1 Player From Each NBA Team Who Will Take A Leap To Another Level This Season

Every NBA season, there’s always that one player who steps up and surprises everyone. It might be someone who finally gets more minutes, adjusts their game, or just breaks through with a huge leap in production. For the 2024-25 season, every team has someone primed to take their game to the next level. Whether it’s a young prospect finding their rhythm or a veteran finally putting it all together, these are the players to watch. Let’s dive into which player from each team could be set for a breakout year this season.

Atlanta Hawks – Jalen Johnson

Jalen Johnson took a major step forward in the 2023-24 season, solidifying his place in the Hawks’ rotation. He averaged 16.0 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game across 56 appearances. His efficiency was notable for a young player, shooting 51.1% from the field and 35.5% from beyond the arc.

Injuries somewhat slowed Johnson’s breakout, as he dealt with a wrist injury that sidelined him for 14 games and an ankle sprain that made him miss 13 of the Hawks’ final 21 games. Health remains the biggest question mark as the Hawks look to rely on him more heavily in the 2024-25 season. With Dejounte Murray no longer in Atlanta after being traded to New Orleans, Johnson is expected to see an even bigger role, especially with his versatility on both ends of the floor. The Hawks are hoping his continued development can be a key factor as they aim to build a playoff contender for the future.

Boston Celtics – Payton Pritchard

Payton Pritchard had a solid 2023-24 season, averaging 9.6 points, 3.4 assists, and 3.2 rebounds per game. His sharpshooting remained a highlight, connecting on 38.5% of his three-point attempts. Despite being in a crowded backcourt, he found opportunities to contribute, especially in key moments. Behind vital players Derrick White and Jrue Holiday, Pritchard will continue to be a crucial part of the Celtics’ rotation with his shooting, as they aim to defend their NBA title.

Pritchard’s ability to stretch the floor and provide a scoring punch off the bench will be essential, particularly with Boston’s roster philosophy. Though his defensive limitations have been noted, his consistency from beyond the arc and improved playmaking make him a valuable piece moving forward.

Brooklyn Nets – Cam Thomas

Cam Thomas is primed for a breakout season in 2024-25 as the clear offensive leader for the Brooklyn Nets. Without Mikal Bridges, who was traded in the offseason, Thomas now has the opportunity to take over as the primary scoring option. In 2023-24, he averaged an impressive 22.5 points per game, along with 3.2 rebounds and 2.9 assists, showcasing his ability to fill up the stat sheet. Known for his shot-making prowess, Thomas hit 44.2% of his field goals and 36.4% from three-point range.

The Nets are expected to go through a rebuilding phase this season, giving Thomas more freedom to develop into a top-tier scorer. With increased minutes and more touches, it wouldn’t be surprising to see his scoring numbers climb even higher. His potential for offensive explosions, as seen in his high-scoring performances last season, could make him one of the league’s most exciting young talents to watch.

Charlotte Hornets – Brandon Miller

Brandon Miller had a strong rookie season with the Charlotte Hornets, averaging 17.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.4 assists across 74 games in 2023-24. Known for his scoring versatility, Miller shot 44.0% from the field and 37.3% from three. As the Hornets navigate their rebuild, Miller will play a key role in their offense, especially after being the second overall pick in 2023. With his ability to shoot from deep and his all-around game, the Hornets are counting on him to continue improving.

Miller’s rookie year showed flashes of his potential, with multiple high-scoring games, including a 32-point performance. As he grows more comfortable in the NBA, he is poised to take on even more responsibility within the team’s system, making him a pivotal piece of the Hornets’ future.

Chicago Bulls – Josh Giddey

Josh Giddey’s arrival to the Bulls marks a major shift for Chicago. The team acquired him in a blockbuster trade that sent Alex Caruso to Oklahoma City. Chicago is banking on Giddey’s playmaking skills and versatility to boost their roster, especially after a disappointing 2023-24 season. Giddey’s last year with the Thunder saw him average 12.3 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game, but with the Bulls, he’s expected to take on a bigger role, becoming the primary facilitator.

The Bulls are in the middle of a retooling process. After underwhelming performances and a lack of deep playoff runs, Chicago needed a fresh face to rejuvenate their offense. Giddey now has the opportunity to be the focal point, with the team hoping his creativity and rebounding can fill some gaps. Though his three-point shooting remains a work in progress, Giddey’s potential as a future star is undeniable.

