5 Players Poised to Shine in the NBA’s Second Half

5. Jonathan Kuminga

The aging Golden State Warriors have become much more interesting over the past few weeks. Before the All-Star break, the Warriors got hot and finished 8-2 down the stretch. Stephen Curry continues to play incredibly, and Draymond Green has been helpful since returning. Still, one of the biggest reasons for the Warriors finding their groove is Jonathan Kuminga becoming a reliable player. After publicly questioning Steve Kerr and nearly demanding a trade, Kuminga now understands what the Warriors need from him. They need energy, rebounding, defense, and athleticism, which they otherwise lack. He is averaging 15.5 points per game along with 4.7 rebounds, and his minutes per game are rising each month. Golden State is now sitting tenth in the Western Conference, but they are within striking distance of seven-seed Dallas and six-seed New Orleans. If Kuminga continues to play like he has the past few weeks, the Warriors will be a threat in the playoffs.

Golden State Warriors Odds for NBA Title: +5000

2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

The Oklahoma City Thunder have been a team of the future for a couple of seasons. They acquired a ton of young talent, future draft picks, and assets and have been poised to eventually begin challenging for a top spot in the NBA. The year is 2024, and the future is now. The emergence of Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams has played a significant role, but Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, becoming one of the best players in the league, has poured gasoline on the fire. “SGA” averages 31.1 points per game, 5.5 rebounds, and 6.5 assists. His star turn has propelled the Thunder to a record of 37-17, the second-best mark in the Western Conference. Gilgeous-Alexander enters the final stretch of the regular season with a real chance to win his first Most Valuable Player award. It will likely coincide with the Thunder capturing a top seed in the Western Conference Playoffs if he captures it.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's MVP Odds: +210

3. Donovan Mitchell

The Cleveland Cavaliers were one of the hottest teams entering the All-Star Break. They went 18-2 over the last 20 games, and Donovan Mitchell is now averaging 28.4 points per game. Since the end of January, Mitchell has had games of 45, 25, 31, 29, 40, 27, 36, and 30 as the Cavaliers have vaulted up the Eastern Conference standings. No one in the East is catching the Boston Celtics, but the Cavaliers have emerged as one of the primary challengers. Rumors of Mitchell wanting out of Cleveland this offseason have emerged. Still, he is playing like a superstar and leading a team with lineup versatility and surprising pieces like Sam Merrill and Isaac Okoro. Can Mitchell lead the Cavs to the number two seed in the East, and can they challenge Boston for a spot in the NBA Finals?

Donovan Mitchell MVP Odds: +1500

4. Anthony Edwards

The Ant-Man has arrived. His name generated a lot of buzz during the offseason as a player to watch during the 2023-2024 season. He has not disappointed, operating as a leading force for the surprising Minnesota Timberwolves. The Wolves lead the Western Conference with a record of 39-16, and Anthony Edwards's leadership has been cited as a reason for the surge. Edwards averages 26.3 points but has developed into more than a scorer. He’s sharing the ball (5.3 assists per game) and contributes in a big way to one of the league’s best defenses. The length Minnesota has on the perimeter is a significant problem for opposing offenses. Edwards’s season has him poised to be one of the new faces of the NBA.

Minnesota's Odds to Win NBA Title: +2300

5. Jonathan Kuminga

The aging Golden State Warriors have become much more interesting over the past few weeks. Before the All-Star break, the Warriors got hot and finished 8-2 down the stretch. Stephen Curry continues to play incredibly, and Draymond Green has been helpful since returning. Still, one of the biggest reasons for the Warriors finding their groove is Jonathan Kuminga becoming a reliable player. After publicly questioning Steve Kerr and nearly demanding a trade, Kuminga now understands what the Warriors need from him. They need energy, rebounding, defense, and athleticism, which they otherwise lack. He is averaging 15.5 points per game along with 4.7 rebounds, and his minutes per game are rising each month. Golden State is now sitting tenth in the Western Conference, but they are within striking distance of seven-seed Dallas and six-seed New Orleans. If Kuminga continues to play like he has the past few weeks, the Warriors will be a threat in the playoffs.

Golden State Warriors Odds for NBA Title: +5000