Top breakout candidate for every NBA team in the 2026-27 season

Every NBA season brings new names taking big steps in their careers — from a statistical leap to a starting role. On many teams, young players are close to a major comeback, thanks to roster openings, injuries to more experienced teammates or tactical changes.

As Bleacher Report reports, for each of the 30 teams a player with the potential to break out in the 2026-27 season has been identified.

For the Atlanta Hawks the spotlight falls on Asa Newell, the 23rd pick of the 2025 draft, who as a rookie showed efficiency (66.0% on two-pointers and 38.7% on three-pointers) despite few free-throw attempts (29 all season, 55.2%). For the Boston Celtics, Hugo González (the 28th pick of 2025) has shown defensive impact and energy, with a very positive swing rating when playing as a small forward.

Brooklyn is counting on Egor Dëmin, who played 52 games before plantar fasciitis cut his season short; at 6’8″ he showed the ability to play either guard role and shot 40.5% on catch-and-shoot. In Charlotte, Tidjane Salaün (the 6th pick of 2024) significantly improved his three-point shooting, going from 28.3% as a rookie to 43.4% as a sophomore.

Chicago is confident in Rob Dillingham, who after the transfer had a steady role and showed improvement: averages of 9.6 points, 3.0 rebounds and 2.8 assists in 21.5 minutes. In Cleveland, Tyrese Proctor could take on more responsibility; per-36-minutes data showed 18.0 points, 4.2 rebounds, 4.9 assists and 1.7 steals, while he also played for Australia at the World Cup averaging 19.0 points and 40% from three.

Dereck Lively II in Dallas remains a name with breakout potential if he fully recovers from foot surgery; at 7’1″ he offers rim protection and presence on the boards. In Denver, Julian Strawther has improved his consistency as an outside shooter (38.7%) and with absences and staff injuries is expected to get more minutes.

Detroit hopes Ron Holland II, the 5th pick of 2024, will improve his outside shooting and become a reliable option on the wing, while at Golden State Brandin Podziemski showed he can carry the scoring load after Jimmy Butler’s injury, with stretches of 17.8 points, 5.4 rebounds and 3.4 assists while hitting 38.0% from three.

Houston is expected to trust Reed Sheppard as the starter at point guard; he drew attention as a Most Improved Player candidate, averaging 13.5 points and 3.4 assists per game. Indiana is focused on Jarace Walker, who last season reached a career-high 11.6 points and is a solid outside shooter (38.6%).

The Los Angeles Clippers have Yanic Konan Niederhäuser developing, still recovering from foot surgery; in limited games with over 20 minutes he posted 11.0 points, 7.7 rebounds and 2.5 blocks with 66.7% efficiency. For the Lakers the evaluation for a candidate varies, but names like Jaden Hardy are mentioned as players with room to grow, although his roster status remains uncertain.

This overview reflects the evaluations and analyses published by Bleacher Report, highlighting the players with the best chances of having a decisive season in 2026-27.

Source: Bleacher Report