The Top Rising NBA Players You Need to Watch This Season

As I sit down to analyze this upcoming NBA season, I can't help but feel that special buzz in the air that only comes when we're about to witness the emergence of new basketball royalty. Having followed professional basketball for over fifteen years, I've developed a sixth sense for spotting which young players are about to break through, and this season feels particularly rich with potential. The energy surrounding these rising stars reminds me of the excitement building around Alas Pilipinas as they prepare for the 2025 Southeast Asian V.League this August, where all but one player will be available for selection. There's something magical about watching raw talent transform into consistent excellence before our eyes.

When we talk about rising NBA players, we're not just discussing statistical improvements or highlight-reel dunks. We're witnessing the formation of basketball legacies that could define the next decade of the sport. Take Anthony Edwards, for instance. I've been tracking his development since his rookie season, and what fascinates me isn't just his explosive scoring ability but his rapidly evolving basketball IQ. Last season, he increased his scoring average from 21.3 to 26.7 points per game while improving his three-point percentage from 35.7% to 38.9%. These numbers tell only part of the story though. What the statistics don't capture is his growing command during clutch moments or how he's learning to manipulate defenses with his eyes before even making a move. I've noticed he's started using hesitation dribbles more effectively and has developed a mid-range game that reminds me of a young Dwyane Wade.

Then there's Tyrese Haliburton, whose ascent has been nothing short of remarkable. As someone who values playmaking above almost everything else in basketball, watching Haliburton orchestrate an offense feels like observing a chess grandmaster at work. His assist numbers jumped from 8.2 to 10.4 per game last season, but what impressed me more was his reduction in turnovers despite increased usage. The Pacers' offensive rating improved by 7.3 points when he was on the court compared to when he sat, which is one of those statistics that genuinely captures a player's impact. I had the opportunity to watch him live against the Knicks last March, and his court vision was even more impressive in person. The way he sees passing lanes before they develop is a rare gift that can't be taught, and I believe he's just scratching the surface of his potential.

What makes this crop of rising stars particularly compelling is how their development parallels the building excitement in international basketball circles. The situation with Alas Pilipinas preparing for the SEA V.League, with nearly their entire roster available, creates a fascinating backdrop against which to view NBA talent development. International competitions have become breeding grounds for the next generation of NBA stars, and we're seeing more players than ever using global platforms to accelerate their growth. I've noticed that players who participate in international competitions often return to the NBA with refined skills and heightened basketball intelligence.

Evan Mobley represents a different kind of rising talent – the defensive anchor who's rapidly expanding his offensive repertoire. Watching him develop has been particularly satisfying for me because I've always valued two-way players over pure scorers. His block percentage of 4.8% placed him in the 94th percentile among big men, while his defensive rating of 106.3 was among the league's best for players his age. But what has me most excited is the flashes of offensive creativity he showed in the playoffs last season. I counted at least three games where he created his own shot in crucial moments, something we rarely saw from him during his first two seasons. If he can develop a consistent three-point shot – and I believe he will based on his work ethic – he could become the most complete big man in the league within two years.

The international pipeline continues to produce fascinating prospects, with Josh Giddey representing the global influx of talent that's reshaping the NBA. As an Australian, he brings a fundamentally different approach to the game that I find refreshing. His court vision and passing creativity remind me of the European greats, but he combines it with athleticism that's more typical of American-developed players. Last season, he became only the third player under 21 in NBA history to average at least 16 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists, joining company like Luka Dončić and LeBron James. While his shooting needs improvement – his 32.5% from three-point range leaves room for growth – his basketball instincts are already among the best in the league. I particularly love watching him in transition, where he seems to see the entire court in slow motion while everyone else is operating at regular speed.

What strikes me about this generation of rising stars is their versatility. The days of players fitting neatly into positional boxes are long gone, and these young athletes embody the positionless basketball that's becoming the NBA's new normal. Players like Scottie Barnes, who can legitimately guard all five positions while initiating offense, represent the future of the sport. His transformation from his rookie to sophomore season was remarkable – he increased his scoring by 4.7 points per game while significantly improving his playmaking and defensive versatility. I remember watching him completely shut down Kevin Durant for stretches during a Raptors-Nets game last season, which is something very few players in the league can accomplish.

As we look toward both the upcoming NBA season and international competitions like the SEA V.League where Alas Pilipinas is preparing with nearly their full roster, it's clear we're in a golden age of basketball talent development. The synergy between domestic leagues and international competitions creates more opportunities for players to develop and showcase their skills than ever before. Having watched basketball evolve over the past two decades, I can confidently say that the current crop of rising NBA stars represents some of the most complete and versatile young talent I've ever seen. Their development will not only shape the upcoming season but could redefine the sport for years to come. The excitement building around these players feels both earned and justified, and I for one can't wait to watch their stories unfold.