The upcoming NBA season is packed with fresh storylines, and ESPN just ranked the top newcomers who could make the biggest impact in 2025–26. From superstar veterans switching teams to rising rookies ready to prove themselves, this list has a little bit of everything.
1. Kevin Durant, Houston Rockets
Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) drives to the net in the second quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
2. Desmond Bane, Orlando Magic
Memphis Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane (22) dribbles as Oklahoma City Thunder guard Isaiah Joe (11) defends during the third quarter during game three for the first round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs at FedExForum. Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
3. Cameron Johnson, Denver Nuggets
Brooklyn Nets forward Cameron Johnson (2) looks on during the second half against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena. Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images
4. Mike Brown, New York Knicks
Sacramento Kings head coach Mike Brown gestures during the first quarter against the Utah Jazz at Golden 1 Center. Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
5. Deandre Ayton, Los Angeles Lakers
Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton (22) against the San Antonio Spurs at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
6. Myles Turner, Milwaukee Bucks
Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (33) celebrates a made basket during game three of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
7. Kristaps Porzingis, Atlanta Hawks
Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis (8) moves the ball against New York Knicks forward Mikal Bridges (25) in the second half during game two of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
8. Cooper Flagg, Dallas Mavericks
Duke Blue Devils forward Cooper Flagg (2) reacts after a three point basket against the Houston Cougars during the first half in the semifinals of the men’s Final Four of the 2025 NCAA Tournament at the Alamodome. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
9. Norman Powell, Miami Heat
Los Angeles Clippers guard Norman Powell (24) heads down court after a 3-point basket in the first half of game four of round one of the 2024 NBA Playoffs against the Denver Nuggets at Intuit Dome. Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
10. Jalen Green, Phoenix Suns
Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green (4) reacts while playing against the Golden State Warriors in the second quarter during game five of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
11. Ty Jerome, Memphis Grizzlies
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Ty Jerome (2) reacts during the second half against the Indiana Pacers in game five of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena. Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
12. Bradley Beal, LA Clippers
Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal (3) reacts against the Oklahoma City Thunderduring the first half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
13. Dylan Harper, San Antonio Spurs
San Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper dribbles the ball against Utah Jazz forward Cody Williams (5) during the second half of a NBA basketball game at the Thomas & Mack Center. Credit: Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images
14. VJ Edgecombe, Philadelphia 76ers
VJ Edgecombe arrives before the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Conclusion
Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) shoots over Memphis Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane (22) during the first half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
With so much talent on the move, this season is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in years. If these newcomers live up to the hype, fans are in for some unforgettable basketball.
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