10 NBA Players Whose Careers Might Be In Danger This Season

The NBA is a league where careers can be made or broken in a single season. For ten players, including Ben Simmons, Lonzo Ball, and Jordan Poole, the 2024-25 season represents a critical juncture. Whether due to injuries, inconsistent performance, or changing team dynamics, these players are fighting to prove they still belong in the league. With careers hanging in the balance, the pressure is on to deliver standout performances and secure their futures in professional basketball. Here’s a closer look at why this season is so crucial for these players.

Ben Simmons Is The Great Australian Hope… For China?

Ben Simmons has had a rollercoaster of a career, from Rookie of the Year to an All-Star, but recent seasons have been rocky. Last year with the Brooklyn Nets , he played just 15 games before being sidelined due to persistent back issues. His injury history and inconsistent play have made his future in the NBA uncertain. Currently, he's undergoing rehab and strength conditioning in Miami, with his camp optimistic about his readiness for the 2024-25 season.

Simmons' contract situation adds another layer to his precarious position. He's in the final guaranteed year of his five-year, $177 million deal, earning $40.3 million this season. This expiring contract is valuable for teams looking to clear cap space, but if Simmons doesn't perform, he could be viewed as nothing more than an expensive placeholder.

Rumors are swirling about his next steps. If Simmons doesn't bounce back this season, he might find himself out of the NBA, with a potential move to China on the horizon. The Chinese Basketball Association has been a refuge for many former NBA players looking to extend their careers, and Simmons could follow that path if he fails to impress this year.

In Brooklyn, his role remains uncertain. The Nets are in a rebuilding phase, having traded key players like Mikal Bridges. For Simmons, this season is about proving he can stay healthy and be a productive player. If he can’t, his once-promising NBA career might come to an unexpected and early end.

Lonzo Ball Has A Last Chance With The Bulls

Lonzo Ball’s NBA career has been a series of ups and downs, with injuries significantly derailing his progress. As of July 2024, Ball is still recovering from a series of knee surgeries that have kept him off the court since January 2022. Despite the long recovery road, there's a sliver of hope for the former No. 2 overall pick as he aims to make a comeback this season.

Ball picked up his $21.4 million player option for the 2024-25 season, securing his spot on the Chicago Bulls ' roster. This decision was expected given his prolonged absence and the uncertainty surrounding his health. Ball has undergone multiple surgeries, including a significant cartilage transplant in 2023, which was aimed at addressing the chronic issues in his left knee.

The Bulls have been cautious but optimistic about Ball's return. Head coach Billy Donovan and the medical staff have been monitoring his progress closely. Ball himself expressed confidence in being ready for the season opener, marking what could be his final chance to prove his worth in the NBA. "I firmly believe I’ll be ready to play the first game," Ball stated on his podcast, highlighting his optimism and determination.

Before his injury, Ball was making a notable impact on the court, averaging 13.0 points, 5.4 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 1.8 steals per game over 35 appearances in the 2021-22 season. The Bulls performed significantly better with him in the lineup, going 22-13 during that span. However, the emergence of younger guards like Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu means Ball will need to quickly reclaim his form to secure meaningful playing time.

If Ball fails to make a successful return, it could mark the end of his time in the NBA. His current contract is not a long-term commitment from the Bulls, and they might look to move on if he cannot stay healthy. For Lonzo Ball, the 2024-25 season is undoubtedly a make-or-break year, one that could define the future of his professional basketball career.

Jordan Poole’s NBA Future Hinges On Redemption With The Wizards

Jordan Poole , now with the Washington Wizards , faces a pivotal season in his career. After being traded from the Golden State Warriors, Poole’s 2023-24 season was marked by inconsistency. He averaged 17.4 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game across 78 appearances, but his shooting efficiency was subpar, hitting only 41.3% from the field and 32.6% from beyond the arc.