Cleveland Cavaliers – Evan Mobley

Evan Mobley is set to take another big leap this season, and the Cleveland Cavaliers need him to do just that. After a strong 2023-24 campaign where he averaged 15.7 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks, Mobley’s impact was mostly on defense, anchoring one of the league’s best defensive teams. However, the Cavs fell short in the playoffs, getting eliminated early, and they used the offseason to lock Donovan Mitchell on a new deal, betting on their current core.

Heading into the 2024-25 season, the Cavs are hoping Mobley can develop his offensive game further, especially from beyond the arc. His ability to protect the rim and guard multiple positions is already elite, but adding consistent scoring will elevate both his game and Cleveland’s chances to make a deep playoff run. With Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland handling the scoring load, Mobley’s growth as a two-way player is critical for the Cavs to compete at the top of the Eastern Conference.

Dallas Mavericks – Dereck Lively II

Dereck Lively II is coming into a much larger role with the Mavericks in 2024-25 after an intriguing rookie season where he averaged 8.8 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game. Dallas, fresh off an NBA Finals appearance where they fell to the Boston Celtics, made several key moves this offseason to complement their star, Luka Doncic. One of the biggest additions was Klay Thompson, who brings much-needed shooting after Dallas struggled to hit from deep in the Finals, making just 31.5% of their threes as a team.

Already impactful in his first year, Lively is expected to be a key defensive anchor for the Mavericks while adding some three-point shooting to his game. With Thompson now joining Luka and Kyrie Irving, the offensive firepower is there, but Dallas will rely heavily on Lively to protect the paint and handle some of the tougher defensive assignments inside. The Mavericks see him as a vital piece in balancing their lineup, providing interior defense and potentially spacing the court while their guards dominate on the offensive end.

Denver Nuggets – Michael Porter Jr.

Michael Porter Jr. had a solid 2023-24 season, putting up 16.7 points and 7.0 rebounds per game while shooting just under 40% from three. He played his role well as Denver’s third option behind Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, but in the playoffs, things didn’t go as smoothly for the Nuggets. Jamal Murray had a disappointing postseason, contributing to Denver’s early playoff exit in the second round against the Timberwolves.

With Murray struggling, the Nuggets couldn’t lean on Jokic alone, and Porter’s role became even more critical. While he had some strong games, his shooting was inconsistent when the team needed it most.

Heading into 2024-25, Denver will need Porter to step up, especially with Murray’s health still a question mark. If Porter can elevate his game to an All-Star level, becoming a more reliable scorer and attacking the basket more aggressively, the Nuggets have a real shot at getting back into title contention. His ability to be a consistent third option behind Jokic and Murray is crucial for Denver’s success.

Detroit Pistons – Cade Cunningham

Cade Cunningham is entering the 2024-25 season with sky-high expectations, and honestly, it’s time for him to make that jump to All-Star and possibly All-NBA levels. After missing most of the 2022-23 season due to a shin injury, Cade bounced back in 2023-24, putting up 22.7 points, 7.5 assists, and 6.1 rebounds per game—showing everyone why Detroit locked him up with a five-year, $224 million extension.

This offseason, the Pistons brought in some solid veterans like Tobias Harris and Malik Beasley to help spread the floor, which should make life easier for Cunningham. With more shooters around him, Cade can operate more freely and focus on becoming a true leader for this team. He’s got the potential to be in that conversation with the top guards in the league, and Detroit is banking on him to take the reins and lead the team back to relevance.

The Pistons are still young, but they’re putting the pieces in place to improve. The combination of Cunningham, Jaden Ivey, and their offseason additions makes them a sneaky team to watch. If Cade can raise his game to an All-Star level and stay healthy, the Pistons could surprise a lot of people this season.

Golden State Warriors – Jonathan Kuminga

Jonathan Kuminga took a solid step forward in the 2023-24 season, averaging 16.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game. His progress was noticeable, but the Warriors need him to take it to the next level this season, especially after losing Klay Thompson. Kuminga’s athleticism is off the charts, but his decision-making and shooting (32.1% from three) still need improvement if he’s going to break that 20-points-per-game barrier and become a true cornerstone for Golden State.

The team has high expectations for him, and he’s ready to compete for a starting role over Andrew Wiggins, or even as the full-time power forward if Draymond Green is slotted at center. His development is crucial to the Warriors’ future, particularly as they transition to a new era without Thompson. If he can improve his three-point shooting and offensive consistency, Kuminga could become a dynamic small forward that helps elevate Golden State back into contention.

