NBA X-factors: Tatum, Ingram, Fultz and more players and storylines to watch this season

As a new NBA season gets underway, there are certain things we already know will happen. LeBron James will be the best player, the Warriors will be the best team and so on. The big picture rarely surprises in the NBA. It’s around the edges where the good stuff happens.

A player like Donovan Mitchell exceeds expectations. A second-round pick becomes a rotation piece. A player on a new team rejuvenates his career. Here are the players and storylines to watch this season.

Atlanta Hawks: Taurean Prince

While Trae Young will be the face of the team on a local and national basis, he won’t be the team’s best player as a rookie. Prince broke out following the All-Star break last season and is poised to take another leap in his third year.

In his final 16 games last season, Prince averaged 20.9 points, 4.9 rebounds and 4.1 assists while shooting 45.9 percent from the field and 39.4 percent on 3-pointers. His late-season run started with a 38-point game against the Bulls where he nailed seven of 13 3-pointers, and it included another 38-point game against the Bucks. Prince opened the regular season with a 21-point, six-rebound, six-assist performance against the Knicks.

At 6’8”, 220 pounds, Prince has ideal size for a modern NBA wing. As the league continues to move toward a pace and space approach, Prince’s developing offensive game and solid defense make him a building block for Atlanta moving forward and he has the potential to reach another level.

Boston Celtics: Jayson Tatum

The playoff absences of Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward cracked the door open for Tatum to take on a bigger role, and he did just that in leading the Celtics to the Eastern Conference finals. In his second season, he stands as Boston’s best chance at internal growth.

The 20-year-old Tatum averaged 18.5 points during the playoffs run and played with the smoothness and confidence of a veteran. His polished repertoire was limited only by his own aggressiveness. The Celtics have plenty of offensive weapons, but Tatum should still heed the advice he got from Kobe Bryant over the summer: “Shoot every time. Pass if you have to, but if not, shoot it.”

The Celtics will only benefit from Tatum increasing his shooting volume. Who would have guessed a Lakers legend would give such good advice?

Tatum started the season with 23 points on 17 shots against the 76ers, and there’s no ceiling on his game. If he maintains his assertiveness, Tatum could propel the Celtics beyond Eastern Conference favorites and into title contention.

Brooklyn Nets: Caris LeVert

The Nets reportedly declined to make LeVert available in trade discussions with the Timberwolves about Jimmy Butler. While that was partly because Butler is entering the final year of his contract, it also speaks to how highly the Nets front office views LeVert.

He is a playmaking wing with a reputation as a good shooter and defender, which is the exact kind of player every team needs. LeVert would be an easy player to slot in alongside anyone the Nets might target in 2019 free agency. His season-opening 27-point game against the Pistons is a sign of things to come this year.

Charlotte Hornets: Malik Monk

If the Hornets are going to play faster, they need to get more 3-point shooting on the floor. One possibility is the 2017 first-round pick Monk, who struggled mightily in his rookie season. He averaged just 6.7 points on 36 percent shooting from the field and 34.2 percent from beyond the arc.

Drafted two spots before Mitchell, Charlotte needs Monk to live up to his draft status in his second season. He started the season strong with 18-point game off the bench against the Bucks, including this clutch 3-pointer.

Yet even if Monk rediscovers his shooting stroke, his diminutive size at 6’3” and 200 pounds makes him tough to play alongside Walker. It’s a crucial season for Monk. NBA teams don’t have the luxury of waiting for lottery picks to develop. The man who drafted Monk over Mitchell has already been fired. If Monk doesn’t become a reliable member of the rotation, his future in Charlotte could become murky.

Chicago Bulls: Zach LaVine

Chicago’s decision to match Sacramento’s $78 million offer sheet to LaVine raised eyebrows across the league. The two-time Slam Dunk Contest champion struggled in his return from a torn ACL, shooting just 38.3 percent from the floor last season.

LaVine should see improvement this year, but he will need to do more than merely return to his previous form to live up to his contract. Even when he averaged 18.9 points during his final season in Minnesota, advanced statistics exposed him as an inefficient player. Combined with his defensive shortcomings, Chicago placed a sizable bet on LaVine with little prior evidence that it will pay off.

His 30-point season opener was encouraging, however, as he appears to have regained his explosiveness and was more aggressive attacking the basket.

With an elbow injury costing Markkanen the start of the season, LaVine will have to shoulder more of the scoring load for Chicago.

Cleveland Cavaliers: Collin Sexton

Sexton, the main haul in the Kyrie Irving trade, should provide a spark to the Cavs from day one. He’s a hard-nosed competitor who will bring intensity to both ends of the floor. Just check out this viral moment from Summer League:

Point guard is the toughest position to learn as a rookie, and Sexton will start the season in a backup role to Hill. He shot just 33.6 percent from the closer college 3-point line, so the NBA distance will be a challenge at first. On a Cavs team that will struggle to make the playoffs, Sexton should get plenty of reps and a chance to prove himself as the team’s future leader.

