Anticipating the NBA’s 2024-25 Season: The Return of Key Players

As the NBA off-season dwindles down, anticipation builds for the training camp that will usher in the 2024-25 season, slated to commence on October 22. Countless All-Stars and crucial players are poised to make a comeback after facing numerous injuries and constant struggles throughout the 2023-24 season. This includes midseason injuries to crucial players like the New York Knicks’ Julius Randle and the Memphis Grizzlies’ Ja Morant, as well as recurring injury issues for stars like the Charlotte Hornets’ LaMelo Ball and LA Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard.

Returning Players Poised To Make A Difference

The return of these core players to their respective lineups could be transformative, particularly for teams aiming for deep playoff runs. However, some are rejoining teams that are still building for the future and are faced with numerous uncertainties. NBA Insiders provide a detailed analysis of 12 key players, their current injury status, who’s ready for a remarkable recovery, and what to anticipate as training camp approaches.

New York Knicks: Julius Randle & Mitchell Robinson

Julius Randle, a three-time All-Star, was sidelined late January due to a dislocated right shoulder, leaving a gaping hole in the Knicks’ lineup. After delaying surgery, hoping for a postseason recovery, Randle finally opted for a season-ending procedure in April. His recovery is progressing well, indicating that he could return near the season’s start, a much-needed reinforcement for the Knicks.

Mitchell Robinson, despite his potential, has had a challenging time maintaining his health. His return could significantly contribute to the Knicks’ physically demanding roster. However, Robinson, one of the NBA’s top offensive rebounders and reliable rim protectors, missed 50 regular-season games because of left-ankle pain. The Knicks will need to be patient with Robinson’s recovery to ensure he’s ready for the season.

Chicago Bulls: Lonzo Ball & Zach LaVine

Lonzo Ball, absent from the NBA for over two years, seems to be finally making a comeback this season. The second pick from the 2017 draft has not played an NBA game since January 2022 due to three different knee surgeries, including a cartilage transplant.

Zach LaVine’s disjointed 2023-24 season ended after just 25 games due to a pair of right foot injuries that required season-ending surgery in February. Now, fully recovered, LaVine is among the early arrivals for the Bulls’ training camp.

Memphis Grizzlies: Ja Morant & Marcus Smart

Morant’s shoulder injury in January, requiring season-ending surgery, dashed the Grizzlies’ hopes of rescuing their 2023-24 season. However, he’s been fully cleared for contact since July and enters training camp with a clean bill of health.

Marcus Smart, despite his time spent on the Grizzlies’ injury list, is counted on by the team to provide the toughness, defense, and savvy they anticipated when they traded for him.

And More…

Other teams also anticipate the return of their key players. Kristaps Porzingis from the Boston Celtics is recovering from a late June surgery, while the LA Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard has been working on his surgically repaired right knee. Jimmy Butler from Miami Heat, Zion Williamson from New Orleans Pelicans, LaMelo Ball from Charlotte Hornets, and Khris Middleton from Milwaukee Bucks are all expected to make a significant impact this season.

As training camps approach, all eyes will be on these key players, their recovery, and how they will shape the NBA’s 2024-25 season.