The 2024 NBA Playoffs have been packed with excitement and drama. The Boston Celtics, Indiana Pacers, Dallas Mavericks, and Minnesota Timberwolves have advanced to their respective conference finals, showcasing impressive performances along the way.
Yet, many of the league’s top talents have yet to reach this milestone in their careers. In this article, we’ll highlight the top 10 current NBA stars who, through their stellar play, are still chasing their first conference finals appearance. From young up-and-comers to seasoned veterans, these players have lit up the regular season and early playoff rounds but haven’t yet broken through to the next level.
1. Joel Embiid
Joel Embiid has been a force to reckon with during the 2024 NBA Playoffs. In spite of the Philadelphia 76ers‘ first-round exit against the New York Knicks, Embiid put up some eye-popping stats. Over six games, he averaged 33.0 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game, playing an impressive 41.3 minutes per game. He also contributed defensively with 1.2 steals and 1.5 blocks per game.
Historically, Embiid has been a dominant playoff performer, but the 76ers have struggled to make deep runs. His best result came in the 2021 playoffs when Philadelphia reached the Eastern Conference Semifinals but fell short against the Atlanta Hawks. Despite the team’s ups and downs, Embiid continues to be a cornerstone player for the 76ers, consistently putting up elite numbers and showcasing why he’s one of the best big men in the league.
In the 2024 playoffs, Embiid battled through Bell’s palsy and a knee injury, demonstrating his resilience and commitment to the game. His leadership and scoring ability were on full display, even as the team faced significant challenges. Overall, Embiid’s 2024 playoff stats and performances underline his status as one of the NBA’s elite players. Still, the elusive conference finals remain a goal he has yet to achieve, keeping fans hopeful for future seasons where he can lead the 76ers deeper into the playoffs.
2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had an outstanding run in the 2024 playoffs, especially during the Western Conference Semifinals against the Dallas Mavericks. Across the six-game series, Shai averaged 32.2 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 7.3 assists per game, solidifying his status as one of the league’s elite players.
Shai’s standout games included a 36-point performance in Game 6, where he also contributed 8 assists, although the Thunder narrowly lost 117-116. In Game 4, he dropped 34 points along with 8 rebounds and 5 assists, leading the Thunder to a critical 100-96 win. Throughout the series, his ability to score efficiently, create for teammates, and rebound effectively was on full display.
In spite of Shai’s heroic efforts, the Thunder were eliminated by the Mavericks in a tightly contested series. His performances, nonetheless, have only heightened expectations for what he can achieve in future playoff runs. As he continues to develop and lead his team, breaking through to the conference finals seems well within reach for this rising star.
3. Donovan Mitchell
Donovan Mitchell has solidified his reputation as a dynamic playoff performer throughout his career. Starting with the Utah Jazz, Mitchell quickly made his mark in the 2018 playoffs, leading his team to a first-round victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder while averaging 24.4 points per game. His ability to score in high-pressure situations became evident, setting the stage for his future postseason exploits.
In 2020, Mitchell’s playoff performance reached new heights even with the Jazz’s first-round exit to the Denver Nuggets. He had multiple 50-point games in that series, averaging 36.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game, demonstrating his scoring prowess and clutch ability.
Mitchell’s first season with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2023 saw him maintain his high level of play in the postseason, though the team was eliminated in the first round by the New York Knicks. He averaged 28.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game during that series, further proving his consistency as a top scorer in critical moments.
In the 2024 playoffs, Mitchell led the Cavaliers to the Eastern Conference Semifinals, averaging 29.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.7 assists over 10 games. His standout moment came in Game 7 of the first round against the Orlando Magic, where he scored 39 points, leading Cleveland to a crucial victory. Although impressive performances, the Cavaliers were ultimately eliminated by the Boston Celtics.
4. Ja Morant
Ja Morant has quickly established himself as one of the NBA’s most electrifying players since entering the league. In the 2021 and 2022 playoffs, Morant showcased his ability to perform under pressure, with standout performances like his 47-point game against the Golden State Warriors in the 2022 Western Conference Semifinals. Over nine games that year, he averaged 27.1 points, 9.8 assists, and 8.0 rebounds per game. Despite his efforts, the Grizzlies struggled to advance deep into the playoffs, highlighting the team’s reliance on their young star.
The 2023-2024 season was particularly challenging for Morant and the Grizzlies. Morant started the season serving a 25-game suspension due to a firearm-related incident, which delayed his return until December. Once back, he played in nine games, averaging 25.1 points, 8.1 assists, and 5.6 rebounds per game, demonstrating his significant impact on the court. However, his season was abruptly ended in January 2024 due to a severe shoulder injury sustained during a training session. The injury, diagnosed as a subluxation with an underlying labral tear, required season-ending surgery.
Without Morant, the Grizzlies struggled to find their footing, finishing the season with a disappointing 27-55 record, landing them 13th in the Western Conference. This season’s hardships underscored Morant’s vital role in the team’s success and their dependency on his playmaking abilities. As Morant recovers from his injury, both the team and fans are optimistic about his return and the potential for a stronger performance in the 2024-2025 season.
5. De’Aaron Fox
De’Aaron Fox has been a key player for the Sacramento Kings, known for his speed, playmaking, and scoring ability. His playoff performances have steadily improved, particularly during the Kings’ recent postseason runs. In the 2023 playoffs, Fox was instrumental in the Kings’ first-round series against the Golden State Warriors, where he averaged 27.4 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 7.7 assists per game over seven games.