At the same time, the Warriors have been careful not to part with Brandin Podziemski, who they see as a crucial piece moving forward. Refusing to trade him for Lauri Markkanen speaks volumes about their faith in his potential. With Podziemski more than likely to start, the Warriors are balancing a youth movement alongside Stephen Curry, hoping Kuminga and Podziemski can step into bigger roles and keep their contention hopes alive.

Houston Rockets – Jalen Green

Jalen Green showed a lot of growth in the second half of the 2023-24 season, especially after Alperen Sengun went down with an injury. During that stretch, Green averaged 24.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game, stepping up as Houston’s primary scorer. His shooting improved to 45% from the field and 38% from three, showing he can handle a larger offensive role

That said, while Green has the potential to become the Rockets cornerstone, Sengun might still challenge him for that title with his versatility. Sengun had a breakout season before his injury and could easily take over as the focal point of the team’s offense like he did surprisingly well last season.

Meanwhile, don’t sleep on Cam Whitmore, who’s quietly elevated his game after a slow start to his rookie campaign. Whitmore’s development last season was impressive, and the Rockets are hoping his upward trajectory continues as part of their young core with an extended role.

Indiana Pacers – Bennedict Mathurin

Bennedict Mathurin is gearing up for a pivotal season after missing the final stretch of 2023-24, including the Pacers‘ playoff run to the Eastern Conference Finals, due to a torn labrum. Before his injury, Mathurin put up 14.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game, showing flashes of his scoring potential. Now, he’s expected to solidify his role as the third offensive weapon behind Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam.

This season, the Pacers will count on Mathurin to be more than just a scorer. He’ll need to improve his playmaking and defense to complement the Pacers’ core, especially if they want to replicate or surpass their deep playoff run. With his recovery on track, Mathurin has a real shot to be the game-changer Indiana needs to take the next step toward contention.

Los Angeles Clippers – Norman Powell

With Paul George out of the picture following his move to Philadelphia, Norman Powell is set to take on a much bigger role for the Clippers this season. Last year, Powell averaged 13.9 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game, but when Paul George was sidelined, he stepped up, putting up 19.5 points per game and becoming a primary scoring option. This season, Powell will likely see more minutes and opportunities, and the Clippers will rely on his scoring punch, much like in his days with the Blazers.

The Clippers don’t have many young players with high upside waiting to break out, so Powell’s increased role will be key in keeping their offense dynamic. With Kawhi Leonard as the clear leader, Powell is expected to fill in the gaps and provide consistent scoring to help the Clippers stay competitive in a tough Western Conference.

Los Angeles Lakers – Austin Reaves

Austin Reaves had a solid 2023-24 season after signing a four-year extension with the Lakers. He averaged 15.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game while shooting 48.6% from the field and 36.7% from three. While there were talks of him making an All-Star leap, Reaves mostly played his role perfectly alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis but didn’t quite break out offensively as expected.

This year, there’s real hope that Reaves can take that next step and elevate his game further. With more experience under his belt and a desire to improve physically, this could be the season where Reaves shines and takes on an even bigger offensive load, possibly making that borderline All-Star push everyone expected.

Memphis Grizzlies – GG Jackson

GG Jackson’s rookie season was a rare highlight in what was a tough year for the Grizzlies, who finished with a 27-55 record. Jackson, drafted 45th overall, quickly surpassed expectations, earning NBA All-Rookie Second Team honors. Averaging 10.2 points per game, he showcased his ability to score and adapt, making the most of his minutes despite Memphis’ struggles.

As the Grizzlies aim to come back stronger and healthier, Jackson’s role is set to expand, potentially starting for the Grizz. His ability to score from different spots on the floor makes him an intriguing prospect to watch as Memphis tries to bounce back into real contention. He’ll have the chance to develop into a key player for their future, with the potential to emerge as a key offensive option next to Ja Morant and Desmond Bane, who’ll hopefully be injury-free this time.

Miami Heat – Tyler Herro

The Heat are in a tough spot heading into 2024-25, and Tyler Herro is arguably the one player who can save them from slipping back into being a play-in team. After a season where injuries limited him to just 42 games, Herro has a big chance to take control of the team’s offense. With Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo needing support, Herro will need to step up as a primary scorer, aiming for an All-Star level performance—close to 25 points per game—if Miami wants to remain competitive in the East.

Herro has put in the work this offseason, after a 2023-24 campaign where he scored 20.8 points, grabbed 5.3 rebounds, and dished 4.5 assists. His shooting and playmaking will be crucial, especially as the Heat didn’t make major moves in the offseason. Herro’s ability to become the team’s go-to scorer could be the difference between a deep playoff run and another year fighting for a spot in the play-in.

