The NBA’s back in action, and it’s been a wild start. Some players are lighting up the court, boosting their stock and making headlines. Others, though, are having a rough go, with their performances raising eyebrows for all the wrong reasons. Whether it’s breakout stars stepping up or seasoned vets hitting a slump, the early games are giving us plenty to talk about. So, let’s break down who’s on the rise and who’s taking a tumble in the NBA right now.
NBA Stars With Rising Stock
LaMelo Ball
LaMelo Ball is off to a killer start this season, dropping 28.6 points, 5.7 assists, and 4.6 rebounds per game over his first seven outings. Right from the opener, where he put up 34 against the Rockets, he’s been making it clear he’s leveled up. Then he went and put another 34 on the Hawks, showing everyone he’s a real problem out there. Plus, he’s hitting his shots at a solid rate—46.6% from the field and 39.0% from three—so he’s not just putting up numbers; he’s doing it efficiently.
The Hornets, though, haven’t had the best team start, sitting at 2-5. They’ve run into some tough teams early on, including the Celtics, who beat them twice in a row. But even with the losses, LaMelo has been the bright spot, giving fans something to get hyped about. His performances are the real deal right now, and he’s even looking physically strong—something that’s been a concern in the past.
After dealing with those nagging ankle injuries that ended his 2023-24 season, LaMelo’s taking a page out of Steph Curry’s book and wearing some strong ankle braces to keep himself on the court. It’s a smart move that shows he’s all in this season, aiming to stay healthy and lead the Hornets in every game. Whether he’s driving to the hoop or dishing out assists, LaMelo is clearly set on making a difference.
If he keeps this pace up, he’s not only boosting his own status, but he’s got a real shot at lifting the Hornets’ chances in the East. Staying healthy and keeping up the intensity could make him the key to Charlotte pulling off some surprises this season.
Cam Thomas
Cam Thomas has been making a serious statement this season, coming out of the gates with an impressive 24.9 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 3.1 assists over his first eight games. This guy’s been a scoring machine, putting up 32 points in wins over both the Bucks and the Bulls, showing that he’s more than ready to be a key player for the Nets.
The Nets are currently sitting at a 4-4 record, and Thomas’s scoring has been a huge part of keeping them in games, especially with some key players dealing with injuries. He’s stepped up big time, even in tight games like the recent win over the Grizzlies, where his 13 late points helped Brooklyn hold on in a close one. His ability to put up points when it matters has quickly made him one of the most exciting young scorers to watch this season.
What’s also interesting is that Coach Jordi Fernández isn’t just letting him get comfortable as a pure scorer. The coaching staff has been pushing him to evolve his game by focusing on playmaking and involving his teammates more. Thomas has started to respond to this, working on his passing and decision-making, which could make him an even more complete offensive threat. He’s already making strides here, showing flashes of that next level of play.
If he keeps growing and keeps hitting shots at this pace, Cam Thomas isn’t just boosting his own stock—he’s positioning himself as a core piece for the Nets this season and beyond. His development could be the game-changer Brooklyn needs to stay competitive and make some noise in the East. The way he’s playing, Thomas is becoming must-watch basketball every night he steps on the court.
Norman Powell
Norman Powell has been one of the few bright spots for the Clippers this season, dropping an impressive 24.9 points per game along with 2.6 rebounds and 1.9 assists across his first seven games. He went off for 37 points in a big win over the Nuggets and followed it up with a solid 20 against the Warriors. Powell’s shooting has been sharp too, hitting 50.8% from the field and 45.0% from deep—he’s been a reliable go-to scorer when they’ve needed it.
The Clippers, though, are off to a rough start with a 2-5 record. They’ve faced a lot of challenges, starting with the offseason move that sent Paul George to the 76ers, which left a major gap in the lineup. On top of that, Kawhi Leonard’s ongoing knee problems have kept him out, which has only added to the team’s struggles. With two of their biggest stars out, it’s left Powell shouldering a lot more of the load, and he’s been stepping up as a leader on the court.
Without George and Kawhi, Powell has had to be the guy—creating shots, scoring efficiently, and bringing stability to a team that’s clearly struggling. But even with Powell firing on all cylinders, the Clippers’ lack of depth and experience is making it hard to pull out wins. He’s doing his part, but it’s been a tough road without their full roster.