Dallas Mavericks: Dennis Smith Jr.

No. 3 pick Luka Doncic’s playmaking ability will help all of the Mavericks, particularly Smith. One of the most explosive athletes in the league, Smith landed on the All-Rookie 2^nd Team last season after averaging 15.2 points and 5.2 assists. Like most first-year players, he struggled with his shot, making only 39.5 percent overall and 31.3 percent of his 3-pointers.

Doncic will not only alleviate Smith’s burden to create for others, but he’ll also get him more open shots. The fit and chemistry between Smith and Doncic will be one of the top stories for a Dallas team that will have a hard time staying in the playoff race.

Denver Nuggets: Paul Millsap

After a left wrist injury cost Millsap more than half of his first season in Denver, the Nuggets can expect a more impactful year from their highest-paid player. He will give coach Michael Malone yet another 3-point shooter for one of the league’s best offenses. Denver’s entire starting five is a threat from beyond the arc and will be a headache for the opposition.

Millsap should make an even larger impact on defense. A former All-Defensive Team selection, he will need to be Denver’s lead on that end of the floor. Star Nikola Jokic isn’t a big-time shot blocker, so the Nuggets will have to play well as a collective unit to tread water on defense and let the offense carry them.

Detroit Pistons: Luke Kennard

With Griffin and Drummond in the frontcourt, surrounding them with capable 3-point shooters is a must.

Enter 2017 first-round pick Kennard, who nailed 41.5 percent of his 3-pointers as a rookie. As new head coach Dwane Casey implements an offense that relies on having more ball handlers, Kennard should get plenty of opportunities to use the playmaking ability he showed during his college years at Duke.

The Pistons didn’t draft well under Stan Van Gundy’s front office, so Kennard is one of the few realistic chances Detroit has at internal development this season.

Golden State Warriors: DeMarcus Cousins

Already featuring four All-Stars, the Warriors added a fifth in Cousins, who signed a one-year bargain deal as he recovers from a torn Achilles. He’ll miss the start of the season, and the track record for big men after Achilles injuries is bleak. Add Cousins’ mercurial personality to the equation, and it’s possible for the partnership to crumble.

If Cousins returns at anywhere near full strength by the start of the playoffs, however, then the Warriors should start booking another parade for mid-June. A dominant post threat has been the only missing ingredient during Golden State’s run, and Cousins could be the perfect piece.

Houston Rockets: James Ennis

Carmelo Anthony’s prolonged journey to Houston garnered more headlines, but Ennis could have more impact on the Rockets this season. The offseason departures of Trevor Ariza and Luc Mbah a Moute left the Rockets perilously thin on the wings, and Ennis has stepped into the starting five to open the year.

He has the athleticism to be an impact defender and has a solid 3-point stroke to spread the floor for James Harden and Chris Paul. For Houston to have a chance against Golden State, they will need to find contributors on the wing, and Ennis might fit the bill.

Indiana Pacers: Myles Turner

Turner took a step back last season: his points, rebounds, blocks and field goal percentage decreased in year three. As seen on social media throughout the offseason, he committed himself to getting in better shape.

Yet despite the highlight dunk and new physique, his preseason performance was underwhelming. He shot just 35 percent from the field in three games. The Pacers gave him a four-year, $72 million extension, and Turner is the biggest variable on the roster. With a 7-foot-4 wingspan and 3-point range on his jump shot, he has the natural abilities and skills to be an ideal modern big.

If he bounces back this season, he could give the Pacers a second star next to Victor Oladipo and help Indiana enter the conversation among the East’s elite.

Los Angeles Clippers: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

One of the Clippers’ two first-round picks, Gilgeous-Alexander has star potential. At 6’6”, he has a rare blend of size, athleticism, and playmaking ability. He nailed more than 40 percent of his 3-pointers during his one season at Kentucky and projects to be a deep threat in the NBA.

The Clippers have made no secret about their plans to chase a superstar in free agency next summer. Versatile players on rookie contracts like Gilgeous-Alexander are an essential part of both recruiting and building around the kind of studs they will be chasing.

Los Angeles Lakers: Brandon Ingram

LeBron James’ arrival in Los Angeles increases the already powerful spotlight on the Lakers’ young players, perhaps none more so than Ingram. The No. 2 pick in 2016 will be asked to fill the role of secondary star next to James. He averaged 16.1 points on 47 percent shooting from the field and 39 percent beyond the arc last season.

One underrated part of Ingram’s game is his ability to create. He saw increased time as a ball handler last season, particularly when Lonzo Ball was injured. He averaged 5.6 assists in February and his passing will be a key thing to watch as the Lakers try to take some of the pressure off James.

