With massive changes throughout the NBA offseason, roster shake-ups and lineup changes often create the biggest opportunity for young and underutilized players to take massive leaps in their careers.
Four players have the chance to prove their worth and live up to expectations, as they will assume larger roles that could directly improve their stats and development.
These players are Kel’el Ware, Naz Reid, Ausar Thompson and Dylan Harper. Let’s begin with Ware, who was included in the blockbuster trade between the Miami Heat and Milwaukee Bucks that sent Giannis Antetokounmpo to South Beach.
The 15th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft could make an immediate impact because of how new Bucks coach Taylor Jenkins develops young players.
Although his role as a starter is still to be determined, since Myles Turner could still be the main man in the paint, he could receive more minutes off the bench.
Ware’s offensive bag is still developing, but his biggest upside is on the defensive end, as he can be the Bucks’ anchor for the future. He could add 4-5 points to his scoring output from last season and has the ability to become a double-double machine with his rebounding.
Next is Reid, who is also with a new team after the Minnesota Timberwolves included him in the package for the Lamelo Ball trade with the Charlotte Hornets.
Reid has proven himself as a valuable two-way contributor off the bench, which was highlighted by his 2024 Sixth Man of the Year accolade.
With Charlotte, he will likely become a starter as a stretch four or center, giving him more opportunity to create his own shot or showcase his playmaking ability.
The upgraded role and fresh start will help him produce between 18 or 20-plus points and at least five to six assists per game.
Third is Thompson of the Detroit Pistons. Despite the dip in scoring in his third season, he is still a menace on defense who can lock up the opposing team’s best player.
The Pistons have been looking for a star who can be the team’s second option on offense, and he could emerge into the role.
Thompson averaged 9.9 points last season, but his projected production could rise to at least 16 points a game. He’s been steadily improving his three-point shooting since he entered the league in 2023.
The 23-year-old can leverage his elite defensive skills to create more fast-break opportunities and scoring for himself, plus maximize his athleticism to cut more to the basket and catch lobs from Cade Cunningham.
Finally, Harper of the San Antonio Spurs. He was one of the biggest breakout players last season, especially in the NBA Finals, where he was consistent throughout the series against the New York Knicks.
It’s unclear if the team will promote him to a starter or remain a sparkplug off the bench. Regardless of the coaching staff’s decision, his offensive load should go up to at least 16-18 points from his 11.8 points per game average in his rookie season.
He’s already a decent three-point shooter at 34.3%, but his biggest strength is his ability to drive hard to the basket and almost score at will.
These four players will have big opportunities next season. If they can maximize the extra minutes and increased roles, it could mark a big turning point in their promising careers.
