Rising NBA Players You Need to Watch This Season for Breakout Performances

As I sit here scrolling through the latest NBA offseason moves, I can't help but feel that electric buzz in the air—the kind that only comes when you know basketball's landscape is about to shift. This season promises something special, and I'm not just talking about the usual superstars. Having followed basketball across continents, from the polished courts of American arenas to the passionate gyms in Southeast Asia, I've developed a sixth sense for spotting breakout talent. What really caught my eye recently was news from Montalban, Rizal, where Alas Pilipinas is prepping for the 2025 SEA V.League with nearly their full roster intact. That story, seemingly distant from the NBA, underscores a global trend: talent pools are deepening, and the next wave of NBA standouts might just emerge from unexpected places.

Let me start with a name that's been on my mind—Jalen Green of the Houston Rockets. Now, I'll admit I've been cautiously optimistic about him since his G-League days, but this season feels different. Last year, he averaged 22.1 points per game, yet his efficiency wavered with a 42% field goal rate. What tells me he's primed for a leap? The Rockets' renewed focus on player development and their offseason acquisitions, which should take defensive pressure off him. I've watched countless hours of his tape, and his first step remains one of the quickest in the league; if he refines his decision-making, we could see him crack 25-27 points per game and maybe even snag an All-Star nod. It's not just about stats, though—Green embodies that raw, explosive potential that makes basketball so thrilling to follow.

Then there's Scottie Barnes up in Toronto, a player I've grown to admire for his versatility. After winning Rookie of the Year, he took a slight step back last season, but I'm betting on a resurgence. At 6'7", he's a Swiss Army knife on both ends, averaging 15.3 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.8 assists in the previous campaign. What many overlook is his basketball IQ, which I'd argue is among the top 5% of players under 23. With the Raptors retooling their roster, Barnes will likely handle the ball more, and I won't be surprised if his assists jump to 6-7 per game. Honestly, if he develops a consistent three-pointer—he shot just 28% from deep last year—he could transform into a perennial All-Defensive team candidate. Watching him feels like seeing a younger Draymond Green but with more offensive upside, and that's a hill I'm willing to die on.

Switching gears to the international scene, the buzz around Alas Pilipinas' preparation for the 2025 SEA V.League resonates with me because it highlights how global pipelines are feeding into the NBA. In Montalban, Rizal, the team has all but one player available for the August tournament, signaling a deep bench and cohesive unit. This matters because, in my experience covering basketball, such environments breed players who adapt quickly to NBA pressures. Take, for instance, Jordan Poole's rise after his G-League stints—it's proof that competitive reps in varied leagues build resilience. I'd estimate that 15-20% of current NBA rotation players honed their skills in international competitions like the V.League, and this trend is accelerating. For NBA fans, it means keeping an eye on events like these could reveal the next diamond in the rough, much like how Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's FIBA performances foreshadowed his MVP-caliber seasons.

Another player I'm bullish on is Tyrese Haliburton of the Indiana Pacers. Last season, he dished out 10.4 assists per game, ranking him third in the league, and his three-point shooting hovered around 40%. But what excites me most is his leadership; I've seen him in post-game interviews, and his calm demeanor under pressure reminds me of Chris Paul in his prime. With the Pacers adding more shooters this offseason, Haliburton's playmaking could elevate him into the 12-13 assists per game range, potentially leading the league. I'd go as far as predicting he'll crack the top 5 in MVP voting if Indiana makes a playoff push, because let's face it—the NBA rewards floor generals who make everyone better.

Wrapping this up, the common thread among these rising stars is their connection to broader basketball ecosystems, whether it's through international leagues like the SEA V.League or domestic development paths. As Alas Pilipinas gears up with almost a full squad, it's a reminder that breakout performances often stem from unseen hard work and global opportunities. From my perspective, this season will be defined by these young guns stepping into the spotlight, and I, for one, can't wait to see how it unfolds. If you're tuning in, keep an eye on the nuances—the assists, the defensive stops, the clutch moments—because that's where legends are born.