As I sit down to analyze this upcoming NBA season, I can't help but feel that special buzz in the air that only comes when we're about to witness the emergence of new basketball royalty. Having followed the league for over fifteen years, I've developed a sixth sense for spotting those players who are about to break through, and this season promises some truly spectacular transformations. While international basketball continues to develop remarkable talent—like the Alas Pilipinas squad preparing for the 2025 Southeast Asian V.League this August—the NBA's pipeline of rising stars remains unparalleled in terms of both depth and potential impact. Today I want to share my personal watchlist of ten players who I believe will define the upcoming season, the kind of athletes who will have you texting your friends "I told you so" by Christmas.
Let me start with a player I've been absolutely fascinated by—Jalen Green of the Houston Rockets. Last season, he averaged 22.1 points per game, but what impressed me more was his efficiency improvement in the final month, shooting 47% from the field in April compared to his season average of 42%. I've watched every one of his games from last season, and the progression in his decision-making was remarkable. He's developing that explosive first step combined with better shot selection that reminds me of a young Kobe Bryant. The Rockets have surrounded him with better veterans this offseason, and I predict he'll make the leap to All-Star status this year. Another guard who has captured my attention is Tyrese Maxey in Philadelphia. With James Harden's departure, Maxey will have the ball in his hands more than ever, and his lightning-quick speed combined with improved three-point shooting (he shot 43% from deep last season) makes him a nightmare matchup. I've spoken with several NBA scouts who believe he could average 25 points and 7 assists this season, numbers that would put him in the conversation for Most Improved Player.
The center position is undergoing a renaissance, and Evan Mobley of the Cleveland Cavaliers represents its future. At 7 feet tall with a 7-foot-4 wingspan, his defensive versatility is something I haven't seen since a young Kevin Garnett. Last season, the Cavaliers defended at a 106.3 rating with Mobley on the court versus 114.7 when he sat—that's an astronomical difference. What excites me most about Mobley isn't just his rim protection but his developing offensive game. I've watched footage of his offseason workouts, and his shooting form has noticeably improved. If he develops a consistent three-point shot to complement his elite defense, we're looking at a future MVP candidate. Another big man who deserves your attention is Alperen Şengün from Turkey, playing for the Houston Rockets. His footwork in the post is absolutely sublime, reminiscent of a young Hakeem Olajuwon. Last season, he became the youngest center in NBA history to record a triple-double with at least 25 points, and I believe he'll average 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists this season.
When we talk about international influence in the NBA, it's impossible to ignore the global development of basketball talent. The upcoming Southeast Asian V.League featuring Alas Pilipinas in August demonstrates how basketball continues to expand worldwide, creating pipelines that eventually feed into the NBA. This global infusion makes the league more exciting than ever, with diverse playing styles enriching the game. Back to my list, I'm particularly bullish on Scottie Barnes in Toronto. The 2022 Rookie of the Year took what some considered a sophomore slump last season, but I saw it differently—he was expanding his game, experimenting with new skills that will pay dividends this season. His unique combination of size (6-foot-7 with a 7-foot-3 wingspan) and ball-handling ability allows him to play multiple positions, and I predict the Raptors will run more of their offense through him this year.
Josh Giddey of the Oklahoma City Thunder represents a fascinating case study in modern NBA development. At 6-foot-8, he possesses exceptional court vision and passing ability for his size, averaging 6.4 assists per game last season. What I love about Giddey is his unorthodox playing style—he doesn't rely on explosive athleticism but rather on craftiness and basketball IQ. His shooting has been the main criticism, but I've noticed mechanical improvements in his jumper during summer league appearances. If he can become even a league-average three-point shooter, his playmaking will open up tremendously. Another guard who has won me over is Anfernee Simons of the Portland Trail Blazers. With Damian Lillard's departure, Simons will have the green light like never before, and his scoring prowess is undeniable. He averaged 21.1 points last season despite being the second option, and I believe he can jump to 25-plus points this year. His deep range and explosive athleticism make him must-watch television every night.
The NBA's future isn't just about offensive firepower, and that's why I'm including Herb Jones of the New Orleans Pelicans on my list. He might not put up gaudy statistics—he averaged just 9.5 points last season—but his defensive impact is profound. I've charted his defensive possessions against elite scorers, and he holds them to approximately 35% shooting, which is remarkable. In an era where defense is often overlooked, Jones represents the kind of two-way player that championship teams are built around. Another defensive stalwart who's developing offensively is Jaden McDaniels of the Minnesota Timberwolves. His length and agility allow him to guard positions 1 through 4 effectively, and his offensive game has shown significant improvement each season. I predict he'll become Minnesota's third-most important player behind Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards this season.
My final two selections represent what I consider the highest-upside players on this list. Paolo Banchero of the Orlando Magic, last season's Rookie of the Year, has the tools to become a generational talent. At 6-foot-10, 250 pounds with guard skills, he's a matchup nightmare who averaged 20.0 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 3.7 assists as a rookie—numbers that place him in elite company. What impresses me most about Banchero isn't his physical gifts but his maturity and understanding of the game beyond his years. I've watched him dissect defenses with his passing, something uncommon for players of his size and experience. My dark horse candidate is Jalen Williams of the Oklahoma City Thunder (not to be confused with Jaylin Williams, his teammate). Williams finished second in Rookie of the Year voting last season with remarkable efficiency, shooting 52% from the field. His combination of strength, body control, and basketball IQ is exceptional, and I believe he'll become the second-best player on a Thunder team that's poised to make a playoff push.
As we approach the new season, these ten players represent the thrilling evolution of basketball talent worldwide. While leagues like the Southeast Asian V.League continue to develop impressive athletes, the NBA remains the pinnacle where these skills are refined and showcased on the biggest stage. Having watched countless players come and go throughout my years following the league, what excites me most about this particular group is their diversity of skills and backgrounds. They're not just scorers or defenders—they're complete basketball players who represent where the game is heading. Mark my words: when we look back at this season in five years, we'll recognize it as the turning point where several of these athletes established themselves as the new faces of the league.