Plenty of talented players missed much of last season due to injury, although these are the best three poised for a breakout.
The NBA, unlike the NFL, MLS, and MLB, does not have an official “comeback player of the year” award, although in the past, players have made their mark after missing much of the season due to injury.
After playing only nine games in 2017-18, Kawhi Leonard returned to action and led the Toronto Raptors to their first title in franchise history. In 2012-13, Kevin Love missed 64 games before setting a career-high with 26.1 points per game the following season.
This past year, plenty of players missed significant time, although these three players are expected to make the biggest impact next season.
Stephen Lew-USA TODAY SportsHerb Jones – New Orleans Pelicans
After playing only 20 games, Herb Jones was shut down for the season with a shoulder injury. His 2024-25 campaign did not get off to a strong start, as his 30.6% mark from 3 was down significantly from his 41.8% mark from the season prior.
When Jones is healthy, he rivals Lu Dort, Alex Caruso, and even Leonard as the best perimeter defender in the league, and he has a sweet outside shot.
Depending on who the New Orleans Pelicans keep or trade this summer, he could very well be their best player next season, setting career highs in scoring and assists while remaining stellar on defense.
Of course, New Orleans is not expected to be very good, especially given Zion Williamson’s inability to stay out of headlines and on the court, making Jones a premier deadline trade candidate.
Of course, if he can return with a force, then the Pelicans should be able to sell when his value is at an all-time high, allowing another team to benefit from his return.
Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty ImagesJaden Ivey – Detroit Pistons
In his two college seasons with the Purdue Boilermakers, Jaden Ivey was named to the All-American team in 2022, although he shot only 32.2% from deep. In his first two NBA seasons, he made the All-Rookie team, but continued to struggle with his shot, going only 33.9% from deep in his first 151 career games.
Last season, he broke out as an elite 40% shooter, averaging 17.6 points and looking like the backcourt star Cade Cunningham would play next to for the next several years.
However, he broke his leg after only 30 games and missed the Detroit Pistons’ improbable run to the playoffs. Assuming Detroit re-signs their free agents and runs things back, Ivey’s improved offensive efficiency will give the Pistons another boost, and allow Dennis Schroder, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Malik Beasley to hold down the bench unit while Ivey returns to the starting five.
Of course, there is no guarantee that he will emerge as a high-level shooter once again, although with his athleticism likely taking a hit after the lower-body injury, his shot will be very important to his sustained success.
Photo by Elsa/Getty ImagesJalen Johnson – Atlanta Hawks
During his second NBA season, Jalen Johnson averaged only 5.6 points per game for the Atlanta Hawks. In his third season, he broke out, posting 16 points on much-improved efficiency.
In year four, he averaged 18.9 points and 10 rebounds per contest, although, like Jones, he was shut down with a shoulder injury after only 36 games.
When he played, the Hawks went 18-18. When he was out, the Hawks posted a measly 22-24 record and ultimately lost in the play-in tournament.
With the exception of the 2021 run to the Eastern Conference Finals, Trae Young’s tenure in Atlanta has been marred by a lack of team success. With a healthy Johnson, Zaccharie Risacher, and Dyson Daniels, the Hawks could make some noise, especially if they land a premier center in free agency or via trade.
Johnson has emerged as one of the better young players in the league and looks like a franchise player moving forward. He has cracked the 70-game mark only once in four NBA seasons, and the Hawks will need a full season from him if they want to compete next year.