The NBA 2025/2026 season is barely underway, but it’s already full of surprises. While established stars like Luka Dončić and Victor Wembanyama continue to dominate headlines, a group of overlooked and underestimated players has emerged — quietly reshaping the early storylines of the league.
This isn’t about MVP favorites or household names. These are the breakout performers, role players turned leaders, and rookies defying expectations. Let’s meet the ten players making the biggest impact in the opening weeks.
Josh Giddey (Chicago Bulls)
22.3 PPG, 9.6 RPG, 9.8 APG – 48.9% FG, 41.7% 3PT
The Chicago Bulls have been one of the biggest surprises of the season, starting 6–3 behind the all-around brilliance of Josh Giddey.
After a turbulent summer contract standoff, Giddey landed a four-year, $100 million deal — and has since blossomed into a true floor general. With Zach LaVine traded and Coby White sidelined, Giddey was handed the keys to the offense and hasn’t looked back.
He’s posted back-to-back triple-doubles, runs Chicago’s fast-paced attack with confidence, and has developed a consistent perimeter shot. Once considered a risky young piece, Giddey now looks like the Bulls’ new franchise cornerstone.
Austin Reaves (Los Angeles Lakers)
31.1 PPG, 9.3 APG, 5.1 RPG – 48.9% FG, 34.4% 3PT, 90.3% FT
With LeBron James sidelined, Austin Reaves has taken the spotlight — and handled it brilliantly.
Long considered a dependable role player, Reaves is now playing like a legitimate All-Star candidate. Averaging over 31 points per game and ranking fourth in the NBA in assists (9.1), the “Hillbilly Kobe” has evolved into the Lakers’ offensive engine.
Reaves’ growth has been steady and methodical — from solid bench contributor to reliable starter to full-fledged team leader. His efficiency and poise make him one of the league’s most improved players, and his breakout could not have come at a better time for Los Angeles.
V.J. Edgecombe (Philadelphia 76ers)
17.6 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 4.8 APG – 44.5% FG, 39.1% 3PT
While Tyrese Maxey continues to shine, rookie V.J. Edgecombe has become a revelation for the 76ers. His explosive athleticism, energy, and ability to thrive in a fast-paced offense have turned heads across the league.
Philadelphia’s system perfectly fits Edgecombe’s strengths — open-court drives, transition spacing, and relentless effort on both ends. Still raw in decision-making and ball-handling, he’s already proving to be one of the best rookies of the season and a foundational piece for the post-Embiid era.
Deni Avdija (Portland Trail Blazers)
24.4 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 4.5 APG – 46.5% FG, 36% 3PT
In his second season with Portland, Avdija has transformed from a role player into a legitimate offensive hub. With Jerami Grant moving to the bench, Avdija now commands nearly 28% of the team’s offensive usage — and delivers.
Despite limited spacing and an inexperienced supporting cast, the Israeli forward has thrived as a secondary playmaker and shot creator. Portland’s record remains modest, but Avdija’s rise is one of the brightest spots of the young season.
Cason Wallace (Oklahoma City Thunder)
9.6 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 3.1 APG, 2.6 SPG – 42.5% 3PT
The Thunder’s defensive prodigy has emerged as a key part of OKC’s 10–1 start. Wallace currently leads the NBA in steals per game and has become the glue guy every contender dreams of — defending multiple positions, hitting timely threes, and keeping the ball moving.
He’s reminiscent of a young Andre Iguodala: smart, efficient, and selfless. With Lou Dort struggling early, Wallace’s rise couldn’t have come at a better time.
Chet Holmgren (Oklahoma City Thunder)
18.8 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 1.8 APG, 1.5 BPG – 58.7% FG, 85% FT
When healthy, Holmgren continues to look every bit like a franchise cornerstone. The versatile big man protects the rim, stretches the floor, and serves as OKC’s defensive backbone.
Despite missing a few games with minor injuries, Holmgren’s two-way consistency and offensive efficiency make him one of the top young bigs in the league. His chemistry with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams could define Oklahoma City’s championship window.
Ausar Thompson (Detroit Pistons)
13.9 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 3.3 APG, 1.7 SPG – 49.5% FG
While his twin brother Amen shines in Houston, Ausar Thompson is anchoring Detroit’s defense. The Pistons’ early success (8–2) is largely due to Ausar’s hustle, athleticism, and relentless energy.
Still raw offensively, he’s improving as a passer and decision-maker. The shot remains a work in progress, but his defensive impact already makes him indispensable for coach J.B. Bickerstaff’s young, feisty Pistons.
Jalen Duren (Detroit Pistons)
19.2 PPG, 11.3 RPG, 1.5 APG – 64.3% FG, 85.5% FT
Duren has evolved into one of the league’s most dominant young centers. His chemistry with Cade Cunningham is electric — feeding off pick-and-rolls, dunks, and alley-oops.
Most impressive is his improvement from the free-throw line: 85.5% this season after years of inconsistency. If that holds, Duren could become a nightmare matchup for any opposing frontcourt.
Ryan Rollins (Milwaukee Bucks)
16.7 PPG, 5.4 APG, 3.7 RPG, 2.0 SPG – 51.8% FG, 42.2% 3PT
Once nearly out of the league, Rollins has turned his career around in Milwaukee. Injuries to teammates opened the door, and he’s taken full advantage — combining efficiency, athleticism, and sharp decision-making.
A top-10 player in steals per game, Rollins has become an invaluable part of the Bucks’ rotation, proving that persistence can pay off in a big way.
Ryan Kalkbrenner (Charlotte Hornets)
9.2 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 2.6 BPG – 81.3% FG
Finally, a true statistical anomaly: Charlotte’s rookie big man leads all non-Wembanyama players in blocks and ranks first in the entire NBA in field goal percentage (81.3%).
Drafted early in the second round, Kalkbrenner has exceeded expectations with elite rim protection, offensive rebounding, and perfect synergy with LaMelo Ball. The Hornets may not win often, but their young center is making every minute count.
Conclusion
While stars dominate headlines, these ten players are shaping the undercurrent of the 2025/2026 NBA season. From Giddey’s all-around brilliance to Ausar Thompson’s defensive mastery, each story reflects a different path to success — perseverance, growth, or reinvention.
And if this early stretch is any indication, the league’s next wave of stars might already be here — just not in the places we expected.
