NBA Year-End Roundtable: Can Luka and Embiid Rebound in 2025?
As 2024 winds down, the NBA season is just heating up. With plenty of basketball left to play in the 2024-25 campaign, fans are already buzzing about the surprises, struggles, and standout performances that have defined the season so far. From unexpected team success to superstar slumps, the league has delivered its usual dose of drama. Let’s dive into the biggest storylines and predictions as we head into the New Year.
Surprise Teams: Hawks and Rockets Soar
Who saw this coming? Two teams that were supposed to be in rebuilding mode, the Atlanta Hawks and Houston Rockets, have defied expectations and climbed to the top of their respective rankings. Both squads have shown grit and determination, proving that the so-called “rebuilding” label doesn’t mean they can’t compete. The Hawks and Rockets are giving their fans plenty to cheer about as they aim to keep the momentum going into 2025.
Superstars Stumbling: Haliburton and Embiid Look to Rebound
Not every big name has lived up to the hype this season. Tyrese Haliburton and Joel Embiid have struggled to find their rhythm, leaving their teams in less-than-ideal positions. Haliburton, coming off a breakout season, has seen his numbers dip, while Embiid’s early-season injury woes have hampered the Philadelphia 76ers. Both players will be looking for a second-half surge to push their teams into playoff contention.
Who Can Turn Their Season Around?
Several players have had rocky starts but could flip the script in 2025. Here’s what our NBA insiders had to say:
- Ohm Youngmisuk: Paul George has had a tough start with the Sixers, playing in only 12 games due to injuries. However, the Sixers have won four straight with him on the floor. A healthy George could be the key to turning their season around.
- Jamal Collier: Haliburton’s follow-up to his breakout season has been underwhelming, but the Indiana Pacers still have time to find their groove. If Haliburton can bounce back, the Pacers could become a dangerous playoff team.
- Tim MacMahon: Luka Doncic has seen his efficiency drop, but after recovering from injuries, he’s poised to re-enter the MVP conversation. The Dallas Mavericks will need him at his best to stay competitive in the West.
- Dave McMenamin: Kawhi Leonard is inching closer to a return for the LA Clippers. Even a limited Leonard could make a big impact on an already strong defense.
Which Top-8 Team Could Miss the Playoffs?
The consensus among our experts? The Brooklyn Nets. Despite their surprising competitiveness, the Nets are expected to shift focus to the draft and trade away key veterans. Here’s what the insiders had to say:
- Youngmisuk: The Nets’ ultimate goal is to stockpile assets, which likely means falling out of the top eight.
- MacMahon: Brooklyn’s situation mirrors the 2022-23 Utah Jazz, who started strong but ended up in the lottery after selling off veterans.
- McMenamin: With five losses in their last six games, the Nets are trending downward and could be big sellers at the trade deadline.
First-Time All-Star Candidates
Several players are making strong cases for their first All-Star nods:
- Tyler Herro: The Miami Heat guard is averaging career highs in points (24.2), assists (5.0), and 3-point shooting (42.7%).
- Jalen Williams: The Oklahoma City Thunder star is putting up elite numbers for the West’s best team.
- Franz Wagner: Despite an injury, Wagner’s early-season heroics for the Orlando Magic have him in the conversation.
Bold Predictions for 2025
What’s in store for the New Year? Here are some bold takes:
- Youngmisuk: The Clippers will make the playoffs, even if Kawhi Leonard isn’t fully healthy.
- MacMahon: LeBron James and the Lakers could miss the playoffs entirely.
- Collier: A first-time MVP could emerge, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jayson Tatum leading the charge.
Who Needs Cooper Flagg the Most?
The Washington Wizards are the clear frontrunners in the race for the No. 1 pick. With a dismal record and a desperate need for a generational talent, Flagg could be the player to turn their fortunes around. Other teams, like the Chicago Bulls, could also use a spark to escape mediocrity.
As we head into 2025, the NBA landscape is as unpredictable as ever. Will struggling stars find their form? Can surprise teams sustain their success? And who will emerge as the league’s next big thing? Stay tuned, because the best is yet to come.
Originally Written by: Ohm Youngmisuk
