By Ben Golliver / ESPN, 2026-10-26 19:00:00
在NBA，职业生涯的进步可以有多种形式：挤进首发阵容、首次入选全明星，或者跻身MVP讨论行列，等等。
让我们来盘点哪些球员已经为爆发赛季做好了准备——首先需要承认，“爆发”一词的含义因球员的天赋和经验不同而大相径庭。
以下列出的30名球员都已准备好在2026-27赛季迈出下一步，并根据他们目前的资历以及促成其预期进步的环境条件，被划分成了不同层级。
跳转至各层级：
爆发目标：MVP | 超级巨星 | 全明星 | 首发
爆发球员亮点：近期交易 | 新秀
第一层级：首座MVP？
入选标准：多次入选全明星、有望在2026-27赛季首次夺得MVP的球员。
维克托·文班亚马 (Victor Wembanyama)，马刺
上赛季，文班亚马在MVP投票中排名第三，并在22岁的赛季率领马刺打入总决赛，巩固了他自勒布朗·詹姆斯以来NBA最顶级蓝筹新秀的地位。在证明自己能够统领精英级防守并经受住西部季后赛的残酷考验之后，这位法国中锋还需打磨他的单打得分技术，成为更可靠的终结者，才能登上“世界第一”的王座。鉴于他前三个赛季的飞速进步，这些提升似乎只是“何时”的问题，而非“是否”的问题。
卢卡·东契奇 (Luka Doncic)，湖人
湖人已经完全围绕27岁的东契奇重新构建球队，而他常年位居联盟顶级得分手和传球手之列。东契奇在MVP投票中的最好成绩是第三名，但他的竞争力将受益于一套量身打造、契合其优势的全新帮手阵容，以及詹姆斯休赛期离队后预期的球权使用率飙升。东契奇的健康状况是潜在隐患：他冲击MVP的最佳前提是湖人取得50胜以上，而如果他缺席大量比赛，这一目标将难以实现。
凯德·坎宁安 (Cade Cunningham)，活塞
低调的坎宁安或许不如一些同龄人那样备受关注，但他具备了MVP竞争者的一切要素：打出亮眼数据、带动球队赢球，并作为一支总决赛竞争者的可靠门面。这位2021年状元秀上赛季率领活塞取得60胜、拿下东部头号种子，在MVP投票中排名第五。如果活塞能够打破季前质疑者的预期，再次跻身联盟顶级行列，那么25岁的坎宁安这次几乎肯定会获得更多选票。
安东尼·爱德华兹 (Anthony Edwards)，森林狼
与文班亚马和坎宁安类似，爱德华兹是另一位正在崛起的前状元秀。这位25岁的得分后卫尚未在MVP投票中进入前五，但他已多次率领森林狼在季后赛中走得很远，如今身边还多了一位强力新搭档——拉梅洛·鲍尔。尽管与历届MVP得主相比，爱德华兹的高阶数据常常有所欠缺，但他有相当大的机会赢得个人首个得分王头衔，而且可以说他早已是联盟魅力值第一人。
泰瑞斯·马克西 (Tyrese Maxey)，76人
马克西是持续进步的典范：生涯前六个赛季，他的场均得分逐年攀升，并在2024年首次入选全明星之后，于2026年首次入选最佳阵容。这位费城闪电般迅捷的后卫已经精通得分技艺，而与詹姆斯和杰伦·布朗并肩作战的豪华版76人，也必将为他带来更多全国性关注。虽然德维恩·韦德、凯里·欧文和安东尼·戴维斯在詹姆斯阴影下打球时都未能作为MVP候选人获得太多支持，但费城的球星格局有所不同——毕竟马克西25岁，而詹姆斯已经41岁。
第二层级：从全明星到超级巨星？
入选标准：至少入选过一次全明星、有望在赛季结束时跻身联盟前15讨论范围的球员。
斯科蒂·巴恩斯 (Scottie Barnes)，猛龙
迄今为止，25岁的巴恩斯既没有真正扮演过典型的头号得分手角色，也尚未证明自己是稳定的外线射手。但这没关系，因为这位猛龙前锋是一名非常出色的进攻球员、一位卓越的防守者，而且与科怀·伦纳德搭档十分契合。虽然巴恩斯的赢球特质可能在猛龙重建期间被掩盖，但如今随着伦纳德的加入、猛龙有望在季后赛中取得突破，这些特质理应得到充分展现。他在防守端的位置多样性、持球与无球切换的自如，以及强悍的身体素质，在球员中实属罕见。
切特·霍姆格伦 (Chet Holmgren)，雷霆
现在是低位买入24岁霍姆格伦的好时机——他在西部决赛对阵文班亚马领衔的马刺时的糟糕表现招致了大量社交媒体批评。这位2022年榜眼秀可以说是除文班亚马之外联盟最好的护框者，而且他是一名技术娴熟的辅助型得分手，既能在矮个防守者头上完成内线终结，也能拉到三分线外用跳投惩罚传统大个子。俄克拉荷马城深厚的板凳深度让霍姆格伦整个职业生涯都享有场均出场不足30分钟的奢侈，但在杰伦·威廉姆斯因脚踝重伤缺阵后，他成为填补进攻空缺的头号人选。
