Just as we look for our shiny new toys on Christmas, the beginning of a new NBA season makes us want to find that NBA player who makes a name for himself.
We love veterans like Stephen Curry as well as the new crop led by Anthony Edwards but we also love the process of discovering hidden gems and anointing new kings. Jalen Williams is probably the biggest name who emerged from last season, becoming an All-Star and winning a title.
The likes of Ivica Zubac and Christian Braun entered their names into relevancy with terrific seasons, too. Which players will make that big leap this year?
Here are five players poised for a breakout in 2025-26.
Amen Thompson, Houston Rockets
2024-25: 14.1 points, 8.2 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.4 steals, 1.3 blocks
Amen Thompson is looking to make that leap from star in his role to flat-out star. He is one of the best defenders in the league with a lethal combination of explosive athleticism and elite anticipation. He constantly imposes his physicality and is a nightmare to get past.
From point guards to even some centers, Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka is spoilt for choice in deciding who he defends.
Offensively, Thompson will look to feast around the basket. He’s a long way from being a credible 3-point threat, so attacking the rim is pretty much his default option. Again, it’s his physicality and athleticism that make him hard to prevent from getting in the paint.
This season, Thompson is being given even more responsibility than expected due to Fred VanVleet’s season-ending injury. He is now the starting point guard, so he’ll get plenty of usage to make his numbers pop at a fringe All-Star level.
One of my favourite things about Amen Thompson is that teams going under on his pick-and-rolls never deters him being aggressive. He uses the space they give him as a weapon. pic.twitter.com/prOY8Fs4zK
— Esfandiar Baraheni (@JustEsBaraheni) October 21, 2025
Andrew Nembhard, Indiana Pacers
2024-25: 10.0 points, 2.8 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.2 steals
Few are primed for a breakout like Andrew Nembhard. He already has massive playoff experience under his belt, having gone to the NBA Finals last season and the Eastern Conference Finals the season prior. The Canadian is recognized as a playoff riser but being a topic of conversation throughout the regular season is something he’s yet to accomplish.
The biggest thing he’ll want to improve is his outside shooting during the regular season. Nembhard made just 29.1 percent of his 3-point attempts last season, far lower than his playoff career mark (40 games) of 47.3 percent.
He’s now the starting point guard with Tyrese Haliburton on the shelf due to a ruptured Achilles. Leading the Indiana Pacers back to the postseason would likely mean Nembhard has had an incredible season.
Matas Buzelis, Chicago Bulls
2024-25: 8.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.0 assist, 0.9 blocks
Buzelis has generated a lot of hype from his outstanding preseason. He averaged 17.6 points per game and the Chicago Bulls appear to be prioritizing his reps and development. If he’s going to continue shooting over 50 percent from the field, nearly 40 percent from three and 80 percent from the charity stripe, his usage will only ramp up.
The hype isn’t just about the preseason either. Last season, when his playing time nearly doubled from 15 minutes before the All-Star Break to 27 minutes after it, he more than doubled his scoring from 6.4 to 13.2 points, blocked over a shot per game and grabbed nearly five rebounds a game.
We’ve seen Buzelis show off some strong athleticism and length. After all, he was in the dunk contest last year. He also combines that with some really intelligent play, moving well off the ball and playing within himself with the ball. Defending some of the league’s better offensive talents will make him a name to watch for years to come.
Matas Buzelis preseason highlights ⬇️
17.6 PPG on 71% TS, 1.8 BPG in 23.4 MPG pic.twitter.com/MhafAEcvLB
— Brett Usher (@UsherNBA) October 17, 2025
Toumani Camara, Portland Trail Blazers
2024-25: 11.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.5 steals
Unless you’ve been paying attention to the Portland Trail Blazers, you’re probably unaware of Camara’s exploits as an elite defender. He can take on both guards and forwards with equal aplomb, using his 6-foot-7 frame and 7-foot wingspan to great effect. It’s a major factor in why the Blazers gave him a four-year, $82 million extension this offseason.
The biggest reason behind his uptick in playing time has been his 3-point shooting. Camara went from shooting 33.7 percent on 2.5 3-point attempts per game as a rookie to 37.5 percent on 4.6 attempts per game last season.
If he can continue that trajectory and add just a tiny bit of juice to his game off the bounce, there will be a lot more people talking about Camara’s game this year
2 minutes of Toumani Camara clamping the opposing teams best player pic.twitter.com/7k2stZ5EeK
— Blazers Palace (@blazers_palace) August 11, 2025
Jaylen Wells, Memphis Grizzlies
2024-25: 10.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.7 assists
Selected 39th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, Jaylen Wells proved one of the best stories of the Memphis Grizzlies’ season.
He’s a versatile perimeter defender who uses his lateral quickness and active hands to keep his man uncomfortable. Wells could be just as versatile on the offensive end. He’s got a solid 3-point stroke and is a crafty driver to the basket. As he continues to progress in those areas, he will certainly be tasked with more.
Wells had a scary finish to last season, fracturing his right wrist, suffering a facial laceration and being diagnosed with a concussion when undercut while attempting a dunk. It appears to be all systems go this season and he could well emerge as a serious building block for the Grizzlies.
JAYLEN WELLS ONE-LEGGED THREE OVER WEMBY 😱
that man dont play like a rookie 😂@jaylen_wells | @FDSN_Grizzlies pic.twitter.com/D26vjonq6K
— Grind City Media (@grindcitymedia) January 18, 2025
