Rising Stars of the Atlantic Division

Photo Credit: Nathan Denette, The Canadian Press Via AP

In a grouping as competitive as the NBA’s Atlantic Division, there are many players who stand out amongst the rest. This includes multiple different MVP candidates, all stars, key starters and highly touted role players. But what about five years from now, who will be the key names from this division then? In answering this question, five names come to mind, none older than the age of 25 and all potentially poised for a breakout, whether it be in this upcoming year or in the near future.

1. Tyrese Maxey

By most measures, Tyrese Maxey is already a star. The guard averaged 25.9 points per game (PPG) last season, while shooting over 37% on over eight 3 point attempts per game. As a whole, he shot 45% on over 20 field goals attempts (FGA) per game, while also averaging 6.2 assists per game (APG) to only 1.7 turnovers (TPG). On top of this, he played even better in the playoffs, averaging almost 30 points per game in a first round loss to the New York Knicks.

So why is he on this list? Because as hard as it may be to believe, there is still potential for even more improvement. The addition of all-star forward Paul George gives Maxey a third star alongside himself and former MVP center Joel Embiid, which simultaneously opens up their offense while also forcing defenses to focus less of their attention upon him.

Furthermore, the additions of forward Cody Martin, center Andre Drummond, and guard Eric Gordon replace oft-blamed forward Tobias Harris and inconsistent shooter Buddy Hield, which, at least theoretically, gives Maxey more consistent options to pass to. While this may come at a detriment to his shooting volume, it would probably lead to an inflated shooting percentage, which coupled with higher assist numbers, could lead to an even more efficient season.

To top it all off, Maxey is still only 23 (he’ll turn 24 during the season), and is entering just his fifth season in the league. While his current success makes the thought of improvement seem difficult, Maxey has shown significant improvements each year he has been in the league. Until he shows otherwise, it seems like a safe bet to believe that he can, especially given the team surrounding him.

2. Scottie Barnes

Photo Credit: Winslow Townson, USA Today Sports

If Maxey is already considered a star, then Barnes can’t be too far behind him. The 23 year old guard/forward was a first time all star last season, averaging 19.9 PPG on 47.5% shooting from 15.7 FGA. He also averaged 6.1 APG to 2.8 TPG, while blocking 1.5 shots per game (BPG) and getting 1.3 steals per game (SPG).

While the Raptors only had a record of 25-57 last season, Barnes was far from the problem, and the increased chemistry with fellow guards Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett should serve to improve his production as well. The team itself hasn’t changed too much from last season, but it happens to be particularly young, meaning there are many chances for improvements across the board. Barnes also took on a much larger role last year, increasing his FGA by 2.5, while simultaneously raising his shooting percentage.

Assuming his role continues to increase, which is a safe bet in his first full season without forwards Pascal Siakim and OG Anunoby, his PPG should continue to rise. Overall, Barnes’ combination of scoring, playmaking, and defense should help to further enhance his play, and while the Raptors may not be a true contender yet, Barnes should help them remain competitive throughout the season.

3. Immanuel Quickley

Photo Credit: Joe Camporeale, USA Today Sports

It was a tale of two seasons last year for Quickley, who was traded right before the trade deadline from the New York Knicks to the Toronto Raptors. This sent the young guard from an exciting, up-and-coming playoff team to a less exciting non-playoff team. However, this did give Quickly the chance to start, which he hadn’t been able to do consistently in New York.

As a whole, Quickley’s numbers increased with the Raptors, jumping from 15 PPG on 11.2 FGA to 18.6 PPG on 14.7 FGA. However, his shooting percentage dipped from 45.4% in New York to 42.2% in Toronto, although his 3 point shooting percentage remained at 39.5% despite an increase in his 3 point shot attempts by 1.7 per game. The biggest difference though lies in his passing, as his averages jumped from 2.5 APG with the Knicks to 6.8 APG with the Raptors.

While the decrease in overall shooting percentage isn’t something to ignore, there is clear upside in allowing Quickley the chance to start a full season at point guard. Alongside Barnes, Quickley should get plenty of opportunities to improve, as his scoring and playmaking abilities seem far from a finished product.

4. Cam Thomas

In Thomas’ first season in Brooklyn, he mostly came off of the bench alongside All-NBA forward Kevin Durant, and All-NBA guards Kyrie Irving and James Harden. Currently, the Nets’ situation is quite different, as Thomas is not only a starter, but is viewed as the top scorer on the team. This comes in the wake of Brooklyn’s trade of former All-NBA Defensive Team member Mikal Bridges, which gives Thomas a clear avenue to improve as the team’s premier scoring option.

Last season, Thomas averaged 22.5 PPG on 18.0 FGA, while shooting 44.2% from the field. On top of this, he shot 36.4% from 3 point range on 6.0 attempts per game. However, this is the main advantage of his play style, as he adds very little in regards to playmaking and perimeter defense.

Despite this, the lack of other scoring options should force Thomas to become even more creative as a scorer. It also has the potential to unlock his playmaking abilities, as the lack of expectations for the team should give Thomas the time he needs to iron out the kinks in his passing ability.

Overall, Thomas’ immediate improvements will probably be marginal in his current situation, but if he properly develops and reaches a more favorable situation, it could open up even more layers to his game.

5. RJ Barrett

If ‘being put on these lists’ was an Olympic sport, Barrett might have just propelled himself into Michael Phelps conversations. However, despite the repetitive nature of this hope for his breakout, the guard/forward is still only 24, and there are still signs that he can show improvements. Like Quickley, Barrett was also traded from New York to Toronto right before the trade deadline, but unlike Quickley, Barrett showed improvement both in his shooting volume and shooting percentage.

With the Knicks, Barrett averaged 18.2 PPG on 14.9 FGA, which jumped to 21.8 PPG on 15.4 FGA with the Raptors. His shooting percentage increased from 42.3% in New York to 55.3% in Toronto, and his 3 point shooting percentage increased from 33.1% in New York to 39.2% in Toronto (albeit on 1.2 less 3 point attempts per game). Barrett's passing also showed improvement, as his APG jumped from 2.4 with the Knicks to 4.1 with the Raptors.

These are quite dramatic increases, and while some of this can be attributed to the small sample size, a full season in Toronto should give Barrett more opportunities to improve his game. Overall, Barrett’s developments in his shooting and playmaking could easily prove permanent, and coupled with an increased confidence in his abilities, has the chance to finally lead him to being able to put it all together.