Sophomore Jump: 5 second-year NBA players bound to breakout

A player’s second pro season is an important one. With the craze and uneasiness of the rookie year having worn off, it is a chance to find your footing in the league and start to establish your future.

Obviously, that is easier said than done, especially when it comes from someone who is not out there on the court. It is not a given that players improve in their sophomore season. Many struggle with the fact that defenses now pay more attention to them and are prepared for their moves. Others, however, are more comfortable and take a jump in their second NBA season.

This year’s sophomore class has plenty of potential star power some of which might start to show this upcoming season. The group is obviously headlined by Paolo Banchero, but he will only get an honorable mention here.

Coming off playing for Team USA, it is not unlikely that he will take a step forward, but I wouldn’t call it a breakout. He already very much put the league on notice in his rookie season, after all. So, let’s look at some other second-year players who are destined to break out in the 2022-23 season.