Every NBA Team's Top Breakout Candidate In 2026-27
One of the best parts of every NBA season is seeing young players make a major leap in their overall play.
We witnessed this last year with players like Nickeil Alexander-Walker (winner of the NBA's Most Improved Player award), Ryan Rollins, Neemias Queta, Deni Avdija, and others. This could mean blossoming into an All-Star or simply a major jump in individual statistics as a rotational player in a bigger role.
The good news? All 30 teams possess at least one breakout candidate, to varying degrees. It's time to take a spin around the league and attempt to identify the one young player ready to break out.
Atlanta Hawks: Asa Newell, F
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The 23rd overall pick in 2025, Asa Newell showed flashes as a rookie yet never truly played a consistent role for an Atlanta Hawks team that was shifting identities. Now in his second year and with a clear vision in place, there should be a dedicated rotation spot for the 6'10" forward.
Newell was surprisingly efficient for a rookie, even if he wasn't getting a ton of looks on offense. The 20-year-old made 66.0 percent of his two-pointers and 38.7 percent of his three-point attempts. He attempted just 29 total free throws (making 55.2 percent) in 44 games, an area the Hawks would surely like to see improve.
The physical tools are there for a player who could be Jalen Johnson's primary backup, even as the Hawks added some rookies to the frontcourt.
Boston Celtics: Hugo Gonzรกlez, F
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One of the most overlooked aspects of the Jaylen Brown trade is its impact on Hugo Gonzรกlez, the 28th pick in the 2025 draft.
While Gonzรกlez certainly isn't going to replicate Brown's scoring numbers, few rookies made as big an impact on winning last season.ย
The 20-year-old had a swing rating of plus-9.3 last season (93rd percentile, via Cleaning the Glass). When he was asked to play small forward, that number jumped all the way to plus-27.8 (100th percentile).
Brown being gone means even more minutes for Gonzรกlez on the wing, especially since Paul George has played more than 56 games just once in the past seven years. Don't be surprised to see Gonzรกlez crack double digits in scoring on a nightly basis while bringing his relentless energy and defense.
Brooklyn Nets: Egor Dรซmin, G
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Egor Dรซmin showcased the most promise of any Brooklyn Nets rookie last season. There were a lot of them.
Plantar fasciitis ended his season prematurely, but Dรซmin showed enough in his 52 games to earn a starting spot in the 2026-27 backcourt, even with this summer's No. 6 overall pick Mikel Brown Jr. joining the fold.
At 6'8", Dรซmin can essentially play either guard position. He made 40.5 percent of his catch-and-shoot threes. That was while playing with no true point guard and sharing the backcourt with a ball-dominant Cam Thomas. Now, with Brown and Julius Randle beside him, Dรซmin should get more frequent and more open looks.
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Charlotte Hornets: Tidjane Salaรผn, F
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The No. 6 overall pick in the 2024 draft, Tidjane Salaรผn, made some real improvements last season, largely overshadowed by the Charlotte Hornets' second-half surge and the play of rookie standout Kon Knueppel.
The 6'10" forward went from one of the NBA's worst three-point shooters as a rookie (28.3 percent) to one of its best as a sophomore (43.4 percent) despite having to take a step back in overall minutes and shot attempts.
Salaรผn will need to prove in training camp that he's ready for a bigger role. Last year's starting power forward Miles Bridges has since been traded, although Naz Reid, Royce O'Neale and Dorian Finney-Smith have all been added to the fold. Reid will either start or have a big role off the bench, though Salaรผn should be able to beat out the other veterans and carve out more minutes for himself in his third year.
Chicago Bulls: Rob Dillingham, G
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Rob Dillingham has a lot to prove after the Minnesota Timberwolves essentially gave up on him in Year 2.
Traded to the Chicago Bulls before the deadline in the Ayo Dusunmu deal, Dillingham showed some growth in a consistent role off the bench. The 21-year-old averaged 9.6 points, 3.0 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 0.9 steals in 21.5 minutes, even while sharing shots and touches with players like Collin Sexton and Anfernee Simons.
Both veteran guards are now gone, with Norman Powell added in their place. This should ensure Dillingham still has a role in the rotation for a young Bulls team searching for players with upside.
Dillingham needs to become a more consistent three-point shooter playing alongside Josh Giddey and will have to battle defensively given his limited size.
