Predicting The Major Star Leaders For The 2024-25 NBA Season

The 2024-25 NBA season is shaping up to be a thrilling one, with top talents poised to dominate key stat categories. From seasoned veterans aiming to hold their crowns to rising stars looking to establish themselves as new leaders, every statistical category is up for grabs.

Can Joel Embiid hold off the league's premier scorers, or will Luka Doncic repeat as the scoring king? And what about the other stat leaders? Here’s a breakdown of the likely candidates in each major statistical category for the upcoming season.

Points Per Game: Joel Embiid - 34.3 PPG

Joel Embiid has established himself as a relentless scoring force, winning two scoring titles over three seasons heading into 2024-25. His ability to dominate inside the paint and step outside for mid-range jumpers makes him an unstoppable offensive weapon. Last season, he averaged 34.7 points per game and showed no signs of slowing down before untimely injuries derailed his season, taking him out of the scoring title race. This year, with a revamped Sixers offense led by Paul George , the big man could take on an even bigger scoring role due to ease of play.

The 34.3 PPG prediction places Embiid in elite territory. The question now is whether he can fend off the likes of reigning scoring champion Luka Doncic and Giannis Antetokounmpo, both of whom have the offensive arsenal to make a run at the scoring crown. If the Sixers stay healthy, Embiid is poised to lead the league in points once again—but it won’t come easy.

Rebounds Per Game: Domantas Sabonis - 13.2 RPG

Domantas Sabonis has become a walking double-double machine, and his relentless work on the glass makes him a perennial rebounding leader. With his quick instincts, positioning, and high basketball IQ, Sabonis has already proven himself as one of the league’s premier big men. Last season, he averaged 13.7 rebounds per game which led the NBA.

His playstyle, combined with his tireless motor, makes 13.2 rebounds per game a very achievable feat for Sabonis. Expect him to crash the glass nightly and build on his already impressive rebounding totals. The Kings will rely heavily on his dominance inside to secure second-chance opportunities, and he could win his third-straight rebounds title.

Assists Per Game: Tyrese Haliburton - 11.3 APG

Tyrese Haliburton’s evolution as one of the NBA’s best playmakers has been remarkable. His court vision, combined with his natural ability to run the pick-and-roll, has put him in elite company when it comes to assists. Last season, Haliburton averaged 10.9 assists per game, leading the league. Running the show in Indiana alongside Pascal Siakam, he’s primed for another excellent season when it comes to playmaking.

At 11.3 APG, Haliburton will have the chance to not only lead the league in assists but solidify himself as one of the game's best floor generals. His ability to read defenses and deliver pinpoint passes to his teammates will make him a key facilitator for the Pacers, with the potential to reach double-digit assists almost every night.

Steals Per Game: Alex Caruso - 2.1 SPG

Alex Caruso is arguably the best perimeter defensive point guard in the NBA after making two straight All-NBA Defensive Team selections. His ability to anticipate passes and disrupt the flow of opposing offenses has made him a steals leader. While his offensive stats don’t jump off the page, Caruso’s defensive metrics, particularly his steal rate, make him a standout.

Last season, Caruso averaged 1.7 steals per game, but with increased playing time and a more defined role with the Oklahoma City Thunder, his steal numbers could rise significantly. If he can stay healthy and continue disrupting opposing offenses, Caruso could easily notch his first steals title (and third straight All-Defensive Team selection) with a projected 2.1 steals per game.

Blocks Per Game: Victor Wembanyama - 3.4 BPG

Frenchman Victor Wembanyama entered the NBA with sky-high expectations, and his shot-blocking prowess has already been on full display. Standing at 7'4" with a wingspan that defies logic, the Spurs’ rookie phenom has all the tools to dominate the defensive end. Last season, he averaged an eye-popping 3.6 blocks per game in his rookie campaign, winning the blocks title, earning an All-NBA Defensive First Team selection, and finishing second in Defensive Player of the Year rankings.

In 2024-25, Wembanyama will be tasked with anchoring San Antonio’s defense, and 3.4 blocks per game may be a conservative estimate for his potential. With his defensive instincts and athletic gifts, don’t be surprised if he leads the NBA in this category for years to come.

Turnovers Per Game: Trae Young - 4.1 TOV

Trae Young’s high-usage rate as Atlanta's offensive engine has always been a double-edged sword. While he’s one of the best playmakers in the league, his aggressive style often leads to a high number of turnovers. Last season, Young averaged 4.4 turnovers per game, and with his role not diminishing in 2024-25, he is expected to lead the league once again in this less-than-glamorous category.

