The 2024-25 NBA season is almost upon us and we have a great indication of which stars will perform at their highest level including Jayson Tatum who is coming off an NBA championship along with LeBron James and Stephen Curry who will likely prove they are still at the top of their games. However, 10 NBA stars have a ton to provide in the upcoming season and we have them named.
1. Joel Embiid
Joel Embiid has undoubtedly established himself as one of the most dominant centers in the NBA, winning the MVP award in 2023-23 and consistently leading the Philadelphia 76ers to strong regular-season finishes. However, his biggest obstacle has been staying healthy and delivering in the playoffs. Last season, Embiid only appeared in 39 games due to injuries, raising concerns about his durability over an 82-game season and the grueling playoffs.
With the addition of Paul George this summer, forming a new “Big Three” alongside Tyrese Maxey, the pressure is on Embiid to stay healthy, lead his team deep into the playoffs, and finally break through the second-round ceiling that has haunted his career. For Embiid, the 2024-25 season is about more than individual accolades; it’s about solidifying his legacy. With a stronger supporting cast, this could be his best chance yet to lead the 76ers to the NBA Finals. A deep playoff run would silence critics who argue that despite his talent, Embiid has been unable to lead his team past the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
2. Ja Morant
Ja Morant’s 2023-24 season was marred by a combination of off-court controversies and an untimely injury, limiting him to just nine games. Morant’s immense talent and electrifying style of play have made him one of the most exciting players in the league, but questions remain about his maturity and focus. The Memphis Grizzlies have a promising roster with Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr., and a coach capable of maximizing their potential. Morant needs to prove he can be a consistent leader on and off the court, focusing solely on basketball and avoiding distractions.
For Morant, the 2024-25 season represents a pivotal moment in his career trajectory. If he can lead the Grizzlies to a top-four seed in the West and a deep playoff run, he will reestablish himself as one of the game’s premier point guards. However, another season filled with off-court issues or injuries could seriously damage his reputation and long-term potential as the face of the franchise.
3. Damian Lillard
After years of loyalty to the Portland Trail Blazers, Damian Lillard now has the best chance of his career to compete for a championship alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo with the Milwaukee Bucks. However, expectations will be high for Lillard, who must prove he can adapt to a new system and maximize his partnership with Giannis. Despite his legendary status as a clutch performer, Lillard appeared in only four playoff games last year, highlighting the need for him to not only make it to the postseason but also to help his team make a deep run.
With Giannis by his side, Lillard needs to guide the Bucks to a top-three seed in the East and ensure that they are legitimate title contenders. Anything less could be seen as a missed opportunity, especially given the star power on this roster. The 2024-25 season is about proving that Lillard can thrive outside of Portland, where he is no longer the lone star but part of one of the best duos in modern memory.
4. James Harden
James Harden’s move to the Clippers marks a new chapter in his career, and it might be his last chance to prove he can be an impactful player on a title-contending team. With Paul George’s departure, Harden now has the opportunity to step up as the second option behind Kawhi Leonard. Although his days of MVP-level play might be behind him, Harden must show he can still perform at an All-NBA level by balancing scoring and playmaking to make his first NBA Finals appearance since 2012.
Harden’s legacy as one of the best players without an NBA title is at stake. He must demonstrate that he can adapt his game to fit alongside Leonard and the Clippers’ system while also showing up in the postseason, where his performance has historically dipped. The 2024-25 season will determine whether Harden can still be considered one of the elite guards in the NBA or if his prime has truly passed.
5. Paul George
Paul George’s career has been defined by both immense talent and unfortunate injuries. Now, with the start of a new era in Philadelphia alongside Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, George must show he can stay healthy and elevate the 76ers. Known for his two-way prowess, George has played with some of the NBA’s top talent over the years, including Russell Westbrook and Kawhi Leonard, yet has not been able to lead a team to a championship. In Philadelphia, the expectation is for George to play at least 65 games and lead the team to a top-four seed in the Eastern Conference.
The 2024-25 season is a critical opportunity for George to cement his status as a top-tier star. If he can perform well and stay healthy, he will prove that he still has what it takes to be the second-best player on a championship-contending team. However, another injury-riddled season or early playoff exit could further tarnish his legacy.
6. Zion Williamson
Zion Williamson showed flashes of his immense potential last season, playing in 70 games and putting up impressive numbers. However, injuries again derailed the end of his season, raising concerns about his ability to stay in shape and remain healthy over a full campaign. Zion has yet to appear in a playoff game, which is a glaring omission for a player once touted as the NBA’s next big superstar. This season, he needs to prove that he can stay on the court and be the focal point of a successful team.
For Zion, the 2024-25 season is all about proving that he can lead the New Orleans Pelicans to the playoffs and perform when it matters most. His sky-high potential is evident, but he must demonstrate consistency and commitment to his fitness and conditioning. If he can avoid injuries and help his team make a postseason run, Zion will start fulfilling the expectations that have followed him since his arrival in the NBA.
7. Klay Thompson
Klay Thompson’s decision to leave the Golden State Warriors for the Dallas Mavericks marks a significant shift in his career. Signing a three-year, $50 million deal, Thompson is determined to prove he is not washed up and that he can still be an impact player outside of the Warriors’ system. The Mavericks, with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, have star power but fell short in the 2023-24 NBA Finals, losing in 5 games to the Boston Celtics. Thompson aims to be the missing piece that puts them over the top.
Thompson’s reputation as a shooter and defender will be tested in Dallas, where he will need to adapt to a new role and prove that his skills translate beyond the Warriors’ system. If he can help lead the Mavericks back to the Finals and potentially win a title, it would validate his decision to leave Golden State and his status as one of the NBA’s greats.
8. Jordan Poole
Jordan Poole had a disappointing 2023-24 season by only shooting 41.3% from the field and 32.6% from three, raising questions about his ability to lead a team and live up to his max contract. Despite showing flashes of brilliance, his inconsistency and lack of leadership were evident. The 2024-25 season is a critical moment for Poole to prove he can be more than just a streaky scorer and evolve into a reliable, consistent leader for his team.
Poole’s career trajectory depends heavily on his ability to perform at a high level this season. He needs to show that he can handle the pressure of being a go-to scorer and playmaker. A bounce-back year would not only justify his contract but also cement him as a foundational piece for his team’s future.
9. Zach LaVine
Zach LaVine’s season last year was marred by injuries, as he only managed to play in 25 games and put up numbers well below his usual standards (19.5 points and 3.9 assists per game on 34.9% from three). With trade rumors surrounding him all season long, LaVine needs to prove that he is still an All-Star-caliber player, whether he remains with the Chicago Bulls or is traded to another team. His ability to bounce back will determine his future in the league.
LaVine’s explosive scoring ability is well-known, but consistency and health will be key factors for him moving forward. If he can stay healthy and put up strong numbers, he will not only increase his trade value but also reestablish himself as one of the league’s top scorers.
10. Ben Simmons
Ben Simmons’ decline has been one of the more surprising storylines in the NBA. Once considered a top defender and playmaker, Simmons has struggled to regain his form since leaving Philadelphia. Last season, he only appeared in 15 games, and his lack of confidence and offensive production were apparent. This season, he must prove he can still be an impactful player, both defensively and as a playmaker after only averaging 6.1 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game on a max salary.
For Simmons, the 2024-25 season is about redemption. He needs to show that he is still capable of being a valuable contributor on both ends of the floor. A strong comeback season would not only silence critics but also revitalize his career, providing him another chance to be an important piece on a contending team.
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