Memphis Grizzlies: Jaren Jackson Jr.

As evidenced by their season-opening blowout loss to the Pacers, it’s going to be a long season in Memphis. Outside of veterans Marc Gasol and Mike Conley, the Grizzlies don’t have any foundational guys. Developing the No. 4 pick should be their top priority this season.

Jackson projects to be an impact player on both ends of the floor thanks to his size, athleticism and skill set. He has a great jump shot for a big man, with range extending to the 3-point line and the strength to finish in the paint. He picked up three steals in his debut and will also be a strong rim protector.

The Grizzlies are a long way from returning to the playoffs, but they have a building block in Jackson.

Miami Heat: Bam Adebayo

On a roster filled with bloated salaries, the Heat will need to make the most of Adebayo while he’s on his rookie contract. With Hassan Whiteside’s inconsistency potentially opening up playing time, Adebayo has a chance for a breakout sophomore season.

With a 7-foot-2 wingspan and 38.5-inch vertical, he has all the tools to be an impactful defender. He’s even able to switch onto the quickest guards in the league:

Adebayo had an impressive exhibition season, averaging 13.7 points and 8.3 rebounds while shooting 62.1 percent from the field. As his offensive game develops, he should be able to establish himself as a cornerstone player for Miami.

Milwaukee Bucks: Eric Bledsoe

Milwaukee’s acquisition of Bledsoe at the start of last season was supposed to provide the Bucks with another ball handler and lessen Giannis Antetokounmpo’s facilitating responsibilities. Things didn’t go according to plan in the playoffs when Bledsoe got outplayed by the Celtics’ Terry Rozier. He averaged just 13.6 points and 3.7 rebounds as Milwaukee fell to an injury-depleted Boston team in 7 games.

Budenholzer’s offense should help bring out the best in Bledsoe. Bud helped Jeff Teague make an All-Star Game with the Hawks, after all.

But Bledsoe isn’t the kind of shooter that thrives in Budenholzer’s system. Entering the final year of his contract, he will be a key factor in Milwaukee’s chase for a top-four seed.

Minnesota Timberwolves: Tyus Jones

Tom Thibodeau’s devotion to former Bulls players has played a key role in his decisions about roster building and playing time. Tyus Jones has been one of the most impacted players, as Derrick Rose inexplicably gets more minutes despite being a significantly worse player. In Jones, the Timberwolves have a talented young guard who fits on the developmental timelines of Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins.

Already in his fourth season at just 22 years old, Jones will enter restricted free agency this summer. While he’s shown flashes of potential during his career, the Timberwolves haven’t given him a proper chance to shine. Among Thibodeau’s questionable decisions in Minnesota, burying Jones behind a diminished player like Rose is among the most egregious.

New Orleans Pelicans: Elfrid Payton

The Pelicans caught fire last season after DeMarcus Cousins’ Achilles injury, with Rajon Rondo playing a key role in orchestrating the offense. With Rondo gone to Los Angeles, Payton will try to fill his shoes. After a frustrating tenure with the Orlando and a short stop in Phoenix, Payton finds himself in the best situation of his career.

In Anthony Davis, Nikola Mirotic and Julius Randle, the Pelicans have one of the most offensively explosive and versatile frontcourts in the league. Payton won’t have to do much heavy lifting offensively for the Pelicans to thrive. He started the season with a triple-double against the Rockets. If Payton is ever going to establish himself in the NBA, now is the time.

New York Knicks: Kevin Knox

During Kristaps Porzingis’ absence, the No. 9 pick Knox will get a trial by fire to start his rookie season. The 6-9 forward electrified during Summer League to the tune of 21.3 points and 6.5 rebounds per game. His 35 percent overall shooting was a concern, but he did show off a strong 3-point stroke, connecting on 35.7 percent of his attempts.

Knox continued to shoot a low percentage in preseason and made went just four of 16 during his debut. While Knox’s shooting has been inconsistent, his form is strong and he has a soft touch, as seen on his first NBA points:

Oklahoma City Thunder: Dennis Schröder

After the Carmelo Anthony experiment failed last season, Sam Presti flipped him to Atlanta for Schröder, who could be the third leader Oklahoma City needs next to Russell Westbrook and Paul George. Chemistry issues and the arrival of Trae Young made him expendable in Atlanta, but Schröder is a starting caliber point guard, averaging 19.4 points and 6.2 assists last season.

At the very least, Schröder will be an upgrade over Raymond Felton in a backup point guard role. He has the athleticism and skill to crack the Thunder’s crunch-time rotation, especially with Andre Roberson’s absence to start the season. Considering the Thunder were going to waive Anthony, there was little risk to acquiring Schröder, and the upside is high.