The 2024 season saw Fox continue his strong play. During the regular season, he averaged 26.6 points, 5.6 assists, and 4.6 rebounds per game. Fox’s performances were crucial in helping the Kings reach the playoffs again. Unfortunately, the Kings were eliminated in the play-in by the New Orleans Pelicans. Despite the early exit, Fox put up impressive numbers, maintaining his status as one of the league’s top guards.
Fox’s growth as a player has been marked by his ability to take over games and lead his team in scoring and playmaking. His playoff experiences, though limited in terms of deep runs, have shown his potential to be a leading figure for the Kings in future postseason appearances.
6. Domantas Sabonis
Domantas Sabonis has been a cornerstone for the Sacramento Kings, known for his consistent double-doubles and versatility. In the 2023-24 season, he averaged 19.4 points, 13.7 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game, showcasing his comprehensive skill set. The Kings finished ninth in the Western Conference and entered the play-in tournament, where they defeated the Golden State Warriors but were eliminated by the New Orleans Pelicans with a 105-98 loss.
Throughout his career, Sabonis has been known for his consistency and ability to perform under pressure. His playoff performances, although limited in terms of deep runs, have demonstrated his value to the Kings. As Sacramento continues to develop and build on its recent experiences, Sabonis will undoubtedly play a critical role in their successes.
7. Bradley Beal
Bradley Beal’s playoff history is highlighted by numerous high-scoring performances, but team success has often eluded him. In his early years with the Washington Wizards, Beal had some standout moments, including a 30-point per game average during the 2021 playoffs, although the Wizards failed to make a deep run.
The 2023-2024 season was Beal’s first with the Phoenix Suns, where he faced several challenges. Beal missed the first two months due to injury but returned strong, averaging 18.2 points, 5.0 assists, and 4.4 rebounds in 53 regular-season games. However, the Suns struggled in the playoffs, with Beal averaging 16.5 points, 4.5 assists, and 2.8 rebounds over four games before the team was swept by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round.
Regardless of the Suns’ high expectations, the season ended in disappointment. Beal’s integration into the team alongside other stars like Devin Booker and Kevin Durant didn’t translate into playoff success. The Suns’ early exit highlighted the difficulties of building chemistry and achieving results in a competitive Western Conference. Beal’s quest for deeper playoff success continues as he remains a crucial part of the Suns’ ambitions going forward.
8. Julius Randle
Julius Randle’s 2023-2024 NBA season with the New York Knicks was marked by strong individual performances and significant setbacks. Randle averaged 24.0 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 5.0 assists over 46 games, earning another All-Star selection. However, his season was cut short due to a shoulder injury. In January 2024, Randle dislocated his right shoulder in a game against the Miami Heat. Despite attempts to rehabilitate the injury, he ultimately underwent season-ending surgery in April, sidelining him for the remainder of the season and the playoffs.
Without Randle, the Knicks faced a tough road in the playoffs. Nevertheless, they managed to overcome the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round, largely thanks to Jalen Brunson’s heroic performances, including multiple 40-point games. The Knicks then advanced to the Eastern Conference Semifinals, where they faced the Indiana Pacers. Even missing Randle and other key players due to injuries, the Knicks put up a strong fight but ultimately fell short, ending their playoff run in the semifinals.
Randle’s absence was a significant blow to the Knicks, as his scoring, rebounding, and playmaking abilities were sorely missed. The Knicks’ ability to reach the semifinals amid these challenges speaks to the resilience and depth of the team. Looking forward, both the Knicks and their fans are hopeful that Randle will make a full recovery and return to lead the team in the next season, aiming for an even deeper playoff run.
9. Zion Williamson
Zion Williamson has had a tumultuous career marked by both incredible potential and unfortunate injuries. In the 2023-2024 NBA season, Williamson managed to stay relatively healthy, playing in 70 games and averaging 22.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game. His performance was crucial in leading the New Orleans Pelicans to a play-in tournament berth.
Still, Williamson’s playoff aspirations were once again derailed by injury. In the Pelicans’ first play-in game against the Los Angeles Lakers, he sustained a hamstring injury late in the fourth quarter after scoring 40 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. This injury sidelined him for the remainder of the play-in tournament and the initial playoff games.
Without Williamson, the Pelicans managed to secure a playoff spot by defeating the Sacramento Kings but struggled in their first-round series against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Williamson’s injury issues have been a recurring theme in his career, significantly impacting his ability to lead the Pelicans deep into the playoffs. As he continues to recover, both the team and its fans remain hopeful that he can return fully healthy and help New Orleans make a more substantial postseason run in the future.
10. Zach LaVine
Zach LaVine’s 2023-2024 season with the Chicago Bulls was marked by significant challenges and setbacks. LaVine averaged 19.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game, but his season was plagued by injuries. Early in the season, he missed 17 games due to a right foot injury. After returning for a brief seven-game stint, he re-injured his ankle, which exacerbated his foot issues. This ultimately led to a decision to undergo season-ending surgery on his right foot in January.
LaVine has had limited playoff experience throughout his career. He made his playoff debut with the Bulls in 2022, where he played in four games, averaging 19.3 points, 6.0 assists, and 5.3 rebounds per game. Despite his strong individual performances, the Bulls were eliminated in the first round by the Milwaukee Bucks. This remains LaVine’s only playoff appearance, underscoring the challenges he has faced in reaching the postseason during his career.
The 2024 season was another setback for LaVine, as the Bulls struggled without their star guard, finishing outside the playoff picture. LaVine’s ongoing injury issues have cast a shadow over his otherwise impressive scoring and athletic abilities. As he recovers from surgery, both LaVine and the Bulls are hopeful for a healthier and more successful 2024-2025 season, aiming to finally make a deeper playoff run with a fully fit roster.
