Just weeks before the 2025-26 NBA season officially begins, the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers initiated the preseason schedule with a game in Abu Dhabi.
Following a busy offseason marked by significant roster changes, many players and team personnel are embarking on new challenges. These include a point guard adapting to a new environment, a coach facing high expectations with a new team, and promising young talents poised for major breakthroughs. Such individuals are expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the narrative of this NBA season.
A similar list published last year highlighted figures like Joel Embiid (76ers center), JJ Redick (Los Angeles Lakers coach), and former Boston Celtics owner Wyc Grousbeck.
It`s important to note that this compilation does not focus on the league`s top players or most influential figures. Therefore, elite talents like Nikola Jokic (Denver Nuggets), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City Thunder), and Luka Doncic (Lakers) are intentionally excluded.
Below, we delve into 10 individuals whose actions, both on the court and off (involving trade deadlines, the draft, and free agency), are set to significantly define the upcoming season.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks Forward
Speculation has long surrounded whether Greek superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo will eventually depart Milwaukee, the franchise he has represented throughout his 12-year NBA career.
The Bucks have consistently aimed to appease Antetokounmpo with roster enhancements, initially acquiring Jrue Holiday in 2020, then trading Holiday for Damian Lillard in 2023. However, the recent surprising move to waive-and-stretch Lillard`s contract to bring in former Indiana Pacers star Myles Turner raises questions: will this latest upgrade be sufficient to secure Antetokounmpo`s long-term commitment for a third time?
During a recent videoconference, Antetokounmpo, recovering from COVID-19, admitted to contemplating his future throughout the summer, especially after three consecutive first-round playoff eliminations.
He stated, “It`s a disservice to basketball and the sport itself to not aspire to compete at the highest level, to want your season to conclude in April.” He added that these sentiments weren`t new, having entertained similar thoughts in the previous two years.
When questioned about Bucks owner Wes Edens` claim of a June conversation where Antetokounmpo reportedly reaffirmed his “commitment to Milwaukee,” the superstar stated he had no recollection of such a discussion.
Ironically, despite the off-court uncertainty, Antetokounmpo is poised for potentially his most statistically dominant season. His performance soared last season when Lillard was injured, giving him constant ball-handling duties. Coach Doc Rivers is expected to replicate this approach, making Antetokounmpo a significant statistical powerhouse.
With less than two years until Antetokounmpo can become an unrestricted free agent, and a roster that, apart from Turner, faces numerous uncertainties, discussions about his future are unlikely to subside in the near future.
Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic Forward
In May, Magic President of Basketball Operations Jeff Weltman declared in a radio interview that the team was “ready to turn the page on our rebuild and enter the next stage… through a more win-now lens.”
Weltman solidified this intent by making a significant trade, sending multiple future draft picks to the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for Desmond Bane, a move widely praised in a recent offseason survey.
For this ambitious strategy to succeed, its efficacy will hinge less on Bane, Jalen Suggs, or Franz Wagner, and more on Paolo Banchero`s evolution into a bona fide superstar. Fresh from signing a five-year, $239 million max extension, can he propel Orlando to its first playoff series win since 2010, and potentially a third NBA Finals appearance in franchise history?
This ambitious trajectory is within reach. Banchero, the top pick in the 2022 NBA draft, possesses a unique combination of size, strength, and skill at 6-foot-10 and 250 pounds, and won`t turn 23 until November 12. However, his career 3-point percentage stands at 32%, and he only just surpassed 50% true shooting for the first time last season.
Bane`s arrival, offering excellent outside shooting and another ball-handling option, is a significant boost. Similarly, Franz Wagner breaking out of his two-year shooting slump from beyond the arc (dropping from 36% to below 30% in recent seasons) would also be crucial.
The Magic`s success hinges entirely on Banchero`s performance. Given the wide-open nature of the Eastern Conference—partially due to Achilles injuries to Tyrese Haliburton (Indiana Pacers) and Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics), a recurring theme on this list—Orlando could advance significantly, provided Banchero achieves the anticipated progress this season and beyond.
Mike Brown, New York Knicks Head Coach
Replacing a coach who achieved three consecutive seasons of playoff wins – a generational first – and reached the Eastern Conference finals for the first time in 25 years, clearly sets immense expectations for the incoming successor.
This is the challenging scenario Mike Brown faces, stepping in for Tom Thibodeau this summer. Despite Brown`s consistent assertions, even at media day, that “no one has higher expectations than he does,” this statement may not fully reflect the reality.
A unique bond exists between the Knicks and their fanbase, who have endured over half a century without a championship. This season might represent their strongest chance since the 1994 Patrick Ewing-era Knicks made the NBA Finals. Unlike previous seasons where they exceeded modest expectations, a wide-open Eastern Conference now means anything less than a Finals appearance could be perceived as a failed season for New York.
Brown is accustomed to high-pressure environments, having coached LeBron James to the NBA Finals in 2007 and served as head coach for the Lakers. However, he arguably faces unprecedented pressure this season, a challenge equally new to every player on his roster.
A.J. Dybantsa, BYU Cougars Forward
A.J. Dybantsa is among four highly touted prospects – including Kansas guard Darryn Peterson, Duke forward Cameron Boozer, and Tennessee forward Nate Ament – who are expected to contend for the top selections in the deep 2026 NBA draft class.