On the other hand, Miami is hoping for some promising growth from Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Nikola Jovic, both of whom showed flashes last year. If those two can develop further, they’ll provide the much-needed depth behind Herro, Butler, and Adebayo, potentially making the Heat a more well-rounded team.

Milwaukee Bucks – MarJon Beauchamp

MarJon Beauchamp is entering a pivotal year with the Bucks, but it’s hard to expect a huge breakout given the team’s focus on its veteran core. Under Doc Rivers, a coach known for relying on experienced players, Beauchamp’s minutes might be limited. That said, his athleticism and defensive potential make him one of the few young players on the Bucks’ roster who could provide a spark. In the 2023-24 season, Beauchamp averaged 4.4 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 0.7 assists per game while shooting 48% from the field.

While Beauchamp’s role will likely be modest, he’s the most promising candidate for progression in a team that desperately needs a younger player to step up. If he can continue developing his defense and three-point shooting, he might carve out a bigger role, but expectations should remain cautious.

Minnesota Timberwolves – Jaden McDaniels

Jaden McDaniels was a fantastic surprise last season, averaging 10.5 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game, but his real value shined on the defensive end, where he became one of the best perimeter defenders in the league. He capped off the season with strong playoff performances, scoring 24 points in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals against Dallas, where he led Minnesota despite their eventual series loss. His versatility makes him a key piece for a Timberwolves team that’s trying to elevate its status in the West.

With Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards carrying most of the offensive load, McDaniels is expected to continue being the team’s defensive anchor while developing into a more reliable scorer. If he can push his offense closer to 15 points per game and improve his three-point shooting, McDaniels could become an even more essential part of Minnesota’s future. The Timberwolves, who are hoping to build on their strong playoff run, will need McDaniels to step up if they want to make deeper postseason pushes to the Finals in the future.

New Orleans Pelicans – Trey Murphy III

Trey Murphy III made a huge leap in the 2023-24 season, averaging 14.5 points, 3.6 rebounds, and shooting 40.6% from beyond the arc. It was unfortunate that he missed the start of that season due to a meniscus injury in the offseason, but returned mid-season and quickly became one of the Pelicans‘ most reliable two-way players.

Heading into the 2024-25 season, New Orleans is looking to prioritize Murphy’s role, potentially even over the expiring Brandon Ingram. The Pelicans added Dejounte Murray this offseason to push for a serious playoff run, with Murphy expected to be a key part of their success, and will be even more crucial if Ingram departs in the following summer.

With Zion Williamson and the new additions, New Orleans wants Murphy to continue developing as a primary scorer and defender, especially with his elite shooting and defensive versatility. If Murphy can stay healthy, he has the potential to become a cornerstone alongside Zion.

New York Knicks – OG Anunoby

OG Anunoby enters the 2024-25 season as a central piece of the Knicks‘ roster, after being acquired in a blockbuster trade during the 2023-24 campaign. Anunoby made an instant impact, with the Knicks boasting a stellar 26-5 record when he was in the lineup.

Over the summer, the Knicks locked up Anunoby to a massive five-year, $212.5 million contract, solidifying his role as one of the key pieces moving forward. While his counting stats—14.7 points and 4.2 rebounds per game—might not scream superstar, his value lies in his defensive prowess and ability to guard multiple positions. The Knicks are banking on his two-way play and are even considering reshaping their lineup around him, potentially phasing out Julius Randle as they look to enhance the defensive identity of the team.

New York also made waves by adding Mikal Bridges from the Nets, forming a fearsome defensive duo with Anunoby on the wings. The hope is that their defensive presence, combined with the offensive firepower of Jalen Brunson, will push the Knicks deeper into the playoffs. After their second-round exit last season, the Knicks have positioned themselves as serious contenders in the East with Anunoby as a key cog.

Oklahoma City Thunder – Jalen Williams

Jalen Williams is coming off an incredible 2023-24 season, where he averaged 19.1 points, 4.5 assists, and 4.0 rebounds per game, while shooting an efficient 54% from the field and 42.7% from three. His versatility and two-way play helped the Thunder finish with a surprising 57-win season, and he’s now on the brink of All-Star conversations.

Williams’ ability to play out of position as a forward while maintaining high efficiency makes him a critical piece alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. This season, with Chet Holmgren also in the mix for a big leap, the Thunder are eyeing deeper playoff runs, and Williams could be a dark-horse candidate for an All-NBA team if he continues his current trajectory.

