The 10 Rising NBA Players You Need to Watch This Season

As I was watching the recent NBA summer league games, I couldn't help but feel that excitement building again - that special anticipation for a new basketball season. You know that feeling when you spot a player who's about to break out? That's exactly what I want to talk about today. The league is evolving faster than ever, and while everyone's eyes are on the established superstars, I've been tracking some incredible rising talent that's about to take the NBA by storm this season. These are the players who might not be household names yet, but trust me, they will be.

Speaking of rising talent, it reminds me of what's happening in international basketball circles. Just recently, I read about Alas Pilipinas preparing for the 2025 Southeast Asian V.League with almost their entire roster available. That kind of international competition experience is exactly what helps young players develop that extra edge. It's fascinating to see how global basketball is becoming, and how these international platforms are creating pathways for emerging stars to showcase their skills. The NBA has definitely taken notice, with scouts increasingly looking at these international tournaments for the next big thing.

Let me start with my personal favorite - Jalen Williams from the Oklahoma City Thunder. I watched him play live last March, and let me tell you, his court vision is something special. He averaged 19.1 points in his last 25 games, and what impressed me most was his efficiency. The kid shoots 54% from the field, which is remarkable for a second-year player handling that much offensive responsibility. I've been following basketball for over fifteen years, and I haven't been this excited about a Thunder player since Westbrook's early days.

Then there's Paolo Banchero - okay, he's not exactly under the radar after winning Rookie of the Year, but people still underestimate his ceiling. I was at the game where he dropped 32 points against the Celtics last season, and his combination of size and skill is just unreal. At 6'10", he handles the ball like a guard and has this natural scoring instinct you can't teach. Orlando might not be contending yet, but with Banchero developing at this rate, they'll be scary sooner than people think.

What really fascinates me about today's rising stars is how they're developing complete games earlier in their careers. Take Josh Giddey, for instance - his playmaking at 21 is more sophisticated than many veterans. I've charted his assist numbers, and his hockey assists - those passes that lead to the pass that scores - are through the roof. Statistics show he creates approximately 18 potential assists per game, though only about 7 actually convert. That tells you about his vision versus his teammates' finishing ability.

International experience seems to be the secret sauce for many of these rising players. Much like how the Southeast Asian V.League serves as a crucial development platform, many NBA prospects are now playing in overseas leagues or international tournaments before entering the draft. It creates more well-rounded players who understand different styles of basketball. I've noticed that players with international experience tend to have better basketball IQ and adapt quicker to NBA schemes.

Let me shift to someone who might be the biggest steal of the 2022 draft - Walker Kessler. The Utah center blocked 173 shots in just 74 games last season, which is absolutely ridiculous for a rookie. I was skeptical when the Jazz traded Gobert, thinking they'd struggle defensively, but Kessler has been a revelation. His timing is impeccable, and he's already one of the best rim protectors in the league. If he develops any kind of consistent mid-range game, he'll be unstoppable.

The evolution of big men continues to amaze me. We're seeing players like Evan Mobley redefine what's possible for a seven-footer. I watched him guard all five positions in a single possession against the Warriors last season - something I haven't seen since prime Kevin Garnett. His defensive versatility is off the charts, and while his offensive game still needs polishing, the foundation is there. Cleveland has something truly special in Mobley, and I think he'll make his first All-Star appearance within the next two seasons.

What separates good young players from future stars, in my opinion, is their work ethic during the offseason. I've heard stories about Tyrese Maxey's training regimen that would make your head spin. The kid reportedly takes 750 shots daily during the summer, focusing on different game situations. That dedication shows - his three-point percentage jumped from 30% to 43% in just two seasons. When you combine that work ethic with natural talent, you get special players who keep improving year after year.

As we look toward the upcoming season, I'm particularly excited about the international flavor among these rising stars. Players like Bennedict Mathurin (Canadian) and Jeremy Sochan (Polish-British) are bringing diverse backgrounds and styles to the game. It reminds me of how global basketball has become, similar to the development pathways we see in tournaments like the Southeast Asian V.League. These international experiences create more versatile, adaptable players who can impact the game in multiple ways.

Watching these ten rising NBA players develop reminds me why I fell in love with basketball in the first place. There's something magical about witnessing potential transform into greatness. While established stars will always draw attention, tracking these emerging talents provides its own unique thrill. As the new season approaches, keep your eyes on these ten players - they're not just the future of the league, they're shaping its present in ways we're only beginning to understand.