10 NBA Players Who Are Looking For Redemption This Season

Every NBA season brings a fresh slate, and for some players, it’s the perfect chance to rewrite the narrative. Whether it’s overcoming injuries, bouncing back from a rough year, or simply silencing the critics, these ten players are coming into the new season with something to prove. They’ve had their struggles, but they’re ready to flip the script and show everyone they’re still in the game. Let’s dive into the list of players who are gunning for redemption this season.

1. Jordan Poole

Jordan Poole's 2023-24 season with the Washington Wizards didn’t live up to expectations. After being traded from the Golden State Warriors, where he thrived as a scoring option, Poole was tasked with a larger role in Washington. He averaged 17.4 points, 4.4 assists, and 2.7 rebounds per game, but his shooting percentages were disappointing, hitting only 41.3% from the field and 32.6% from three.

The season was a struggle, marked by inconsistency and efficiency issues. Early on, Poole struggled to adapt, even losing his starting spot at times. Yet, he finished the season strong, averaging 20.3 points per game on improved shooting in March and April. Despite these late-season improvements, the Wizards had one of the worst records in the league, and Poole's overall performance left fans questioning if he could handle the pressure of being a primary option.

As the 2024-25 season begins, Poole is eager to redeem himself. He’s had a full offseason to refine his game, focusing on shot selection and decision-making. With the Wizards still in rebuild mode, Poole has the opportunity to prove he can lead the team and live up to the expectations that followed him from Golden State. This season is crucial for Poole to establish himself as more than just a spark off the bench and to show that he can be a cornerstone for Washington's future.

2. Klay Thompson

Klay Thompson's 2023-24 season was one of the most challenging of his career. Despite his experience and talent, his performance took a noticeable dip, averaging 17.9 points per game—the lowest since his early NBA days. The Golden State Warriors, a team once feared, struggled significantly, eventually missing the playoffs. This raised concerns about Thompson's ability to be a key player on a championship-contending team, especially given his history of severe injuries.

The Warriors were no longer the dominant force they had been, and Thompson, once a reliable shooter and defensive stalwart, faced criticism for his declining performance. His shooting percentage from beyond the arc dropped, and his defensive impact wasn’t what it used to be. With his contract nearing its end and the Warriors needing to make tough decisions, it became clear that Thompson needed a fresh start.

This fresh start came in the form of a three-year, $50 million contract with the Dallas Mavericks, following a significant sign-and-trade deal. This move marked the end of Thompson’s 13-year tenure with the Warriors, a period that saw him win four NBA championships and establish himself as one of the league’s premier shooters. Now with the Mavericks, Thompson is presented with a redemption opportunity—a chance to prove that he still has what it takes to compete at the highest level.

The Mavericks, led by Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, are banking on Thompson’s experience, shooting, and veteran leadership to help them make another deep playoff run. After falling just short in the NBA Finals last season, the Mavericks are looking to add the final piece to their championship puzzle, and they believe Thompson could be that piece. For Thompson, this season is about more than just personal redemption; it’s about proving that his legacy as one of the NBA’s best shooters is far from over.

Thompson’s role in Dallas is crucial. He’s expected to provide the spacing, shooting, and clutch play that made him a star on the Warriors. The Mavericks’ offense, already potent with Dončić and Irving, will benefit from Thompson’s ability to stretch the floor and knock down big shots in critical moments. Moreover, Thompson’s championship experience could be the key to helping Dallas overcome the hurdles they faced in last year’s playoffs.

This season is critical for Thompson to re-establish himself as a top-tier player and to show that, despite the injuries and the struggles of recent years, he can still be a vital contributor on a championship team. If he can return to form and help lead the Mavericks to a title, it would be a fitting chapter in the story of a player who has already achieved so much but still has something to prove.

3. Zach LaVine

Zach LaVine’s situation with the Chicago Bulls has been increasingly complex, making the upcoming 2024-25 season a potential redemption opportunity for the star guard. After a disappointing 2023-24 season, where the Bulls missed the playoffs and faced significant internal struggles, LaVine finds himself at a crossroads.

Last season, LaVine averaged 19.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game, solid numbers by most standards, but they weren’t enough to lift a struggling Bulls team. His performance was hampered by a foot injury, which eventually required surgery and ended his season prematurely. This injury has raised questions about his long-term durability and effectiveness as the centerpiece of the Bulls' offense.

The Bulls have been undergoing a significant roster shakeup this offseason, trading key pieces like DeMar DeRozan to the Kings and Alex Caruso to the Thunder. However, despite many trade rumors surrounding LaVine, he remains with the team—for now. The Bulls’ front office is reportedly open to trading him but is aware that his hefty contract (three years, $138 million remaining) might make it difficult to find a suitable deal. This situation has left LaVine in a state of limbo, as the Bulls appear to be in a retooling phase rather than a complete rebuild.

