The NBA Summer League is off and running, with the championship game on July 19. This means that the official tip-off to the regular season is coming up. It’s been a hectic offseason with lots of big-name players changing teams, but none of that matters when the season starts.
Some 2026 NBA players are primed for a breakout season. Whether it’s because of the team’s situation or their own development, these players are ready to take the league by storm.
2026 NBA Players Destined To Take The Next Step
The jump from above-average starter to All-Star is arguably the hardest one to make at any professional level. Matas Buzelis is ready to take on that challenge. After averaging under nine points per game in his rookie year, the Chicago Bulls forward scored 16.3 points in 29 minutes per game last season. He’s now expected to break out for a Bulls team that severely lacks talent. Buzelis will likely play more minutes and handle more of the scoring load, which may lead to an All-Star appearance.
Another player looking to have a big season is Brandon Miller. The Charlotte Hornets wing will be given the role that LaMelo Ball is leaving following his departure to Minnesota. The 2025-26 season marked his second consecutive campaign in which Miller averaged more than 20 points per game. Some added motivation will also play a part, as the Hornets and he are in talks for an extension that will definitely be costly.
Alexandre Sarr is in a different situation. He improved in basically every statistical category during his second season, but now there’s a lot more talent surrounding him. Trae Young and Anthony Davis were added mid-season, and AJ Dybantsa was selected with the first overall pick in the draft. Sarr can now settle into a role that fits him better.
The 7-footer is an elite rim protector who can score inside and along the perimeter. His unique skillset doesn’t have to be the center of the offense; it just has to support the superstars around him. He’ll also get the chance to be a more terrorizing defensive anchor when focusing more on that side of the ball.
Finally, there’s Ryan Rollins. After never finding a real role through his first four seasons in the NBA, the guard broke onto the scene for the Milwaukee Bucks. He had an 11-point improvement in his scoring average (6.2 to 17.3ppg), and shot over 40% from three-point range. Now, he’s prepared for that next step as a reliable scorer.
With Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis leaving, the Bucks will need to replace a plethora of points. Rollins will play a larger part in the offense, and playing alongside another scoring threat in Tyler Herro should help him develop as an off-ball shooter. Rollins may not become an All-Star, but it’s not unreasonable to expect a sequel to his breakout year.
Breakout Sophomore Seasons
The second year in a player’s career can define their entire legacy. Liam McNeeley, Joan Beringer, and Dylan Harper will all be trying to prove themselves in their second season.
McNeeley is another Hornet who will benefit from Ball’s departure. The former UConn Husky is averaging 21.7 points and five rebounds per game through the first three matchups of the Summer League. His shooting has been on display as well, making over three triples a game. While Miller may be expected to make that All-Star jump, McNeeley is going to be counted on as a bench threat for an inexperienced Charlotte team.
Beringer enters a similar situation for the Minnesota Timberwolves. After shipping off Julius Randle and Naz Reid, Minnesota enters the 2026-27 season incredibly thin and lacking forward depth. The 17th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft racked up seven blocks in his Summer League debut.
Beringer may be in line for a starting job after averaging under eight minutes per game in just 40 games last season. Even if he comes off the bench, he will be a legit part of the rotation during his second year. His defensive ability and athleticism remain strengths, but to show improvement, he’ll have to work on his all-around offensive game.
Harper is different compared to his fellow 2026 draft classmates. The San Antonio Spurs guard enjoyed a solid rookie season, averaging nearly 12 points and shooting over 50% from the field off the bench. Then, he took off during the Spurs’ Finals run, becoming one of San Antonio’s most reliable scorers in the clutch. Comparisons to a younger James Harden were earned, but all eyes will be on how he builds on his long rookie campaign.
Rookies Who Will Turn Heads Early On
Early picks are expected to perform, but it’s rare when a first-year player drafted outside the lottery turns into an immediate factor. Two unheralded candidates may break out onto the scene earlier than some may expect.
The first is Cameron Boozer. While he was drafted with the third overall pick, he’s had much less attention than Dybantsa or Darryn Peterson, the two players selected before him. The Duke phenom is going to take over the Memphis Grizzlies and become a superstar from the jump. He put up 21 and 23 points, respectively, during his first two Summer League games, displaying a three-level scoring ability that is rare in the NBA.
With Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Desmond Bane all gone, the Grizzlies will turn to their new face of the franchise. Surrounded by young, unproven players will allow Boozer to get the green light while finding his footing at the pro level. Carlos Boozer’s son has all the talent and opportunity to make a run for what will be a highly competitive Rookie of the Year race.
The other rookie was drafted much later. Selected at No. 24, Cameron Carr is someone to watch for the Los Angeles Lakers. Standing 6-foot-5 with a 7-foot-1 wingspan, the Baylor product was already known for his athleticism and high-flying style of play. Throughout the Summer League, though, he has shown that his shooting won’t hold him back, knocking down more than 36% of his shots from deep on seven attempts per game.
The Lakers have little depth behind Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, especially at wing. Carr should get an early opportunity for minutes and deservedly so after his preseason performance.