杰伦·约翰逊 (Jalen Johnson)，老鹰
约翰逊上赛季凭借惊人的数据表现成为梦幻篮球中的超级巨星。但在现实中，他仍有功课要做。尽管这位24岁的前锋在特雷·杨离队后接过了亚特兰大进攻的钥匙，但当他在季后赛中表现挣扎时，老鹰顿时乱了阵脚。对他多一些耐心是应该的——约翰逊新秀赛季几乎没打几场比赛，又因伤病缺席了2024-25赛季的大部分时间。如今，如果他能够率领这支阵容深厚、天赋出众的老鹰队在季后赛中真正走远，他的声望必将飙升。
第三层级：从主力到全明星？
入选标准：渴望首次入选全明星的大牌球员。
库珀·弗拉格 (Cooper Flagg)，独行侠
这位2026年最佳新秀的一切迹象都在向好：他带着新任主帅达斯蒂·梅和恢复健康的搭档欧文开启第二个赛季。19岁的弗拉格上赛季在得分、篮板、助攻和抢断上均领跑全队，尽管球队举步维艰，他依然展现了未来MVP的潜质。随着詹姆斯和伦纳德今夏加盟东部球队，西部全明星的选拔中可能会为弗拉格腾出一个席位。当然，前提是他周五遭遇的肩伤不会持续困扰他。
奥斯汀·里夫斯 (Austin Reaves)，湖人
在2021年落选之后，里夫斯凭借多年稳定而有针对性的成长，于今夏签下了一份4年1.8亿美元的续约合同。里夫斯已经成长为湖人理想中的二当家：他能持球创造投篮机会、制造犯规站上罚球线、无球时高效得分，传球能力也足以胜任主控或副控组织者。此外，这位28岁的球员还擅长与詹姆斯、东契奇这样的球星建立牢固的私人关系。
阿门·汤普森 (Amen Thompson)，火箭
23岁的汤普森上赛季因休斯顿需要应对老将后卫弗雷德·范弗利特的膝伤而被推上组织重任。尽管汤普森以一个高产的赛季作为回应，并因此获得了一份5年2.08亿美元的续约合同，但如今随着范弗利特回归担任组织者，他有望扮演一个更高效、更稳定的角色。无论汤普森能否开发出可靠的三分球，他凭借顶级的速度、力量、爆发力和敏捷性，已经具备全明星级别的天赋。这位身高6尺7的前锋冲击禁区、篮下终结以及担任第二组织者的能力，让他与普通的防守专家截然不同。
斯蒂芬·卡斯尔 (Stephon Castle)，马刺
21岁的卡斯尔很可能已经取代达龙·福克斯，成为除文班亚马之外马刺最有可能入选全明星的球员。这位2024年4号秀凭借不知疲倦的持球突破和强硬的外线防守，已成为同届新秀中的最佳球员。卡斯尔并非天生的控卫，也一直在与失误问题作斗争，但他在圣安东尼奥作为第二创造者的定位十分合适。
迪伦·哈珀 (Dylan Harper)，马刺
在马刺2026年总决赛之旅中，哈珀作为超级替补的表现如此惊艳，以至于他硬是挤进了马刺的首发阵容。这位20岁的后卫是一名技术细腻的终结者，拥有出色的身体控制能力、自如的变速本领，以及远超年龄的无畏气质。这位2025年榜眼秀赛季开始前就是热门的最快进步球员候选人，而他的全明星前景很可能取决于主帅米奇·约翰逊如何调配这套后卫扎堆的轮换阵容。
贾登·麦克丹尼尔斯 (Jaden McDaniels)，森林狼
虽然麦克丹尼尔斯多年来一直是爱德华兹和森林狼球迷的宠儿，但随着朱利叶斯·兰德尔和纳兹·里德今夏离队，他有望在全国范围内获得更高的个人认可。作为明尼苏达大胆而令人兴奋的新球队形象的一部分，这位26岁的前锋与爱德华兹和鲍尔搭档十分契合。长期以来以身体对抗性强、防守多面著称的麦克丹尼尔斯，在效力森林狼的七个赛季中已成长为可靠的第三得分手。
布兰登·米勒 (Brandon Miller)，黄蜂
在鲍尔休赛期被交易后，米勒接过了夏洛特门面球员的大旗。这位2023年榜眼秀在生涯前三个赛季并未完全展现超级巨星潜质，但他稳定的得分能力和高产量三分投射为他赢得了本月初一份5年2.09亿美元的续约合同。这位23岁前锋的下一步很明确：更多冲击篮筐、更频繁地站上罚球线，并在鲍尔缺阵时分担组织任务。
第四层级：从替补到首发？
入选标准：寻求在首发阵容中有所作为的前替补球员。
泰·杰罗姆 (Ty Jerome)，灰熊
杰罗姆是一名流浪型球员，曾于2025年随克利夫兰骑士入围最佳第六人决选，上赛季被提拔进灰熊首发阵容，随后因伤病仅出战15场。这位29岁的后卫用一场回归之战宣告归来，在孟菲斯赛季揭幕战击败犹他爵士的比赛中砍下生涯新高的45分。他克制而高效的得分能力和三分射程，使他成为灰熊重建进程中称职的场上指挥官。
纳兹·里德 (Naz Reid)，黄蜂