Orlando Magic: Aaron Gordon

The Magic signed Gordon to a four-year, $76 million contract after the most productive season of his career. Despite the new deal, it’s unclear whether Gordon fits into Orlando’s long-term plans.

Will he be able to play alongside Jonathan Isaac and Mo Bamba? He’s played his best at power forward, and will likely have to spend more time at the 3 this year.

Improving the consistency of his jumper will be pivotal. He opened last season shooting 41 percent from downtown through December. He regressed in a major way, however, shooting just 27.3 percent the rest of the way. Gordon started this season with a 26-point, 16-rebound game that bodes well for Orlando.

Philadelphia 76ers: Markelle Fultz

The story of Fultz’s disappearing jump shot was a riddle, wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma last season. The 2017 No. 1 pick is now healthy with a new shooting form, and the Sixers are throwing him into the starting five. Fultz has made just 31.8 percent of his shots during Philly’s first two games.

The Sixers are taking a risk by putting Fultz in the lineup with Simmons. Can they keep the floor spaced with two non-shooters? Fultz has the talent to make it a worthy gamble, and it will be one of the league’s more fascinating storylines, in both the short and long-term.

Phoenix Suns: Josh Jackson

Jackson, the No. 4 pick in the 2017 draft, could be the third piece of Phoenix’s young core alongside Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton. He made great strides offensively in the second half of last season, averaging 18.5 points on 44.5 percent shooting from the floor in his final 29 games.

In Booker and Ayton, the Suns have two offensive stars that haven’t shown much interest in defense. Jackson has the tools to be the impact player Phoenix needs on that end of the floor. At 6’8” with elite athleticism, the Suns need him to become a lockdown wing defender to help cover for the weaknesses of their other stars.

Portland Trail Blazers: Zach Collins

The Blazers have spent the past few seasons searching for a complementary star to join Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum. Portland has tried to find another stud in free agency (Evan Turner) and trades (Jusuf Nurkic), but haven’t succeeded so far. Collins, the No. 10 pick in 2017, has the most untapped potential on the roster.

The 20-year-old was part of the rotation as a rookie and should see an increased role for 2018-19. He blocked six shots in the season-opening win against the Lakers and has three-point range on his jumper. The biggest question is whether he will be ready in time to help Lillard and McCollum in the near future. If he takes a leap this season, it will change the team-building calculus in Portland.

Sacramento Kings: De’Aaron Fox

The Kings have been rebuilding in perpetuity since 2006 and haven’t had a foundational piece since trading DeMarcus Cousins in 2016.

Fox, the No. 5 pick in 2017, has the most star potential on their roster. A blindingly quick player, Fox has the physical tools to be a top point guard. He will need to improve his jump shot after shooting just 41.2 percent from the floor and 30.7 percent from beyond the arc last season.

Sacramento’s 2019 first-rounder is heading to Boston, so the Kings will need to emphasize internal development. If Fox’s game catches up with his elite athleticism, the Kings might finally have a building-block player.

San Antonio Spurs: Injuries

The Spurs have already been snake bitten by the injury bug. Starting point guard Dejounte Murray is out for the season with a torn ACL, while guards Lonnie Walker and Derrick White are out of the lineup, too. Rudy Gay has also battled a nagging heel injury.

With a veteran roster, staying healthy will be imperative and a significant challenge. The Spurs have made 21 straight playoff appearances, and whether they can stay healthy will likely determine if the streak continues.

Toronto Raptors: OG Anunoby

In the midst of making the playoffs for five straight years, Raptors president Masai Ujiri has also developed a talented stable of young players. Anunoby might have the most potential among the budding Raptors. He immediately established himself as an impact defender during his rookie season last year, while also making 37.1 percent of his 3’s.

At 6’8”, Anunoby has the size and athleticism to play power forward when Toronto goes small. Head Coach Nick Nurse will be able to throw out a frightening defensive lineup of Lowry-Green-Leonard-Anunoby-Ibaka.

Utah Jazz: Dante Exum

Exum’s first four seasons have been plagued by injuries since being the No. 5 pick in 2014. In last season’s playoffs, he showed potential to be a defensive stopper when he slowed down James Harden. Utah has a need for a wing defender and Exum, if he stays healthy, might be able to fill it.

The Jazz signed him to a three-year deal worth up to $33 million, a fair number for a talented but unproven player. If he can stay on the court, the deal could be a steal for Utah as it tries to build around Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert.

Washington Wizards: Chemistry

Even before adding Dwight Howard and Austin Rivers this summer, the Wizards have been a combustible group. In adding two of the league’s most divisive players, Washington is playing a dangerous game with their locker room.

When the Wizards inevitably hit a rough stretch this season, who is going to make sure the team sticks together? This doesn’t feel like a recipe for success, but it will certainly be entertaining.