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Jeremy Woo
Getting into this previous season, the 2024 NBA draft was regarded across the league as one of many weaker lessons in current reminiscence. Whereas that largely held true in the course of the season, there have nonetheless been intriguing developments, with a lot of these prospects entering into roles and showcasing interesting long-term expertise.
Some, like Rookie of the 12 months and No. 4 choose Stephon Castle, made a major influence of their debut season. Others, together with No. 11 choose Matas Buzelis, confirmed indicators of breaking out in-season. And several other prospects are set for expanded roles, together with No. 3 choose Reed Sheppard.
As you learn via, do not forget that this isn’t an analysis of who’re the perfect or most beneficial rising sophomores — it is merely the gamers I am most interested by headed into coaching camp.
This is a breakdown of the ten most attention-grabbing sophomores heading into the 2025-26 season, what they achieved as rookies and what to look at for in 12 months 2.
10. Nikola Topic, Oklahoma City Thunder
Rookie season superlative: Essentially the most we will say right here is that Matter received a championship with the Thunder with out ever stepping onto the courtroom. He missed your entire season with a torn ACL — however Oklahoma Metropolis’s depth allowed them to successfully stash Matter for a 12 months. Technically, Matter can be a rookie subsequent season, however he warranted inclusion on this record together with his potential to make an influence for the defending champs.
Why he is ranked right here: Sheer curiosity. It is a legitimate query how a lot of a task Matter will even have to begin the season, contemplating Oklahoma Metropolis’s overwhelming backcourt depth. However he flashed moments of his potential at summer season league, showcasing his playmaking abilities (averaging 7.3 assists over three video games) and basketball IQ, and that talent set may assist him carve out some backup minutes behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Whether or not he is a long-term rotation piece or finally winds up as extra of a commerce asset for the Thunder will play out over the subsequent season or two, however he has had constructive flashes and can be value monitoring because the defending champs proceed to evolve.
9. Jared McCain, Philadelphia 76ers
Rookie season superlative: McCain delivered a promising however small 23-game pattern earlier than tearing his meniscus in his left knee in December, averaging 15.3 factors on 46% capturing in 25.7 minutes. Whereas it got here in a dropping context, because the Sixers had been coping with accidents and a 24-58 common season file, it was a strong begin after Philly chosen him with the sixteenth choose. His scoring instincts and perimeter capturing translated to the NBA slightly rapidly.
Why he is ranked right here: How McCain builds off his debut coming off this damage — and the way the 76ers put collectively their backcourt minutes with McCain, Tyrese Maxey and 2025 No. 3 choose VJ Edgecombe — can be value watching. It is in Philadelphia’s finest curiosity to make sense of the match between these three, with McCain doubtlessly well-suited for extra of a combo position in the long term. Whether or not the Sixers can win with that trio, who can be giving up a number of dimension defensively on the perimeter, can be a key big-picture query to deal with, significantly with Joel Embiid and Paul George of their 30s and sometimes scuffling with availability. This can be a massive 12 months for McCain to additional set up himself as a key piece of the 76ers’ future.
8. Jaylen Wells, Memphis Grizzlies
Rookie season superlative: Wells was arguably the perfect worth choose within the 2024 draft, making the All-Rookie first crew, averaging 10.4 factors and beginning 74 video games after Memphis snagged him at No. 39. Considered primarily as a spot-up shooter popping out of Washington State, Wells not solely made 35% of his 3s, however confirmed stunning defensive capabilities as effectively, embracing powerful matchups and carving out a viable position to start his profession.
Why he is ranked right here: The Grizzlies’ determination to commerce Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic was softened to some extent by the emergence of Wells. He ought to be in line to stretch himself as a scorer subsequent season, with Bane vacating loads of touches each as a shooter and secondary playmaker. A late-blooming former Division II participant who turns 22 in August, Wells could have some extra untapped upside, and the Grizzlies will presumably need to see whether or not he can increase his contributions. Whereas his limitations as an on-ball creator most likely inhibit high-end outcomes, primarily based on what Wells has already proven, it is potential he’ll proceed to shock if he can handle a leap ahead in each effectivity and quantity.
Rookie season superlative: Ware made the All-Rookie second crew after breaking via midseason, placing collectively some productive stretches and finally transferring into the beginning lineup. He is a gifted, trendy middle who can defend the paint, transfer his ft and knock down spot 3s. He surpassed early expectations together with his readiness to contribute after the Warmth picked him at No. 15.
Why he is ranked right here: How rapidly Ware can faucet into his appreciable potential is a significant variable in Miami’s present retool. Though his rookie season was successful, it was attention-grabbing to see Warmth coach Erik Spoelstra publicly urge Ware to “enhance his professionalism” earlier this month, feedback that largely fell according to how Ware was perceived earlier than coming into the league. NBA execs and scouts had lengthy questioned his motor and want to play at a excessive stage, a dynamic that made it a contact stunning that the Warmth — whose entrance workplace harps on intangibles — considered him as a match. Clearly, Miami thinks it may get essentially the most out of Ware, and we’ll see whether or not he can construct on these early returns and additional legitimize himself as a starting-level middle.