27岁的里德曾是森林狼常年的最佳第六人候选人，但休赛期被交易至黄蜂后，他被定位为前场首发和老将领袖。这位落选大个子在得分、篮板和防守方面的能力足以胜任这次角色升级。如果一切顺利，在夏洛特以外线为主的进攻体系中，里德将轻松刷新个人生涯单季得分和三分出手次数纪录。
卡森·华莱士 (Cason Wallace)，雷霆
22岁的华莱士是雷霆指定的吕盖恩茨·多尔特接班人：一名不知疲倦的外线防守者，与两届MVP谢伊·吉尔杰斯-亚历山大共同平衡着俄克拉荷马城的首发后场。虽然华莱士没有多尔特那样宽阔的身板，但他经常凭借惊人的手速和持球防守直觉瓦解对手的进攻回合。要配得上新签的5年1.39亿美元合同，华莱士必须在持球威胁和外线投射方面有所成长。
哈曼·马卢阿奇 (Khaman Maluach)，太阳
在马克·威廉姆斯9月接受肩部手术后，马卢阿奇在揭幕战中出任太阳首发中锋。这位20岁的大个子凭借7尺1的身材和成长为护框型空间型五号位的潜力，是太阳长期未来的关键拼图。无论马卢阿奇能否保住首发位置，菲尼克斯都必须确保他在第二个赛季获得充足的出场时间。这位杜克出品的球员新秀赛季仅出场411分钟，是2025届前10顺位新秀中唯一一位上赛季出场时间不足1200分钟的球员。
第五层级：新球队，新气象？
入选标准：通过近期交易找到更好发展环境的球员。
沃克·凯斯勒 (Walker Kessler)，湖人
经过夏天的一笔先签后换交易，凯斯勒从爵士来到湖人，可谓进入了中锋的天堂，他将继续享受来自东契奇和里夫斯的源源不断的空接喂饼。凭借篮下终结能力和内线防守威慑力，25岁的凯斯勒甚至应该获得美国男篮2028年奥运代表队的考虑。
伊维察·祖巴茨 (Ivica Zubac)，步行者
在过往几年与詹姆斯·哈登在洛杉矶快船的挡拆配合中大放异彩之后，祖巴茨应在泰瑞斯·哈利伯顿的步行者扮演类似角色。虽然这位29岁的中锋从未入选全明星，但如果他能在印第安纳持续砍下两双，他有望引发一些关注。
达柳斯·加兰 (Darius Garland)，快船
26岁的加兰在骑士生涯后期不得不兼顾串联全队并让位于头号选择多诺万·米切尔，但转会至重建中的快船后，他被推入了一个以得分为主的角色。身材劣势一直制约着加兰在季后赛的发挥，但他拥有足够的投篮创造能力、速度和射程，可以在快船等待多名关键球员伤愈期间充当三威胁得分手。
贾里德·麦凯恩 (Jared McCain)，雷霆
自2月通过交易从76人加盟以来，22岁的麦凯恩一直是雷霆近年来最大软肋——不稳定的外线投射——的有力解药。当俄克拉荷马城的半场进攻陷入停滞时，麦凯恩总能凭借神准的投篮注入活力与节奏。如果未来某天他捧起最佳第六人奖杯，请不要感到意外。
佩顿·沃特森 (Peyton Watson)，骑士
沃特森不得不通过夏天的一笔先签后换交易离开掘金加盟骑士，以 securing 自己新签的4年8800万美元合同，而这位24岁的前锋完美填补了克利夫兰首发阵容中最大的空缺。尽管由于骑士得分点众多，他的进攻戏份可能有所减少，但在这支志在总决赛的老牌球队中，他将拥有充分的机会展现自己作为外线防守者的价值。
扎卡里·里萨谢 (Zaccharie Risacher)，独行侠
对里萨谢的期望应该保持克制——这位2024年状元秀在亚特兰大仅效力了两个赛季。但这位21岁的法国前锋来到了一支正在重组、似乎有动力将他打造成可靠轮换球员的独行侠。里萨谢缺乏成为球星所需的劲爆运动能力，但如果他能转型为一名3D贡献者，依然可以拥有一个收入丰厚的职业生涯。
第六层级：即战力新秀
入选标准：2026年乐透秀，应能从第一天起就大放异彩。
卡梅隆·布泽尔 (Cameron Boozer)，灰熊
19岁的布泽尔应该为自己 landing 在这样一套阵容而感到庆幸：这里有杰罗姆这样稳健的主控来运转进攻，还有多名传统中锋为这位6尺10的大前锋分担消耗。在布泽尔试图率领重建中的灰熊重返正轨之际，在角色定位和阵容结构方面，他比其他2026届乐透新秀拥有先发优势。这可能会为他带来一座最佳新秀奖杯。
AJ·迪班萨 (AJ Dybantsa)，奇才
19岁的迪班萨以状元身份被选中，因为他是一名即战力得分手，能够冲击篮下并制造身体接触。虽然奇才需要在融合老将球星安东尼·戴维斯、特雷·杨与以迪班萨为首的年轻核心之间权衡各方利益，但这位前杨百翰大学球星拥有自2010年状元约翰·沃尔以来华盛顿新秀中最高的天赋上限。