Going forward, the Clippers will need Powell to keep bringing that scoring punch and leadership. If Kawhi can eventually make it back, it’ll be a huge boost, but until then, Powell’s consistency and resilience will be key to keeping the Clippers’ season from slipping away entirely. It’s going to be on his shoulders to keep them competitive until the team can get back to full strength.
Zach LaVine
Zach LaVine is in an interesting spot right now. Averaging 22.7 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.7 assists this season, LaVine is proving he can be a reliable scorer, and teams around the league are taking note. The trade rumors that have surrounded him since last season haven’t gone away, and word is that the Bulls are open to listening to offers. It makes sense—the Bulls seem to be leaning toward a rebuild or at least rethinking their direction after a few seasons without much playoff progress.
His stock is looking good right now. LaVine is healthy, producing efficiently, and that’s driving up his trade value. Teams in need of a strong scorer or a piece to push them over the edge in the playoffs could definitely be interested in him. The challenge is his sizable contract—not every team can or wants to take that on. But with his current performance, more franchises might be willing to make room for his salary, especially if they’re struggling offensively.
Another factor is that LaVine is a proven player, which makes him attractive to “win-now” teams that need immediate offensive firepower. Unlike younger, unproven players, LaVine has shown he can deliver. Still, his injury history is always a concern, and that could play into trade discussions, as teams may want to hedge their bets in case he ends up sidelined again.
All in all, if he keeps up this level of play and stays healthy, LaVine could become a hot commodity in the trade market. For the Bulls, this could be the perfect time to maximize his value in exchange for assets and focus on a different future path.
RJ Barrett
RJ Barrett is absolutely tearing it up this season. In just five games, he’s averaging 26.2 points, 7.8 assists, and 5.8 rebounds. He’s not just scoring; he’s facilitating and crashing the boards, showing a complete game that’s got everyone talking. Shooting nearly 38% from three, he’s making smart decisions and hitting shots with confidence.
The Raptors have had a rocky start, sitting at 2-6, but Barrett’s performances have been the silver lining. With key players like Scottie Barnes sidelined due to injury, Barrett has stepped up as the primary option, and he’s thriving in that role. His leadership on the court is evident, and he’s been the driving force keeping the team competitive.
Off the court, Barrett’s dedication is paying off. He’s been working on his conditioning and skills, and it’s showing in his play. His ability to take over games and make clutch plays is giving Raptors fans a lot to be excited about.
If Barrett keeps this up, he’s not just elevating his own game; he’s lifting the entire team. The Raptors have a lot of potential, and with Barrett leading the charge, they could turn things around and make a serious push this season. It’s an exciting time to be a Raptors fan, and RJ Barrett is at the center of it all.
NBStars With Falling Stock
Jimmy Butler
Jimmy Butler’s stock is definitely taking a hit this season. So far, he’s putting up 18.7 points, 5.7 assists, and 5.0 rebounds over six games—not terrible, but definitely a drop-off from what we’re used to seeing from him. For a guy who usually cranks it up when the lights are brightest, these numbers have people scratching their heads.
And it’s not just his performance that’s got people talking; his contract situation is a whole other story. Butler’s got a player option for the 2025-26 season, and word is he’s looking for a max extension—something like a two-year, $113 million deal. But the Heat haven’t exactly rushed to make that happen. There’s a lot of back-and-forth about whether Miami sees him as the guy they want to invest in long-term, especially given his recent dip in production.
The trade rumors aren’t helping either. Teams like the Warriors have reportedly shown interest in him if he becomes available, which only adds to the uncertainty around his future in Miami. People are starting to wonder if the Heat might eventually explore a deal if he doesn’t bounce back soon.
Right now, Butler’s stock is slipping, and his situation feels like it could go in a lot of different directions. Whether he finds his groove again or ends up on the trading block, it’s clear that the next few months are going to be huge for both Butler and the Heat.
Kyle Kuzma
Kyle Kuzma’s start to the season has been a bit rocky. He’s averaging 17.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game—not bad, but definitely a step down from last season’s 22.2 points per game. His shooting, in particular, has been off; he’s hitting only about 32.7% from the field and has only made 5 out of 18 three-pointers, which is unusual for him.
The Wizards as a team are struggling too, sitting at a 2-4 record. Kuzma’s slump isn’t helping, and it’s starting to raise some questions about his role and future with the squad. There have been some whispers about possible trades, especially since the Wizards are in more of a rebuilding phase and might consider moving veterans like Kuzma for younger players or draft assets.