Cleveland Cavaliers: Tyrese Proctor, G
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The Cleveland Cavaliers' depth will be tested this season after Dean Wade and Keon Ellis left in free agency, while Dennis Schrรถder and Max Strus were traded to make a sign-and-trade for Peyton Watson possible.
This means a bigger opportunity for some young guys off the bench, especially Tyrese Proctor in the backcourt.
The 22-year-old former Duke standout had a solid rookie season in Cleveland, making 35.1 percent of his threes and averaging 18.0 points, 4.2 rebounds, 4.9 assists, 1.7 steals per 36 minutes of play.
Proctor spent this past summer playing for Australia in the FIBA World Cup, averaging 19.0 points and shooting 40.0 percent from three. He'll see minutes playing alongside both Donovan Mitchell and James Harden this upcoming season in what could be a breakout role.
Dallas Mavericks: Dereck Lively II, C
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It feels like we've known about Dereck Lively II for a long time, as the 22-year-old center was a key piece of the Dallas Mavericks' run to the 2024 NBA Finals.
Now entering his fourth year, injuries have prevented Lively from truly breaking out. Foot surgery limited him to just seven games last season, where he averaged 4.3 points and 5.3 rebounds in 16.4 minutes.
If he can make a full recovery before the start of the season (there's been no official report yet), Lively has elite rim protection potential at 7'1" and should become a favorite lob target of Cooper Flagg and Kyrie Irving.
Denver Nuggets: Julian Strawther, G/F
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The Denver Nuggets have already lost Peyton Watson, Tim Hardaway Jr. and Jonas Valanฤiลซnas off their bench this summer. A fourth-year leap from Julian Strawther would help lighten the blow.
Strawther could be on a similar trajectory to Watson, another former late first-round pick by Denver who didn't truly shine until the final year of his rookie deal.ย
The 24-year-old has improved his three-point shooting year over year (to 38.7 percent last season) and averaged 14.8 points in his 14 starts. With Watson, Hardaway and possibly Bruce Brown Jr. all gone, minutes on the wing should be plentiful for the 6'6" forward who's also playing for a new contract.
Detroit Pistons: Ron Holland II, F
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The No. 5 overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft, Ron Holland II has done little to justify his draft position thus far.
No, 2024 wasn't the strongest of classes, as Holland hasn't even proven himself to be a rotation player in the playoffs. A lack of a three-point shot has overshadowed his good defensive size and instincts to this point.
If you squint hard enough, you'll see that Holland did go 10-of-19 from deep (52.6 percent) over his final five regular season games. He just turned 21 this past July, so he still has plenty of time to grow and develop.
For a Detroit Pistons team that already features two non/bad shooters, they need Holland to develop some semblance of a three-point shot to be able to play him alongside Ausar Thompson and Jalen Duren (a restricted free agent).
If his jumper looks better, we could see a breakout year from Holland.
Golden State Warriors: Brandin Podziemski, G
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Brandin Podziemski has improved each of his three professional seasons, though a true breakout could come in 2026-27.
No Jimmy Butler to begin the year means more scoring opportunities for the 23-year-old guard who's eligible to sign an extension before the season begins. After Butler tore his ACL on Jan. 19, Podziemski averaged 17.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, 3.4 assists and shot 38.0 percent from three after moving into a full-time starting role.
Stephen Curry's minutes (30.9) were his lowest in 14 years (not counting his five-game 2019-2020 season) as head coach Steve Kerr loads to manage the 38-year-old's workload.
The Golden State Warriors will need Podziemski's scoring and playmaking to help keep their offense afloat while waiting for a healthy Butler to return.
Houston Rockets: Reed Sheppard, G
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Reed Sheppard already got some Most Improved Player love last season, finishing sixth in the award thanks to a much-improved sophomore campaign. Modest numbers of 13.5 points and 3.4 assists per game could easily see another big jump this season.
Yes, Fred VanVleet is back from a torn ACL and will eat into the guard minutes in this rotation. The 32-year-old is best suited in a backup role at this point in his career, especially coming off such a major injury.
Sheppard should be the starting point guard for the Houston Rockets, as the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 draft has a ton of upside as a multifaceted scorer, ball-handler and floor-spacer when players like Kevin Durant or Amen Thompson are running the offense.