Poole's four-year, $140 million contract, which has $28 million guaranteed for the next season, adds pressure for him to perform. If he fails to improve, the Wizards might look to trade him or even consider waiving him, as other teams may hesitate to absorb such a significant salary for a player who has struggled with efficiency and defensive consistency.

The Wizards are in a rebuilding phase, which provides Poole with a unique opportunity to establish himself as a key player. The team’s current state means Poole has the chance to lead and prove his worth, both as a scorer and a playmaker. However, his defensive lapses have also been a concern, and he will need to address these to solidify his place in the team’s future plans.

Beyond the stats, Poole’s off-court demeanor and work ethic will be under scrutiny. Coaches and teammates will be looking to see if he can take on a leadership role and handle the increased responsibility. His ability to mentor younger players and integrate into the Wizards’ system will be crucial.

For Jordan Poole, the 2024-25 season is about more than just numbers. It’s about proving that he can be a reliable cornerstone for a franchise in transition. The Wizards are giving him a platform, and it’s up to Poole to show that he can rise to the occasion and secure his place in the NBA for the long term. This season will be a test of his resilience, adaptability, and ability to perform under pressure.

John Collins Needs To Prove His Worth With The Jazz

John Collins, currently with the Utah Jazz, is at a pivotal point in his career. After being traded from the Atlanta Hawks on July 7, 2023, in exchange for Rudy Gay and a second-round pick, Collins has had a season to settle in with his new team. The trade was largely seen as a financial move for the Hawks, giving them significant financial flexibility and a trade exception.

Collins' contract, which runs through the 2025-26 season, includes a player option for the final year. This deal is worth a total of $75 million, adding pressure on Collins to deliver consistent performances. His 2023-24 season with the Jazz showed some promising signs. He played in 68 games, starting 66, and averaged 15.1 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game. His shooting percentages improved to 53% from the field and 37% from three-point range, a notable increase from his previous season with the Hawks where he shot 29% from beyond the arc.

Collins' role in the Jazz is crucial. He is expected to be a key player in the frontcourt alongside Lauri Markkanen and Walker Kessler. His ability to stretch the floor with his improved shooting, combined with his rebounding and defensive capabilities, makes him an integral part of the Jazz's plans. The team is looking to build around a young core, and Collins' contributions will be vital in their quest to become a playoff contender.

However, Collins' journey hasn't been without challenges. He has dealt with injuries, including back issues that caused him to miss games late in the season. Despite these setbacks, his overall performance has been solid, and the Jazz are hopeful that he can stay healthy and continue to improve.

This season represents a make-or-break opportunity for Collins. The pressure is on him to prove that he can be a consistent and effective player, capable of helping the Jazz reach new heights. His performance will be closely watched, and how he handles this challenge will be crucial in determining his future in the NBA.

Overall, John Collins has shown that he has the potential to be a significant contributor to the Utah Jazz. With the right support and a bit of luck with his health, he could very well solidify his place as a key player in the league.

Grant Williams May Be Struggling To Find His Place In The NBA

Grant Williams' journey in the NBA has been tumultuous over the past year. Initially traded from the Boston Celtics to the Dallas Mavericks in a sign-and-trade deal in July 2023, Williams was moved again in February 2024 to the Charlotte Hornets. This frequent movement has left Williams in a precarious position as he seeks to solidify his role in the league.

Williams signed a four-year, $54 million contract with the Mavericks as part of the sign-and-trade deal. Despite showing potential with averages of 8.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game, the Mavericks opted to trade him during the deadline. His time in Dallas, though productive, did not align with the team’s long-term plans, prompting the move to Charlotte.

In Charlotte, Williams has struggled to find consistency. While he has shown flashes of his defensive prowess and ability to shoot from beyond the arc, these have not been sufficient to secure a stable spot in the rotation. His performance during the 2023-24 season saw him participating in significant games, but the prevailing narrative suggests he is overrated and has yet to fully capitalize on his potential.

