It’s a testament to how much emerging talent is changing the NBA landscape. Many bright young prospects are primed to take big steps in their careers. Herbert Jones of the New Orleans Pelicans, Dylan Harper of the San Antonio Spurs, and Zaccharie Risacher of the Atlanta Hawks all display dynamic and untapped upside. They’re on the verge of breaking into the league’s upper crust. As the new season approaches, these athletes, along with others like Alex Sarr, Kel’el Ware, and Donovan Clingan, are setting their sights on breaking into the coveted top 100 player rankings.
Combined with a mix of experienced veterans and new draftees, next season should be an easy one to look forward to. Each player comes in with different strengths and skill sets. These skills can enhance their teams’ on-field success and improve their positions within the league. The following sections explore these players’ backgrounds, their recent performances, and their prospects for success in the coming year.
Promising Rookies and Fresh Talent
From an offensive standpoint, what Herbert Jones has proven since stepping foot in New Orleans is a value to have around the organization. Jones has earned a reputation for his defensive effort and positional versatility. He makes winning plays on both sides of the ball almost every time out. As he continues to develop his offensive game, he could become a key figure in the Pelicans’ strategy moving forward.
Dylan Harper, a first-year with the San Antonio Spurs, has proven flashes of greatness in his rookie season. His athleticism and shot-making ability creates a combo guard that is a boon to any lineup. The longer he sticks around and learns the more he will hone these skills. His measured upside has a chance to make him a big-film mover in player rankings.
Zaccharie Risacher has become one of the biggest surprises and strongest newcomers for the Atlanta Hawks. Last season, Risacher came in second in the Rookie of the Year voting by just one point. In his limited time on league, he has already made an indelible mark. He’ll turn 20 at the end of this season. With his youth and talent, he’s sure to be a household name in professional basketball before long!
Established Players with Breakout Potential
Alex Sarr’s status as the projected No. 2 pick in next year’s draft further highlights the potential immediate impact he could have with his new team. Fans and analysts alike are excitedly speculating about Sarr. They can’t stop dreaming about how soon he’ll get used to the high speed of the NBA game. His tremendous size and skill set make him a near lock to rank in the top 100. If he exceeds expectations, he’ll still have a hard time losing his spot.
Kel’el Ware has been the biggest surprise of his rookie year for Miami Heat. He’s putting up an impressive double-double of 10.8 points and 10.0 rebounds. His impressive play over 36 starts highlights not just his scoring prowess, but his ability as an impactful two-way player. With further refinement, Ware should soon find himself ranked with the league’s elite.
Donovan Clingan is another big potential mover. When he was a member of the Portland Trail Blazers, he certainly was an energizer last season. He averaged an impressive 10.0 rebounds per game over 37 starts. His rebounding, particularly his control of the defensive backboard, is comic-book-dominant. His dominance on offense positioned him well for personal honors and accolades.
Key Performers Driving Their Teams Forward
The Chicago Bulls gobbled up Josh Giddey and he’s shown flashes to become one of the best players in this class. After the 2025 All-Star break, he put up eye-popping averages of 21.2 points, 10.7 rebounds and 9.3 assists per game. Giddey’s versatility and creativity as a guard allows him to impact the game beyond the box score. This is what makes him an irreplaceable player to his franchise. His shooting from three during this stretch increased dramatically, as he shot an incredible 46% from beyond the arc. This remarkable statistic sheds light on his development as an offensive playmaker.
Kon Knueppel joins the ranks of promising players looking to carve out their legacy in the league while representing the Charlotte Hornets. As he establishes himself within this competitive environment, Knueppel’s development will be closely monitored by fans eager for fresh talent to emerge on the scene.
The other young player to marvel at as a member of the Atlanta Hawks roster is Jalen Johnson. With emerging skills alongside Risacher, Johnson’s contributions will be essential as both players look to establish themselves as core pieces of their team’s future.
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