6. Alex Sarr, Washington Wizards
Rookie season superlative: The second choose, Sarr made the All-Rookie first crew regardless of nonetheless being very a lot a mission. He performed the entire season at age 19, averaging 13 factors and 6.5 rebounds, and showcasing his important defensive potential (1.5 blocks per sport). Washington is totally dedicated to enjoying its younger expertise, and Sarr largely seemed the half as a long-term fixture regardless of his sport nonetheless being tough across the edges.
Why he is ranked right here: Washington now employs a sixth of 2024’s first-round alternatives following trades for AJ Johnson and Dillon Jones, however Sarr nonetheless possesses essentially the most intriguing upside of the group. His capacity to learn the ground round him hasn’t caught as much as his wonderful bodily abilities but, however his instruments are more likely to translate defensively as a cellular shot-blocker and paint protector, and with a 12 months beneath his belt, count on enchancment.
There have been some predictable ups and downs for Sarr on the offensive finish — he shot simply 39.4% from the sector — however he did handle 2.4 assists per sport as a rookie middle. The Wizards have given him greater than only a easy rim-running position, and he has gotten an opportunity to stretch himself as a playmaker. His numbers aren’t nice total, and he is additionally a subpar rebounder for a participant his dimension, however there’s an actual likelihood Sarr produces all-around enchancment in 12 months two, significantly if Washington’s different younger gamers can take a step ahead as a bunch. He’ll be a part of France’s setup at EuroBasket in August, with a giant alternative to play since Victor Wembanyama and Rudy Gobert are sitting out of the event.
5. Donovan Clingan, Portland Trail Blazers
Rookie season superlative: Clingan led the rookie class in blocks per sport (1.6) and made the All-Rookie second crew, averaging 6.5 factors and seven.9 rebounds in simply 19.8 minutes and capturing 53%. His per-minute manufacturing and defensive influence had been important, pointing to a vivid future as a rim-protecting anchor on the Blazers’ backline.
Why he is ranked right here: The Path Blazers seemingly cleared the way in which for Clingan and draftee Yang Hansen to share time at middle subsequent season — Robert Williams III continues to be round, however may make sense as an eventual commerce candidate on his expiring contract. It will likely be attention-grabbing to see how these minutes finally get divided primarily based on efficiency. Clingan is deserving of the lion’s share but in addition wants to enhance his conditioning to deal with bulk minutes. The truth that he began the ultimate 27 video games of the season might be a good indicator that he is up subsequent.
As an apart, whether or not the Blazers experiment with Clingan and Yang collectively in double-big lineups can be one thing to look at. On paper, that match is clunky, however contemplating Portland’s obvious long-term funding in each gamers, there’s at the very least some argument for locating out what it appears to be like like. All issues thought of, Clingan is due for an expanded position and will solidify himself as one of many NBA’s higher inside defenders briefly order.
4. Matas Buzelis, Chicago Bulls
Rookie season superlative: Buzelis broke via midseason for the Bulls and seemed like a powerful worth choose at No. 11, beginning the ultimate 31 video games of the season and averaging 31 factors on 47% capturing in these video games. That stretch of play earned him a spot on the All-Rookie second crew and has positioned him as a vital piece of Chicago’s future.
Why he is ranked right here: Buzelis was as soon as considered as a contender for the No. 1 choose within the 2024 draft class, pointing to his important potential as a tall, expert perimeter scorer. As he continues so as to add power and hone his capturing, Buzelis has an enormous runway each from a growth and position perspective. With the Bulls perennially in play-in limbo, their finest path ahead seemingly entails a potential Buzelis star flip.
Whereas that won’t occur in a single summer season, the Bulls’ dedication to enjoying up-tempo ought to favor Buzelis. He ought to see extra of the ball in his palms working in area and get an opportunity to increase his shot-creating abilities each for himself and for teammates. Chicago stays in a contract standoff with Josh Giddey, however the presumptive return of his playmaking to the lineup ought to additional assist Buzelis get comfy. Nonetheless solely 20 years outdated, what sort of sophomore leap he can handle is arguably an important big-picture storyline for the Bulls going into the season.
3. Zaccharie Risacher, Atlanta Hawks
Rookie season superlative: Risacher validated Atlanta’s conviction in choosing him first in a draft class that lacked a real consensus No. 1 amongst NBA decision-makers. Whereas he did not win Rookie of the 12 months, he was one among just some rookies to make important contributions on a playoff-caliber crew, capturing 45.8% from the ground and 35% from 3 and beginning 73 of 75 video games. He added instant worth coming into the league at age 19, the query being how a lot he’ll add to his sport as his profession unfolds.