Williams' career thus far underscores the volatility of the NBA, where even promising players can find themselves on the trading block if they do not meet expectations. For the upcoming season, Williams needs to significantly elevate his game to avoid being perceived as a journeyman player. His contract offers some security, but proving his worth is crucial for a longer tenure with the Hornets or another team.

This season is critical for Grant Williams. He must demonstrate that he can be a reliable contributor on both ends of the floor. Stabilizing his performance and consistently contributing could help him change the current narrative and secure a more permanent role in the NBA.

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Richaun Holmes Faces A Critical Season With The Wizards

Richaun Holmes has had a tumultuous year, marked by team changes and injury struggles. After declining his $12.88 million player option, Holmes signed a two-year, $25.9 million extension with the Washington Wizards in June 2024. This new deal includes a minimal guarantee of $250,000 for the 2025-26 season, providing him with a slight raise and some security.

Holmes joined the Wizards at the February trade deadline in a deal that sent Daniel Gafford to the Dallas Mavericks. In 17 games with Washington, he averaged 7.1 points and 6.1 rebounds in 18.7 minutes per game. However, Holmes faced significant challenges, including a left big toe contusion that caused him to miss multiple games towards the end of the season.

The Wizards view Holmes as a potential rotational center, at least until their first-round pick, Alexandre Sarr, is ready to take over with Jonas Valanciunas still in the mix. Securing and maintaining this role will be crucial for Holmes' career, especially given the partial guarantee on his contract for the next season.

Injuries have hampered Holmes' ability to contribute consistently. Missing games due to his toe injury forced the Wizards to rely on other players, like Marvin Bagley and Tristan Vukcevic, to fill the void. Holmes must stay healthy and prove his value as a reliable player for the Wizards.

For Richaun Holmes, the upcoming season is a critical opportunity to solidify his position in the NBA and demonstrate that he can be a consistent and valuable player. With a new contract and a clear role in Washington, Holmes has the chance to make a significant impact if he can overcome his injury issues and deliver on the court.

Marvin Bagley Faces Crucial Season With The Wizards

Marvin Bagley III's NBA journey has been filled with highs and lows, and his current tenure with the Washington Wizards is no exception. Traded from the Detroit Pistons in January 2024, Bagley has had to quickly adapt to his new team. During his time with the Wizards, he has faced both opportunities and challenges, including a series of injuries that have affected his consistency on the court.

Bagley, the second overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, was acquired by the Wizards to bolster their frontcourt. In the 2023-24 season, he averaged 13.6 points and 7.8 rebounds per game when in the starting lineup, demonstrating his potential as a valuable player. However, injuries have been a recurring issue for Bagley. He missed multiple games due to a lumbar sprain and, more recently, suffered a knee injury that required him to be helped off the court during a game against the Milwaukee Bucks in April 2024.

Despite these setbacks, Bagley has shown resilience. He recorded several double-doubles during his starts, including a notable performance with 15 points and 11 rebounds against the Detroit Pistons. His ability to contribute significantly when healthy is evident, but maintaining that health remains a critical factor for his career progression.

Bagley's current contract runs through the 2024-25 season, with an annual salary of $12.5 million. This period is crucial for him to establish himself as a reliable and consistent player. With the Wizards looking to rebuild and develop their young core, Bagley has the chance to play a pivotal role if he can stay on the court and perform at a high level.

The upcoming season is pivotal for Marvin Bagley III. It is an opportunity for him to prove that he can overcome his injury history and be a consistent contributor for the Wizards. His performance will be closely monitored, and how he handles this challenge will be crucial in determining his future in the NBA.

James Wiseman Faces Critical Season To Avoid Bust Label With The Pacers

James Wiseman, the former second overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, is at a crossroads in his career. Despite his high draft status and early promise, Wiseman has struggled to find his footing in the NBA. His time with the Golden State Warriors was plagued by injuries, including a torn meniscus that derailed his rookie season. After failing to make a significant impact, he was traded to the Detroit Pistons in February 2023.

