8P9S Roundtable: 5 bold predictions for the 2022 NBA Playoffs

Who will be the biggest breakout star of the 2022 NBA Playoffs?

Kyle Pring: Deandre Ayton. Phoenix’s defense this season has been a bit overlooked due to their mind-boggling consistency, but Ayton has a legitimate shot to even assert himself as a second option for the Suns offensively. Having Booker and Paul substantially takes pressure away from him to hunt for his shots, but with other teams giving so much focus on their tremendous backcourt, this could be the postseason where Ayton reminds us that he is more than just a defensive stalwart.

Zach Pearson: I believe the one guy who could be this year’s breakout star is Anthony Edwards. In his first play-in game, he scored 30 points while going 10/21 from the field and hit five of his eleven three-point attempts. His athleticism combined with his energy on the floor makes him so fun to watch, the Timberwolves wouldn’t have won without him. The first-round matchup between him and Ja Morant has my attention, I think it will be a well-fought series for the sophomore.

Rhett Bauer: Zach took Edwards, and I’m writing this after the play-in game that confirmed he was right, so I’m going to say Bones Hyland. I think he’ll be the second most important player for the Nuggets, and if they do anything it will be because of him and Jokic.