Rising NBA Players to Watch This Season for Basketball Enthusiasts
As I sit here scrolling through preseason highlights, I can't help but feel that electric buzz in the air - that special anticipation that only comes when a new NBA season approaches. Having followed basketball religiously for over fifteen years, I've developed this sixth sense for spotting which young players are about to break out, and this year feels particularly exciting. While we're talking about rising talent, it's worth noting how this connects globally - just look at what's happening with Alas Pilipinas preparing for the 2025 Southeast Asian V.League with nearly their entire roster available. That international development pipeline has become increasingly crucial for the NBA's talent pool.
What fascinates me most about this upcoming season is how many second and third-year players are positioned to make that crucial leap from promising prospect to genuine difference-maker. Take Josh Giddey for instance - I've been watching his development closely, and something tells me this is the year he becomes an All-Star caliber player. His court vision reminds me so much of a young Manu Ginobili, and at just 21 years old, he's already shown flashes of brilliance that most players don't develop until their mid-twenties. The Thunder have quietly built something special there, and I'm convinced Giddey will average at least 18 points and 9 assists this season if he gets the green light to run the offense more consistently.
Then there's Paolo Banchero in Orlando - now here's a player who's exceeded even my highest expectations. When I watched his rookie season, I'll admit I had concerns about his efficiency, but the way he improved throughout last year was remarkable. What really stands out to me is his physical development; he's added significant muscle without sacrificing any of that fluid mobility that makes him so dangerous in transition. The Magic might not be championship contenders yet, but with Banchero leading the charge, I'm predicting they'll win at least 45 games and make some noise in the playoffs. His combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ is something we haven't seen since a young Carmelo Anthony, and I believe he'll crack the top 20 players in the league by season's end.
The international influence on these rising stars can't be overstated, and that connection to global competitions like the SEA V.League that Alas Pilipinas is preparing for creates this fascinating developmental ecosystem. We're seeing more players coming into the league with professional experience against grown men rather than just college competition, and it shows in their readiness. Players like Bennedict Mathurin from Canada or Jeremy Sochan with his international background - they play with a maturity that belies their age because they've been tested in meaningful games long before reaching the NBA.
What really gets me excited, though, are the under-the-radar players who could explode onto the scene. I've got my eye on Tari Eason in Houston - his defensive versatility is absolutely elite already, and if he can develop a more consistent three-point shot (I'm talking 36% or better), he could become one of the most valuable two-way players in the entire league. The Rockets might still be rebuilding, but Eason is exactly the type of player who can change a franchise's trajectory almost overnight. I've watched every one of his summer league appearances, and the improvement in his handle and decision-making has been dramatic.
The center position has some fascinating young talent too, which is refreshing after years of the league moving away from traditional big men. Walker Kessler in Utah blocked an incredible 2.3 shots per game in just 23 minutes last season - that's historically great rim protection for a rookie. But what really impressed me was his developing offensive game during summer workouts. If he can add even a respectable mid-range jumper to his arsenal, he'll be virtually unguardable in pick-and-roll situations. I'm predicting he'll lead the league in blocks this season while averaging a double-double.
As we look toward opening night, what strikes me is how this new generation differs from previous ones. These players grew up watching positionless basketball, studying international stars, and developing skills that transcend traditional roles. The global game has influenced them in ways we're only beginning to understand, much like how the Alas Pilipinas team's preparation for international competition shapes their development differently than pure domestic play would. It creates more complete basketball players who understand spacing, timing, and team dynamics at a more sophisticated level.
Ultimately, what makes following these rising stars so compelling is witnessing that moment when potential transforms into production. I've been wrong before - I thought Michael Carter-Williams would develop into a perennial All-Star after his rookie season - but that's what keeps this interesting. The unpredictability, the development arcs, the surprise breakout players nobody saw coming. This season promises to deliver all that and more, with a talented crop of young players ready to stamp their authority on the league and reshape its future trajectory in ways we can only begin to imagine.
