Some stars don’t stay down for long. The NBA is full of players who hit snags in 2024-25, whether it was through injuries, inconsistency, or failing to live up to their own standards, but this league is about resilience as much as it is about talent.
When you’re a franchise cornerstone or a household name, you don’t get to accept fading into the background. The criticism is relentless, and so is the hunger to prove the doubters wrong.
That’s why 2025-26 is shaping up as a massive “redemption tour” season for a handful of marquee names who we predict will come back swinging.
For example, Joel Embiid headlines the list, carrying more weight than anyone to rewrite the narrative around him, but he isn’t alone. Let's go through the 2025-26 "All-Bounce Back" squad for the upcoming season.
Starters
Point Guard: Jamal Murray
Feb 24, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) in the first half against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit- Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
Feb 24, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) in the first half against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit- Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
Credit- Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
Jamal Murray’s 2024-25 season wasn’t flat, but we expected more. He averaged a solid 21.4 points, 6.0 assists, and 3.9 rebounds over 67 games, shooting 47.4% from the field and 39.3% from deep. Sounds good, right? Well, not quite.
The Nuggets needed Murray to perform as a bona fide All-Star at all times, and he didn't, which is why they lost in the second round of the playoffs. However, this is the year we see Murray take that next step. Nuggets fans should be excited with anticipation because they have an elite squad next year.
Shooting Guard: Brandon Ingram
New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram (14) dribbles as Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma (33) chases during the second half at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-Imagn Images
New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram (14) dribbles as Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma (33) chases during the second half at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-Imagn Images
Credit: Brad Mills-Imagn Images
Brandon Ingram might be forgotten, but we are shining a light on him. Over just 18 games, he posted 22.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game, but it felt like only a teaser. His offensive arsenal is still potent, but he can't seem to stay durable and consistent.
Only 18 games played scream “high-risk, high-reward,” and Toronto took a risk on him because they need a steady hand next season. 2025-26 has to be Ingram’s year-long statement. If he locks in, stays on the court, and cleans up shot selection, there is no reason why he can't be an All-Star.
Small Forward: Kawhi Leonard
Apr 24, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) moves the ball up court against the Denver Nuggets during the second half of game three in the first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Apr 24, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) moves the ball up court against the Denver Nuggets during the second half of game three in the first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Kawhi Leonard’s name is still powerful enough to steal headlines, but 2024-25 was another frustrating one. He averaged 21.5 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 3.1 assists on 49.8% shooting. Efficient, sure, but where was the “Klaw” ferocity? He has not been the same player who once won two Finals MVP awards.
Next season could be one where he elevates work ethic, defense, and mentality to take over. If health holds and motivation spikes, we could see the return of that unstoppable two-way star, and we aren't ruling that out just yet.
Power Forward: Paolo Banchero
Mar 27, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) dribbles the ball against the Dallas Mavericks in the third quarter at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Reper-Imagn Images
Mar 27, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) dribbles the ball against the Dallas Mavericks in the third quarter at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Reper-Imagn Images
Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Reper-Imagn Images
Paolo Banchero carried Orlando’s hopes early in 2024-25, and he nearly broke under the weight as he dealt with some nagging injuries. Still, he averaged an impressive 25.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.8 assists across 46 games. The issue? It was lopsided due to his health.
Next season, we’re betting on him switching from talented youth to bona fide superstar as he stays healthy for the entire campaign. The promise was there, but we expect All-NBA Second Team production from Paolo at the bare minimum.
Center: Joel Embiid
Dec 23, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) looks on during the first quarter against the San Antonio Spurs at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Dec 23, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) looks on during the first quarter against the San Antonio Spurs at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Joel Embiid’s 2024-25 was an emotional crash-landing. He played just 19 games but still managed 23.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists before knee issues shut him down. The stats look respectable, but the big man was simply unable to get on the court.
As a result, the Sixers’ season crumbled in his absence, showing how much this team relies on him. This bounce-back has to be as much physical as mental. If Embiid can navigate the minutes wisely and regain fragments of that MVP-level dominance without risking his body, Philly might finally be a factor in the East. We are praying for the former MVP to get back to his best.
Bench
Point Guard: CJ McCollum
Mar 15, 2025; San Antonio, Texas, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard CJ McCollum (3) reacts after scoring a basket during the second half against the San Antonio Spurs at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
Mar 15, 2025; San Antonio, Texas, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard CJ McCollum (3) reacts after scoring a basket during the second half against the San Antonio Spurs at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
CJ McCollum slipped quietly into veteran duty but not around production. Across 56 games, he still delivered 21.1 points, 4.1 assists, and 3.8 rebounds per night. Yet, his role reduction felt like a demotion, considering how great he has been over the past few seasons.
That sets the stage for 2025-26 as his time to get better. A sharpshooter with veteran IQ, he can excel in an off-ball rhythm and is a very capable playmaker. We expect him to reclaim an offensive spark and remind us how good he can be at generating offense.
Shooting Guard: Paul George
Jan 10, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George (8) dribbles the ball against the New Orleans Pelicans during the first quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Jan 10, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George (8) dribbles the ball against the New Orleans Pelicans during the first quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Paul George’s 2024-25 was a major downturn. In 41 games, he averaged just 16.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.3 assists, shooting 43%, all career dips. The injury bug and inconsistent rhythm left PG operating from the bench, and when on the court, he was almost unrecognizable.
For 2025-26, his goal is clear: regain his two-way impact. We expect sharper defense, stronger finishes, and higher offensive output, accordingly. He won't make another All-Star Team, but we aren't writing him off yet.
Small Forward: Lauri Markkanen
Nov 21, 2024; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (23) lays in a basket during the first half against the San Antonio Spurs at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
Nov 21, 2024; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (23) lays in a basket during the first half against the San Antonio Spurs at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
Lauri Markkanen’s 2024-25 season was disappointing since his numbers dropped too much. Over 47 games, he averaged 19.0 points and 5.9 rebounds on 42.3% shooting. Decent numbers, but not near his All-Star campaign two years ago (25.6 PPG, 8.6 RPG).
Next season, look for improved shot selection, steadier three-point rhythm, and a healthier frame. If the EuroBasket fire, where he recently exploded for 48 points in a tune-up, carries over, he could get back to an All-Star level.
Power Forward: Zion Williamson
Jan 12, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) dribbles down the court during the second half against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images
Jan 12, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) dribbles down the court during the second half against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images
Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images
Zion Williamson’s season was another heartbreak. He played just 30 games, averaging 24.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 5.3 assists before a back contusion forced multiple absences. No doubt, durability remains the glaring question that he can't seem to answer.
If Zion finds health and builds a foundation under his explosiveness, he becomes everything the Pelicans dream of: a walking highlight reel. This season is his last opportunity to prove he can be the player we all expect him to be.
Center: Kristaps Porzingis
Apr 8, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis (8) reacts during the second half against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
Apr 8, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis (8) reacts during the second half against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
Kristaps Porzingis spent most of 2024-25 dealing with his health, post-viral illness, was traded from Boston in a three-team blockbuster, and is still recovering rhythm. When available, his shooting and size are game-changers, but we didn't see much of it last year.
The 2025-26 season should be better for him. We expect Atlanta to fit him intelligently alongside high-paced lineups, let him space the floor, and use his frame down low. If he stays healthy, his 7-foot stretch combo becomes a match-up nightmare for anybody, which is why the Hawks went all-in for him this summer.
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