You’ve probably noticed how NBA players in their second year have a tendency to make dramatic strides forward. Think of Evan Mobley’s defensive breakout or Franz Wagner’s scoring leap, both transformed from promising rookies to legitimate stars during their sophomore years. But why does this happen so consistently?
The answer is adaptation. After a full season of NBA-level competition and a full professional offseason, these young players now understand the pace and physicality of the league. They’re no longer wide-eyed rookies; they’re seasoned pros ready to play at their true level.
As you evaluate the 2024-25 season, you’ll be excited to watch the 2023 draft class in its second season. These five players will make big jumps that will reshape their franchises, and perhaps your expectations for their teams.
Brandon Miller: The Sharpshooting Wing Set to Explode
You can anticipate big things from Charlotte’s Brandon Miller this season. The 6-foot-9 wing splashed a whopping 38.4% of his three-pointers in college at Alabama, demonstrating the kind of elite-level shooting that translates immediately to the NBA.
Miller’s first year showed flashes of greatness, but inconsistency derailed his production. Still, with LaMelo Ball returning healthy and the Hornets in desperate need of a reliable secondary scorer, Miller’s opportunity couldn’t be clearer. He’s going to get 15-18 shots a game in a more defined role.
What’s really interesting about Miller is that he possesses the size and shooting combination, standing 6-foot-9, to shoot over the top of most defenders, but also has the basketball IQ to get to open spots consistently. Don’t be surprised if he takes the jump from his rookie averages to 16-18 points per game with greater efficiency.
Amen Thompson: The Athletic Freak Learning to Shoot
Houston’s Amen Thompson presents you with one of the most interesting development stories in the league. Despite taking shots at an abysmal 13.8% from three last year, quite literally the worst percentage in the NBA, Thompson’s overall impact on the game suggests tremendous upside if he can develop into even an adequate shooter.
Thompson’s athleticism is elite. His first-step explosiveness and hang time in traffic are reminiscent of prime Russell Westbrook, but his defensive versatility and court vision might just eclipse what Westbrook was offering at this age. Thompson recorded 2.3 steals per 36 minutes while showing the ability to guard multiple positions.
The question isn’t whether or not Thompson will improve as a shooter; it’s how much he needs to in order to reach his ceiling. Even reaching 30% from three would transform him from a defensive specialist to a true two-way threat. You’re essentially looking at a potential All-Star if he can develop any kind of perimeter shot.
Market Expectations and Betting Implications
These sophomore leaps are the stuff of fascinating dynamics in both team expectations and betting markets. Young players who make significant strides have a way of exceeding preseason expectations by considerable margins, influencing everything from win totals to individual hardware.
You’ll find that websites tracking these rising stars have appealing player props and team improvement possibilities. Websites like Bookies Not On Gamstop offer analytical reviews, statistics, and player expectations, catering to both novice and experienced players. This information directly addresses sophomore development and its impact on franchise trajectories and helps bettors in making decisions.
The unpredictability of second-year jumps renders these players particularly fascinating from an analytical standpoint, as ceilings are typically higher than standard metrics suggest.
Gradey Dick: The Pure Shooter Finding a Rhythm
Toronto’s Gradey Dick is everything you’d want in a modern NBA wing. The 6-foot-8 shooter struggled out of the gates in his rookie season but found a rhythm in dramatic fashion, hitting 41% of his threes following the All-Star break.
Dick’s shot form is textbook, and he possesses the basketball IQ to move effectively without the ball. Above all, his learning curve was extremely promising; he went from seeming lost early in the year to a good rotation player by the end of the season.
As Toronto brings in a youth movement with Scottie Barnes and RJ Barrett, Dick should get more opportunities in catch-and-shoot situations. You can count on him attempting 5-6 three-pointers a game while being efficient in the 38-40% range.
Keyonte George: The Explosive Guard with Utah’s Keys
Utah’s Keyonte George recovered from a difficult rookie season with a good preseason campaign. After a season in which he shot just 39% from the field and 33% from three as a rookie, George demonstrated phenomenal improvement with 49/45/88 shooting splits during preseason games.
George’s biggest rookie weakness was his finishing at the rim, but he improved considerably in doing so during limited preseason minutes. A 20-year-old with the kind of explosive first step that creates regular scoring opportunities.
The Jazz have essentially handed George the keys to their offense and let him develop pressure-free. You can expect significant statistical leaps, perhaps jumping from his rookie averages to 16-18 points and 6-7 assists a game.
Scoot Henderson: The Point Guard Poised to Take Over
Portland’s Scoot Henderson has perhaps the most upside of these five players. The athletic point guard dealt with injuries early in his rookie season but finished extremely strong, averaging 18.9 points and 7.9 assists in his final 14 starts.
Henderson’s stature (6-foot-2), quickness, and court vision inevitably bring about Russell Westbrook comparisons, yet his basketball IQ appears to be more advanced at the same point. His shot remains inconsistent, yet 39.5% three-point shooting during that strong finish suggests legitimate improvement.
With Portland committed to constructing its young core around Henderson and Anfernee Simons, you’ll see Henderson in a glaring leadership role right away. There is room for potential All-Star appearances in his ceiling if he can sustain his late-season shooting improvements.
What This Means for You
These five players represent more than just individual development stories; they’re potential franchise changers. Miller could transform Charlotte’s offense, Thompson might unlock Houston’s defensive identity, Dick could provide Toronto’s missing shooting element, George may lead Utah’s rebuild, and Henderson could establish Portland’s foundation.
As you follow the upcoming seasons, remember that sophomore jumps tend to happen suddenly and dramatically. These players can look like up-and-coming prospects one month and the next be bonafide stars leading their teams to upset wins. That’s what makes it so exciting to see them develop.
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Author: Team Dunkest
July 1, 2025 | 6:00 am
