2. Rui Hachimura
As far as the structure of the rotation was concerned, no player was utilized in a more frustrating manner than Rui Hachimura. Fresh off of helping the Los Angeles Lakers reach the 2023 Western Conference Finals, Hachimura couldn't seem to find a stable place in Darvin Ham's lineup.
With JJ Redick taking over as head coach, simply stabilizing Hachimura's role should help him take a massive step forward in 2024-25.
Hachimura appeared in 68 games for the Lakers last season, coming off the bench in 29 of those appearances in favor of Taurean Prince. This decision was made in spite of the fact that Hachimura averaged 15.4 points per game on .575/.439/.727 shooting as a starter.
He also received just 26.8 minutes per game despite averaging 17.8 points on 55.8 percent shooting from the field and 42.5 percent shooting from three-point range when he played at least 30 minutes.
Even with the arrival of promising rookie Dalton Knecht, Hachimura should receive more consistent playing time in 2024-25. That alone should enable him to thrive alongside star-caliber teammates with whom he's thoroughly established positive chemistry.
After shooting 41.7 percent on catch-and-shoot threes in 2023-24, it's safe to say he's the ideal complement to the interior dominance of Anthony Davis and LeBron James.
If you're still not convinced: Los Angeles was 26-13 when it started Hachimura and 14-15 when he came off the bench.