Fresh talent keeps shaking up the NBA, with young players ready to take the next career leap. Explosive athleticism, refined skills, and growing confidence set the stage for a breakout season. Some have shown flashes of stardom, while others are primed to step into more prominent roles.
Coaches trust them more, teammates rely on them, and fans eagerly anticipate their rise. From rising scorers to lockdown defenders, these young stars are set to make headlines. This season isn’t just about potential, but also about proving they belong among the league’s elite. Here are the top breakout candidates for 2025.
The Golden State Warriors aren’t just hoping Jonathan Kuminga takes the superstar leap in his age-22 season. They need him to. Stephen Curry is heading into his 16th season, carrying as much weight as ever. Without a true second star, Golden State's best hope lies in Kuminga stepping up.
Klay Thompson is gone, Draymond Green remains a defensive anchor but never a high-usage scorer, and Andrew Wiggins remains a question mark. Brandin Podziemski brings reliability, but his ceiling doesn’t reach stardom. That leaves Kuminga as the Warriors’ best shot at finding a young difference-maker.
Flashes of brilliance have been there, the high-flying dunks, the explosive first step, but refining his outside shot (34.1% career from three on low volume) and improving on defense will be key. Adding more rebounding wouldn’t hurt either, given his elite athleticism.
The potential is undeniable. Last season, Kuminga averaged 21.9 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per 36 minutes on 52.9% shooting, a stat line no one his age has ever matched. If given the opportunity, history suggests he could deliver elite production.
For Golden State to contend for a top-four seed in the West, they’ll need a breakout year from Kuminga. Those eyeing NBA odds know his leap could change the Warriors’ outlook entirely.
The New Orleans Pelicans have endured a rough season, sitting at 11-32 and 14th in the Western Conference. Injuries have plagued the team, contributing to their struggles. However, they’ve shown signs of improvement, winning three straight and six of their last ten games, aided by Zion Williamson’s return.
Despite the tough season, Trey Murphy III has emerged as a bright spot. After missing the start of the season with an injury, he has been on a tear, highlighted by back-to-back 30-point performances. Murphy is having a career-best season, averaging 21.6 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.8 assists while shooting 44.9% from the field.
Initially known for his defense, he has significantly expanded his offensive game, making him one of the league’s top young 3-and-D wings. Regardless of the team’s future direction, Murphy has solidified himself as a key piece for the franchise moving forward.
Josh Giddey is set for a breakout season with the Chicago Bulls, where he can put up career-best numbers. Despite averaging just 2.8 minutes of ball possession per game with the Oklahoma City Thunder last season, he still managed 12.3 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 4.8 assists, career lows, yet still elite for a 21-year-old.
With DeMar DeRozan gone and Zach LaVine’s future uncertain, Giddey has a clear path to a lead role in Chicago.
No longer competing for touches with MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, he’ll likely share offensive duties with only Coby White. His per-36 numbers from last year, 17.7 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 7.2 assists, could be the starting point.
At 6’8”, Giddey’s versatility makes him a rare stat-stuffer, and his 11 career triple-doubles suggest he’s poised for even more. Expect him to take full advantage of his expanded role and deliver a standout 2024-25 season.
Victor Wembanyama is already reshaping the NBA, proving that the hype surrounding him was justified, even underestimated. In his second season, the San Antonio Spurs' 21-year-old phenom has emerged as a dominant force, particularly on defense.
He leads the league in blocks, alters opponents' shot selection, and has made the Spurs significantly better when he’s on the court. His ability to contest shots at the rim at an unprecedented level has positioned him as the frontrunner for Defensive Player of the Year.
Offensively, Wembanyama’s potential remains immense. He has improved his jump shot and even recorded a 50-point game, but his reliance on perimeter play over paint dominance highlights an area for growth.
As he continues to refine his game, his blend of size, skill, and athleticism signals a new era for big men. If his trajectory holds, Wembanyama won’t just be great. He’ll redefine what greatness looks like in the NBA.
Jabari Smith Jr. could be the Houston Rockets’ version of Chris Bosh, an essential, do-it-all player whose impact goes beyond scoring. While Bosh played a crucial role during the Miami Heat’s Big Three era by spacing the floor, anchoring the defense, and sacrificing personal stats for team success, Smith could fill a similar role for Houston.
Standing 6’11” with a smooth shooting stroke, Smith improved his three-point percentage to 36.3% in his second season. His defensive versatility already stands out, particularly on the perimeter, and he’s gaining experience as a small-ball center, just as Bosh did in Miami.
Smith’s growth has been evident, with better rebounding, efficiency, and confidence. Training alongside elite players like Kevin Durant this offseason should only accelerate his development.
While he may not be Houston’s top scorer, his ability to stretch the floor, defend multiple positions, and embrace sacrifice makes him a foundational piece for the Rockets’ future success.
The future of the NBA is in good hands. These rising stars aren’t just loaded with potential, they’re ready to prove themselves. With more significant roles, expanded skill sets, and the drive to take that next step, this season could be their breakout moment. Expect highlight-reel plays, game-changing performances, and undeniable growth.
The league constantly evolves, and these young players are set to leave their mark. Some will become household names, others will elevate their teams, but all have the talent to shape the next era of basketball. Get ready, 2025 is their time to shine.