Young’s turnover count comes from his need to create in difficult situations, especially given how much of the Hawks' offense flows through him. While his decision-making will likely improve, the nature of his game means turnovers will continue to be a part of his stat line, making 4.1 TOV per game a realistic projection.

Field-Goal Percentage: Dereck Lively II - 71.3%

The young big man has the potential to be the league’s most efficient scorer in 2024-25. Dereck Lively II, already a force around the basket, is expected to thrive on easy finishes and dunks, similar to his rookie season where he shot 74.7% from the field. Playing alongside Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving , Lively will be the recipient of countless lob passes and layups, which will allow him to maintain a sky-high shooting percentage.

Given his role as a rim-runner and finisher, it’s no surprise Lively could be leading the league in field-goal percentage. He doesn’t need to create his own offense, allowing him to focus on finishing high-percentage looks in the paint. Expect him to hover around the 70% mark all season long.

3-Point Percentage: Stephen Curry - 45.4%

No surprise, Stephen Curry is a top contender for leading the NBA in three-point percentage even though he takes 9.2 per game over his career. The superstar point guard shot 40.8% from three last season but that was mainly due to inconsistencies surrounding the Warriors' offense. We expect Curry to nail over 45% from three next season.

With a heavier role and more catch-and-shoot chances, Curry could easily lead the league in three-point percentage. His consistent mechanics and improved confidence from deep make 45.4% a realistic mark for him this season, putting him atop the leaderboard for long-range efficiency.

Free-Throw Percentage: Stephen Curry - 91.4%

Stephen Curry’s name is synonymous with shooting excellence, and his free-throw percentage continues to reinforce his legendary status. Last season, Curry shot an impressive 92.3% from the line, and in 2024-25, he could once again lead the league in this category. Known for his unparalleled focus and mechanics, Curry has made a career out of knocking down free throws in clutch moments.

As Curry ages, his ability to maintain elite shooting splits remains unmatched. At 91.4%, he’ll continue to be the league’s top free-throw shooter, adding to his already packed trophy case of shooting accolades.

3-Pointers Made Per Game: Stephen Curry - 5.0 3PM

It's almost unfair to bet against Stephen Curry when it comes to three-pointers made. The greatest shooter in NBA history, Curry has revolutionized the game with his shooting prowess. Last season, he made 4.8 threes per game, and with the Warriors still relying heavily on his deep shooting, Curry could easily surpass that mark. Even as he approaches 37 years old, he’s shown no signs of slowing down, with his unlimited range and quick release keeping him ahead of the competition.

Curry’s ability to create his shot from anywhere on the floor makes him a perennial favorite to lead the league in this category. With a bigger offensive role expected since Klay Thompson is gone, expect Curry to light it up from beyond the arc with a predicted 5.0 threes per game.

Free-Throws Made Per Game: Joel Embiid - 10.2 FTM

Embiid’s physical dominance leads to him spending a lot of time at the free-throw line. Last season, he averaged 10.2 free-throw attempts per game, converting a high percentage of them (88.3%). His ability to draw fouls in the post, combined with his touch from the line, makes him a free-throw machine.

In 2024-25, expect Embiid to once again lead the league in free throws made, as defenses continue to struggle with his combination of power and finesse. With his knack for getting to the charity stripe, Embiid could easily average 10.2 free throws made per game. His free-throw efficiency gives him yet another weapon in his scoring arsenal, even if it isn’t always pretty to watch.

Fouls Per Game: Jusuf Nurkic - 3.7 PF

Jusuf Nurkic’s physical style of play often gets him into foul trouble, and it’s something that has followed him throughout his career. Last season, Nurkic averaged 3.3 fouls per game, and with his role as a rim protector and enforcer for the Phoenix Suns , that number could rise. His aggressive defense often leads to early foul trouble, limiting his minutes on the floor.

With the Suns’ defense relying on his presence in the paint, Nurkic is likely to lead the league in fouls per game. His 3.7 fouls per game prediction underscores the challenge he faces in balancing physicality and avoiding foul-outs because the Suns desperately need him to stay available on the court.

Related: Realistic Or Overambitious? Breaking Down Every NBA Team’s Goals For 2024-25

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