There’s a lot of buzz about Williams potentially following in the footsteps of players like Kawhi Leonard, especially if he can take another leap in his third season. As OKC builds toward contention with the Alex Caruso and Isaiah Hartenstein additions, Williams’ development will be pivotal, and with his talent on both ends of the floor, it’s no wonder the franchise sees him as a future star.

Orlando Magic – Paolo Banchero

Paolo Banchero is coming off an outstanding sophomore season in 2023-24, where he took his game to another level, averaging 22.6 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game. His improvement helped propel the Magic to a 47-35 record, earning them the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference and taking the Cleveland Cavaliers to a grueling seven-game series in the first round of the playoffs.

This season, expectations for Banchero and the Magic are even higher. Banchero has set lofty goals, stating that the team should easily be a top-3 or top-4 team in the East in 2024-25. With the addition of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to bolster their defense and shooting, Orlando aims to continue their rise in the East, and Banchero will be at the heart of it.

Orlando is fully committed to building around Banchero, seeing him as their future superstar. His versatility—being able to score, facilitate, and defend at an elite level—makes him a cornerstone for the Magic’s future. If he continues on this trajectory, Banchero could very well enter the All-NBA conversation this season, solidifying his status as one of the league’s next big stars.

Philadelphia 76ers – Tyrese Maxey

Tyrese Maxey is coming off a huge 2023-24 season, where he earned his first All-Star selection and won the Most Improved Player award, averaging 25.9 points, 6.2 assists, and 3.7 rebounds per game. After James Harden’s trade to the Clippers, Maxey took over as the 76ers‘ second star alongside Joel Embiid, showing he’s ready to be a focal point in Philadelphia’s future.

As the Sixers head into the 2024-25 season, Maxey’s growth is pivotal. While his scoring jumped, there’s still room for him to improve, particularly in getting to the free-throw line more often, refining his efficiency, and further developing his playmaking skills. Philadelphia, under coach Nick Nurse, is looking to Maxey to lead the offense alongside new acquisition Paul George, aiming for a top-four finish in the East.

Maxey is expected to be in the All-NBA conversation this year, and if he can maintain his high level of production while improving on his weaknesses, he might just cement himself as one of the league’s top guards.

Phoenix Suns – Bol Bol

Bol Bol is entering the 2024-25 season with the Suns under new head coach Mike Budenholzer, who took over after Frank Vogel was let go. While Bol Bol’s length and versatility (7’2” with a 7’8” wingspan) make him a unique asset, there’s skepticism about how much of a leap he’ll make. Last season, he averaged 5.2 points and 3.2 rebounds, struggling with consistency despite flashes of brilliance.

Budenholzer, known for his structured systems, may not immediately give Bol significant minutes, especially with Phoenix in a championship window featuring stars like Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal. Bol’s potential lies in his defensive presence and finishing ability, but expectations should be cautious for now.

Portland Trail Blazers – Shaedon Sharpe

Shaedon Sharpe is poised to be one of the Blazers‘ key players in their post-Damian Lillard era. After flashing his potential last year with averages of 15.9 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.9 assists, Sharpe now has a real opportunity to become a cornerstone alongside Scoot Henderson.

Portland is all-in on developing its young core, and Sharpe’s athleticism and shot-making ability give him star potential. With Lillard’s departure last season and Anfernee Simons possibly on his way out this year, Sharpe will need to improve his consistency and efficiency as a scorer. This campaign, the Blazers will look to him to step up as a primary offensive option while continuing to refine his game.

The Blazers are expected to struggle in a stacked Western Conference, but if Sharpe can tap into his full potential, Portland’s rebuild could move faster than anticipated. His ceiling is high, but the key will be if he can put together a complete, injury-free season and prove that he’s ready to take the next step.

Sacramento Kings – Keegan Murray

Keegan Murray is stepping into a critical role for the Kings after a strong individual season, despite Sacramento missing the playoffs in 2023-24. Last year, Murray averaged 15.2 points, 5.5 rebounds, and showed solid growth as a two-way player. With DeMar DeRozan now on the team, Murray’s role will expand as one of the primary defenders, especially since the Kings lack elite wing defenders.

Sacramento’s offseason was headlined by acquiring DeRozan, hoping to bounce back after their offense dropped from first to 13th last season. DeRozan will give the Kings additional firepower alongside De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis, but this roster shift means more pressure on Murray, particularly defensively, as he’ll need to cover bigger offensive threats. Offensively, he’s expected to regain his efficiency from beyond the arc, especially with Malik Monk likely coming off the bench after resigning.