凯莱布·威尔逊 (Caleb Wilson)，公牛
20岁的威尔逊在糟糕的公牛队的新秀赛季看起来注定跌宕起伏：在NBA首秀对阵猛龙时打出-45的正负值之后，几天后他又在对阵奇才的比赛中强势回应，砍下30分14篮板。作为一名身高6尺10、攻防两端都能在篮筐之上作业、并能担任外线组织者的前锋，威尔逊有充分的理由被称为本届新秀中最令人垂涎的前景。
达伦·彼得森 (Darryn Peterson)，爵士
19岁的彼得森可以从容适应犹他首发得分后卫的生活，因为他身边有基翁特·乔治、劳里·马尔卡宁和小贾伦·杰克逊等久经考验的得分手。即便如此，爵士仍希望看到这位榜眼秀在持球创造和投篮终结方面持续展现自我。尽管大一赛季饱受伤病困扰，彼得森在堪萨斯大学已经证明了自己能够迅速进入火热状态。
亚克塞尔·伦德博格 (Yaxel Lendeborg)，勇士
24岁的伦德博格比典型的新秀年龄更大、身体更成熟，这对陷入困境的勇士来说是个好消息。在吉米·巴特勒三世、克里斯塔普斯·波尔津吉斯等多名关键球员赛季初缺阵的情况下，这位6尺9的前锋已进入首发阵容，并作为第二得分手和持球防守者立即产生了影响。如果伦德博格整个赛季都能在首发角色中保持这样的产出，这位11号秀会不会出人意料地击败他的少年同侪，夺得最佳新秀？
由生成式 AI 翻译，翻译内容可能不准确或不完整，以原文为准。
查看原文：NBA breakout tiers: 30 players ready for the next step
NBA breakout tiers: 30 players ready for the next step
Career progression can take many forms in the NBA: cracking the starting lineup, earning a first All-Star selection or making the leap into the MVP conversation, to name a few.
Let’s survey which players are primed for breakout campaigns by first acknowledging that “breakout” can have very different meanings depending on a player’s talent and experience.
The 30 players listed below are all primed to take the next step in 2026-27 and have been sorted into tiers based on their current credentials and the circumstances contributing to their projected improvement.
Jump to a tier:
Breakouts to: MVP | Superstar | All-Star | Starter
Breakout picks featuring: Recent trades | Rookies
Tier 1: First MVP?
Who makes the cut: Multitime All-Stars who could conceivably break through to their first MVP in 2026-27.
Victor Wembanyama, Spurs
Last season, Wembanyama finished third in MVP voting and led the Spurs to the Finals during his age-22 campaign, cementing his status as the NBA’s top blue-chip prospect since LeBron James. After proving he could captain an elite defense and survive the Western Conference’s playoff gauntlet, the French center must refine his isolation scoring game and become a more dependable closer to claim the “Best in the World” throne. Given his rapid improvement during his first three seasons, those developments feel like a matter of “when,” not “if.”
