NBA Rank Watch: 10 Players Poised to Break Into 2026 Top-100 List
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ESPN’s 2025 NBA Rank introduced 25 newcomers, the largest year-to-year turnover since 2019. Looking ahead, analyst Kevin Pelton has identified 10 players who were left out this time but could land in the 2026 top 100.
Second-year contenders
Dylan Harper, San Antonio Spurs — Eight of the past 11 No. 2 overall picks reached the top 100 by their second season. Harper, backing up veteran point guard De’Aaron Fox as a rookie, is projected to follow that trend despite limited first-year minutes.
Kon Knueppel, Charlotte Hornets — The summer-league championship game MVP heads into a roster with immediate playing time available. Pelton rates the No. 8 pick as the rookie most prepared to contribute outside of Cooper Flagg.
Young players on the rise
Donovan Clingan, Portland Trail Blazers — As a rookie, the 7-foot-2 center blocked 7.5% of opponents’ two-point attempts, second only to Victor Wembanyama, while averaging 19.8 minutes. With Deandre Ayton bought out, Clingan moves into the starting lineup after posting 10.0 rebounds in 37 starts.
Zaccharie Risacher, Atlanta Hawks — The 2024 No. 1 pick is the only top choice in the last decade to miss the top 100 entering Year 2. After averaging 12.6 points and finishing second in Rookie of the Year voting, modest growth on a playoff-bound roster could change that.
Ausar Thompson, Detroit Pistons — Post All-Star break numbers of 1.7 steals and 1.0 blocks per game highlight elite defensive potential. Only MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and newcomer Jalen Johnson met or exceeded those averages last season.
Kel’el Ware, Miami Heat — In 36 rookie starts alongside Bam Adebayo, Ware logged 10.8 points and 10.0 rebounds. Continued progress as a three-point shooter would strengthen his bid for next year’s list.
Veterans aiming for a return
Josh Giddey, Chicago Bulls — Once ranked No. 53, the Australian guard slipped out after a rough 2024 postseason. He rebounded by averaging 21.2 points, 10.7 rebounds and 9.3 assists after the 2025 All-Star break while hitting 46% from three.
Herbert Jones, New Orleans Pelicans — A 2024 All-Defensive first-team member, Jones appeared in just 20 games last season before shoulder surgery. Full health should restore his top-100 value.
Brandin Podziemski, Golden State Warriors — Ranked No. 78 as a rookie, the guard’s three-point rate dipped in Year 2, but his usage and overall efficiency rose while running the second unit. A third-season jump would solidify his spot.
Immanuel Quickley, Toronto Raptors — Injuries limited the guard to 33 games, yet he averaged 17.1 points and 5.8 assists in 27.8 minutes. Replicating that over a longer stretch and guiding Toronto to at least a play-in berth could bring him back after ranking No. 64 a year ago.
Pelton’s forecast intentionally omits injured stars Tyrese Haliburton, Damian Lillard, Jayson Tatum and Kyrie Irving, all expected to miss 2025-26 but considered obvious top-100 selections once healthy.
Source: ESPN
