The NBA is filled with talented players that are beaming with potential. However, there are cases where we see a lot of them play subpar to our expectations, whether through an injury, shooting slump, or off-court drama. Because of this, people are often quick to conclude these players as “bust” or “overpaid”.

Fortunately, some of these players just needed a little more time to acclimate themselves in the NBA or with their new team. And once the right time comes, they simply ball out and prove their doubters wrong. For this piece, let’s take a look at five players who are having a redemption season this year.

Dewayne Dedmon

NBA -Dewayne-Dedmon

With Dedmon buried in the Kings’ rotation back then, he hardly saw playing time with Sacramento which prompted him to demand a trade during a press conference. After publicly demanding a trade that caused a huge rift between Dedmon and Kings’ front office, it wasn’t long before the 7’0 big man found himself paying a hefty fine and out of the league. Fortunately this season, Dedmon found his way back when the Heat signed him just last month and has been an effective back-up behind their star center Bam Adebayo.

Despite playing limited minutes, Dedmon has provided the energy and hustle off the bench. But more importantly, he has given Miami the frontcourt depth it needs, especially with the departure of Meyers Leonard. Dedmon has averaged 7.6 points and 5.8 rebounds per game off the bench. He even tallied a remarkable 18 point, nine rebound outing in just 16 minutes of action during a victory over the San Antonio Spurs.

After being left out of the league for a great amount of time, Dedmon has returned to the NBA in impactful fashion. If he continues his fine play off the bench and helps Miami make a return trip to the Finals, there is no better way to cap off his vindicating return.

Brandon Ingram

Pelicans, Brandon Ingram

Due to his wingspan, length, and athleticism, Brandon Ingram drew comparisons to Kevin Durant coming into the NBA. Drafted as the second overall during the 2016 NBA Draft, Ingram was penciled to become the face of the Lakers’ future. But unfortunately, as we all know, he never reached his full potential with the franchise, given that he never found his niche in the team. With the Lakers wanting to win now, after acquiring LeBron James at that time, Ingram was one of the pieces that was traded away to the New Orleans Pelicans in a blockbuster exchange for Anthony Davis. But fast forward to today, Ingram is starting to blossom into a star.

After the disappointing Lakers stint, Ingram has been great for the Pelicans. He made his first All-Star appearance last year and has followed it up with another great season this year. In fact, he is in the process of matching his All-Star numbers this season by putting up 23.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game. Because of this, he is no question one of the best rising stars of the game. Certainly, he has finally found his footing in the league and has proven his doubters wrong.

Gordon Hayward

NBA, Hornets, Gordon Hayward

Gordon Hayward signed a four year, $128 million contract during free agency, and this certainly raised a lot of criticism as it was even considered as one of the worst free agent signings in history. With Hayward past his prime and hampered by major injuries, the contract did seem too much for the one time All-Star. However, Hayward has proved his doubters wrong by thriving in this young Hornets team.

Although Hayward has been missing a good amount of games, he is still having one of the best seasons of his career. The 6’7 swingman is putting up 19.6 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game. Hayward even dropped a monster triple double in a win against the Atlanta Hawks where he registered a career-high 44 points, alongside 11 rebounds and 10 assists. But more importantly, the Hornets have a decent chance of finally ending their postseason drought.

Not only has Hayward been able to live up to his multimillion contract so far, but he has also proved that he can still thrive as the primary option of his team, the same way he did before he suffered a horrific leg injury in his stint with the Boston Celtics. If the Hornets can make a deep run in the NBA Playoffs this season and Hayward remains healthy, there is no question that he can put up one of the best redemption stories in league history.

Michael Porter Jr.

Michael Porter Jr. cards, Jamal Murray, Nuggets

After starring for Missouri in college, there is no doubt people were excited to see what MPJ could do under the NBA bright lights. In fact, he was even ranked second in the recruiting ranks. Unfortunately, injuries hampered his stock and his young NBA career. As we all know, from a top prospect, MPJ slid down to the 14th pick, which eventually bolded well for the Nuggets.

Due to a back injury, Porter Jr. sat out his supposed rookie season and then put up a subpar performance last season. As a result, people started to question MPJ’s potential and all the more so when he failed to provide impact alongside Nikola Jokic’s and Jamaal Murray’s relatively successful barrage last year.

Fast forward to today, MPJ is starting to find his groove in the NBA. He is currently averaging 19.2 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game which are all major improvements from last season. Furthermore with Murray suffering a torn ACL, Porter has answered the call to be the team’s secondary star. Since the Nuggets guard went down with an injury, the team has accumulated a respectable 10-4 record to keep them in the top five seeds of the Western Conference. Although MVP candidate Nikola Jokic is largely responsible for that, MPJ has been pivotal as he has been averaging 25.0 points to help fill the absence of Murray. With his rise, not only do the Nuggets stay competitive, but also, we are witnessing the much awaited breakout year of MPJ.

Julius Randle

NBA Julius Randle Knicks Tom Thibodeau reporter question

Back then, Julius Randle was considered to be one of the future faces of the Los Angeles Lakers after being selected as the seventh overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft. Unfortunately, injuries marred the early stages of his career including a leg injury 14 minutes into his first NBA game. As a result, Randle was considered by many as a “bust”. Fortunately, Randle is silencing his doubters this year.

Randle has emerged as the Knicks’ most awaited star. This year, he is averaging a career best 24.1 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game. With his improved playmaking and shooting, he has played a huge part in the Knicks’ success this year. In fact, unexpectedly, the team is sitting at the fourth seed of the East which gives them a chance to finally make an appearance in the postseason this year since 2013.

But individually, Randle has surpassed expectations and is having the best season of his career. Obviously, Randle has put in the work to improve different aspects of his game. In effect to this, he is now considered to be a favorite to win the Most Improved Player of the Year. If he does win the award, it will be a great way to put an end to his storied redemption season.