In this article, I’ll introduce five players who I expect to make a bigger impact and take a significant step forward in the upcoming NBA season compared to last season.
I’ve also rated each player out of 10 across several different categories as a general reference.
①Dylan Harper (SAS)
- Scoring 6/10
- Ball Handling 7/10
- 3PT-Shooting 4/10
- Mid-Range 2/10
- Interior Defense 3/10
- Perimeter Defense 7/10
- Rebound 4/10
- Athleticism 7/10
- Physical 4/10
- Assist 6/10
Harper averaged double-digit points during his rookie season. One of his biggest strengths is his ability to finish around the rim, along with a level of composure that is unusual for a rookie. His impact in the playoffs showed why he was worthy of being selected second overall.
On the other hand, his mid-range game remains a weakness. He didn’t attempt many mid-range shots, and his efficiency from that area was not particularly impressive. If he can improve that part of his game, I believe he has the potential to develop into an All-Star-caliber player within the next few years.
②Rui Hachimura (LAC)
- Scoring 4/10
- Ball Handling 2/10
- 3PT-Shooting 9/10
- Mid-Range 10/10
- Interior Defense 6/10
- Perimeter Defense 3/10
- Rebound 5/10
- Athleticism 4/10
- Physical 9/10
- Assist 2/10
Hachimura is no longer a young player, but I expect him to take another step forward this season.
During last season’s playoffs, injuries to scorers such as Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves gave Hachimura more playing time and led to an increase in his overall production.
With Hachimura now playing for the Clippers, he won’t have elite scorers such as LeBron James or Doncic taking up as much offensive responsibility. As a result, I expect him to have more opportunities to handle the ball and create offense than he did previously.
That increased role could lead to a noticeable improvement in his per-game numbers this season.
③ Joan Beringer (MIN)
- Scoring 2/10
- Ball Handling 1/10
- 3PT-Shooting 1/10
- Mid-Range 1/10
- Interior Defense 8/10
- Perimeter Defense 3/10
- Rebound 7/10
- Athleticism 7/10
- Physical 3/10
- Assist 3/10
Beringer could be one of the key players to watch this season. Minnesota lacks depth at center, so I expect his playing time to increase.
At this stage, he is not yet a player who can be relied upon as a consistent rotation piece, but he has the potential to develop into a very good big man.
The biggest areas he needs to improve this season are his physicality and finishing around the basket. If he can make progress in those areas, his role could grow significantly.。
④Walker Kessler (LAL)
- Scoring 3/10
- Ball Handling 1/10
- 3PT-Shooting 4/10
- Mid-Range 3/10
- Interior Defense 7/10
- Perimeter Defense 3/10
- Rebound 9/10
- Athleticism 5/10
- Physical 8/10
- Assist 4/10
Kessler appeared in only five games last season, so his availability has been a major concern.
However, his pick-and-roll chemistry with Luka Doncic could become one of the Lakers’ biggest weapons this season, which makes him a particularly interesting player to watch.
If he can stay healthy, I believe Kessler has the ability to average a double-double over the course of the season. A major step forward could be coming if he is able to remain on the court.
⑤ Drake Powell (BLK)
- Scoring 4/10
- Ball Handling 7/10
- 3PT-Shooting 3/10
- Mid-Range 5/10
- Interior Defense 2/10
- Perimeter Defense 6/10
- Rebound 2/10
- Athleticism 7/10
- Physical 3/10
- Assist 4/10
Powell appeared in 63 games as a rookie last season. His performance was inconsistent, and his outside shooting was not particularly reliable.
However, considering that he was only a rookie and possesses impressive athletic ability, I believe he has a high ceiling.
Ball handling is already one of his strengths relative to his position. If he can improve his shooting and finishing ability, he has the potential to become a significantly better player than he is today.
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