- Jaden Hardy could become Dallas’ next big-time scorer this season behind Doncic and Irving
- Jordan Poole and Devin Vassell should see an increment in their roles for 2023-24
- Players like Julius Randle and Rudy Gobert must perform better than last year
As the NBA gears up for the 2023-24 season, the anticipation and speculation surrounding the league’s players are reaching a fever pitch. The previous season witnessed remarkable performances and unexpected setbacks, making it essential to delve into the potential surprises and disappointments that the coming year may hold. In this article, we will explore ten players, divided into two groups: the Surprising Players and the Disappointing Players, each representing intriguing storylines as the new season unfolds.
Players like Devin Vassell, Jordan Poole, Jaden Hardy, Trey Murphy, and Ayo Dosunmu showed promise last season and now face the opportunity to make a significant impact. Meanwhile, John Collins, Rudy Gobert, Kawhi Leonard, Bam Adebayo, and Julius Randle face these raised expectations, making their forthcoming campaigns all the more compelling to follow.
5 NBA Players That Will Surprise
5. Ayo Dosunmu
Ayo Dosunmu had a commendable season in 2022-23, averaging 8.6 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.6 assists. With the Chicago Bulls experiencing a resurgence and Dosunmu’s promising skill set, there is ample room for him to astonish fans and pundits alike by evolving into a more substantial contributor in the forthcoming season.
The Bulls are somewhat of an enigma in the Eastern Conference with their injury-prone superstars, and Dosunmu’s versatility and defensive abilities make him an essential component of their future if competing at the highest echelons of the Conference is not possible. As he refines his offensive game and adapts to a changing role, Dosunmu could become an integral piece of the Bulls’ success, exceeding the expectations of many.
Losing Lonzo Ball this season will be a huge blow to Chicago’s aspirations, but Dosunmu’s skills could be brighter than ever given that he will have a prominent role as a starter. That experience could prove huge for his development in the future.
4. Jaden Hardy
Despite a relatively modest rookie season, Jaden Hardy possesses a wealth of untapped potential, ready to surprise both fans and critics. With valuable experience now under his belt, there is a strong possibility that Hardy will enhance his performance, raising his averages of 8.8 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in the upcoming season. By doing so, he can establish himself as a key player for the Dallas Mavericks.
The Mavericks are looking to build a competitive roster, and Hardy’s development will be crucial in their efforts to contend in the Western Conference. With a year of experience in the NBA, he can make a significant leap in his sophomore season, potentially becoming a more reliable scorer and playmaker as the third option with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving running the show.
Hardy looked like a more than capable third option in the preseason and Summer League this offseason, so it’s only right that the Mavs put his improved skills to good use, as they lack a real third man who can put the ball on the floor and also become a scoring option. With Dallas’ two star players drawing all the attention, Hardy could have a phenomenal season behind them.
3. Devin Vassell
During the 2022-23 season, Devin Vassell exhibited tantalizing glimpses of his potential on the court. With an impressive statistical line of 18.5 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 3.6 assists over just 38 games, he left Spurs’ fans eager to witness his growth. If Vassell manages to maintain his health and sustain this remarkable level of play, he has the potential to not only become a significant contributor but also to serve as a driving force behind the elevation of his team’s overall performance in the upcoming season.
The Spurs are undergoing a transition, and Vassell’s growth can be a key part of their rebuilding process. With additional responsibility and a developing skill set, he has the tools to become one of the bright spots in San Antonio’s future.
Vassell’s recent extension shows that the Spurs are high on him, and as a shooter who can also drive to the basket and play on the pick-and-roll, the former Florida State guard should be a great complement to Victor Wembanyama’s incredible skills as a rookie.
2. Jordan Poole
Jordan Poole, a standout for the Golden State Warriors last season, put up noteworthy numbers, averaging 20.4 points, 4.5 assists, and 2.7 rebounds across 82 games. His offensive prowess and scoring ability are poised to be a valuable addition to the Washington Wizards. In the 2023-24 season, fans can anticipate that Poole will continue to shine and potentially establish himself as a cornerstone of the team’s success.
The move to the Wizards provides Poole with an opportunity to be a central offensive figure, and his ability to create his own shot and stretch the floor can transform the Wizards’ offense. If he can maintain his scoring efficiency and adapt to his new role, Poole might emerge as a rising star in the league.
Poole will now have his own team to show how good of a scorer and leader he can become. As the new Bradley Beal in town, having the green light on offense to polish his remarkable natural talent will be huge for his development, which may take a leap that few would expect in his first season as a Wizard.
