Introduction

The NBA landscape is continuously evolving, with player development and decline affecting parity across the league. This season, as teams retool and strategize, several players are positioned to rise, while others may face challenges. Let's explore a potential riser and faller for each NBA team, highlighting their expected impacts in what promises to be an exhilarating season.

Risers and Fallers

Atlanta Hawks

• Riser: Jalen Johnson Johnson showcased immense potential last season before a shoulder injury hindered his progress. Now, he aims to leverage his athleticism on a more competitive Hawks squad.
• Faller: Dyson Daniels After a standout year, Daniels' challenge will be maintaining his impressive averages, especially with the expectations surrounding him.

Boston Celtics

• Riser: Payton Pritchard With new roles opening up, Pritchard is primed to capitalize on his scoring opportunities and could emerge as an integral part of the Celtics' rotation.
• Faller: Jaylen Brown Facing increased defensive pressure and seeking consistency, Brown's production may not meet previous highs in his first season without Tatum.

Brooklyn Nets

• Riser: Nic Claxton After a dip in performance, Claxton is expected to regain form and reestablish himself as a defensive anchor for the Nets.
• Faller: Michael Porter Jr. Departing from Jokić's playmaking could hinder Porter’s scoring efficiency this season.

Charlotte Hornets

• Riser: Brandon Miller The former No. 2 pick aims for a strong rebound after an injury-riddled season, bringing ample three-point shooting and playmaking potential.
• Faller: Miles Bridges Bridges may face challenges adjusting to the evolving Hornets' scheme, leading to a decline in scoring.

Chicago Bulls

• Riser: Matas Buzelis After showing growth during his rookie season, Buzelis is well-positioned to explode onto the scene this year.
• Faller: Nikola Vučević At age 35, Vučević may see a decline in his impressive scoring averages and durability.

Cleveland Cavaliers

• Riser: Evan Mobley Winning Defensive Player of the Year, Mobley is expected to elevate his game, with more offensive roles this season.
• Faller: Donovan Mitchell Adjusting to postseason injuries might limit Mitchell's availability and production.

Dallas Mavericks

• Riser: D'Angelo Russell Situational changes should allow Russell to regain prior prowess as a playmaker and scorer for the Mavericks.
• Faller: Klay Thompson Reduced mobility and aging may prevent Thompson from replicating earlier scoring performances.

Denver Nuggets

• Riser: Cam Johnson Expected to get more offensive opportunities, Johnson is poised for a breakout season.
• Faller: Zeke Nnaji As competition for minutes increases, Nnaji faces challenges in maintaining his previous contributions.

Detroit Pistons

• Riser: Ausar Thompson Enhanced defensive skills combined with increased playing time could see Thompson flourish this season.
• Faller: Caris LeVert A potential logjam at his position may hinder LeVert’s playing opportunities moving forward.

Golden State Warriors

• Riser: Quinten Post As a rookie fixture for the Warriors, Post’s efficient scoring should see him develop significantly with added minutes.
• Faller: Jimmy Butler Signs of decline in Butler's performance raise questions about his ability to maintain previous effectiveness.

Houston Rockets

• Riser: Amen Thompson Following an electrifying rookie year, Thompson is set for a breakout performance, showcasing his defensive and offensive versatility.
• Faller: Fred VanVleet At age 31, continued decline is expected, although his skill set will still add value to the team.

Indiana Pacers

• Riser: Jay Huff Given a vital opportunity, Huff should be able to replicate and build upon previous efficient performances.
• Faller: Obi Toppin Likely struggles without Haliburton’s playmaking could hinder Toppin's effectiveness this year.

Los Angeles Clippers

• Riser: John Collins Returning to a prime facilitating position, Collins is expected to thrive alongside Harden.
• Faller: James Harden Questions about his health and performance may result in reduced impact on the team's success.

Los Angeles Lakers

• Riser: Luka Dončić Hyped for a rejuvenated performance, Dončić is expected to rebound strongly this season.
• Faller: LeBron James Reduced responsibilities might see James slip, though his competitive nature is ever-present.

Memphis Grizzlies

• Riser: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope Finding new rhythm within the Grizzlies' structure, Caldwell-Pope should improve after a rocky last season.
• Faller: Ty Jerome Jerome is poised for regression after last season's hot streak.

Miami Heat

• Riser: Jaime Jaquez Jr. Expect Jaquez to make strides this season, regaining efficiency from his rookie year.
• Faller: Norman Powell Not likely to replicate previous performances, Powell may also see diminishing returns.

Milwaukee Bucks

• Riser: Kevin Porter Jr. Increased responsibility could unlock new heights for Porter this year.
• Faller: Taurean Prince His role could diminish if shooting percentages slip further this season.

New Orleans Pelicans

• Riser: Herb Jones Expected to rebound from last season’s injuries to reclaim his spot as a key defensive player.
• Faller: Jordan Hawkins Regaining a reliable shooting touch is crucial for Hawkins to secure minutes.

New York Knicks

• Riser: Mikal Bridges Enhanced utilization in a new system should lead Bridges to expand his offensive prowess.
• Faller: Josh Hart Increased competition for minutes could see Hart's role diminish this season.

Oklahoma City Thunder

• Riser: Jalen Suggs After recovering from injuries, Suggs is positioned for a significant role on the ascendant Thunder roster.
• Faller: Lu Dort Potential adjustments to team strategy may lead to a reduction in Dort's overall output.

Orlando Magic

• Riser: Tyrese Maxey With more stable circumstances, Maxey is likely to find his scoring efficiency this season.
• Faller: Quentin Grimes Limited on-ball opportunities may restrict Grimes’ ability to contribute consistently.

Philadelphia 76ers

• Riser: Grayson Allen Expected to flourish in a more prominent role, Allen can significantly boost his output with the absence of star players.
• Faller: Mark Williams Fewer opportunities under a new system may lead to Williams’ diminished effectiveness.

Phoenix Suns

• Riser: Scoot Henderson Emerging as a leader, Henderson's efficiency may continue to climb this season.
• Faller: Jrue Holiday Facing an inevitable decline, the veterans' prior production is unlikely to repeat.

Portland Trail Blazers

• Riser: Keegan Murray Aiming to bounce back after last year's struggles, Murray can solidify his impact as a key figure on the team.
• Faller: Dennis Schröder His age and performance drop suggest concerns in maintaining impact as he transitions to a new team.

San Antonio Spurs

• Riser: Victor Wembanyama Anticipated to further his progression, Wemby is already viewed as the franchise’s cornerstone.
• Faller: Kelly Olynyk With declining athleticism, Olynyk’s role may continue to slip.

Toronto Raptors

• Riser: Brandon Ingram The embrace of a perimeter-oriented game could see Ingram thrive this upcoming season.
• Faller: Garrett Temple Increased reliance on younger players may limit Temple's court time moving forward.

Utah Jazz

• Riser: Taylor Hendricks After overcoming injury challenges, Hendricks has the potential to establish himself as a reliable contributor.
• Faller: Jusuf Nurkić Questions about his fitness and conditioning could impact Nurkić's contribution this season.

Washington Wizards

• Riser: Bilal Coulibaly With room for improvement, Coulibaly’s development as a facilitator and scorer could mark a breakout year.
• Faller: Khris Middleton Middletons' age may signal a decline in effectiveness, impacting his role with the new team.