Rookie center Yves Missi has shown glimpses of potential with the New Orleans Pelicans, but he’s experienced a steep learning curve at the NBA level. His raw athleticism is evident, but limited playing time, foul trouble, and defensive lapses have kept him from fully establishing himself in the Pelicans’ frontcourt. As he develops his timing and decision-making, Missi remains a long-term project for New Orleans.

Keyonte George began the season with high expectations, but inconsistency has slowed his progress with the Utah Jazz. While his playmaking flashes and scoring upside are real, turnovers and shooting inefficiency have impacted his ability to lead the offense. As the Jazz continue developing their young core, George will need to find more control and rhythm to unlock his potential.

Veteran guard Mike Conley continues to serve as a stabilizing force for the Minnesota Timberwolves, but his age has started to show. Defensive agility and shot creation have declined slightly, and he’s been more of a game manager than a game-changer. Still valuable for his leadership and IQ, Conley is shifting into a low-usage, high-efficiency role as the Wolves transition toward Anthony Edwards’ prime.

After his breakout in the 2023 playoffs, Caleb Martin hasn’t found the same rhythm this season with the Dallas Mavericks. Inconsistent shooting and minor injuries have interrupted his flow, and he’s struggled to make the same two-way impact off the bench. As Dallas tightens its rotation heading into the postseason, Martin will need to regain form to remain a key contributor.

Keegan Murray’s sophomore season with the Sacramento Kings has hit a few bumps. While he continues to show upside as a floor spacer and defender, his shooting numbers have regressed, and his confidence on offense has wavered in stretches. Murray’s role remains secure, but Sacramento is hoping he can recapture the form that made him such a promising rookie.

Jonathan Kuminga has had a frustratingly uneven season with the Golden State Warriors, battling through role changes, inconsistent minutes, and fluctuating confidence. Despite clear flashes of athleticism and isolation scoring, his defensive lapses and limited playmaking have made it tough for Steve Kerr to rely on him consistently. Kuminga still has upside, but he’s struggled to put it all together in Golden State’s veteran-heavy system.

Jamal Murray has dealt with another injury-plagued season for the Denver Nuggets, limiting his availability and momentum. While still capable of high-level shot creation, lingering physical setbacks have affected his burst and defensive effort. With the Nuggets in title defense mode, Murray’s inconsistent presence has been a noticeable hurdle for their offense’s peak flow.

Jordan Hawkins made waves early in the season as a shooter for the New Orleans Pelicans, but has since hit the rookie wall. His three-point percentage has dipped, and defensive struggles have reduced his minutes. While his shooting potential is real, Hawkins is learning how to impact games beyond the arc and adjust to the physicality of the league.

Svi Mykhailiuk has seen limited opportunities with the Utah Jazz, struggling to find consistent minutes in a crowded wing rotation. While known for his shooting, Svi hasn’t been able to carve out a specialty role this season, and defensive liabilities have further reduced his impact. He remains a veteran option but has slipped in the rotation as the Jazz prioritize youth development.

Scoot Henderson entered the season with high expectations as the face of the Portland Trail Blazers’ rebuild, but growing pains have been real. Turnovers, poor shooting percentages, and decision-making struggles have slowed his early development. Still, his flashes of explosiveness and leadership keep the long-term outlook positive, even if the short-term results have been underwhelming.