Luka Doncic, Lakers
The Lakers have fully recalibrated around the 27-year-old Doncic, who is perennially one of the league’s top scorers and passers. Doncic has never finished higher than third in MVP voting, but his candidacy should benefit from a new-look supporting cast that’s tailored to his strengths and an expected spike in usage after James’ offseason departure. Doncic’s health looms as a potential drawback: His best chance to win MVP relies on the Lakers finishing with 50-plus wins, a bar they won’t clear if he misses significant time.
Cade Cunningham, Pistons
The low-key Cunningham might not generate as much buzz as some of his contemporaries, but he checks all the boxes for aspiring MVPs by putting up big numbers, driving wins and serving as the reliable face of a Finals contender. The 2021 No. 1 pick finished fifth in MVP voting last season after leading Detroit to 60 wins and the East’s No. 1 seed. If the Pistons defy their preseason doubters and finish in the conference’s top tier again, the 25-year-old Cunningham will almost certainly show up on more ballots this time around.
Anthony Edwards, Timberwolves
Similar to Wembanyama and Cunningham, Edwards is another former No. 1 pick on the ascent. The 25-year-old shooting guard hasn’t yet finished in the top five for MVP voting, but he has led the Timberwolves on multiple deep postseason runs and is flanked by a potent new sidekick in LaMelo Ball. Though Edwards’ advanced statistics often leave something to be desired compared to past MVP winners, he has a decent chance to win his first scoring title and arguably already leads the league in charisma.
