10 NBA Players Who Are About to Have a Massive Breakout Season
Every NBA season produces a few surprise players who go from “solid” to “must-watch” almost overnight. It’s the sport’s best kind of suspense when potential finally cashes in. Last season, names like Jalen Williams, Jalen Johnson, and Victor Wembanyama made the leap. This year, a new wave of talent is ready to grab the spotlight.
Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs
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It feels unfair to call Victor Wembanyama a breakout candidate when he’s been rewriting expectations since day one. Still, he looks set to make another jump. The Spurs have reshaped their offense around his strengths by shifting him closer to the paint instead of launching nine threes a game. He’s attacking more, sealing defenders inside, and testing his strength against heavier contact.
This version of Wembanyama is more dominant and efficient. Defensively, he’s still the league’s most intimidating presence, with 176 blocks last season in just 46 games. Now that he’s stronger and more assertive near the rim, Year 3 may finally put him in the MVP conversation.
Ausar Thompson, Detroit Pistons
Last year’s blood clot setback delayed Ausar Thompson’s rise, but he’s set to make a comeback in 2025–26. He’s quickly become one of the most dynamic perimeter defenders in the league and now looks more confident with the ball. His timing in transition, cutting, and attacking gaps has improved, and Detroit’s renewed spacing around Cade Cunningham will open more lanes to attack.
Ausar’s combination of athleticism, IQ, and relentlessness positions him for All-Defensive team recognition while giving the Pistons the offensive energy they’ve lacked.
Andrew Nembhard, Indiana Pacers
With Tyrese Haliburton sidelined, Andrew Nembhard has the green light to run the show. The 25-year-old guard has shown he can balance playmaking and scoring, and this season gives him a chance to expand both. His shooting remains the swing skill.
Maintaining his playoff average of around 36 percent from three would keep Indiana in the playoff race. The Pacers have enough weapons to stay competitive, and Nembhard’s steady pace and defense might make him one of the East’s most underrated guards by midseason.
Alperen Şengün, Houston Rockets
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It feels like Alperen Şengün already broke out, but there’s another level ahead. Now that he’s entering his prime, Şengün has refined his playmaking and interior touch, and with Kevin Durant spacing the floor, the paint has opened for him.
His vision has always been elite for a center, and he’s learning how to combine that creativity with efficiency. The Rockets’ offense could run entirely through him at times, and if his free-throw and three-point numbers rise, the MVP chatter won’t sound so far-fetched.
Trey Murphy III, New Orleans Pelicans
When Trey Murphy III came back from injury last year, the Pelicans’ spacing and pace instantly improved. This season, they are betting on his development to balance Zion Williamson’s interior dominance. Continued growth in his off-ball movement should turn him into one of the league’s most efficient wings.
He’s expanded his game beyond catch-and-shoot threes and is now attacking closeouts, absorbing contact, and finishing through traffic.
Cason Wallace, Oklahoma City Thunder
Cason Wallace has secured a key role for the defending champions, but his next step will be to assert himself more offensively. He’s a lockdown defender and reliable shooter, yet the Thunders see more potential in his creation.
Considering that Alex Caruso is easing into fewer regular-season minutes, Wallace’s workload will increase. His control and shot selection are already mature, and more offensive aggression without losing efficiency may push him into the league’s elite group of two-way guards.
Jabari Smith Jr., Houston Rockets
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Jabari Smith Jr. has been refining his game while Houston gathered stars around him. This year, that patience is likely to pay off. He’s more aggressive in attacking mismatches and has become a dependable switch defender.
Playing alongside Şengün and Durant has forced him to diversify, and his mix of length, shooting, and improved composure might make him the X-factor that takes the Rockets from good to dangerous.
Cam Johnson, Denver Nuggets
Cam Johnson’s arrival in Denver has been understated, but his fit with Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray seems seamless. He runs lanes hard, relocates for threes, and understands spacing as well as anyone.
In this system, that skill set makes him dangerous. Denver’s depth took a hit last season, so Johnson’s efficiency and movement will be vital. Expect his shooting numbers to spike with the open looks Jokić generates.
Deuce McBride, New York Knicks
Deuce McBride’s intensity and decision-making may finally earn him recognition as a breakout sixth man. Don’t be surprised if he ends up closing games. He has built a reputation on hustle and defense, but this year’s Knicks system under Mike Brown is a good platform to highlight his offense, too.
Faster tempo and better spacing mean more driving lanes and early-clock chances. His growing confidence as a shooter adds versatility to his game.
Shaedon Sharpe, Portland Trail Blazers
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Few players have as much untapped potential as Shaedon Sharpe. He’s added patience to his athleticism by learning how to control pace instead of relying on bursts. This has resulted in smoother decision-making and better efficiency.
Portland’s offense will rely on him to create, and his mix of shot creation and rim pressure finally shows why he was once considered a top-tier prospect. Keeping balance between attacking and facilitating should complete the leap fans have been waiting for.