The offseason brings a unique kind of hope for NBA fans. It’s that time when we dream about young talents blossoming, rookies stepping up, and star players overcoming injuries to shine in a full season.
However, some players carry a heavier burden than others. Whether it’s a veteran still needing to showcase his franchise potential, a young talent whose career is stagnating due to injuries, or a former high draft pick who’s struggling, many players are aiming to prove their value as we approach the 2025-26 season.
Below are six NBA players who are in need of a strong comeback this season.
Lamelo Ball, G, Charlotte Hornets
Lamelo Ball made an All-Star appearance at just 20, but since then, injuries have kept him to around 35 games per season over the following three years. Now at 24, he needs to not only stay healthy but also demonstrate that he can contribute to winning basketball. Initially, his shooting raised questions, yet he improved significantly to become one of the league’s better shooters, averaging 36.5%. Last season, however, his shot selection was less than ideal, with him taking erratic pull-ups. If he can refine his shot choices while remaining on the court, his talent is undeniable. Ball has exceptional ball-handling skills for someone his height and a knack for finding open teammates. Without him last season, the Hornets struggled mightily, finishing poorly in the standings. Staying healthy is crucial for him to remind everyone of his All-Star potential, especially with promising co-stars like Brandon Miller and Concnupel emerging around him.
Zion Williamson, F, New Orleans Pelicans
It’s easy to forget that Zion Williamson was on the verge of defeating the Lakers in a play-in game just last year, playing at his best before hamstring issues derailed his efforts. Injuries have plagued his career, and as he enters his sixth season, this could be his last chance to affirm his status as a top player. While his explosiveness has diminished since his college days, he was still an efficient scorer for New Orleans when in good health. With a new front office making some questionable moves, trust in Williamson and the rest of the roster is shaky. His fall from being the best draft prospect to a player labeled as injury-prone embodies the franchise’s struggles. There’s no denying his talent still exists, but he may be one of those players who needs a change of scenery to revive his career.
Ja Morant, G, Memphis Grizzlies
Following the All-Star break, the Grizzlies made some significant changes, shaking up their franchise dynamics and coaching staff. Now, all eyes are on Ja Morant to establish himself as a premier player. His scoring dipped last season, and he had a hard time maintaining his touch as Memphis shifted its offensive strategy. Especially during floaters, Morant’s shooting accuracy dropped, reflecting a career-low shooting percentage. Despite earlier success, he needs to enhance his three-point game and focus more on driving to the basket to elevate his performance. With recent injuries to teammates, the pressure’s on Morant to step up and prevent the team from regressing further.
Joel Embiid, C, Philadelphia 76ers
This is perhaps the most glaring situation. Embiid was displaying elite scoring prowess before an injury in early 2024 thwarted his efforts. With a hefty Super Max contract keeping him tied to the Sixers until 2029, the team is keen to keep him healthy. It would be disheartening if his time at the top ended prematurely at 31, following a trend seen with other big men. Embiid’s skill as a midrange scorer suggests that, if he can stay fit enough to play, his game might age gracefully. The Sixers’ future seems heavily dependent on his health.
Alex Searle, C/F, Washington Wizards
Alex Searle hasn’t made the most noise as a rookie with the Wizards. The No. 2 overall pick hasn’t yet shown the reliability expected from a lead guard, and the team’s three-point shooting hasn’t helped his case. Searle did show potential on both ends during his best moments, but it’s disappointing to see such a tall player struggle in the paint like he did in his debut. His shooting percentages were dismal, which included a tough time from beyond the arc. While the Wizards seem to be preparing for another tough season, there’s hope for Searle to improve as an interior scorer this year. As the franchise looks to rebuild, seeing him develop into a more effective player would be a positive sign.
Deandre Ayton, C, Los Angeles Lakers
The Blazers seemed eager to move on from DeAndre Ayton and offloaded him without much hesitation. Now, with the Lakers, he finds himself in what could be a perfect setting. When paired with top facilitators, Ayton’s potential to shine is apparent, yet the Lakers did not benefit greatly from Anthony Davis’s presence at center last season, hence Ayton doesn’t have to be exceptional to make a noticeable impact. However, if his previous trends resurface, the spotlight could greatly intensify scrutiny on him. Despite showing hesitation to attack the basket recently and little progress as a shooter, the Lakers need Ayton to play assertively and contribute defensively. The pressure is on him to have a successful comeback this season.
