across the league, and he also possesses a smooth shooting stroke.

Sharp’s upcoming fourth season is crucial — he will be fighting for a contract extension. The Trail Blazers’ roster remains relatively stable, and replacing Anfernee Simons with Jrue Holiday could provide Sharp with a mentor and offensive initiator to help boost his efficiency on both ends of the floor.

If Sharp breaks through, fans can expect highly entertaining performances.

Terence Shannon (Timberwolves)

Shannon has impressed in consecutive Summer League appearances, but last season, on a deep and successful Timberwolves team, he only logged a few hundred minutes in the regular season, barely getting a chance to show his true ability.

However, the Timberwolves will need Shannon’s contributions this season. Core player Alexander Walker, who offered three-point shooting and defense, left due to salary cap constraints, making Shannon the most likely candidate to fill the “high-minute backup” role.

Shannon is explosive in transition and a tenacious on-ball defender. If he can build on his excellent physical traits by improving his playmaking and maintaining defensive consistency, the Timberwolves might not even miss Alexander Walker at all.