Five NBA players enjoying a breakout season

Nnaemeka Obinna looks at five NBA players enjoying a breakout season so far.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

The Oklahoma City Thunder Guard has been straight-up electric all season. Shai

Gilgeous-Alexander has been shooting the lights out, playing his best year,

averaging 30.1 points per game, five rebounds and six assists while shooting 53% from the

field. SGA has been available and healthy all season.

Last year, the Oklahoma City Thunder was seated 10th in the West Conference, with 40 wins and 42 losses; this team couldn't even make it out of the play-in tournament.

But the Oklahoma City Thunder has been excellent this year, finishing first in the Western Conference with 57 wins and 25 losses.

As the team has improved, SGA has improved, increasing all his stats from points to blocks and helping his team become exceptional.

Tyrese Maxey

Philadelphia 76ers point guard Tyrese Maxey has finished playing his best basketball this season. This 23-year-old, out of Dallas, Texas, averaged 25 points, 3.7 rebounds, 6.2 assists, and 1.0 steals per game this season.

Maxey had an All-Star appearance in the Indiana All-Star games. He was recently also rewarded with the NBA's Most Improved Player.

His hard work is indeed showing, and the future is bright for this kid because he's an absolute stud.

Coby White

Chicago Bulls Point Guard Coby White, selected in the first round, seventh pick back in 2019, has changed his whole game this season.

White has always been a player that individuals know could play basketball. His stats weren't convincing, though; White didn't look like he had the grit or heart to be an individual who can help change a whole organization like the Chicago Bulls.

But this year, White has been hungry, furious, and a straight-up killer.

Last year, he averaged 9.7 points per game, 2.9 rebounds, 2.8 assists, while shooting 44.3% from the field.

This year, White's points have doubled, averaging a career-best of 19.1 points per game, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.1 assists while shooting 44.7% from the field.

He was also nominated for Most Improved Player.

Derrick White

Boston Celtics shooting guard Derrick White doesn't have the best stats compared to others featured on the list.

But this year, White has unlocked his mamba mentality. No, I'm not talking about him being bald. I'm talking about his grit and absolute heart on the defensive end. He averages 4.2 rebounds, 1.0 steals, 1.2 steals and rebounds per game. This is all while being 6ft 4ins.

He's also a three-point line sniper, shooting 39.6% from the field. He's as well-rounded as every team needs. He's an efficient scorer and an absolute defensive dog that can't be tamed.

Anthony Edwards

Minnesota Timberwolves forward Anthony Edwards has been classified as a "human highlight reel" this year.

This young individual is incredible, playing his best year this season, averaging 25.9 points per game while shooting 46% from the field.

Edwards also contributes on defense, averaging 0.5 blocks and 1.3 steals per game.

He is listed as number five because he has always been classified as a young star during his rookie year, so elevating his game and polishing his craft wasn't unexpected.

He's a great basketball player and will continue to be great for years to come.