Indiana Pacers: Jarace Walker, F
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Jarace Walker saw a larger opportunity last year due to the number of injuries on the Indiana Pacers. That should set him up for a career year in 2026-27.
The 23-year-old forward saw a bump in both rebound and assist percentage in Year 3 while averaging a career-high 11.6 points per game. Walker has been a consistent outside shooter (38.6 percent) who can play either forward position.
Having a healthy Tyrese Haliburton back should help get Walker even more quality looks. Fellow forward Obi Toppin could be a trade candidate, as moving his $15 million contract could help the Pacers get out of the luxury tax.
Los Angeles Clippers: Yanic Konan Niederhรคuser, C
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Yanic Konan Niederhรคuser is still recovering from foot surgery he suffered in March. When he returns, however, the second-year pro could be in line to be the Los Angeles Clippers' starting center.
Veteran Brook Lopez will keep the position warm for now, although the 23-year-old Niederhรคuser is the Clippers' bench option for a long-term solution.
At nearly seven feet, Niederhรคuser has excellent rim protection potential and averaged 11.0 points, 7.7 rebounds and 2.5 blocks while shooting 66.7 percent overall in the six games where he played 20 minutes or more.
The 30th overall pick of the 2025 draft, Niederhรคuser should have a big role this season for a Clippers team that's pivoting to a younger core.
Los Angeles Lakers: Jaden Hardy, G
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Picking a breakout candidate for the Los Angeles Lakers is difficult, as most of the talent on the roster is already in their mid-to-late 20s. Jaden Hardy, 24, still has some upside, although there's no guarantee he'll even be in the rotation.
Some reason for optimism stems from his late-season run with the Washington Wizards last season, where Hardy shot 42.0 from three while averaging 12.6 points in 20.4 minutes off the bench.
This kind of hot shooting from deep will pair nicely alongside Luka Donฤiฤ, although there would be some defensive concerns.
Memphis Grizzlies: Walter Clayton Jr., PG
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The Memphis Grizzlies currently have 18 players who are 26 or younger under contract. There's no shortage of breakout options here.
The frontcourt will be a little crowded now with Cameron Boozer, Jerami Grant and Isaiah Stewart all joining the fold. However, the backcourt should come with plenty of opportunity, especially if Ty Jerome fails to stay healthy again.
Walter Clayton Jr. saw an increased role following a trade to the Grizzlies in the Jaren Jackson Jr. deal and even started six games as a rookie. The former Florida star averaged 12.3 points, 3.0 rebounds and 6.0 assists while shooting 41.9 percent from three on a healthy 31 attempts during those starts.
With Ja Morant gone, Clayton should have a big role again for Memphis, either as a starter or a key reserve.
Miami Heat: Nikola Joviฤ, F
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The Miami Heat need Nikola Joviฤ to be a big part of the team's rotation this season, especially since the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade reduced the team's overall depth.
Joviฤ was bad last season after agreeing to a four-year, $62.4 million rookie extension that kicks in this year. Despite entering his fifth professional season, Joviฤ just turned 23 this past summer and was battling back from various injuries in 2025-26. He looked healthier this summer, averaging 20.0 points on 76.9 percent shooting from two and 52.6 percent from three for Serbia in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 European Qualifiers.
Miami doesn't have a lot of young talent to build around. Joviฤ needs to prove he's worth this new contract and become a key rotation piece behind Antetokounmpo.
Milwaukee Bucks: Kel'el Ware, F/C
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Ryan Rollins was one of the NBA's biggest surprises last season in a breakout role. Now, the Milwaukee Bucks better hope they have another candidate in Kel'el Ware.
The 22-year-old is a true 7-footer with a massive wingspan and unlimited potential. Ware needs to start either ahead of Myles Turner or alongside him.
In his 34 starts a season ago, Ware averaged a double-double with 12.8 points, 10.7 rebounds, 1.2 blocks and a 52.9/40.9/75.4 slash line. He needs to be completely unleashed on a lousy Bucks team in desperate need of star power. Ware is this franchise's next best chance at one.
Minnesota Timberwolves: Cody Williams, F
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It's tempting to go with Jonathan Kuminga here, although the sixth-year forward has already topped 16 points per game in a season. Cody Williams is more of a deep cut. He should have a rotation role on a Minnesota Timberwolves team that's thin at forward.
