"The aim here, as always, is to identify which players are set to make a leap, whether that's to full-on stardom or simply to have a major career year. Last year, we successfully predicted the Cleveland Cavaliers' Evan Mobley and the Oklahoma City Thunder's Jalen Williams would explode onto the scene. Both made their first All-Star game and significantly elevated their teams, with the latter helping the franchise win its first championship."
"This process hinges not only on talent, but more importantly, on opportunity and circumstances. Every player on this list should enter a friendlier on-court situation than last year for a variety of reasons, whether that's injuries, rotation openings or the team's value on internal continuity. In no particular order, here are the five players you should keep your eyes on this season as they climb the ranks of NBA notability."
"An argument could be made that Thompson broke out last season, making the All-Defensive Team while providing some jaw-dropping flashes on the offensive end. He also was selected for the 2025 Rising Stars game. Now, the team is aligned for him to take on a larger share of playmaking responsibility. With the addition of Kevin Durant and the departure of Jalen Green to Phoenix, there's a major opportunity for Thompson to take on a more commanding role for the Rockets."
The NBA season has begun and a five-player breakout watchlist highlights those likely to make significant leaps. Last year’s identified players, Evan Mobley and Jalen Williams, reached their first All-Star games and materially boosted their teams, with Williams aiding a franchise championship. Breakout potential depends on talent combined with opportunity and circumstances. Each selected player enters a friendlier on-court environment due to injuries, rotation openings, or team continuity. One Rockets guard earned All-Defensive honors and a 2025 Rising Stars selection and now faces expanded playmaking responsibilities after Kevin Durant’s arrival, Jalen Green’s departure and Fred VanVleet’s ACL injury.
Read at ESPN.com
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