For LaVine, the 2024-25 season is about proving he can still be a franchise cornerstone despite the injury setbacks and trade speculation. The Bulls will likely rely heavily on him, especially with the departures of other key players. However, whether he stays in Chicago or eventually moves to another team, LaVine will need to demonstrate that he can lead a team effectively and return to his All-Star form.

4. Julius Randle

Julius Randle is entering the 2024-25 NBA season with a lot of uncertainty surrounding his future with the New York Knicks. Despite a solid 2023-24 season statistically, where he averaged 24.0 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game, his fit within the team has become a topic of debate. The Knicks made significant roster changes in the offseason, including the acquisition of Mikal Bridges and the emergence of Jalen Brunson as the team’s undisputed leader. These moves have led to speculation about Randle’s role on the team.

Randle is in the final year of his four-year, $117 million contract, with a player option for the 2025-26 season. While an extension seems unlikely, there have been discussions about how Randle might adapt to a changing role on the team. Some insiders suggest that Randle could potentially take on a more unselfish role, possibly even coming off the bench in certain lineups. This would be a significant shift for a player who has been a cornerstone of the Knicks since his arrival but might be necessary given the team’s current trajectory and championship aspirations.

The Knicks are expected to be one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference this season, and Randle’s ability to adapt and contribute, whether as a starter or in a different capacity, could be crucial to their success. Still, with his contract situation and the high expectations in New York, this season could be make-or-break for Randle's future with the Knicks.

5. Jamal Murray

Jamal Murray had a challenging 2023-24 season with the Denver Nuggets, followed by a disappointing performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics. During the NBA postseason, Murray averaged 20.6 points per game, with shooting percentages of 40.2% from the field and 31.5% from three-point range. These numbers, while solid, were a step down from his exceptional play during the Nuggets' 2023 championship run, where he was crucial to their success.

The decline in Murray's performance can be largely attributed to persistent injuries. He dealt with a calf injury during the season, which hampered his play in the playoffs, and an elbow injury further complicated his performance. These issues carried over into the Olympics, where he struggled significantly. Representing Canada, Murray averaged just 6 points per game on a dismal 29% shooting from the field and 14.3% from three. His underperformance was a major factor in Canada’s early exit from the tournament, and it raised concerns about his health and long-term impact.

Denver Nuggets President Josh Kroenke acknowledged that Murray was not at full strength during these critical moments. He emphasized the toll that the extensive schedule and injuries had taken on Murray, but also expressed confidence that with proper recovery, Murray could return to the form that made him one of the NBA’s best guards during their championship run.

Looking ahead to the 2024-25 NBA season, Murray has over two months to recover fully, and the Nuggets are counting on him to bounce back. This season will be crucial for Murray, as he aims to prove that he can stay healthy and perform at an elite level, especially with the expectations of reconquering the title looming large.

Related: Grade The Trade Idea: Nuggets Move On From Jamal Murray In A Huge Blockbuster Mock Deal

6. Jimmy Butler

Jimmy Butler is heading into the 2024-25 season with a lot to prove, both to himself and the Miami Heat. After a 2023-24 campaign where he averaged 20.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game, Butler remains the focal point of the Heat's lineup. However, the season was marked by injuries, and Butler played in only 60 games, raising concerns about his durability as he approaches his mid-30s.

Butler's contract situation is one of the biggest storylines for Miami. He is under contract through the 2024-25 season with a player option for 2025-26, which is worth a substantial $52 million. Despite being eligible for an extension, Butler has chosen to bet on himself, opting not to push for a new deal just yet. He has expressed a strong desire to stay with the Heat, emphasizing that he wants Miami to be the last jersey he wears.

This season, Butler is reportedly determined to have a career year, driven by the desire to prove that he’s still among the NBA’s elite. His performance this season will be crucial, not just for his future contract negotiations but also for the Heat’s championship aspirations. Miami has made deep playoff runs with Butler leading the charge, but with his age and injury history, there’s pressure on both him and the organization to make the most of what could be his final prime years.

All eyes will be on Butler as he enters what could be a defining season, with the hope that he can lead the Heat to another deep playoff run and perhaps even secure that elusive NBA title.

7. Damian Lillard

Both high expectations and significant challenges marked Damian Lillard's 2023-24 season with the Milwaukee Bucks. After being traded to the Bucks in a blockbuster deal just before the season began, Lillard was expected to form a dynamic duo with Giannis Antetokounmpo. The pair brought a lot of firepower to the Bucks, but the season was challenging.