Beyond the league`s main action, considerable attention will be focused on scouting, as several teams – such as the Washington Wizards, Brooklyn Nets, and Utah Jazz – are likely candidates for top lottery odds in next spring`s draft. Additionally, teams like the New Orleans Pelicans, Phoenix Suns, and Philadelphia 76ers could potentially convey their picks to the Atlanta Hawks, Memphis Grizzlies, and Oklahoma City Thunder, respectively, should they underperform (Philadelphia`s pick is protected if it falls within the top four).
Last season, many teams eyed Cooper Flagg as a top pick until the Dallas Mavericks surprisingly secured the No. 1 spot. The anticipated three-to-four-way battle for the 2026 No. 1 pick promises even more intrigue.
De`Aaron Fox, San Antonio Spurs Guard
Spurs center Victor Wembanyama`s return is highly anticipated, especially following his jump to fifth in ESPN`s annual NBA Rank.
However, Wembanyama`s brilliance alone isn`t enough for MVP consideration or All-NBA honors. His team must also demonstrate significant progress alongside its young star, aiming for a playoff berth even in the fiercely competitive Western Conference.
The Spurs` ability to reach such heights this season will largely depend on De`Aaron Fox proving to be an effective co-star alongside Wembanyama.
During their limited 120 minutes together on court in February, their chemistry showed mixed results, though this small sample size should be considered cautiously. Fox was acquired in a significant February trade and later received a maximum contract extension in August, indicating the Spurs` belief in him as an ideal partner for Wembanyama. Fox will also need to integrate with No. 2 pick Dylan Harper and reigning Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle, a trio whose collective inconsistent shooting could pose challenges.
(*As a side note, I suggest `The Anomaly` as a nickname for Wembanyama, as it better captures his unique qualities than `alien` does.*)
LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers Forward
As LeBron James embarks on his 23rd NBA season, he finds himself in an unfamiliar role, no longer the primary focus of his team – a position he hasn`t been in since middle school. That spotlight now shines on Luka Doncic, who signed a three-year extension this summer, with the Lakers publicly committing their franchise`s future to him.
While this strategic shift is entirely rational, the individual involved is, after all, LeBron James.
Throughout the season, expect relentless speculation regarding James` future, a narrative ignited in June when his agent, Rich Paul, issued an enigmatic statement concerning his client`s path.
Until either James or the Lakers issue a definitive statement about the future of their collaboration beyond this season, these inquiries will persist. Should the Lakers face difficulties, the intensity of this conversation is likely to escalate significantly leading up to the February trade deadline.
Kawhi Leonard, LA Clippers Forward
The ongoing investigation into the Clippers` alleged salary cap circumvention, involving former sponsor Aspiration, is set to remain a prominent talking point throughout the season.
Beyond off-court issues, the on-court narrative revolves around Kawhi Leonard. Despite missing significant time due to injuries last season, he returned to be highly influential in the playoffs, including their seven-game first-round loss to the Denver Nuggets. Surrounded by a deep, albeit aging, roster, if Leonard can maintain his health, the Clippers possess the potential to be a genuine force in the Western Conference.
Entering his age-34 season, Leonard is running out of opportunities to validate his Clippers tenure; success in 2025-26 is critical.
Adam Silver
Even prior to the Clippers investigation dominating headlines, this season was already poised to be significant for NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, now in his 12th full year. His ruling on this case will undoubtedly be a defining moment of the season and potentially his entire commissionership.
However, his agenda extends further. In recent months, Silver has frequently discussed the league`s ambition to expand into Europe by establishing a new league to rival EuroLeague, widely regarded as the top basketball competition outside the NBA. This initiative could lead to the formation of several new expansion teams, generating billions in fees for the 30 NBA owners and attracting wealthy new investors for NBA franchises.
Domestic expansion also remains a major talking point within league circles. Last month, Silver vehemently dismissed the notion that European expansion takes precedence, asserting that both projects are progressing concurrently on parallel tracks.
Expansion is widely considered inevitable, rather than a question of `if.` Seattle is a clear front-runner for a new franchise, while various ownership groups are keen on securing a team in Las Vegas. The coming months will reveal the true feasibility of Silver`s `parallel tracks` approach and how quickly NBA expansion might materialize.
Amen Thompson, Houston Rockets Guard
Amen Thompson, the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NBA draft, quickly emerged as one of the league`s most compelling talents and is now poised for a breakout season.
Fred VanVleet`s torn ACL during offseason workouts means Houston will miss his valuable outside shooting, defensive prowess, and leadership. However, this absence presents a significant opportunity for Thompson. Last season, he already took on a more prominent ball-handling role, ranking third behind VanVleet and the now-departed Jalen Green. The path is clear for Thompson to lead the team`s offense and facilitate for All-Stars Kevin Durant and Alperen Sengun.
The Rockets` acquisition of Kevin Durant indicates they do not view this season as a transitional one. If Thompson, a genuine Defensive Player of the Year candidate and exceptional passer, capitalizes on this chance, he could become an All-Star, win the NBA`s Most Improved Player award, and help Houston emerge as a legitimate contender to challenge Oklahoma City in the Western Conference.
Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks Guard
Previously, Trae Young would have been an automatic candidate for a maximum contract extension. However, with the implementation of the new collective bargaining agreement in spring 2023, teams have become significantly more cautious about offering such lucrative deals.
Under new lead basketball decision-maker Onsi Saleh, Atlanta enters its most anticipated Hawks season in years following a widely praised offseason. The team`s performance could heavily influence Young`s market value in free agency next summer if a contract agreement isn`t reached beforehand.
As the NBA potentially transitions into a new era of team construction and financial strategies, Young`s impending contract situation could serve as a central benchmark.