Tyrese Maxey, 76ers
Maxey is a model of continual improvement: His scoring average increased from year to year in each of his first six seasons, and he followed his first All-Star selection in 2024 with his first All-NBA nod in 2026. Philadelphia’s lightning-quick guard has mastered his scoring craft, and he’s bound to get more national attention playing alongside James and Jaylen Brown on the souped-up 76ers. Though Dwyane Wade, Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis never generated much traction as MVP candidates while playing in James’ shadow, the star dynamic is different in Philadelphia given that Maxey is 25 and James is 41.
Tier 2: All-Star to superstar?
Who makes the cut: Players with at least one All-Star selection who could vault into the top-15 conversation by season’s end.
Scottie Barnes, Raptors
To date, the 25-year-old Barnes hasn’t really functioned as a prototypical alpha scorer or proven to be a knockdown perimeter shooter. That’s OK because the Raptors’ forward is a very good offensive player, an exceptional defender and a strong fit alongside Kawhi Leonard. Though Barnes’ winning qualities might have been masked during Toronto’s rebuilding years, they should be on full display now that the Raptors expect to make playoff progress with Leonard in the fold. His positional versatility on defense, his comfort playing on and off the ball, and his imposing physicality are rarely found in a player.
Chet Holmgren, Thunder
Now is a good time to buy low on the 24-year-old Holmgren, whose poor showing against Wembanyama’s Spurs in the conference finals prompted plenty of social media criticism. The 2022 No. 2 pick is arguably the league’s best rim protector other than Wembanyama, and he’s a skilled complementary scorer who can finish inside over smaller defenders and step out beyond the arc to beat traditional big men with his jumper. Oklahoma City’s deep bench has given Holmgren the luxury of playing under 30 minutes per game throughout his career, but he’s a prime candidate to pick up the offensive slack after Jalen Williams’ serious ankle injury.
Jalen Johnson, Hawks
Johnson emerged as a fantasy basketball superstar last season thanks to his eye-popping production. In reality, he still has some work to do. Though the 24-year-old forward received the keys to Atlanta’s offense after Trae Young’s departure, the Hawks were left scrambling for answers when he faltered during the playoffs. A little patience was in order, as Johnson barely played as a rookie and missed most of the 2024-25 season because of injury. Now, his reputation is set to soar if he can lead a deep and talented Hawks team on a real playoff run.
Tier 3: Standout to All-Star?
Who makes the cut: Big names aspiring for their first All-Star selection.
Cooper Flagg, Mavericks
All signs point up for the 2026 Rookie of the Year, back for his second season with a new coach in Dusty May and a healthy co-star in Irving. Flagg, 19, led Dallas in points, rebounds, assists and steals last season, flashing future MVP potential despite his team’s struggles. With James and Leonard joining Eastern Conference teams this summer, a spot could open for Flagg in the Western Conference All-Star selection process. Of course, that’s assuming the shoulder injury he suffered Friday doesn’t linger.
Austin Reaves, Lakers
After going undrafted in 2021, Reaves cashed in on years of steady, purposeful development by signing a four-year, $180 million extension this summer. Reaves has become everything the Lakers could want in a No. 2 option: He can create shots off the dribble, get to the free throw line, score effectively when off the ball and pass well enough to function as a lead or secondary playmaker. And the 28-year-old also has a knack for establishing strong interpersonal relationships with stars such as James and Doncic.
Amen Thompson, Rockets
Thompson, 23, was thrown into playmaking duties last season as Houston sought to cope with veteran guard Fred VanVleet’s knee injury. Though Thompson responded with a productive campaign that netted him a five-year, $208 million contract extension, he appears set up for a more efficient and stable role now that VanVleet’s back in the lineup as an organizer. Whether or not Thompson ever develops a reliable 3-point shot, he has All-Star tools thanks to his elite quickness, strength, power and agility. The 6-7 forward’s ability to get into the paint, finish at the rim and function as a secondary distributor separates him from the average defensive specialist.
Stephon Castle, Spurs
Castle, 21, has probably supplanted De’Aaron Fox as the most likely Spurs player besides Wembanyama to get an All-Star nod. The 2024 No. 4 pick has emerged as the best player in his draft class thanks to his relentless dribble drives and physical perimeter defense. Castle isn’t a natural point guard and has struggled with turnovers, but he’s well-situated in San Antonio as a secondary creator.