1. Trey Murphy
Trey Murphy, through his 2022-23 campaign, showcased his scoring abilities, maintaining an average of 14.5 points per game. The New Orleans Pelicans are counting on him to make a substantial impact in the upcoming season, particularly with further development. Murphy has the potential to surprise many by delivering an even more impressive season that could contribute to the team’s success.
The Pelicans are looking to create a competitive roster around their star, Zion Williamson. Trey Murphy’s ability to space the floor and provide solid defense is precisely what the team needs. With an additional year of experience and an enhanced understanding of the NBA game, Murphy has the potential to take a significant step forward, helping the Pelicans move up the Western Conference standings.
Murphy started slow on his career with the Pels, but last season he showed why he got picked in the first round. With an incredible combination of defensive tenacity, long reach for on-ball steals, outside shooting, and attacking the rim, his game could see an improvement higher than expected.
5 NBA Players That Will Disappoint
5. John Collins
John Collins delivered decent numbers during the previous season, but his 13.1 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.2 assists may leave Jazz fans desiring more. To meet the heightened expectations, Collins must elevate his game and provide more consistent contributions in the 2023-24 season than what he did last year with the Hawks.
The Jazz have invested significantly in Collins, and there’s an expectation that he can elevate his performance to become a reliable second option behind Lauri Markkanen. However, if he continues to hover around his current statistics, it might lead to disappointment, both individually and for the team, as he may not even be a starter for the Western Conference team.
Collins lost his spot as the number 2 option in Atlanta, and his game never really grew to the point where it should have. He had a worse season shooting last year and scoring overall, and in a new team, it could take him more time to adjust.
4. Rudy Gobert
Rudy Gobert, renowned for his dominant defensive presence, posted respectable averages of 13.4 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks. However, many may argue that his statistics should be higher given his caliber and the immense haul that Minnesota gave up to get him.
Timberwolves fans are likely to anticipate a more impactful season from Gobert in the upcoming year. Gobert’s defensive prowess is undeniable, but his offensive contributions have room for growth. The Timberwolves need him to become a more potent scorer and offensive threat to truly contend in the competitive Western Conference.
If he fails to improve his offensive output significantly, it could be a source of disappointment for the Timberwolves’ aspirations. Gobert arrived in Minnesota being a defensive monster, but he was also far away from that level last season. As Minnesota doesn’t look like they managed to make him comfortable next to Towns, this season could be disappointing for the Frenchman.
3. Kawhi Leonard
Kawhi Leonard, celebrated for his two-way excellence, maintained an average of 23.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 3.9 assists over 52 games last season. However, his impact was hindered by injury. Clippers fans may experience disappointment if Leonard’s health issues persist, potentially affecting his performance in the 2023-24 season.
The Clippers‘ championship aspirations hinge significantly on Kawhi Leonard’s availability and performance. With a history of injury concerns, there is a level of uncertainty around Leonard’s future contributions. His potential absence or diminished effectiveness could lead to disappointment for both the Clippers and their fan base.
There is no denying Kawhi is a top-tier talent in the NBA, but his numerous absences in the postseason could lead to another disappointing end of the campaign for a Clippers team that needs him to be much more available.
2. Bam Adebayo
Bam Adebayo had an impressive 2022-23 season, registering averages of 20.4 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 3.2 assists. To avoid disappointing both himself and Heat supporters, Adebayo will need to either maintain or improve upon these numbers, while playing a pivotal role in steering the Miami Heat towards success.
The Heat have high expectations, and Adebayo is a cornerstone of their future. To meet these expectations, he needs to continue delivering at an All-Star level and contribute significantly on both ends of the court. Failure to do so may lead to a sense of disappointment among Heat fans.
As Miami didn’t get their third All-Star this season, expectations on Adebayo’s game will grow, but because he is not a terrific scorer on the low block or isolation, he could have a worse season than what is expected out of him.
1. Julius Randle
Julius Randle’s performance during the 2023 regular season raised expectations. Nonetheless, his playoff statistics of 16.6 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 3.6 assists may leave some Knicks fans longing for more. For Randle to evade disappointment, he must seamlessly carry over his playoff form into the forthcoming season, showcasing his unwavering impact on the court.
Randle had a down year after becoming an All-Star in 2021-22 but had a great season in 2022-23 before the postseason started. As New York is poised for another playoff campaign, he needs to answer with better performances.
The Knicks went from Randle to Brunson as their number one options, and the forward didn’t look his best for a stretch of the season, that still was very elite on his part, but couldn’t have a postseason worthy of an All-Star caliber player, that he must show he can become once again.
