Five NBA Players Who Will Have Breakout Seasons This Year

Every year, players in the NBA go above and beyond expectations. Some of them earn votes for Most Improved Player, but only one player can win that award. Whether it is because someone goes down with an injury or they need someone to fill into the rotation, there are going to be players who shock us.

This offseason, a lot has changed around the league. Rosters look different, teams made moves, and now they are going to have different rotations. Let’s take a look at five players around the league who could be due for a breakout season.

Brandon Miller

5Apr 14, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward Brandon Miller (24) and fans react to the overtime win during the play-in rounds between the Charlotte Hornets and the Miami Heat of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Brandon Miller will be the center of attention next year for the Charlotte Hornets. After trading away LaMelo Ball, the Hornets’ go-to scorer is a big question mark. Leaning on a second-year Kon Knueppel likely won’t go well, which is why Miller is the perfect candidate.

Miller was the second pick in the 2023 draft, right behind Victor Wembanyama. Last season for the Hornets, Miller averaged 20.2 points per game in a year when Ball was relatively healthy. Now, going into year four, he will likely be the primary shot creator and shot taker for the Hornets, who will look to compete in the Eastern Conference. Miller shot 38% from three last year, a convincing number for a guy who thrives around the rim.

His athleticism and IQ have only improved, and while 20 points per game may be hard to beat, Miller has the perfect situation to do it.

Ron Holland

5Nov 13, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Detroit Pistons forward Ron Holland II (00) during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

Having Ron Holland on this list may age poorly because he has struggled offensively in his first two seasons. The Detroit Pistons desperately need someone to at least be willing to create their own shot outside of Cade Cunningham. Their starting lineup should look similar to last year, with the subtraction of Tobias Harris and the addition of John Collins. Collins, who has never been much of a self-creator, will benefit from the vision of Cunningham more than anything.

Taking a bet on an Ausar Thompson leap is risky, because his role of guarding the best player won’t be changing. Although Holland will come off the bench for Detroit, that won’t change the fact that they need scoring. Last season, Holland averaged 8.2 points per game on 43% from the field and 28% from three. Detroit has enough outside shooting now that Holland should be able to score in his preferred way, which is attacking the basket.

The former fifth overall pick is entering his third year, a time when players start to develop their game. Holland may be the recipient of Detroit needing another offensive threat and find himself as a candidate for Most Improved Player.

Khaman Maluach

5Apr 8, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns center Khaman Maluach (10) against the Dallas Mavericks at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

After watching Khaman Maluach in summer league, he deserves the starting center spot for the Phoenix Suns. Maluach is entering just his second season in the league, and didn’t get much playing time at all last season.

However, Mark Williams tends to be injury-prone, and that’s when Maluach’s opportunity begins. The 7-foot-1 center shot 53% from the field last season despite playing in just46 of Phoenix’s games. Although he struggled from beyond the arc, he shot 40% from deep in Summer League, where he finished with 19.5 points and 12.8 rebounds a game. He is a great screen-setter, has timely cuts, and shows promising potential as a help-side defender and rim protector.

Although many people may not be high on Phoenix next season, Maluach certainly will be a bright spot for them.

Kel’el Ware

5North Little Rock’s Kelel Ware (10) shoots the ball during the 48th annual City of Palms Classic between Calvary Christian and North Little Rock on Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2021 at the Suncoast Credit Union Arena in Fort Myers, Fla.

Ndn 20211222 48th Annual City Of Palms Classic Between Calvary Christian And North Little Rock0480

Kel’el Ware’s time with the Miami Heat didn’t favor him. He was stuck getting inconsistent minutes and unable to prove that he could be a consistent player. Now, he will have that opportunity with the Milwaukee Bucks.

Ware is one of the best stretch bigs in the game. At 7 feet tall, he shot 39.5% from three last season on three attempts per game. Ware is extremely athletic and mobile for someone his size and isn’t afraid to put the ball on the floor. Like Maluach, he has shown good instincts on the defensive side of the ball. Although he will likely start the season backing up Myles Turner, he will likely see increased playing time after the trade deadline.

Ware is just 22 years old and fits right in with the Bucks’ youth movement. He will benefit greatly from their rebuilding process and should get an opportunity to showcase his real potential.

Donovan Clingan

5Apr 28, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Portland Trail Blazers center Donovan Clingan (23) shoots ahead of San Antonio Spurs guard De’Aaron Fox (4) during the second half of game five of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

Last season for the Portland Trail Blazers, Donovan Clingan made a small leap as the starting center. He averaged 12.1 points a night along with 11.6 rebounds. 4.5 of his rebounds were offensive, leading the league in that category.

Clingan is one of the premier defenders in the NBA, and moves as well as you can ask for a guy who is 7-foot-2 and 280 pounds. He is an exceptional rebounder and has improved as a playmaker. Although Portland has a lot more mouths to feed than last season, Clingan’s usage shouldn’t take a massive hit. Working alongside guards like Ja Morant and Damian Lillard will only improve his efficiency.

He showed potential as an outside shooter, converting on 34% of his attempts last season. Clingan should be the beneficiary of a guard-heavy Trail Blazers roster next season, with an injury-prone Robert Williams as his backup.

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