Williams was the 10th overall pick in 2024, although a horrible rookie season with the Utah Jazz put his career in doubt. Williams was better last year, even averaging 16.4 points, 4.2 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 1.1 steals over his final 19 games.
If Williams can even become an average outside shooter, he can be an NBA rotation player and should have a career year for a Minnesota team chasing a title.
New Orleans Pelicans: Derik Queen, F/C
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Derik Queen and Jeremiah Fears are both reasonable breakout candidates here. Fears may have to wait a year for the backcourt to clear up a bit, as Jordan Poole enters the final year of his contract and Dejounte Murray has a player option for 2027-28.
Queen may have the best path to minutes, especially since Zion Williamson played in 60 games last season. Williamson has never been healthy in back-to-back seasons, averaging just 15 games in the years following a 60-plus-game season.
Queen will make the most of whatever opportunity is given. He's an extremely talented passer, good rebounder and has a strong touch around the rim. The 21-year-old averaged 13.4 points, 8.1 rebounds and 4.6 assists in his 46 starts while shooting 32.7 percent from three.
New York Knicks: Mohamed Diawara, F
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Regular season fatigue is bound to set in at some point for the defending champion New York Knicks. When it does, the franchise will need players like Mohamed Diawara to help provide a spark.
The 6'9" forward has strong defensive skills that will be called on even more while sharing the second unit with Andre Drummond instead of Mitchell Robinson. Diawara also connected on 57.6 percent of his corner three-pointers last season, proving to be a reliable kick-out option for Jalen Brunson and others.
Diawara's offensive role could slowly expand over time, although most of his impact and breakout will come on the defensive end this season.
Oklahoma City Thunder: Cason Wallace, G
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Trading Lu Dort, Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins to shed salary means more opportunity for some other guards and wings on a loaded Oklahoma City Thunder roster. The main beneficiary will be Cason Wallace, who should slide into Dort's former starting spot.
Wallace's defense has already earned recognition, as the 22-year-old was named to the All-Defense second team in his third season.
The offensive opportunities should be greater as well. Wallace was a far better three-point shooter as a starter last season (36.4 percent) than as a reserve (30.0 percent). He's not going to be a big-time scorer with so many other offensive options on this roster, although we can expect Wallace to finally put up double-digit scoring averages while he sees an uptick in overall minutes, shots and usage.
Orlando Magic: Jase Richardson, G
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It's tempting to go with Anthony Black here, although the fourth-year guard already had a mini breakout last year (15.0 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists). It's hard to imagine his numbers climbing much higher unless he gets traded at some point.
Jase Richardson was the 25th overall pick in the 2025 draft and may have too much offensive pop in his game to not have a bigger role in Year 2. The Orlando Magic have been desperate for efficient scoring for years. Richardson brings a combination of three-point shooting and some rim-rattling ability.
The 20-year-old guard averaged 11.0 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists and shot 43.3 percent from three in the nine games in which he played 20 minutes or more, proving he can contribute when given the opportunity.
Philadelphia 76ers: VJ Edgecombe, G/F
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Averaging 16.0 points per game as a rookie was just the start for VJ Edgecombe, whose breakout may look different than most other young players'.
If Joel Embiid, LeBron James, Tyrese Maxey and Jaylen Brown are all healthy, Edgecombe's raw scoring numbers will actually take a hit this season. Instead, this is a chance for the 21-year-old to improve his scoring efficiency, three-point shooting, passing and defense while becoming an all-around star.
Transition opportunities should be plentiful with James' elite look-ahead passes. The star power on this team will create plenty of wide-open looks for Edgecombe, who will need to improve his corner three-point shooting (34.5 percent).
If Embiid and James miss time due to injury or rest, Edgecombe's scoring may be needed more than we realize.
Phoenix Suns: Khaman Maluach, C
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Khaman Maluach didn't make much of an impact as a rookie for the Phoenix Suns, despite being the 10th overall pick of the 2025 draft.
A strong summer league showing, combined with an injury to starter Mark Williams, could open the door to a big second year for Maluach, the former Duke star.
Williams is expected to miss several months following shoulder surgery, leaving Maluach and Oso Ighodaro in line for more minutes. Maluach looked really good at summer league, averaging 19.5 points, 12.8 rebounds, 2.0 blocks and shooting 40.0 percent from three.