With the Kings eyeing a return to playoff contention, Murray will be pivotal to their success. If he can step up defensively while improving his offensive playmaking and shooting, Sacramento might finally take that next step in the West.

San Antonio Spurs – Victor Wembanyama

Victor Wembanyama will play his second season with enormous expectations after a stellar rookie campaign averaging 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 3.9 assists, leading the NBA with 3.6 blocks per game. He finished second in Defensive Player of the Year voting as a rookie and already has his sights set on winning the award in 2024-25. Given his impact on both ends of the floor, it’s no stretch to imagine Wemby competing for All-Star, All-NBA, and Defensive Player of the Year honors this season.

The Spurs are improving their roster with key additions like Chris Paul, who will be setting Wemby up for easier looks, and Harrison Barnes to help stretch the floor. With Gregg Popovich guiding this young team, there’s a lot of buzz around Wembanyama potentially leading the Spurs to the playoffs. If San Antonio can make a strong playoff push, Wemby’s name could even sneak into MVP conversations. While it’s a long shot given the Spurs’ rebuilding status, his numbers and two-way dominance would certainly keep him in the mix.

This season will test Wemby’s ceiling, but with his generational talent, he’s already proven he’s more than capable of shouldering the load for San Antonio. If he continues improving his scoring and 3-point efficiency, Wembanyama could be the face of the NBA’s future sooner than expected.

Toronto Raptors – Immanuel Quickley

Immanuel Quickley is entering his first full season as the Raptors‘ starting point guard, after signing a massive five-year, $175 million deal this offseason. Traded from the Knicks in late 2023, Quickley quickly became a focal point for Toronto, averaging 18.6 points, 6.8 assists, and 4.8 rebounds across 38 games for the Raptors last season. His ability to score and facilitate makes him a key part of the Raptors’ future, as they look to rebuild around him and Scottie Barnes.

Quickley has the potential to elevate his game even further in 2024-25, with a full season as the lead guard in a system that allows him to dominate the ball. His combination of quickness, shooting, and playmaking will be crucial as the Raptors look to return to playoff contention. Alongside Scottie Barnes, who continues to develop into a nightly triple-double threat, Toronto is banking on this duo to carry them forward. Barnes, fresh off a career year, remains a do-it-all player, while Quickley’s ability to run the offense gives the Raptors a dynamic backcourt alongside RJ Barrett.

With Toronto’s roster undergoing significant changes, including the loss of OG Anunoby and Pascal Siakam in the same season, there will be even more responsibility on Quickley’s shoulders. If he can take his game to another level, he could become one of the top point guards in the Eastern Conference, and the Raptors could find themselves climbing back into the playoff picture.

Utah Jazz – Keyonte George

Keyonte George quickly became a fan favorite for the Utah Jazz after a solid rookie season in 2023-24. He showcased his scoring ability, averaging 13.0 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game. George was one of the few bright spots in a season where the Jazz missed the playoffs, but his talent and leadership on the court were undeniable.

The Jazz are fully invested in their young core, and George is expected to take a big leap in 2024-25. He’s poised to be the starting point guard, with Utah looking to him to lead the offense. His quick handles, shot-making ability, and improving playmaking skills make him a potential breakout star in the league. With Lauri Markkanen continuing to play at an All-Star level and deciding to sign an extension, George will have the opportunity to elevate his game and help the Jazz push for playoff contention with the Finnish star.

Utah’s front office has made it clear that George is a cornerstone of their future, and if he continues developing his game, he could very well become a top guard in the league.

Washington Wizards – Jordan Poole

Jordan Poole enters the 2024-25 season looking to bounce back after a mixed first year with the Wizards. In the 2023-24 season, Poole averaged 17.4 points, 4.4 assists, and 2.7 rebounds per game, but struggled with efficiency, shooting just 41.3% from the field and 32.6% from three . Despite the ups and downs, the Wizards remain committed to Poole as their primary offensive option, hoping he can fill the void left by Bradley Beal and thrive in a leadership role.

Heading into his second season in Washington, Poole is expected to regain the form that made him such a dynamic player during his time with Golden State. The Wizards, who are deep into their rebuild, will look to Poole not just as a scorer but as a cornerstone for the franchise. If he can recapture the joy and efficiency that once defined his game, Poole has the opportunity to elevate his play and lead the Wizards back to relevance.