3 Players Ready for Big NBA Breakouts in 2025-26

As the 2025-26 NBA season gets underway, there are some great opportunities for some players around the league to really step up and have their big breakout year. It some cases, that's due to the fact that a starter who had somewhat blocked their path to stardom will not be there this year, due to either a trade, a free agent exit or an injury.

And that's where we start our look at 3 NBA players ready for a big breakout this season:

1. Andrew Nembhard, Indiana Pacers, PG

The Pacers' new starting point guard, Nembhard gets his big shot at glory due to the season-long absence of All-Star Tyrese Haliburton. Nembhard was a starter last season in the backcourt at the 'two', and posted a fine year, with 10 ppg and 5.0 assists. But his usage and production should be greatly increased this season as the lead guard in Haliburton's absence.

2. Shaedon Sharpe, Portland Trail Blazers, SG

If it's possible for the 21-year-old to break out even more, then this is his shot. The young Canadian forward already averaged 18.5 points last season. But now, with Anfernee Simons traded to the Boston Celtics, Sharpe's opportunities to shine will grow even further, as he is really the team's only true offensive threat. Watch his points totals soar this season.

3. Matas Buzelis, Chicago Bulls, F

The 6-foot-10 sophomore has exploded in the preseason, both on the scoresheet and on the highlight reels. His leap forward will be the truest definition of a breakout this season, as he comes in with just an 8.6 points per game average in his fine rookie year. The high-flying forward showed more of his true potential in the second half, however, averaging 12.4 ppg, and continuing that this fall, going off for 17.6 ppg in exhibition play.

Matas Buzelis in Year 2 could be SCARY! ⭐️

The #GLeagueAlum led the @chicagobulls with 17.6 PPG (57% FG) in just 23.3 MPG in the preseason. pic.twitter.com/tDMq8OcLJW
— NBA G League (@nbagleague) October 17, 2025