Thirty NBA players set for breakout
A new tiered analysis identifies athletes poised to elevate their status during the 2026-27 campaign.
By Fatou Kim ·
ESPN published a detailed assessment on Sunday identifying thirty players who are positioned to take a major step forward in the 2026-27 NBA season. The report categorizes these athletes into four distinct tiers based on their current standing and the specific milestones they are expected to achieve.
The highest tier consists of multi-time All-Stars who could contend for their first Most Valuable Player award. Victor Wembanyama, who finished third in MVP voting last season and led the San Antonio Spurs to the Finals, is listed as a primary candidate. The French center is viewed as the top prospect in the league since LeBron James and must refine his isolation scoring to claim the title.
Luka Doncic also appears in this top group. The 27-year-old Lakers guard has never finished higher than third in MVP voting, but a new supporting cast and increased usage following LeBron James' departure are expected to boost his candidacy. Health remains a factor, as the Lakers need 50 wins for him to have a realistic shot at the award.
Cade Cunningham, Anthony Edwards, and Tyrese Maxey round out the MVP conversation. Cunningham led the Detroit Pistons to 60 wins and the East's number one seed last year. Edwards, who plays alongside new teammate LaMelo Ball, has not yet finished in the top five for MVP but is expected to win a scoring title. Maxey, now playing with James and Jaylen Brown in Philadelphia, earned his first All-NBA nod in 2026.
The second tier includes players like Scottie Barnes, Chet Holmgren, and Jalen Johnson who could enter the top 15 player discussions. Barnes benefits from playing alongside Kawhi Leonard in Toronto, while Holmgren is expected to handle more offensive load for the Oklahoma City Thunder after Jalen Williams' ankle injury. Johnson, who took over Atlanta's offense last year, has the talent to lead a deep Hawks roster to the playoffs.
The third tier features prospects aiming for their first All-Star selection. Cooper Flagg, the 2026 Rookie of the Year, is a standout name, though a shoulder injury suffered on Friday may impact his preparation. Other names in this group include Austin Reaves, Jalen Thompson, Stephon Castle, and Dylan Harper, all of whom have shown substantial growth in recent seasons.
The final tier covers players transitioning from second units to starting lineups. Tyler Jerome opened the season with a career-high 45 points for the Memphis Grizzlies. Naz Reid joins the Charlotte Hornets as a starter, while Cason Wallace replaces Luguentz Dort in the Oklahoma City starting backcourt. Oso Maluach starts at center for the Phoenix Suns following Mark Williams' surgery.
These selections reflect a range of trajectories, from veteran leaders seeking individual hardware to young talents establishing their roles on contender rosters. The list serves as a benchmark for expectations as the season begins.
