The start of the 2023-24 NBA regular season is here and the big questions are already looming ahead of opening tip off. Who’s the best team in the East? Which teams in a deep western conference will be left on the outside looking in? Can the Nuggets repeat? You get the picture.
Among the many things to watch for, one of the more fascinating things to observe is which stars can play themselves back into the good graces of the NBA and its fan bases, or more specifically, who can change the narrative surrounding them.
Here’s a look at four veteran players desperately needing a great 2023-24 NBA season.
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4
Chris Paul - Golden State Warriors
Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
If the Warriors didn’t save Chris Paul from meaningless basketball in Washington, we may be counting down his final days as a starter-level NBA player. But now? He’s competing for a championship with one of the best organizations in basketball. If he doesn’t have success or fit into a role with Golden State, it’ll be hard to see which situation he would fit into going forward. But we’ve seen him over-produce in his next situation each time he’s been traded. Why count him out now?
3
Ben Simmons - Brooklyn Nets
(AP Photo/Matt Slocum, File)
Simmons could be a spot higher on this list, but he’s almost at the point now where if he isn’t good this year, we kind of just accept that he’s not that guy anymore and carry on with our lives. It feels like that’s the case. However, I must say that Simmons is looking good so far through the preseason — the mobility, athleticism, skill, etc. It’s a sight for sore eyes, but I (and mostly everyone else) want to see the production spill into the regular season.
2
Zion Williamson - New Orleans Pelicans
(Daniel Dunn-USA TODAY Sports)
It’s still difficult to wrap my head around the fact Zion’s only logged 114 games in four seasons as a pro. It happens, though, unfortunately — injuries are a part of the game. But on top of the injury concerns, his personality and decision-making have become even more of a talking point at times than the lack of productivity. Which of the two concerns is more important? Tough to say. Either way, something’s got to shake this season, or the Zion in New Orleans era could be wrapping up.
1
James Harden - Philadelphia 76ers
(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
How often is it that a former league MVP demands a trade and absolutely none of the other 29 teams wants anything to do with him? The clock is ticking on James Harden’s NBA career and it isn’t because of basketball reasons. While not an MVP or league-leading-scorer anymore, James is still quite good. He’s averaged at least 20.0 points and 10.0 assists in each of the last four seasons and is coming off his best season since leaving Houston. It’s the trade demands and nasty breakups from teams that are scaring off suitors. If he doesn’t produce (and win) wherever he ends up playing this season, that long-term contract he’s seeking might not come to fruition next offseason.