Why he is ranked right here: The Hawks strengthened their place this offseason, including Kristaps Porzingis and Nickeil Alexander-Walker — additionally they nabbed a doubtlessly high-value 2026 draft choose from New Orleans by buying and selling out of the thirteenth choose. With Trae Young and Dyson Daniels due for contract extensions, there’s impetus to win now in addition to a big-picture analysis course of for Atlanta’s entrance workplace transferring ahead. A part of why Risacher is so precious is that his capturing, perimeter protection and positional dimension at small ahead match neatly in nearly any lineup framework.
With that in thoughts, Risacher’s continued evolution as a scorer ought to be paramount for the Hawks. Atlanta has sufficient playmaking on the roster, and Risacher ought to be strong sufficient off the ball that they needn’t speed up his progress as an on-ball scorer, however directing some eating regimen of creation reps his approach is probably going of their finest curiosity long-term. How far more comfy he can turn out to be enjoying off the dribble, attending to his pull-up and making performs for teammates is value discovering out. A point of growth in these areas will be the distinction between him being a superb position participant or tapping into higher-end outcomes for his progress.
How a lot Atlanta pushes Risacher in that respect can be value watching to begin subsequent season: He won’t essentially wind up as a typical No. 1 pick-level franchise participant with out important progress, however it’s potential he far surpasses what had been comparatively modest expectations by top-pick requirements. He is set to play with the French nationwide crew at EuroBasket in August, which could supply a window into his offseason progress.
2. Stephon Citadel, San Antonio Spurs
Rookie season superlative: A strong debut season earned Citadel Rookie of the 12 months honors, averaging 14.7 factors and 4.1 assists in 26.7 minutes and making 47 begins for the Spurs. Predictably, he struggled with effectivity (42.8% FG and 28.5% from 3), however was strong defensively and performed higher after the All-Star break, benefiting from the liberty San Antonio gave him.
Why he is ranked right here: Because the Spurs proceed their journey to construct a contender round Victor Wembanyama, who seems all set to return from a blood clot, an important issue aside from his well being is how effectively San Antonio’s guards can mesh round him. Buying and selling for De’Aaron Fox naturally diminished a few of Citadel’s ball-handling duties. The surprising lottery soar that landed the Spurs the No. 2 choose in Dylan Harper offers them a 3rd wheel within the backcourt. It is an thrilling growth for the roster, however it’ll additionally require all three gamers to make changes.
Citadel is way from his potential, but in addition essentially the most pure candidate of the three to step right into a extra versatile two-way position, due to his dimension, instincts on the defensive finish and unselfish tendencies on offense. He is nonetheless going to need to make much more photographs from lengthy vary to really excel away from the ball, significantly within the context of what San Antonio’s lineups will presumably appear like. The Spurs must stagger their guards creatively, not solely to win video games however to provide Harper and Citadel the perfect alternatives to get comfy.
Contemplating the change in context — and the added impetus to make the playoffs the additional alongside the Spurs transfer with Wembanyama — how malleable Citadel might be and in what methods he can sharpen his sport could also be extremely consequential to how issues unfold in San Antonio, and the way central he turns into to this subsequent iteration of the crew.
1. Reed Sheppard, Houston Rockets
Rookie season superlative: Following appreciable hype round Sheppard a 12 months in the past, there wasn’t all that a lot to say about his rookie season, as he appeared in solely 51 video games and averaged 12 minutes on a proficient Rockets crew. He did rating 49 factors in a G League sport, and Houston stays enthusiastic about him as he steps into extra minutes on a crew with excessive aspirations.
Why he is ranked right here: One subtext of Houston dealing away Jalen Green within the Kevin Durant commerce is that the Rockets cleared important backcourt minutes for Sheppard, who at present pencils in for an actual position behind Fred VanVleet and Amen Thompson. The Rockets’ capacity to contend within the truest sense could hold extra on the expansion of their younger gamers than no matter Durant offers them: Sheppard, Thompson and Jabari Smith Jr. are all going to play main roles.
Whereas he wasn’t particularly noteworthy at summer season league, Sheppard is worthy of optimism — he ought to be strolling into an excellent position as a secondary handler, playmaker and spacer who can each function off of and make life simpler for Houston’s stars. His capturing can be pivotal subsequent to Thompson and Alperen Sengun, however he’ll additionally want to stay efficient defensively, because the Rockets can be giving up a great deal of perimeter dimension when VanVleet and Sheppard share the ground. Sheppard’s instincts for successful possessions assist him on that finish, however he is not precisely a deterrent for opposing shooters, both.
Sheppard has the prospect to be an enormous swing think about Houston’s title chase — in idea, he is entering into the proper state of affairs. The query is whether or not subsequent season is the fitting time and the way the Rockets may need to regulate their depth accordingly. The easy reality is that we’ve not actually seen him but, and what it means for Houston’s place within the arc of this season earns him the highest spot on this record.