5 players who can change the course of the 2024/25 NBA season

The NBA season is about to start and contenders are evaluating every corner of their rosters. Even the smallest changes —a new role for a key piece, the addition of a player, or the health of a veteran— could make the difference between a promising championship season or a slow descent towards an early elimination. For some teams, these factors will define their season.

Here are seven players who could alter the title odds, either leading a favorite to the top or turning an unexpected team into a true contender:

1. Naz Reid, Minnesota Timberwolves

Minnesota's decision to trade Karl-Anthony Towns to New York is not just about what Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo, and a protected first-round pick bring in return. It's about Naz Reid. Within the Timberwolves organization, they believe that the gap between Towns and Reid is much smaller than some think.

An Eastern Conference general manager commented: "They think he's about 90% of what KAT did for them, and they're probably right." While Towns is superior in absolute terms and has been an All-Star four times, Reid, at 25, is coming off a season where he won the Sixth Man of the Year award. His ability to shoot threes, create plays with the ball, and defend multiple positions gives the Timberwolves more options to find their best lineups.

2. Anthony Davis, Los Angeles Lakers

Many might wonder why the Lakers are on this list, considering that LeBron James is nearing 40 and they were eliminated by Denver in the playoffs two consecutive years. However, the Lakers also won 47 games last season and have revamped their system under JJ Redick, with increased ball movement and player fluidity.

The main beneficiary of these changes could be Anthony Davis. Redick has stated his intention to empower Davis, pushing him back into the MVP conversation and allowing him to unleash his game on the perimeter. Davis has been dominant in the playoffs, but his ability to score from outside could be the key to propelling the Lakers back into title contention.

3. Tyus Jones, Phoenix Suns

Tyus Jones bet on himself by accepting an offer from Phoenix, where he was promised a starting role. Jones, who has led the NBA in assist-turnover ratio for three consecutive seasons, will bring stability to the team, enabling Devin Booker, Bradley Beal, and Kevin Durant to focus more on their natural offensive roles.

Jones' arrival and Mike Budenholzer's coaching will allow greater clarity in the Suns' stars' roles. With a balanced roster and Jones' ability to distribute the ball without errors, Phoenix may have found the key piece to achieve playoff success.

4. Derrick White, Boston Celtics

Derrick White has gone from a fierce defender to one of the most lethal shooters in the league, shooting 42.4% from three during the playoffs with the Celtics. Additionally, he is an effective playmaker, giving Boston another option to run the offense.

With the possible absence of Kristaps Porziņģis at the beginning of the season, White could take on a larger role in playmaking. His year-over-year progress is a reason for optimism for the Celtics, already title favorites but could be even better if White continues to improve.

5. Naji Marshall, Dallas Mavericks

The Mavericks have lost key players like Tim Hardaway and Josh Green but have added Klay Thompson, Naji Marshall, and Spencer Dinwiddie. Thompson, although no longer the dominant player he used to be, still brings a lethal outside shot that will help Dallas address one of its major weaknesses.

Marshall, on the other hand, offers versatility as a playmaker and shooter. If he can improve his three-point shooting, the Mavericks could greatly benefit from his presence. However, for Dallas to be a true contender, Marshall and the other new additions must perform at their best.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, 5 jugadores que pueden cambiar el rumbo de la temporada 2024/25 en la NBA