Dylan Harper, Spurs
Harper was so electric as a super substitute during San Antonio’s 2026 Finals run that he forced his way into the Spurs’ starting lineup. The 20-year-old guard is a crafty finisher with excellent body control, the ability to seamlessly change speeds and a fearlessness well beyond his years. The 2025 No. 2 pick entered the season as a popular Most Improved Player candidate, and his All-Star chances will likely be shaped by how coach Mitch Johnson manages his guard-heavy rotation.
Jaden McDaniels, Timberwolves
Though McDaniels has been a favorite of Edwards and Timberwolves fans for years, he’s positioned for greater individual recognition nationally after the departures of Julius Randle and Naz Reid this summer. As part of Minnesota’s brash and exciting new identity, the 26-year-old forward is a strong fit alongside Edwards and Ball. Long known for his physical and versatile defending, McDaniels has blossomed into a reliable third scorer during his seven-year tenure with the Timberwolves.
Brandon Miller, Hornets
Miller has taken the reins as Charlotte’s franchise player after Ball’s offseason trade. The 2023 No. 2 pick didn’t quite display superstar potential during his first three seasons, but his reliable scoring and high-volume 3-point shooting earned him a five-year, $209 million extension earlier this month. The next steps for the 23-year-old forward are clear: put more pressure on the rim, regularly get to the free throw line and help with the playmaking duties in Ball’s absence.
Tier 4: Second unit to starter?
Who makes the cut: Former backups looking to make an impact in the starting lineup.
Ty Jerome, Grizzlies
Jerome, a journeyman who was a finalist for 2025 Sixth Man of the Year with the Cleveland Cavaliers, was bumped up into the Grizzlies’ starting lineup last season before injuries limited him to 15 games. The 29-year-old guard relished his return by scoring a career-high 45 points in Memphis’ season-opening win over the Utah Jazz. His controlled, efficient scoring and 3-point range make him a capable floor general for the Grizzlies’ rebuilding effort.
Naz Reid, Hornets
Reid, 27, was a perennial Sixth Man of the Year candidate for the Timberwolves, but an offseason trade to the Hornets has positioned him as a frontcourt starter and veteran leader. The undrafted big man has the chops as a scorer, rebounder and defender to handle the promotion. If things go as planned, Reid will easily average career highs in points and 3-point attempts in Charlotte’s perimeter-oriented offense.
Cason Wallace, Thunder
Wallace, 22, is the Thunder’s designated Luguentz Dort replacement: a relentless perimeter defender who balances OKC’s starting backcourt alongside two-time MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Though Wallace doesn’t have Dort’s broad frame, he regularly blows up possessions with his incredible hands and on-ball instincts. To live up to his new five-year, $139 million contract, Wallace must show growth as a ballhandling threat and outside shooter.
Khaman Maluach, Suns
Maluach emerged as Phoenix’s starting center for opening night after Mark Williams underwent shoulder surgery in September. The 20-year-old big man is a crucial piece for the Suns’ long-term future given his 7-1 frame and potential to develop into a rim-protecting stretch 5. Whether or not Maluach maintains his starting spot, Phoenix must ensure he receives a healthy amount of playing time throughout his second season. The Duke product logged a paltry 411 minutes as a rookie, making him the only 2025 top 10 pick to play fewer than 1,200 minutes last season.
Tier 5: New team, new results?
Who makes the cut: players who found greener pastures thanks to recent trades.
Walker Kessler, Lakers
Kessler is now in center nirvana after a summer sign-and-trade sent him from the Jazz to the Lakers, and he will continue enjoying a steady stream of lobs from Doncic and Reaves. The 25-year-old Kessler should even draw consideration for USA Basketball’s 2028 Olympic team due to his paint finishing and interior defensive presence.
