NBA training camp is underway, with the NBA season right around the corner. Much of the focus is on the superstars, and understandably so. However, there are plenty of breakout candidates and underrated players around the league.
Today, we will watch five under-the-radar players in the 2023-24 NBA season. Without further ado, let’s get into it.
Jeremy Sochan, San Antonio Spurs
Jeremy Sochan is a 20-year-old second-year player. He displayed signs of stardom in 2022-23 but was overlooked since the Spurs struggled overall.
He averaged 11.0 points per game to go along with 5.3 rebounds per contest. Sochan offers versatility as a forward and is still developing as a scorer and rebounder. It will be exciting to see if he can continue to improve on the defensive side of the floor.
Most of the focus has been on Victor Wembanyama in San Antonio during the offseason and training camp. Wembanyama’s presence should lead to improved stats from other Spurs players since most opposing defenses will try to stop him.
LATEST NBA NEWS: Jeremy Sochan, San Antonio Spurs Updates
As a result, Jeremy Sochan has a chance to break out in 2023-24 truly. Even if Wembanyama weren’t on the Spurs, Sochan would have still been a player to watch. Wembanyama will only help matters, though.
Devin Vassell, San Antonio Spurs
Devin Vassell is another San Antonio Spurs player whose strong performance went overlooked last season. The 23-year-old only appeared in 38 games but shined while on the court, averaging 18.5 points per contest.
He plays on the wing and can run the shooting guard or small forward position. Vassell, who’s entering his third NBA campaign, has shot just under 37 percent from beyond the arc for his career.
LATEST NBA NEWS: Devin Vassell, San Antonio Spurs Updates
Again, defenses will prepare for Wembanyama, leading to open looks for Devin Vassell. If he can stay healthy and play more games, Vassell will be another breakout player for the Spurs.
Alperen Sengun, Houston Rockets
Alperen Sengun impressed in 2022-23. He’s still only 21 years old but has the potential to become a superstar big man. At 6’11, Sengun is intimidating but also offers a soft touch around the rim.
2022-23 was his second NBA season, and he averaged 14.8 points per game on 55.3 percent field goal shooting. Sengun improved as a rebounder as well, averaging 9.0 boards per contest. Houston also hopes to continue to take strides in a positive direction as a defender.
LATEST NBA NEWS: Alperen Sengun, Houston Rockets Updates
The Rockets will be an intriguing team to follow. Houston features several young players with high ceilings, and Alperen Sengun is a pivotal part of the Rockets’ core. He may be flying under the radar for now, but don’t be surprised if he truly makes a name for himself soon.
Josh Giddey, Oklahoma City Thunder
Josh Giddey is known as a solid player. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the Oklahoma City Thunder’s best player and receives most of the attention. Chet Holmgren was the No. 2 overall pick in the NBA Draft a year ago, and fans are excited to see how he performs after missing the 2022-23 season due to injury. Jalen Williams is also a key piece to the puzzle.
However, Giddey shouldn’t be forgotten. Gilgeous-Alexander and Holmgren may be more notable names, but the 20-year-old guard will be a player to watch.
Giddey is preparing for his third year in the league and displayed steady improvement last season. He averaged 16.6 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game for a Thunder team, leaving fans excited for the future.
LATEST NBA NEWS: Josh Giddey, Oklahoma City Thunder Updates
Giddey is fairly inefficient from beyond the arc and can help himself out by improving his three-point shot. That said, he’s a reliable scorer from the field, averaging 48.2 percent on his field goal attempts in 2022-23.
The Thunder are building a contender. Josh Giddey, Gilgeous-Alexander, Holmgren, and Williams could help OKC shock the West in 2023-24.
Jarrett Allen, Cleveland Cavaliers
Jarrett Allen’s presence on this list may surprise some people. After all, he’s already made one All-Star team and is well-known among fans.
That said, Allen still tends to fly under the radar. When people talk about the best big men in the league, Allen’s name isn’t mentioned enough. Yet, he’s been spectacular for the Cavs since being traded from the Brooklyn Nets.
Allen debuted back in 2017 and played with the Nets until the 2020-21 campaign. He’s since played in Cleveland and has become an underrated star.
Allen was selected to the All-Star Game in 2021-22 and ultimately averaged 16.1 points and 10.8 rebounds per contest. He also impressed in 2022-23 despite not making the All-Star Game. Allen posted 14.3 points and 9.8 rebounds per game.
LATEST NBA NEWS: Jarrett Allen, Cleveland Cavaliers Updates
Allen is also a strong defender. Blocks obviously don’t tell the whole story, but he’s averaged 1.3 blocks per game for his career. Jarrett Allen is a very good player who deserves more attention.
