Five NBA Players Expected to Break Out in the 2025-26 Season
five-nba-breakout-candidates-2025-26
The new NBA campaign has stirred debate over which emerging talents are ready to vault into larger roles. Roster movement, injuries and shifting rotations have created openings for several young players to make significant strides. Here are five names league insiders are monitoring closely.
Amen Thompson, Houston Rockets
After earning All-Defensive Team honors and a spot in the 2025 Rising Stars Game, the 22-year-old guard now steps into a heavier playmaking load. Houston added Kevin Durant and sent Jalen Green to Phoenix, while Fred VanVleet’s offseason ACL tear removed the club’s primary floor general. Thompson’s speed and ability to pressure the rim (64% at the basket last year) will anchor the attack, though opponents will keep testing his jumper after he shot 27% from three and 68% at the line. A spike in minutes and usage could push him toward his first All-Star bid.
Payton Pritchard, Boston Celtics
The reigning Sixth Man of the Year already posted career highs across the board, but Boston’s landscape has changed dramatically. An Achilles tear sidelines Jayson Tatum, and salary-cap maneuvers sent out Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porziņģis. With the Celtics leaning on Jaylen Brown and Derrick White to lead a more egalitarian offense, Pritchard’s elite three-point shooting and low-mistake style make him a prime candidate for additional touches. Another strong season off the bench could be vital as Boston chases a lower-seed playoff berth.
Jalen Duren, Detroit Pistons
The 21-year-old center quietly averaged a double-double while starting 78 games and converting 69.2% of his field-goal attempts, the NBA’s second-best mark behind Jarrett Allen. Duren flashed underrated passing skills, recording at least five assists in 15 contests, and may see his playing time climb past 30 minutes per night. With restricted free agency looming next summer, any growth as a short-roll facilitator could significantly boost both his value and Detroit’s offense alongside Cade Cunningham and Ausar Thompson.
Cameron Johnson, Denver Nuggets
Traded for Michael Porter Jr. in the offseason, Johnson brings a 39.2% career three-point clip and improved secondary playmaking to Denver. He averaged 18.8 points on 47% shooting for Brooklyn last season and now joins Nikola Jokić and a healthy Jamal Murray. The Nuggets hope his movement shooting and willingness to pass will stabilize non-Jokić minutes, especially with limited guard depth behind Bruce Brown and rookie Jalen Pickett. The fit positions Johnson to eclipse his previous scoring bests on a contender.
Andrew Nembhard, Indiana Pacers
Indiana entered the year without Tyrese Haliburton (Achilles) and after parting with Myles Turner, handing primary ball-handling duties to Nembhard. A shoulder injury in the opener has delayed that plan, but upon returning the 2022 second-round pick will run the offense. He must raise last season’s 29% three-point accuracy to keep defenses honest while balancing a heavier workload with his proven perimeter defense. Under contract through 2027-28, Nembhard’s development during Haliburton’s absence could pay long-term dividends for the Pacers.
Source: ESPN
