NBA Stars in Desperate Need of a Bounceback Season: A 2024-2025 Preview

The landscape of the NBA is constantly evolving, with new stars emerging and old ones trying to maintain their status at the top. For any player, especially established stars, a career downturn can come quickly if they don’t continually prove their worth. Last season, several players who have been considered elite struggled for various reasons. As we head into the 2024-2025 NBA season, a few of these stars are in desperate need of a resurgence to solidify their legacies and help their teams succeed.

In this article, we will explore five star players who are in urgent need of a bounceback season. These are players who have demonstrated elite performance in the past but encountered setbacks last season. For their own careers and for the good of their teams, a return to form is essential.

1. Ja Morant – Memphis Grizzlies

Ja Morant is the undeniable centerpiece of the Memphis Grizzlies. If there was ever any doubt about his importance to the team, last season erased it. Morant’s suspension for the first 25 games of the season saw Memphis flounder to a 6-19 record, digging a hole that proved too deep to recover from. The Grizzlies ended the season as the worst-ranked offense in the NBA without Morant, underlining his significance to their success.

Although he returned for nine games before suffering an injury that ended his season, Morant wasn’t able to play at his usual high level. However, the small sample size makes it hard to draw any firm conclusions about his performance. For the Grizzlies to regain competitiveness in the ever-improving Western Conference, Morant needs to return to his elite form from two years ago, where he averaged 27 points and eight assists per game, attacked the rim with relentless energy, and pushed the pace in transition. If Morant can return to that level, Memphis has the supporting pieces to be a serious contender. If not, the Grizzlies could face the prospect of missing the playoffs altogether.

2. Damian Lillard – Milwaukee Bucks

Damian Lillard’s move to the Milwaukee Bucks last season was supposed to be the catalyst for a championship run. After years of carrying the Portland Trail Blazers, Lillard finally requested a trade, landing in Milwaukee with high expectations. However, things did not go as planned. Lillard struggled with his efficiency, and his defensive liabilities were exposed night after night. The Bucks knew they were sacrificing defense for offense when they traded for Lillard, but the plan was for him to provide offensive firepower in crucial moments, particularly in the playoffs.

Unfortunately, injuries derailed Milwaukee’s season, with both Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo hampered by health issues during the playoffs. Despite those setbacks, Lillard never truly found his rhythm in Milwaukee. He posted his worst healthy season since 2015, and concerns about his ability to defend at even an average level grew. The pressure is mounting for Lillard to deliver this season. He’s getting older, and his ability to help the Bucks contend for a championship is under intense scrutiny. If Lillard cannot return to his former MVP-caliber self, the Bucks’ championship window may close faster than anticipated.

3. Jimmy Butler – Miami Heat

Jimmy Butler is one of the most enigmatic stars in the NBA. Known for coasting through the regular season only to explode in the playoffs, Butler’s ability to rise to the occasion has powered the Miami Heat to two NBA Finals appearances and three Eastern Conference Finals in the last five years. However, this strategy is not without its risks, and last season was the second in a row that saw the Heat stumble into the playoffs through the play-in tournament.

Butler’s regular-season numbers took a noticeable dip last season. He averaged his lowest scoring output since 2020 and missed 22 games due to injury. While his on-court impact was still undeniable—the Heat were 7.2 points per 100 possessions better with him on the floor—he struggled with consistency. His age, 35, is another factor to consider. Butler’s contract situation is also a source of tension, with the Heat reportedly hesitating on offering him a big extension. To secure his future in Miami, Butler will need to prove that he can still be the dominant player he’s been in the past, both in the regular season and the playoffs.

4. Brandon Ingram – New Orleans Pelicans

Brandon Ingram’s stock as an elite player has plummeted over the last year. Once viewed as a rising star, Ingram now finds himself struggling to maintain relevance in the NBA. Last season, he posted his worst scoring average since joining the New Orleans Pelicans five years ago. His performance on the court didn’t help his team either, as the Pelicans were 1.9 points per 100 possessions worse with Ingram on the floor.

Ingram’s struggles became even more apparent during the playoffs, where he shot an abysmal 34% from the field and 25% from three-point range in the series against the Oklahoma City Thunder. His lackluster performance has made him a potential trade candidate, yet no teams have expressed serious interest in acquiring him. With his contract expiring after this season, Ingram is in desperate need of a strong performance to rejuvenate his career and secure a lucrative deal. At 27 years old, he should be in the prime of his career, but he’ll need to prove that he can still play at a high level and contribute meaningfully to a team’s success.

5. Kawhi Leonard – Los Angeles Clippers

Kawhi Leonard’s career has been defined by both greatness and injury. An all-time great player when healthy, Leonard has been plagued by knee issues ever since he tore his ACL in 2022. As a result, he hasn’t played an entire playoff series in three years. Last season was another disappointment, with Leonard limited to just two playoff games before his injuries sidelined him again.

This offseason, Leonard underwent a procedure on his knee, and while he is still rehabbing, it’s uncertain whether he’ll be ready for the start of the season. The Clippers have lost key players in free agency, and the Western Conference is more competitive than ever. Leonard is capable of being a superstar, but there are legitimate questions about whether his body will allow him to reach that level again. With his contract expiring soon, this could be Leonard’s last chance to lead the Clippers to a deep playoff run before the team decides to rebuild.

These five players are at a crossroads in their careers. For Ja Morant, Damian Lillard, Jimmy Butler, Brandon Ingram, and Kawhi Leonard, the 2024-2025 season is pivotal. Whether due to injuries, age, or simply poor form, each player is under immense pressure to prove that they can still compete at the highest level. For their respective teams, a return to form from these stars could mean the difference between contending for a championship or facing a disappointing season. Only time will tell if these players can rise to the challenge.