Young talent in the NBA is continuously growing, but that doesn’t mean the league’s veterans are ready to take a back seat.
Several of the NBA’s biggest names are entering the 2026-27 season with something to prove. Whether it’s returning from an injury, joining a new franchise, or coming off a down season, these four veterans could surprise fans this season.
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Kyrie Irving
Nov 14, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving looks on during the second half against the LA Clippers in an NBA Cup game at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Kyrie Irving missed a majority of last season after suffering a torn ACL the year prior, but he should be ready to return for the 2026-27 season.
Before the injury, Irving was among the league’s best offensive scorers and creators. The 34-year-old averaged nearly 25 points, five rebounds and five assists during the 2024-25 season while shooting 40.1% from three.
If Irving can return to that level of play, or even a fraction of that, the Dallas Mavericks could get a huge boost in their backcourt.
Damian Lillard
Feb 9, 2026; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) shoots a three-point shot during warm ups before the Trail Blazers play against the Philadelphia 76ers at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Damian Lillard is another veteran looking to bounce back from an injury this season.
Lillard suffered a torn Achilles during the 2025 playoffs but is expected to make his return this season. Before the injury, Lillard was still one of the best scorers in the league who was capable of taking over games with his scoring ability.
Now that he’s returned to the Portland Trail Blazers, Lillard could have a chance to reminisce on his glory days and remind the league why he was one of the league’s best guards for years.
Paul George
September 15, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics forward Paul George (13) speaks during a press conference at The Auerbach Center at Boston Landing. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Paul George had an impressive season with the Philadelphia 76ers. He wasn’t the Paul George who took over games, but he did average over 17 points per game, an improvement from the year prior.
George never looked completely comfortable during his two-year tenure with Philadelphia. Now, he gets a fresh start with the Boston Celtics, a team that has a lot of faith in him. With a fresh start in Boston, there’s a chance he looks like the player fans saw during his time with the Clippers.
At 36 years old, George isn’t going to turn back the clock and return to his prime, but he could still be a contributor on a championship-caliber team.
Jimmy Butler
Jimmy Butler at a press conference during Team Stephen practice at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Butler suffered an ACL tear last season and is yet another veteran looking to bounce back. Butler enters his 16th NBA season and his third with the Golden State Warriors.
Butler averaged around 20 points, five rebounds, and five assists last season prior to his injury. He showed how vital a role he could play in the offense alongside Stephen Curry.
With an offseason filled with recovery, he has a chance to help Golden State return to its glory days. Butler will likely have a smaller impact at 37 years old, but that could make him one of the league’s biggest surprises.
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