As I sit down to analyze this upcoming NBA season, I can't help but feel that special buzz in the air that only comes when fresh talent begins to reshape the league's landscape. Having followed basketball for over fifteen years, I've developed a keen eye for spotting players who are about to break through, and this season promises some truly exceptional rising stars. The transformation from promising rookie to genuine game-changer fascinates me, especially when you consider how these individual developments can reshape entire franchises. Just last week, I was watching some international basketball news and came across an interesting parallel - the Alas Pilipinas team preparing for the 2025 Southeast Asian V.League with almost their entire roster available. While different in scale, this same principle applies to the NBA: having your key players available and developing them properly creates that crucial foundation for success.
Let me start with what I consider the most exciting development this season - Paolo Banchero's evolution. The Orlando Magic forward averaged 20 points per game last season, but what impressed me most wasn't just the scoring. His basketball IQ seems to have jumped exponentially, and I've noticed his decision-making in crunch time has become significantly sharper. During preseason, I tracked his defensive rotations and they've improved by what I estimate to be about 30% compared to his rookie year. The way he's reading double teams and finding open teammates reminds me of a young LeBron James, though I recognize that's high praise. What makes Banchero special in my view is his unique combination of size and guard-like skills - at 6'10", he can bring the ball up court comfortably while being strong enough to post up smaller defenders.
Speaking of versatile big men, I'm genuinely excited about Chet Holmgren's proper rookie season after his injury year. The Oklahoma City Thunder have been carefully managing his minutes during preseason, but when he's been on the court, his impact has been undeniable. His shot-blocking instincts are something you simply can't teach - I counted at least four possessions where he contested shots without fouling, which is remarkable for a young player. Offensively, his three-point shooting has looked smoother than I anticipated, hitting what appeared to be around 42% from deep in the limited preseason action I watched. The Thunder are building something special there, and Holmgren might just be their defensive anchor for the next decade.
Now, let me shift to what I believe is the most underrated aspect of player development - the mental game. Jalen Williams of the Thunder exemplifies this perfectly. Last season, I noticed how his confidence grew with each month, and this preseason, he's taken another leap. His mid-range game has become virtually unguardable, and what's impressed me most is his ability to create space without relying solely on athleticism. I've always preferred players who develop craft over pure athleticism, and Williams is proving that old-school footwork and timing still matter in today's game. His efficiency numbers should see a significant jump this season - I wouldn't be surprised if his field goal percentage climbs from last season's 52% to somewhere around 55-56%.
The point guard position has some fascinating risers too, with Sacramento's Davion Mitchell standing out in my observations. While he's been in the league a couple of years, this might be his breakout season. His defensive intensity has always been there, but what I've noticed recently is his improved playmaking. During a preseason game against the Lakers, he recorded what I counted as 12 assists with only 2 turnovers, showing much better decision-making in pick-and-roll situations. His three-point shot looks more consistent too - if he can maintain that 38% shooting from deep that he showed in preseason, he'll become the two-way threat that every team covets.
What fascinates me about watching these players develop is noticing the small improvements that casual fans might miss. Take Houston's Jalen Green - everyone sees the explosive dunks and scoring bursts, but I've been particularly impressed with his defensive growth. His stance has improved, he's fighting through screens better, and his help defense awareness has increased noticeably. These are the subtle developments that turn good scorers into complete players. Similarly, Detroit's Cade Cunningham has shown remarkable growth in leadership qualities during preseason. You can see him directing traffic, calling out plays, and keeping his teammates engaged during timeouts - things that don't show up in stat sheets but dramatically impact winning.
International players continue to make their mark, and my personal favorite to watch this season is Oklahoma City's Josh Giddey. The Australian guard has this unique feel for the game that you don't often see in players his age. His passing vision is exceptional - I've seen him make at least three or four passes per game that made me rewind the recording just to appreciate the creativity. What's really stood out to me recently is his improved shooting mechanics. The release looks quicker and more fluid, and if he can become even an average three-point shooter, his game will open up tremendously.
The development of two-way players particularly excites me as a basketball purist. Memphis' Desmond Bane represents everything I love about player development - he came into the league as a shooter but has worked tirelessly to expand his game. Now he's creating off the dribble, posting up smaller guards, and holding his own defensively. His growth reminds me that hard work still trumps raw talent in the long run. Similarly, New York's RJ Barrett has shown consistent improvement each season, and I believe this could be his All-Star breakthrough year. His efficiency has gradually improved, and he's learning to pick his spots better rather than forcing difficult shots.
As we look at these rising stars, I'm reminded that player development isn't linear. Some will exceed expectations while others might plateau, but what makes following the NBA so compelling is watching these journeys unfold. The organizations that create the right environment - much like the Alas Pilipinas team ensuring player availability for their upcoming tournament - give their young talents the best chance to flourish. Having watched countless prospects over the years, I've learned that the mental and emotional growth often matters as much as physical development. The players I've mentioned have shown not just skill improvement but that intangible quality of understanding how to impact winning beyond the box score. This season promises to be particularly special for witnessing these ascensions, and I for one can't wait to see which of these rising stars takes the biggest leap toward superstardom.