During the 2023-24 season with the Pistons, Wiseman averaged 7.1 points and 5.3 rebounds per game. Despite these decent numbers, he often found himself falling out of the rotation, especially under first-year coach Monty Williams, who preferred other big men like Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart. Wiseman's inconsistency and defensive lapses contributed to his limited playing time, casting doubts on his ability to fulfill the potential that made him a top draft pick.

In July 2024, Wiseman signed a two-year contract with the Indiana Pacers, hoping for a fresh start. The Pacers, who reached the Eastern Conference Finals last season, see Wiseman as a valuable addition to their frontcourt depth, particularly to support starting center Myles Turner. This move represents a crucial opportunity for Wiseman to revive his career and prove that he can be a reliable contributor in the NBA.

The stakes are high for Wiseman. His inconsistent performance and recurring injuries have led many to label him as a potential bust, drawing comparisons to other high draft picks who failed to live up to expectations. With his new role on the Pacers, Wiseman needs to demonstrate that he can stay healthy, improve his defensive skills, and consistently contribute to the team's success.

For James Wiseman, the 2024-25 season is about more than just numbers. It's about proving to himself, his teammates, and the broader basketball community that he belongs in the NBA. With his career at a critical juncture, Wiseman must seize this opportunity with the Pacers to change the narrative and avoid the fate of being remembered as another top prospect who couldn't deliver on his promise.

Davis Bertans Looks To Find A New Team After Being Waived By The Hornets

Davis Bertans is navigating uncertain waters after being waived by the Charlotte Hornets in July 2024. Known for his sharpshooting abilities, Bertans was part of a trade that sent him from the Oklahoma City Thunder to the Hornets during the 2023-24 season. While with Charlotte, he averaged 8.8 points per game with shooting splits of .394 from the field, .375 from beyond the arc, and .889 from the free-throw line. Despite these decent numbers, the Hornets decided to waive him to create more cap space, absorbing only $5.25 million of his $16 million contract.

Bertans' career has seen him play for multiple teams, and at 31 years old, he now faces the challenge of finding a new team willing to take a chance on him. His primary asset is his three-point shooting, where he holds a career average of 39.6%. However, his role in the NBA has diminished over the years, with his defensive liabilities and limited versatility making it difficult for teams to justify his high salary.

The upcoming season is critical for Bertans. He will likely be seeking a veteran's minimum deal, aiming to contribute as a floor-spacing forward. His ability to secure a contract and a role with a new team will be crucial in determining whether he can extend his NBA career or if his time in the league is nearing its end. For Bertans, proving that he can still provide valuable minutes off the bench will be key to keeping his professional basketball aspirations alive.

Evan Fournier Struggles To Stay In The NBA

Evan Fournier's future in the NBA is currently hanging by a thread. After being traded to the Detroit Pistons in February 2024, Fournier's performance has been underwhelming. He averaged 6.9 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game over the season, leading the Pistons to decline his $19 million team option for the 2024-25 season. This move makes him a free agent and leaves his NBA future in jeopardy.

Fournier's journey has been rocky since signing a three-year, $54 million deal with the New York Knicks in 2021. He struggled to find a consistent role, falling out of the Knicks' rotation before being traded. In Detroit, his performance showed some improvement, but not enough to justify his high salary. Now, as a free agent, Fournier is exploring opportunities both within the NBA and potentially in Europe, with teams like Olympiacos expressing interest.

At 31 years old, Fournier is at a critical point in his career. His primary asset remains his three-point shooting, where he has a career average of 37.6%. However, with his declining performance and limited versatility, he may need to settle for a veteran's minimum deal if he hopes to stay in the NBA. Fournier's ability to secure a new contract and prove his worth on the court will be essential to extending his professional basketball career.

For Fournier, the coming months are crucial. He must demonstrate that he can still contribute meaningfully to an NBA team or potentially make the transition to a European league if no suitable offers materialize in the NBA.

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