When it comes to the NBA, every new season is a good opportunity for players to prove themselves and improve their status. Sometimes, young talent becomes a real star; Sometimes, role players get more minutes and their performance increases.
Either way, there are a few exciting stories each year about players who have made their mark in the league and reached new heights.
The 2024-25 season should be no exception.
There will certainly be a lot of talented players vying to become the latest dark horse players in the upcoming season. Maybe some of them will have a chance to compete for the Most Improved Player award.
The candidates mentioned below are the most likely candidates for this honor.
5th place Andrew · Nembuhard
Andrew · Nembhard is about to make his third season in the league. He was already a hot candidate for the dark horse before the start of last season, and he has maintained that status this season.
While Nembhard didn't make the leap last season, we have reason to believe this year will be different. While the sample size is small, Nembhard did show quite a few eye-catching moments in the playoffs last season.
Tyrese · Haliburton exited early due to injury in the Eastern Conference Finals against the Boston Celtics. In his absence, Nembhard stepped up and took the lead for the Indiana Pacers.
Facing the Celtics' talented defense, Nembhard stepped up and showed his quality in Games 3 and 4 of the series.
Despite the Pacers' losses, Nembhard averaged 28.0 points, 5.0 rebounds and 9.5 assists in those two close games.
The situation of Nembhard has less to do with his talent than with his role and opportunities. The Pacers would be wise to motivate Nembhard's performance in the Eastern Conference Finals to give him a more important role next season.
Nembhard should also return to the Pacers with an uplift from his Olympic experience. He will certainly play a key role for Canada at Paris 2024.
The opportunity to train with the nation's top talent should see Nembhard return to the Pacers in even better form than last season.
Playing against defensive players like Lugenz · Dort, Shay · Gilgeous-Alexander, Dillon · Brooks and RJ · Barrett will surely bring out the best in anyone willing to take on the challenge.
And that's not even mentioning the boost he deserves to compete in the Olympics.
Nembhard should be ready to return to the Pacers as one of the league's most promising dark horse players. Next, all the Pacers have to do is maximize the opportunity to give him and let him show his progress.
Fourth place Kiontai · George
Kiontay · George had a promising rookie season with the Utah Jazz, where he was named to the second team of the NBA All-Rookie Team.
In his rookie season, George averaged 13 points, 2.8 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game while shooting 39.1 percent from the field and 33.4 percent from three-point range.
George's biggest problem was efficiency. However, this is not an uncommon problem for young defenders who are new to the league.
We have every reason to believe that sooner or later his efficiency will reach the level it should be.
The biggest reason why George is an excellent candidate for dark horse players is chance.
The Jazz are one of the few teams in the West that won't be involved in the playoff race. They're in the process of rebuilding, and they don't seem to be in a hurry.
If the Jazz can successfully implement their rumored plan to trade guards Jordan · Clarkson and Collin · Sexton, then George should get plenty of playing time. Not only that, but he should also be reused to a considerable extent on the offensive end.
Speaking of chance, with George's current configuration in Utah, the world is like his dinner for him to enjoy.
3rd place Christian · Braun
Brown will fill the void of Denver's starting point guard, which should be pretty straightforward.
The Nuggets lost Pope on free agency, and he opted to sign with the Orlando Magic.
Last season, Braun averaged 7.3 points, 3.7 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game while shooting 46.0 percent from the field and 38.4 percent from three-point range. After Caldpop's departure, Braun should be the player to fill the Nuggets' starting lineup. Nuggets general manager Calvin · Booth has all but confirmed that this is their plan for the future.
Braun is about to make his third season in the NBA. Last season, he averaged 13.1 points per game in adjusted scoring per 36 minutes.
Taking on a more important role with three-time MVP Nikola · Jokic would be a great opportunity to shine. Jokic has led players with less talent than Braun to better results.
Playing alongside one of the best players in the NBA and one of the greatest passers in history should make his rise quite reliable, which is something to look forward to.
2nd RJ · Barrett (Forward/Guard – Toronto Raptors)
When the Raptors acquired Barrett in a trade to send OG · Anunoby to the New York Knicks, rumors said he was seen as a toxic asset.
Now, Barrett has begun to shed that label, and the 2024-25 season could be the final blow to get rid of that label once and for all.
Barrett and Randle didn't work well together in New York. Randle, though, did better after Anunoby took Barrett's place.
However, Barrett has done just as well in Toronto's new environment. Especially in the 32 games he played for the Raptors last season, his efficiency skyrocketed.
If Barrett can continue that performance in 2024-25, he has a chance to live up to what many saw in him as a young talent in the 2019 NBA Draft.
The Raptors' environment should give Barrett a chance to become a star and give him a chance to compete for the Most Improved Player award next season.
1st Brandon · Miller (Forward – Charlotte Hornets)
Miller took the leap the following year, and it felt like a sure thing.
Although Miller's stellar rookie season was overshadowed by more dazzling performances from Wembanyama and Chet, anyone who has watched Miller play knows that he is poised to become a top star in the league.
Last season, Miller averaged 17.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 0.9 steals and 0.6 blocks per game while shooting 44.0 percent from the field and 37.3 percent from three-point range.
Every time he stepped onto the court, Miller revealed limitless potential. He has spoken in the past about how much he admires Paul · George. And his style of play on the field is very similar to that of his idol.
Some have even compared Miller to Kevin · Durant. That alone is enough to illustrate how high Miller's ceiling is in this league.
Miller's potential as an offensive and defensive superstar should have the Charlotte Hornets and their fans excited for his second season. The return of LaMelo · Ball should have a major impact on Miller's rise.
Ball has proven himself to be an exciting young talent with excellent passing skills. Miller played well as an off-ball player in his rookie season with players around him who were far less talented than Ball.
Ball's return to the lineup and his ability to consistently find open shots for Miller from the outside could mean a massive scoring explosion for the rising star in his sophomore season.
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