In an article for HoopsHype, Mike Shearer lists seven players who could be primed for breakout seasons in 2025/26. Here’s the full list:
- Shaedon Sharpe (Trail Blazers)
- Bennedict Mathurin and Andrew Nembhard (Pacers)
- Sam Hauser (Celtics)
- Brandon Miller (Hornets)
- Jake LaRavia (Lakers)
- Terrence Shannon Jr. (Timberwolves)
Shearer acknowledges that Sharpe’s inclusion is a little unconventional, as the 22-year-old averaged a career-best 18.5 points per game in ’24/25. But the Canadian wing is entering the final year of his rookie scale contract and is eligible for an extension until October 20, so he certainly has financial reasons to be motivated for a big season.
Mathurin, who is also eligible for a rookie scale extension, should have a big role for Indiana with Tyrese Haliburton out for the year. Ditto for Nembhard, one of the league’s more unheralded role players who has a chance to show he can be more than that this season.
Boston revamped its roster this offseason for financial and roster-building reasons. There were rumblings that Hauser might be on the trade block, but he’s still a Celtic, and Shearer believes the former Virginia star should have plenty of opportunities to shine in ’25/26.
Shearer also describes why he thinks Miller (second season cut short due to wrist surgery), LaRavia (essentially replacing Dorian Finney-Smith) and Shannon (Nickeil Alexander-Walker replacement?) could take leaps forward.
We want to know what you think. Do you agree with the players on Shearer’s list? If not, why? Which other players could be primed for breakout seasons? Head to the comment section to weigh in.
Wonder how many more clicks HoopsHype gets by including a Laker and a Celtic on lists like this?
Well the Hauser one makes sense since he will be getting way more minutes bc of Tatums absence.
I know hate the Lakers and Celtics is easy, but looking at the fact that Hauser’s minutes will probably double take about 5 seconds to think through.
Also, its not the Lakers and Celtics fault they have dominated the NBA since its inception and its not their fault that their match ups define the NBA.
But yeah its for click bate.
I’d put one Kawhi Anthony Leonard, as a breakout candidate ….. breakout from jail, that is.
(Comedic drum roll)
Matas Buzelis if Billy plays him. Austar Thompson same boat.
Nembhard was great in the post-season. I think with Haliburton out he will be a valuable asset and could prove that he is more than a backup point guard. I think right now he’s a more viable starter than Tyus Jones who obviously struggled as the number one in PHX, but prior to signing there was considered a viable starter by lots of talking heads.
Mathurin has all the raw talent but I’m not sure he can translate that into NBA success. You gotta shoot the three to play the wing and 34% is probably not adequate.
I haven’t seen enough of Miller, but his size and production are intriguing.
How do you make this list without Kel’el Ware, Pelle Larson, and / or Nikola Jovic?