The NBA never stops. Every season, new names come onto the scene, changing from promising prospects into real difference-makers.
Heading into the 2025/26 campaign, fans are already debating the top NBA breakout players 2025. Young talents are ready to elevate their games.
While second-year standouts and sophomores are in the mix, there are also exciting NBA rookies to watch who could surprise everyone in their first full season.
Below, the article lists the youngsters most likely to step up, showing why they’re on the path of greatness in the upcoming season.
NBA Rising Stars to Watch
With a fresh season on the horizon, attention turns to those young players who could make a leap from promising prospects to reliable contributors.
The standouts have already shown flashes of their talent. Now, with more opportunity and minutes, they can turn potential into production and join the ranks of the best young NBA players.
1. Zaccharie Risacher – Atlanta Hawks
Selected first overall in 2024, Zaccharie Risacher needed a few months to adjust to NBA defenses.
His confidence grew late in the year. And over his final 34 games, he averaged 14.4 points on 50.8% shooting from the field and 40.7% from beyond the arc.
At just 20 years old, he pairs a smooth perimeter jumper with the length to guard multiple positions. Analysts expect him to become a regular double‑digit scorer, with Sportsnaut projecting 15‑plus points per game.
If his defensive instincts continue to improve, Risacher could quickly justify his draft status and emerge as one of the NBA’s breakout players in 2025/26.
2. Toumani Camara – Portland Trail Blazers
Toumani Camara quietly carved out a niche last season as a tenacious wing defender. After the All‑Star break, he added a scoring punch, knocking down 40.3% of his threes while averaging 13.8 points and 2.3 made triples per game.
His energy on both ends earned All‑Defensive Second Team honours, and he led the league with 27 charges taken while contributing more than two steals-plus-blocks per night.
With the Blazers leaning into a youth movement, Camara should see even more touches. So, maintaining near‑40% three‑point shooting while continuing to harass ball handlers could put him firmly in the Most Improved Player conversation.
3. Jaylen Wells – Memphis Grizzlies
A late second‑round pick in 2024, Jaylen Wells quickly proved he belonged. Before a wrist injury ended his rookie campaign, he averaged 12 points on an efficient 45.4% shooting from the floor and 38.9% from deep.
Following the Grizzlies’ trade of veteran scorer Desmond Bane, Wells is expected to see more opportunities. According to Sportsnaut, he could become one of the league’s top players under 22 once fully healthy.
With his smooth jumper and ability to space the floor, Wells could see his scoring jump significantly as he becomes a primary option alongside Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr.
4. Jared McCain – Philadelphia 76ers
McCain made an immediate impact as a rookie, topping all first‑year players with 15.3 points per game and leading the class in three‑pointers made.
His smooth shooting stroke stretched defenses and gave Philadelphia a reliable scoring option when Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey sat.
The Sixers expect him to handle even more offensive responsibility in Year 2, especially with veteran guards aging.
If he maintains his efficiency and continues to move without the ball, McCain could establish himself as one of the most productive young guards in the league. Although he currently has a minor injury, he’s still considered a prime candidate.
5. Amen Thompson – Houston Rockets
Amen Thompson’s athleticism has never been in question, but his all‑around growth last year suggests a leap is coming.
For instance, he increased his rebounding from 6.6 to 8.2 per game and raised his assists from 2.6 to 3.8, while improving his field-goal percentage to 55.7%.
Additionally, over his final 37 games, he averaged 16 points, eight rebounds, five assists, and more than three combined steals and blocks.
All the numbers earned him All‑Defensive First Team honors. Plus, many analysts believe he could make his first All‑Star appearance in 2025/26 as he continues to refine his jump shot and playmaking.
Fun Fact: Thompson became the youngest player on All-Defensive First Team in over a decade.
What These Rising Stars Share
Looking across these five young players, a few themes emerge. Each is 24 or younger, meaning their best basketball years are still ahead of them.
More importantly, they’ve shown real progress in key areas. They’re also entering larger roles due to trades, injuries, or strategic shifts.
Such a combination of youth, skill development, and opportunity explains why fans and analysts are paying close attention to these breakout candidates. It also shows why some consider them future NBA stars, with platforms like Jackpot.bet tracking their rise as well.
Conclusion
As the 2025/26 season starts, it’s clear that new talents are ready to make noise. Players like Risacher, Camara, Wells, McCain, and Thompson all have the attributes, opportunity, and momentum to take a major step forward.
Their development will be one of the most exciting storylines to follow, not only for their teams but for the league as a whole.
By season’s end, several of them could firmly establish themselves among the top NBA breakout players 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the NBA breakout players 2025 to watch?
Names like Zaccharie Risacher, Toumani Camara, Jaylen Wells, Jared McCain, and Amen Thompson are already being discussed as early breakout candidates.
Which NBA rookies to watch could shine in 2025/26?
Several first-year players will get chances. But it’s often the ones with strong summer league showings or big roles on rebuilding teams who stand out early.
How do analysts decide the best young NBA players each season?
They evaluate efficiency, year-over-year improvement, and whether a player has become a consistent option in key moments for their team.
Could any of these rising talents become future NBA stars?
Yes, breakout seasons often serve as the first step toward stardom. Several of these players have the upside to grow into long-term cornerstones.