If the outside shot is legit, Maluach could turn into one of the most interesting two-way centers in the NBA given his size (7'1", 250 pounds) and elite defensive potential.
Portland Trail Blazers: Donovan Clingan, C
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Scoot Henderson would be a wishful thinking pick here, though the number of guards on this roster could limit his opportunities as long as Ja Morant, Damian Lillard and Jrue Holiday are all healthy.
Instead, a path is already in place for Donovan Clingan to make a leap for the Portland Trail Blazers.
The 7'2" center is locked in as the team's starting center after becoming a full-time starter last season. His minutes jumped from 19.8 as a rookie to 27.2 as a sophomore. There's still room for another leap, especially since Clingan has largely stayed out of foul trouble in his young career.
In the 21 games where he logged at least 30 minutes last season (32.9 on average), Clingan averaged 16.0 points, 14.1 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 2.0 blocks while shooting 58.6 percent overall and 41.3 percent from three on 75 total attempts.
Sacramento Kings: Maxime Raynaud, C
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Maxime Raynaud was a huge surprise for the Sacramento Kings last year, making a big impact despite being selected 42nd overall in the 2025 draft.
An injury to Domantas Sabonis opened up the starting center job for the 7'1" Raynaud, a role he thrived in. In a hot stretch to finish the year, the 23-year-old averaged 19.0 points and 8.6 rebounds while shooting 58.0 percent overall and 48.1 percent from three over his final 13 games.
Sabonis, 30, will be a name to watch in the trade market throughout the year as the young Kings look to build around players like Darius Acuff Jr. and Raynaud. If Sabonis is indeed moved, the second-year center could be in for a big season.
San Antonio Spurs: Dylan Harper, G
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There may be some awkwardness when the San Antonio Spurs eventually bench veteran guard De'Aaron Fox in favor of Dylan Harper. It would absolutely be the right move for the franchise to make both now and in the future.
Harper logged just 22.6 minutes as a rookie, starting four of his 69 total games. Per 36 minutes of play, however, the No. 2 overall pick averaged 18.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, 6.1 assists, 1.2 steals and only 2.3 turnovers.
His play in the NBA Finals screamed future star, which is a path the Spurs need to carve out for him alongside Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle.
Toronto Raptors: Collin Murray-Boyles, F/C
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Much of the attention this offseason has revolved around the on-again, off-again trade for Kawhi Leonard. The Toronto Raptors also have some young talent worth getting excited about.
Along with rookie Allen Graves and third-year guard Ja'Kobe Walter, Collin Murray-Boyles has a bright future in Toronto. The 9th overall pick in 2025, Murray-Boyles is already a highly skilled defender who has shown some good outside shooting and passing potential as well.
Now that Sandro Mamukelashvili has joined the Los Angeles Lakers, more frontcourt minutes could be available for Murray-Boyles, who only turned 21 this past summer.
Utah Jazz: Ace Bailey, G/F
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Skill met opportunity down the stretch for Ace Bailey, as the No. 5 overall pick in the 2025 draft averaged 20.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.5 blocks over the final 12 games of the season.
The Utah Jazz will look different this year, although that may not be a bad thing for Bailey's career arc. Yes, Darryn Peterson and Jaren Jackson Jr. will need their share of shots and touches, even though Cody Williams is gone and Utah will actually be trying to win games.
This means we should see a more polished, efficient version of Bailey, whether he ends up starting or not. The 6'9" wing has an ideal NBA frame and only turned 20 last month. It could be years until Bailey hits his peak, and outside of Peterson, he has the highest ceiling of anyone on the team.
Washington Wizards: Tre Johnson, SG
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Trae Young, Anthony Davis, Alex Sarr and AJ Dybantsa are all likely locked in as starters for the Washington Wizards next season. Tre Johnson, the No. 6 overall pick in 2025, could make his case as the final piece.
In the six games where he saw 30 minutes or more last season (32.4 average), the 6'5" shooting guard put up 16.8 points and 3.3 assists on 39.1 percent shooting from three. The Wizards finished in the bottom half of three-point makes and efficiency last season. Johnson's outside shooting ability could help improve that notable flaw.
The Wizards have a lot of young talent, creating an intriguing battle for rotation minutes now with veterans like Young, Davis, Khris Middleton and Deandre Ayton on board.
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