Predicting the 2024-25 season might seem early, but it’s always fun to guess which players will shine. Some top draft picks like Paolo Banchero and Victor Wembanyama are already stars, but there are others who could surprise us.
Think about players like Sam Hauser from the Celtics. Over three years, he climbed up Boston’s rotation and is now a key player with an extension. Similarly, Miles McBride was a second-round pick who truly shined after the 2023-24 deadline for New York. Isaiah Joe of the Thunder is another example, along with Vince Williams of the Grizzlies and Simone Fontecchio of the Pistons.
Here are four players I believe will become essential parts of their teams next season.
Day’Ron Sharpe
Sharpe played in 61 games last season, averaging 6.8 points and 6.4 rebounds in just over 15 minutes per game. With those numbers in limited time, he showed significant improvement for the Nets. Even though he’s behind Nicolas Claxton in the rotation, Sharpe should get more playing time this season due to Brooklyn’s rebuild after trading Mikal Bridges.
With potential trades involving Cameron Johnson, Dorian Finney-Smith, Bojan Bogdanovic, and Dennis Schroder on the horizon, Sharpe could see more minutes as these moves unfold. As a restricted free agent next offseason at just 23 years old, his growth could attract many teams if Brooklyn decides not to keep him after signing Claxton.
Fans might think Sharpe’s breakout is inevitable given his current trajectory.
Max Christie
The Lakers had a quiet offseason except for drafting Dalton Knecht and Bronny James. They also extended Christie’s contract even though he only averaged 14 minutes per game last season with career averages of just 3.8 points.
Despite limited playtime so far, Christie got a $32M extension because of his potential as a three-and-D player—a valuable asset for any team needing defense and shooting prowess. It’s surprising no other team tried to snag him from LA during free agency! Given possible trades before the new season starts and changes in their roster from last year’s free agents leaving or falling out of favor—Christie looks set for more minutes ahead.
He could be crucial for LA over these next couple seasons if things go well!
Craig Porter Jr./Ricky Council IV
Porter Jr., initially on a two-way contract before earning a standard deal last year—has shown promise despite being undersized; excelling both defensively & handling secondary ball duties effectively! While Cavs may fill remaining spots potentially overtaking him—it wouldn’t surprise me seeing him secure ninth/tenth spot within rotation eventually becoming top backup lead guard!
Council didn’t play much till end-of-season yet impressed Sixers enough securing standard contract too! Re-signing Tyrese Maxey alongside Kelly Oubre/Kyle Lowry/Kenyon Martin suggests they value Council highly keeping him throughout offseason despite non-guaranteed status indicating faith placed upon continued development likely following similar path Hauser took breaking into main rotations after few seasons!
While neither Porter nor Council are guaranteed major roles this year—their teams clearly see potential value long-term suggesting bright futures ahead possibly leading them towards bigger opportunities down line!
What do you think? Will these players break out next season?
