Being a rookie in the NBA is no walk in the park. While some players adjust quickly to the change in physicality and speed, there are others that take a little longer to find their rhythm at the next level.
The 2021 NBA Draft class featured plenty of guys that produced right away. Scottie Barnes, Evan Mobley, Trey Murphy III and Herbert Jones were all key contributors for teams that either made the postseason or played in the NBA Play-In Tournament.
Cade Cunningham and Jalen Green showed why they are considered franchise cornerstones as they improved as the season went along. Josh Giddey would fall into that category as well.
While they all played well, there are some other excellent players in that draft class that will showcase their talents this season. The sophomore leap will be big for a few players. Here are five primed for a massive leap in their second season in the NBA.
*Quentin Grimes, Alperen Sengun and Bones Hyland are absent from this list as they were featured in another breakout players piece but would have otherwise qualified*
Franz Wagner, Orlando Magic
The Orlando Magic had two lottery picks in the 2021 NBA Draft, selecting Jalen Suggs fifth overall and then Franz Wagner No. 8.
Out of the two, it was Wagner who had the better rookie campaign, earning first-team All-Rookie honors. While many would say that he has arrived already after that performance, he is going to truly break out in Year 2.
Wagner showcased more of his skills in EuroBasket this summer, averaging 15.2 points on an efficient 53 percent from the field.
LATEST NBA NEWS: Franz Wagner & Orlando Magic Updates
Adding a player of Paolo Banchero’s caliber to the mix will only help Wagner as less attention will be given to him. A more consistent 3-point shot in the NBA will lead to an uptick in points as well.
Wagner has a well-rounded all-around game that will shine with the improved play around him.
Sandro Mamukelashvili, Milwaukee Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks are going to need some players to step up this season, especially in the early going with how many injuries they are dealing with.
Looking for someone to emerge in the frontcourt, Sandro Mamukelashvili is someone to keep an eye on. He was a part-time player last season but could earn a bigger role in his second year in the NBA.
The Seton Hall product was a standout during the Las Vegas Summer League, averaging 17 points to go along with 8.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.0 blocks per game. That kind of versatility from a big man would play in the NBA.
LATEST NBA NEWS: Sandro Mamukelashvili & Milwaukee Bucks Updates
A playmaking big with the ability to shoot 3-pointers is someone that could emerge alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Jonathan Kuminga, Golden State Warriors
The Golden State Warriors are coming off their fourth title victory in eight years. But, with the players that they lost in the offseason, they will need others to step up this season.
One of the players that will be inserted into the rotation is Jonathan Kuminga, the No. 7 overall pick in 2021. Kuminga has the build and athleticism to be a two-way force, which he showed flashes of last season.
Now set to be a part of the rotation consistently, Kuminga will have more opportunities to showcase his talents. He should be motivated by the remarks of people like Stephen A. Smith have shared, questioning his professionalism and work ethic.
LATEST NBA NEWS: Jonathan Kuminga & Golden State Warriors Updates
Playing in the environment that Golden State has built is a huge advantage as well as it will put him in a position to succeed.
Isaiah Jackson, Indiana Pacers
Playing for a rebuilding team that is going to provide young players as many minutes as they can handle is a good start for a player to break out. While he may start the season coming off the bench behind Myles Turner, Isaiah Jackson is someone in a position to have a big sophomore season.
The Kentucky product played well with more playing time later on in his rookie season and is ready to take that next step.
LATEST NBA NEWS: Isaiah Jackson & Indiana Pacers Updates
An elite athlete, Jackson showed off his defensive chops, blocking 1.4 shots per game despite averaging only 15 minutes. His rebounding and rim protection are already above average, if he can continue developing his offensive game, he will be a starting-caliber player in no time.
Keep an eye on Jackson’s role to grow as the season moves along, especially if Turner is traded.
Josh Primo, San Antonio Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs are running out what could end up being the youngest rotation in the NBA when it is all said and done. One of the players that will receive extended chances at playing time this season is Josh Primo.
The No. 12 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft is going to start the season coming off the bench behind Tre Jones, but it would not surprise anyone if that changes quickly.
Primo didn’t receive many chances with the Spurs last season and struggled when he did, which isn’t shocking. He was only 18 when he was selected, as he was playing for Alabama collegiately at 17 years old.
LATEST NBA NEWS: Josh Primo & San Antonio Spurs Updates
Primo found more success in the G League last season and the Spurs will give him every opportunity to start finding that at the NBA level, too.
This is a rebuilding season in San Antonio, as they have their sights set on the 2023 NBA Draft. Primo should receive plenty of chances to show why he should be a part of their long-term foundation.
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