The start of the 79th NBA season is in sight, and everyone is looking out for indicators to get a sense of what the new season is going to look like once it kicks off. Bettors know that when it comes to predicting players’ performance in skill-based games like this, data is everything.
We’ve looked through the records, and these are the players you should watch out for in the new season.
Jayson Tatum
After averaging 26.9 points per game, we can say that Tatum was intensely involved in his team’s NBA Championship win last season. He plays a more isolated game and contributes to the team as a pick-and-roll creator.
When it comes to shooting, he has a 43% success rate as a spot-up three-point shooter, which is his best position. With his NBA Championship ring and Olympic gold medal, Tatum is in the form of his life ahead of the new season.
Devin Booker
Booker has always been a skilled player, but now that he has become a reliable three-point shooter, he is almost unstoppable. He plays all positions excellently, and in the 2023 – 2024 season, he averaged 27.1 points over 68 games.
Booker’s performance for the Phoenix Suns got his 4th invite to the All-Star games. His new Olympic gold medal should be enough motivation to push him to do it again in the 2024 – 2025 season.
Stephen Curry
In the 2024 Olympics, 36-year-old Stephen Curry threw in a barrage of three-pointers to clinch the gold medal for his country. Even at the later end of his career, Steph Curry is still creating some of basketball’s greatest moments for club and country. In the 2023 – 2024 season, he averaged 26.4 points a game. We expect to see him push his team through tough games in the new season again.
Lebron James
It’s a never-ending career for one of Basketball’s greatest players. Every time he gets written off, he returns to show that he still has it. This is why we still have a slot reserved for Lebron on our list, even though the star is almost 40 years old.
There is still speculation on whether or not he will continue with the Los Angeles Lakers and play with Bronny or leave the team. However, if history is an indicator, we can predict that wherever Lebron finds himself, he is going to be impressive.
Anthony Edwards
As a top draft pick, Edwards has been living up to the hype by showing insane athleticism in defense and offense. Even though the Timberwolves didn’t win the big titles like they wanted to, Edwards put in a good performance in most games when it mattered. He averaged 25.9 points per game in the league, got a gold medal on the Olympics stage, and is expected to continue his impressive run in 2025.
Kevin Durant
One of his generation’s greatest players, Kevin Durant, is still performing for the Phoenix Suns at 35 years. His defense game is incredible, but what is even more impressive is how he was still able to average 27.1 points per game while being the primary defender.
Luka Doncic
No player in the league generates more points from scoring and assists than Luka Doncic. From his impressive passes to his scoring abilities, Luka is the perfect offensive player. He averaged 33.9 points per game last season to clinch the Western Conference for the Mavericks.
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Giannis’ 2023 – 2024 season was cut short by an injury, but in the time he was fit, he was an absolute menace in the league. Averaging 30.4 points, the Bucks were on an impressive run till Giannis had to sit the remaining games out. He promised to make changes and healthier choices, so we expect an even better Giannis in 2025.
Joel Embiid
A fit Embiid always puts up one of the most impressive basketball performances you can imagine. From the 70-point game to his 49.8 points per 48-minute record. This player is packed with skill and athleticism, and while it was sad to see him leave for two months last season, we hope to see him back on impressive form in the new season.
Nikola Jokic
As the 2024 MVP, the Joker naturally deserves a slot on our list. Jokic has always been an impressive player, and last year, as the Celtics won everything possible, he proved to be one of the greatest centers in the game. He already has 3 MVP awards to his name and in 2025, he will be gunning for the fourth one.