Kyrie Irving

I think this one is a no-brainer, but Irving has a lot he needs to show next season. Regardless of whether he is in a Lakers uniform or not, he needs to show fans and organizations he is still worth the headache. The vaccine drama from last season resulted in him only suiting up in 29 games, and with his antics over the last couple of weeks, owners appear to grow tired of tolerating his issues. In addition, he has made it clear that if he is not in Los Angeles for the 2022-23 season, any team the Nets deal him to is just a one-year rental, making it even more difficult for Brooklyn to deal with his situation. People can also point the finger at him for essentially imploding a super team with KD and Ben Simmons before they even stepped foot on the court together.

Zion Williamson

On July 6, Williamson signed a rookie max-extension last week worth five years, $193 million, which can reach as high as $231 million with incentives. He has put up amazing numbers on unheard-of efficiency, but in a tiny sample size in the NBA. The Pelicans essentially had no choice but to sign him as Williamson is a former No. 1 overall pick and the franchise superstar. Still, Williamson is going to need to prove next season he can stay on the court and produce at this rate on a nightly basis. It is cause for concern when you look back at his first three years in the league and see he has only played 85 games. For context, notorious bust from injuries Greg Oden played 82 in that same time frame. Nevertheless, the Pelicans have a very bright future, and Williamson is the center of this young core with Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum. I expect them to be around in the playoffs if Williamson can stay on the floor. 

Rudy Gobert

Gobert’s new scenery in Minnesota will give him a great chance to display what he can really do on the floor. It’s no secret things got pretty toxic in Utah between Donovan Mitchell and Gobert the last couple of years. However, his being a part of a great trio with KAT and Anthony Edwards will potentially allow him to thrive in a new environment. With the array of players and picks they sent to the Jazz, it is clear Minnesota is in win-now mode, and if Gobert does not anchor their defense as well as produce on the offensive end, the trade could go down as one of the more lopsided trades in recent memory.