Then there’s Kuzma’s contract, which adds a bit of pressure. He signed a four-year, $90 million deal over the 2023 offseason, so the Wizards have made a serious investment in him. If he doesn’t start performing at a higher level, that contract could quickly become a burden, making it harder for the Wizards to either build around him or trade him if they decide to go that route.
All in all, Kuzma’s stock is dipping right now. If he can’t turn things around soon, the Wizards might start exploring other options, and Kuzma could find himself on the trading block sooner than expected. It’s a crucial time for him to prove he’s worth the investment and can be a real asset for the team.
Jamal Murray
Jamal Murray’s start to the season has been a bit underwhelming. He’s averaging 16.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 4.4 assists over five games, which is a noticeable drop from his usual production. His shooting has been off, hitting just 37% from the field and 30.4% from beyond the arc. This dip in performance is raising some eyebrows, especially since he’s known for stepping up in big moments.
The Nuggets as a whole aren’t looking like their dominant selves. They’re sitting at a 3-3 record, and the chemistry that made them a powerhouse last season seems a bit off. Losing key players like Reggie Jackson and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope in the offseason has left some gaps, and the new additions haven’t quite filled those roles yet. Nikola Jokic is still putting up MVP numbers, but he can’t carry the team alone. Murray’s slow start isn’t helping, and it’s clear the Nuggets need him to find his groove if they want to be a serious threat in the West.
It’s still early in the season, so there’s time for Murray and the Nuggets to turn things around. But right now, they’re not looking like the contenders everyone expected. Murray needs to step up his game, and the team needs to find that spark that made them so dangerous last year. If they can’t, they might find themselves slipping down the standings in a highly competitive conference.
Tyrese Haliburton
Tyrese Haliburton’s had a bit of a slow start this season, averaging 15.6 points, 8.0 assists, and 4.4 rebounds across seven games. He’s still doing his thing as a playmaker, setting up his teammates, but his scoring numbers aren’t quite where people expected after last season. Plus, his shooting’s been off—he’s only hitting about 38.2% from the field and 24.1% from three, which isn’t what we’re used to seeing from such an efficient offensive player.
The Pacers are off to a rocky start, sitting at 3-4, and they just haven’t found that same spark that made them exciting last year. Haliburton is the engine of this team, and when he’s not firing on all cylinders, the whole offense feels a bit shaky. There’s a lot of potential in this squad, but they really need Tyrese to be at his best if they want to hang tough in a super competitive Eastern Conference.
Indiana’s counting on him as their franchise guy, hoping this is the season he fully steps into that star role. But right now, the team’s struggling to find the consistency they had before. If Haliburton can step it up, find his shot, and get back to his usual efficiency, the Pacers could still be a sneaky playoff team that catches people off guard.
The bottom line is that for Indiana to make any noise this season, they need the best version of Haliburton to lead the way.
Jonathan Kuminga
Jonathan Kuminga’s start to the season has been a mixed bag. He’s putting up 13.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.6 assists over seven games, which is decent but not exactly eye-popping. What’s catching everyone’s attention is that he’s coming off the bench, a role that doesn’t seem to sit well with him. He’s been vocal about wanting a starting spot, and not getting it has led to some tension.
Contract talks between Kuminga and the Warriors hit a wall before the season started. He was reportedly seeking a deal well beyond $30 million per year, but the Warriors weren’t ready to commit to that kind of money. As a result, no extension was reached, and he’s set to become a restricted free agent after this season. This means the Warriors can match any offer he gets, but with his current performance, it’s unclear if teams will be looking to trade for him or throw big money his way.
The combination of his bench role and the stalled contract talks has sparked trade rumors. Teams like the Brooklyn Nets and Philadelphia 76ers have been mentioned as potential suitors if the Warriors decide to move him. However, his current level of play might not be boosting his trade value as much as he’d like. If he wants that hefty payday in free agency, he’ll need to step up his game and prove he’s worth the investment.
In short, Kuminga’s in a bit of a tough spot. He’s not getting the starting role he wants, his contract situation is up in the air, and trade rumors are swirling. To turn things around, he’ll need to elevate his performance and show that he’s more than just a bench player. Otherwise, that $30 million per year might remain out of reach.
