5 NBA players who need to have a great 2021-22 season

Modified Nov 08, 2022 11:35 GMT

#3 LeBron James

LA Lakers vs Phoenix Suns - Game Two Playoffs

NBA legend LeBron James has to be one of the most surprising names on the list. Having won everything in the game, the King shouldn't have been on this list. However, every basketball fan would agree that the ceiling for James is to be the greatest player in basketball. And this season could very well bring him closer to accomplishing that.

James is currently the third-highest scorer in the league, and is around 3000 points shy of breaking Kareem Abdul Jabbar's points record. But the four-time NBA champion endured a disappointing campaign last year. For the first time in his career, he was knocked out in the first round of the Playoffs.

LeBron James won't take that loss lightly. He loves to play on the biggest occasions, and will try to help the LA Lakers go all the way in 2021-22.

The Lakers have added some vital pieces like Russell Westbrook and Carmelo Anthony to the team. So it would only makes sense that James bags his fifth title and cement his name as one of the best players to have graced the NBA.

#2 Kristaps Porzingis

New Orleans Pelicans vs Dallas Mavericks

Kristaps Porzingis was the no. 4 pick in the 2015 NBA draft. He came into the league as a 7' 3" forward, who could also shoot the ball. That was a unique talent, and he instantly became one of the most sought-after players.

However, an ACL injury kept him out of NBA action for nearly 18 months. Post that, he moved to the Dallas Mavericks for the 2019-20 season, completing that year in the bubble. He had some big performances there. But an injury meant he missed out on some crucial games in the series against the Clippers.

The next year, Dallas once again made it to the playoffs, only to face familiar foes, Clippers in the first round. This time Porzingis disappointed with his performances, though. The Latvian averaged only 13.1 points per game in the first-round series, shooting a dismal 29.6 % from the field.

After rumors of a potential rift between him and Luka Doncic, it seemed he would be on his way out of the Mavericks. But the arrival of Jason Kidd has seemingly changed a few things for Dallas. The former NBA champion met with Kristaps, and made him aware of how important a player he is for the Mavs.

Currently, it looks imminent that Doncic will stay in Dallas. But regardless of what happens, the 2021-22 NBA season is going to be very crucial for him. He has been training hard in the off-season to unleash his best this year. If things go as planned and Porzongis stays healthy, there is no doubt he could have a sensational campaign.

#1 Ben Simmons

Arguably the most predictable name on the list. Ben Simmons has a whole lot to prove during the 2021-22 NBA season. He went from being an All-Star in Philly to the most hated player in a matter of a mere months.

The 25-year-old had a poor outing in the 2021 NBA Playoffs. He has also recently ticked off experts and fans with rumors of him wanting to leave the Philadelphia 76ers.

Simmons is a three-time All-Star and is also regarded as one of the best passers in the NBA. However, there is no hiding from the fact that he hasn't been able to develop a 3 point shot in his four years at the NBA.

It was all fine until it began haunting him in the postseason. The Australian squandered some easy chances in the second-round series against the Hawks last year, which the 76ers eventually lost 4-3.

There is still no certainty about where Ben Simmons is going to end up at for the 2021-22 NBA season. However, whatever happens, starting October 19, he has to make sure he is at his potential best.