Some have already shown they can become key figures for their teams. Others will have more minutes, more shots, and, above all, greater responsibilities during the 2026–27 season.
5 NBA Players Who Could Break Out in the 2026–27 Season
A new NBA season is about to begin, and beyond the league’s biggest stars, several players appear ready to take another step forward.
Here are five players who could reach another level.
Matas Buzelis — Chicago Bulls
Matas Buzelis has almost everything a modern NBA team looks for in a wing.
Athleticism, size, defensive ability, and offensive potential.
In his second season, he averaged 16.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists for the Chicago Bulls, numbers that could increase considerably in Year 3.
His outside shot still has room for improvement after finishing at 34.9% from three-point range, but Buzelis has already shown that he can make an impact on both ends of the floor.
In addition, Chicago strengthened its roster with Caleb Wilson, Norman Powell, and Nic Claxton. If the Bulls can compete for a spot in the Playoffs, Buzelis could begin entering much bigger conversations.
Keyonte George — Utah Jazz
Keyonte George’s rise has already begun.
The Utah Jazz guard went from averaging 16.8 points to 23.9 last season, and he will now have the opportunity to prove that those numbers can translate into wins.
George can score from all three levels and is becoming increasingly comfortable running the offense.
The arrival of talent such as Darryn Peterson, along with a revamped roster in Utah, could take some pressure off him.
If the Jazz surprise people in the Western Conference, it would not be shocking to see George competing for his first selection to the NBA All-Star Game.
Cade Cunningham — Detroit Pistons
Calling Cade Cunningham a breakout candidate might sound strange because he already belongs among the league’s elite.
But there could still be another level.
The Detroit Pistons star finished last season averaging 23.9 points, 9.9 assists, and 5.5 rebounds per game.
His next goal could be to enter the MVP conversation.
To get there, he will need to increase his scoring production without losing the playmaking ability that has made him the engine of Detroit’s offense.
Cunningham is still only 24 years old and already controls virtually everything that happens offensively for the Pistons. If Detroit remains among the best teams in the East, his name could move closer to the territory occupied by Nikola Jokić, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Victor Wembanyama.
Ajay Mitchell — Oklahoma City Thunder
He may be the least recognizable name on the list.
He could also be one of the most interesting.
Ajay Mitchell showed during the most recent NBA Playoffs that he is ready to take on greater responsibilities with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
His series against the Los Angeles Lakers was spectacular: he averaged 22.5 points over four games and became a crucial piece for OKC.
Now he will have an even bigger opportunity.
The departures of Aaron Wiggins, Isaiah Joe, and Luguentz Dort leave minutes and shots available within the rotation.
After being selected with the 38th pick of the 2024 Draft, Mitchell could be ready to become one of the biggest surprises of the season.
Brandon Miller — Charlotte Hornets
Few players will have an opportunity as significant as Brandon Miller’s.
The Charlotte Hornets completely reshaped their project during the summer with the departures of LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges, leaving Miller as one of the franchise’s primary building blocks for the future.
Last season, he averaged 20.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 3.3 assists while shooting 38.3% from three-point range.
Now he will have even greater offensive responsibility.
Charlotte added players such as Naz Reid, Grayson Allen, Royce O’Neale, and Dennis Schröder, but Miller will have one of the biggest opportunities to take over the offensive responsibility left behind by Ball and Bridges.
The talent is already there.
If he can stay healthy and increase his offensive volume, the 2026–27 season could finally establish Brandon Miller as one of the most dangerous scorers in the NBA.
A Season to Find New Stars
Not every player on this list needs to make the same kind of leap.
Cunningham is looking to go from superstar to MVP candidate. George and Buzelis could move closer to All-Star status, while Mitchell has the opportunity to become a much more important piece for Oklahoma City.
For Miller, the challenge will be proving that he can become one of the faces of Charlotte’s new project.
The regular season begins on October 20.
And by the time the NBA All-Star Weekend arrives in Phoenix in February, one of these names may have officially stopped being just a promising player.
