5 NBA players facing do-or-die 2023

5 NBA players facing do-or-die 2023–2024 seasons

DALLAS, TEXAS - MARCH 24: Kyrie Irving #2 of the Dallas NBA Mavericks congratulates Luka Doncic #77 during the first half against the Charlotte Hornets at American Airlines Center on March 24, 2023 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images) /

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Kyrie Irving (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images) /

Any season can be a do-or-die one for an NBA player – an opportunity to elevate to the next level or a time when the bottom finally falls out. It’s just a question of whether or not one can anticipate it.

We’ve already taken a look at the teams that are facing do-or-die years in 2023-24, desperately in need of showing some progress towards their goals. Now it’s time to get more granular and glance at individuals who are facing the same critical juncture.

Which NBA players are facing a do-or-die season in 2023-24, needing to prove something to their teams or to themselves?

The focus of the NBA world in recent weeks has been on Summer League play in Las Vegas. While that was a great opportunity to check out some of the young players trying to make inroads in the league, none of those players can really be considered on the verge of a do-or-die season, though many are always a fragile thread from making the league or missing out on it.

Instead, we’re taking a look at the veterans who have been around the block and need to have a big season for one reason or another. There’s no shortage of candidates hitting a pivotal point in their playerhood. It’s time for these players to either put up or shut up, to put it aggressively.

Think we missed anyone essential to this list? Feel free to drop it in the comments! In no particular order, here are five players facing a do-or-die year in the NBA.