Ivica Zubac, Pacers
After thriving as a pick-and-roll partner with James Harden on the LA Clippers in years past, Zubac should occupy a similar role on Tyrese Haliburton’s Pacers. Though the 29-year-old center has never made an All-Star team, he could generate some buzz if he stacks up double-doubles in Indiana.
Darius Garland, Clippers
Garland, 26, had to keep everyone involved and defer to No. 1 option Donovan Mitchell during the latter stages of his Cavaliers tenure, but a move to the rebuilding Clippers has thrust him into a score-first role. A lack of size has held back Garland in the playoffs, but he possesses enough shot-creation ability, quickness and range to function as a three-level scorer while the Clippers wait for several key players to get healthy.
Jared McCain, Thunder
Since arriving from the 76ers in a February trade, the 22-year-old McCain has been a strong answer to the Thunder’s biggest weakness in recent years: inconsistent outside shooting. When Oklahoma City’s half-court offense bogs down, McCain has a knack for injecting energy and flow with his deadeye shooting. Don’t be surprised if there’s a Sixth Man of the Year award in his future.
Peyton Watson, Cavaliers
Watson had to leave the Nuggets for the Cavaliers in a summer sign-and-trade to secure his new four-year, $88 million contract, and the 24-year-old forward cleanly fills what was the biggest hole in Cleveland’s starting lineup. Though his offensive usage could take a hit given the Cavaliers’ many scoring threats, he will have every opportunity to showcase his value as a perimeter defender for a veteran team with Finals aspirations.
Zaccharie Risacher, Mavericks
Expectations should be modest for Risacher, the 2024 No. 1 pick who lasted just two seasons in Atlanta. But the 21-year-old French forward landed with a retooling Mavericks organization that’s seemingly motivated to fashion him into a reliable rotation player. Risacher lacks the dynamic athleticism to be a star, but he could still enjoy a lucrative career if he can pivot into a 3-and-D contributor.
Tier 6: Impact rookies
Who makes the cut: 2026 lottery picks should be able to shine from day one.
Cameron Boozer, Grizzlies
Boozer, 19, should be thrilled he landed on a roster that boasts a solid lead guard in Jerome to run the offense and multiple traditional centers to protect the 6-10 power forward from wear and tear. As Boozer tries to lead the rebuilding Grizzlies back to respectability, he has a head start on his fellow 2026 lottery picks when it comes to role definition and roster structure. That could pay off with a Rookie of the Year award.
AJ Dybantsa, Wizards
The 19-year-old Dybantsa was selected No. 1 because he is a pro-ready scorer who can get downhill and draw contact. Though the Wizards will need to juggle some competing interests as they mesh veteran stars Anthony Davis and Trae Young with a younger core led by Dybantsa, the former BYU star has the highest ceiling of any Washington prospect since 2010 No. 1 pick John Wall.
Caleb Wilson, Bulls
Wilson, 20, looks headed for a roller coaster rookie season with the dreadful Bulls: After posting a minus-45 in his NBA debut against the Raptors, he responded with 30 points and 14 rebounds in a strong showing against the Wizards a few nights later. As a 6-10 forward who plays well above the rim on both ends and can operate as a perimeter playmaker, Wilson has a strong case as his draft class’ most tantalizing prospect.
Darryn Peterson, Jazz
Peterson, 19, can ease into life as Utah’s starting two guard because he’s surrounded by proven scorers in Keyonte George, Lauri Markkanen and Jaren Jackson Jr. Even so, the Jazz will want to see the second pick assert himself for stretches as an off-the-dribble creator and shotmaker. Peterson proved he could get hot in a hurry at Kansas despite an injury-plagued freshman season.
Yaxel Lendeborg, Warriors
The 24-year-old Lendeborg is older and more physically developed than the typical rookie, which is good news for the reeling Warriors. With Jimmy Butler III, Kristaps Porzingis and other key contributors out to start the season, the 6-9 Lendeborg has stepped into the starting lineup and made an immediate impact as a secondary scorer and on-ball defender. If Lendeborg sustains his production in a starting role all season, will the No. 11 pick unexpectedly beat out his teenage classmates for Rookie of the Year?
By Ben Golliver / ESPN