Stars are often forged during the postseason, when the pace of the games is slower, but the pressure is much higher. There are a few superstars that dominate the headlines, but outside of it, a few young players emerge every year and often tilt the series and change the momentum of a team.

In this article, we’ll review some of these players and their contributions, particularly in light of the upcoming playoffs.

What Makes a Playoff Breakout?

Post-season breakouts usually come from the players who get an expanded role or are able to raise their efficiency when it truly matters to do so. This phenomenon extends beyond the NBA and basketball. For instance, some of the best US Open betting sites often adjust their odds for tennis players who are known to play better under intense pressure.

When it comes to stats to follow to see if someone is a breakout star, experts such as the ones from CCN like to focus on rising usage rates, strong clutch performance, and two-way impact. Matchups also matter, and so does mental resilience.

NBA Players to Watch in 2025

Based on the criteria we mentioned, there are a few players to watch for in 2025. These include:

Dyson Daniels – Atlanta Hawks

Dyson Daniels has improved as a player more than any other this season. He averaged 14.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 4.4 assists, leading the team in steals at 3 per game. Given that he’s only 21 at the moment, these stats become even more impressive. Where he excels the most is in his instincts in defense. The Hawks depend on him to disrupt ball handlers and to create transition offense.

Alperen Şengün – Houston Rockets

When Şengün received the All-Star nod, it was clear that the Rockets had acquired one of the best “big men” in the league. He blends post scoring and a passing vision that almost no one matches. When it comes to the playoffs, his ability to punish switches will bring the most value to the team. The Rockets have a very young roster, but they shouldn’t be underestimated.

Victor Wembanyama – San Antonio Spurs

It’s not clear whether Spurs will be able to make the playoffs, but if they do, Wembanyama will be a sight to see in the postseason. He spent a lot of time this season dealing with injuries, but still managed to score 24 points per game. This included one game with 50 points and a strong defensive stance. The growth Wembanyama managed to show in offense, however, is a trend everyone’s betting on.

Evan Mobley – Cleveland Cavaliers

Mobley has played in the offseason before, but this time he’ll do it as a recipient of the Defensive Player of the Year award. The Cavaliers have built their entire defense around him, and it has proven to be a good idea. This is especially true since Mobley has improved in the offense as well. If he continues in this manner, he’ll be one of the most impactful players on the team and possibly in the league as a whole.

Matas Buzelis – Chicago Bulls

Buzelis isn’t one of the All-Star players, but he still managed to have an outstanding impact on his team. It often happens that someone who’s been with the team for a year or two starts slowly growing as a player and then suddenly reaches a level at which they are unavoidable. This has happened with Buzelis, who’s grown into his role with the Bulls. His length and scoring touch could make him tough to cover.

The Metrics to Follow

There are a few statistics that fans and analysts both keep an eye on and that can showcase which player will play a bigger role in the games to come. These include: clutch-time statistics, defensive matchups, and usage rate spikes. When combined, these statistics point to a player who’s on a roll.

The assist-to-turnover ratio is also an important statistic, as it indicates how quickly a player makes a decision. Shooting efficiency isn’t to be underrated, as there are few things less important than scoring.

To Sum Up

There are a few breakout stars that will shine in the postseason when their teams need them the most. Some of these have already been noticed by the league and the fans and have been rewarded for their efforts, while others are just rookies but have made a name for themselves through sheer effort.

There are metrics that fans and experts can follow to find out which players are improving and which will have an important role in the games to come. However, there are also qualities that can’t be measured, and some players step up in games in the postseason when every win matters.