Now that the dust has settled on a record-breaking 2024/25 NBA season, it's time to look ahead to the 2024/25 season and try to preview some of the players to watch as we count down to the beginning of the new season.
The likes of Nikola Jokic, Joel Embiid, Luka Doncic and rising star Victor Wembanyama have dominated the NBA player rankings conversations in recent seasons but there are other players poised to give challenge their position. Here are some of the players we expect to take the league by storm based on their performances in the last NBA season.
Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs
The towering French phenomenon had a fantastic rookie season in 2023/24, where he showcased elite defensive skills and an impressive offensive repertoire. With Chris Paul teaming up with the Spurs, Wembanyama is positioned to make a giant sophomore leap. If the young star can reach deeper into his bag of potentials, and hopefully improve his offensive consistency, he could end up on the fringes of the MVP conversation by the end of the season.
Anthony Davis, Los Angeles Lakers
The 2023/24 NBA season saw Davis turn in a solid average of 24.7 points and 12.6 rebounds while playing 76 games. However, health and physical fitness remains the biggest question mark for the 31-year-old forward. Another season like the last will see Davis firmly in the MVP conversation once again. A lot would also depend on how good the Lakers perform as a team this season.
Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics
A champion the last time out, Tatum is set to take the NBA by storm again next season. Celtics are always ambitious at the start of every season, but to stand a chance of retaining their title, they will need their star man to prioritize team success over individual accolades. His consistent production and leadership in the team will help propel them for a title defense and if all go well, he could remain a top contender for MVP once more.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
Last year, Giannis shouldered most of the Milwaukee Bucks scoring load, which was a plus for his own MVP ambition. However, things may be different this year. Damian Lillard has teamed up with the Bucks and would be looking to take some of that responsibility off Giannis, which could potentially affect his total points rankings at the end of the season. That said, Giannis has what it takes to dominate in other aspects of the game, keeping his performance level quite high, especially if the Bucks do well as a unit.
Luka Dončić, Dallas Mavericks
Luka Dončić remains one of the most dynamic scorers in the league, and has continued to dazzle fans, critics and analysts alike. One flaw which has held him back in recent seasons has been his defensive shortcomings, but all he needs is a strong season with the Mavericks and his individual scoring and he will be high up in the NBA player rankings conversation by the end of the season.
Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers
His physical condition hasn't always been the best, but when fit, there are few in the league who are as good as Joel Embiid. Paul George coming into the side could have a say in how many points he ends up with but there's no doubt a Joel Embiid who is consistently on the court can wreck damage to any team on his day, even if he has to favor an approach that will see him dominate the assists charts.
Nikola Jokić, Denver Nuggets
The reigning MVP has proven his worth time and again. With a near triple-double average and exceptional efficiency, Jokić will be a top candidate once more with his consistent ability to impact the game without necessarily leading in scoring, making him a constant threat for the MVP award every season.
Closing Notes
The new NBA season kicks off on October 22, 2024 and NBA fans all over the world can't wait to see their favorite basketball players take to the court for another exciting season. It's time for new winners and losers.