Lillard averaged 24.3 points, 7.0 assists, and 4.4 rebounds per game during the regular season. His shooting percentages were solid, with 42.4% from the field and 35.4% from beyond the arc. However, the Bucks faced challenges integrating Lillard into their system, particularly in balancing ball-handling duties between him and Giannis. This adjustment period, along with injuries to both Lillard and Antetokounmpo, affected the team's overall performance.

In the playoffs, Lillard's scoring exploded, averaging 31.3 points per game, but the Bucks struggled, particularly against the Indiana Pacers, where they were eliminated in the first round. Lillard’s performance was not enough to carry the team deep into the postseason, and the early exit was a disappointment for a team that had championship aspirations at the start of the season.

Lillard has spoken openly about the challenges he faced, including adjusting to a new team, city, and personal life changes, which made the transition harder than he anticipated. As the Bucks prepare for the 2024-25 season, both Lillard and the team will be looking to build better chemistry and make another strong push for the title.

8. Rudy Gobert

Rudy Gobert's 2023-24 season with the Minnesota Timberwolves was a mix of highs and lows. He won his fourth NBA Defensive Player of the Year award, solidifying his reputation as one of the league's premier defenders. Gobert's presence helped the Timberwolves become the top defensive team in the NBA, leading the league in the fewest points allowed per game and lowest opponent shooting percentages.

In the playoffs, the Timberwolves made it to the Western Conference Finals, their deepest run in recent history. Yet, Gobert’s performance in the postseason was inconsistent, particularly when defending on the perimeter. This issue was glaringly exposed in Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals against the Dallas Mavericks, where Luka Doncic hit a game-winning three-pointer over Gobert. This moment became emblematic of the criticisms surrounding Gobert’s playoff effectiveness, where his inability to guard smaller, quicker players in space was exploited.

Adding to the challenges, during the 2024 Paris Olympics, Gobert faced similar struggles. Opposing teams targeted him on defense, forcing him to defend on the perimeter, which led to him losing his starting spot on the French national team. This further highlighted the ongoing narrative that while Gobert is dominant in the regular season, his limitations can be a liability in certain playoff and international matchups.

As Gobert and the Timberwolves prepare for the 2024-25 season, they will need to address these issues if they hope to make another deep playoff run and maximize their championship potential.

9. D'Angelo Russell

D'Angelo Russell had a solid 2023-24 season with the Los Angeles Lakers, where he played a crucial role as the team's starting point guard. He averaged 18.0 points, 6.3 assists, and 3.1 rebounds per game while shooting 45.6% from the field and an impressive 41.5% from beyond the arc. Russell set a Lakers franchise record with 226 three-pointers made during the season, surpassing the previous record held by Nick Van Exel. His shooting and playmaking were key factors in the Lakers' offensive schemes, particularly when LeBron James or Anthony Davis were sidelined.

Even with his regular-season success, Russell's playoff performance was underwhelming, which has been a recurring issue throughout his career. He struggled with consistency in the postseason, and this has raised questions about his long-term fit with the Lakers, especially as they look to contend for a championship. The Lakers were reportedly considering trade options involving Russell during the offseason due to his playoff struggles, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding his future with the team.

As the 2024-25 season approaches, Russell remains a pivotal player for the Lakers, but his performance in the playoffs will likely determine his future in Los Angeles. Whether he can overcome his postseason shortcomings and help lead the Lakers deep into the playoffs will be one of the key storylines to watch this season.

10. Bradley Beal

Bradley Beal’s first season with the Phoenix Suns in 2023-24 was far from ideal. Despite solid individual stats—18.2 points, 5.0 assists, and 4.4 rebounds per game—Beal struggled to mesh with stars Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. His efficiency was strong, with 51.3% shooting from the field and 43.0% from three, but the Suns' chemistry issues were glaring. These problems were most evident in fourth quarters, contributing to their early playoff exit, as they were swept by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round.

Analysts have suggested that Beal's role might need adjustment, with some proposing that he come off the bench to better balance the team's offense and address late-game struggles. The Suns are heading into the 2024-25 season with high expectations, and Beal's ability to adapt and improve his fit with the team will be critical for their success in a loaded Western Conference.

With the Suns' championship window narrowing, especially as Durant continues to age, this season is pivotal for Beal to prove that he can be the missing piece that pushes Phoenix to the top. If he can find a way to integrate more effectively, particularly in clutch moments, the Suns could be a serious contender. Nonetheless, if the chemistry issues persist, Beal’s tenure in Phoenix could be shorter than anticipated.

Related: Minnesota Timberwolves Current Starting Lineup And Bench: A Serious Contender For The NBA Finals