Now that most NBA teams have played at least 20 games and the season is approaching its final stretch, it’s a good time to assess the current landscape. Yesterday, we highlighted seven teams that have stood out so far. The 2025-26 NBA campaign has kicked off with some surprising developments, some positive and others less so. Today, we focus on individual players who have shown remarkable progress early in the season.
Austin Reeves, the guard for the Los Angeles Lakers, entered the season with questions about his potential as the team’s second offensive option alongside Luka Doncic. After 20 games, his impressive averages of 28.1 points and 6.6 assists per game have silenced doubts. Reeves has shown he can play effectively alongside Doncic and even take charge when Doncic is injured, earning high praise from Lakers coach JJ Redick. Reeves is likely headed for an All-Star selection and could command a significant salary increase this summer.
In Detroit, center Jalen Duren’s rookie contract extension talks raised big numbers last summer, but the Pistons hesitated due to concerns about fit and defensive capabilities. So far this season, Duren has averaged 19.6 points on 66% shooting and 11.8 rebounds per game, becoming Cade Cunningham’s top pick-and-roll partner and improving Pistons’ scoring efficiency. His defensive development has been key, anchoring Detroit’s second-best defense, making him a strong candidate for a major pay raise and possibly the most improved player award.
Washington Wizards’ center Alex Sarr, despite the team’s struggles, has emerged as a promising talent. A former second overall pick, Sarr has improved his scoring efficiency dramatically, hitting 51.5% from the field and boosting his rebounds, assists, and blocks. He excels close to the basket with a 74% shooting rate in the restricted area and is a solid rim protector. At just 20 years old, his potential ceiling is very high.
Ryan Rollins of the Milwaukee Bucks has been a notable story this season, overcoming a complicated past including limited playing time and off-court issues. Given a starting role due to Kevin Porter Jr.’s injury, Rollins has thrived with averages of 17.9 points, 5.9 assists, and solid shooting percentages. His resurgence earned him a three-year, $12 million contract, and he has received praise from teammates like Giannis Antetokounmpo, showing he could exceed expectations.
Portland Trail Blazers’ forward Deni Avdija has impressed observers with his breakout season. The 6-foot-8 player leads his team with strong scoring, playmaking, and rebounding numbers, while showing significant efficiency and versatility on both ends of the floor. His ability to drive and finish at the rim, combined with solid defense against bigger wings, makes him an All-Star contender and a key figure in Portland’s rebuilding efforts.
Utah Jazz’s Keyontae George has also made strides despite the team’s turbulent season. George has become a much more aggressive and efficient scorer, boosting his points per game from 16.8 to 22.8 while improving his shooting percentages and frequency of drives to the basket. Although his defense remains a weakness, his offensive growth offers a bright spot for Jazz fans looking ahead.
Fan Take: These emerging stars highlight the NBA’s constantly evolving talent pool, showcasing how young players can rapidly transform their game to impact their teams significantly. For basketball fans, it means an exciting future with fresh faces taking center stage and reshaping the league’s competitive dynamics.
