The Brooklyn Nets may not have the star power they once possessed, but they have no shortage of promising talent. The Nets will be led by several up-and-coming players and a few veteran contributors during the 2024-25 season. Two players in particular will shock the NBA with their promising trajectory.
1. Ben Simmons will be revived in 2024-25
Ben Simmons has not fully met fans' expectations during his first two years in Brooklyn. He played 42 games in 2022-23, averaging 6.1 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 6.1 assists. Then, Simmons appeared in just 15 games in 2023-24 with similar production.
Simmons' injury woes have severely hampered his production. He played more games per season when he was with the Philadelphia 76ers and was a three-time All-Star. Simmons' has not played to his potential with the Nets, which is all the more reason he will break out in 2024-25.
In July of 2024, Brian Lewis of the New York Post reported Simmons was "100 percent" healthy for the season's start. If that holds, Simmons has a chance to return to form and make a great impact during his third year in Brooklyn.
Simmons has a chance to average at least a double-double with Defensive Player of the Year-caliber defense. The whole borough will be behind him as he attempts to play his first full injury-free season with the Nets, which should lead to a great revival.
2. Cam Thomas can take on of the biggest jumps in the NBA
Cam Thomas was one of the most improved players during the 2024-25 season. After averaging 10.6 points per game in 2023-24, Thomas lept to a career-high 22.5-point scoring mark. He also amassed a career-best 2.9 assists per game. Thomas is highly motivated to further show what he can do as he enters his fourth season with the Nets.
Brooklyn has its eyes set on the 2025 and 2025 NBA Drafts, which could see them land a highly-touted prospect. However, they may already have their franchise star with Cam Thomas. He could see his points average increase to as many as 25.0 per game along with an uptick in efficiency. Thomas can shock the NBA by earning his first All-Star berth during the 2024-25 season.
The Nets might be in a rebuilding phase, but other teams must keep a close watch on Brooklyn's players. As a new campaign begins, the Nets' key contributors are out to prove themselves and shock the world.