NBA breakout candidates: 11 players who could surprise in a big way in 2026-27

The NBA season is here! As competitive as it will be, there are always players who surprise. Breakouts can occur all over the league, but also at different levels. From a star to a superstar, from potential to consistent contributor. The leaps these players make can lift their teams in ways we can’t always see in October. Here are the players I have in mind that could break out and impact their teams this season.

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(Henry Russell/Yahoo Sports Illustration)

Dylan Harper, Spurs

I would normally Eurostep a Year 2 prospect as a breakout candidate, but Harper’s growth is too much to ignore. It was clear to see just how much Harper improved over the course of his rookie year, and how impactful that improvement from Harper was in the postseason. The moment has arrived now as he’s worked his way into the Spurs’ starting lineup.

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The command he showcased last season allowed the Spurs to have consistent guard play. Imagine if that unlocks the Spurs’ three-guard lineup at the start of the season? In the preseason, we saw a lack of hesitation — nothing new, but there was a determination behind it. The drives felt smoother, and he had no problem hitting first once he got in the paint. And if the defense gave him space in pick-and-roll, he went right to a stepback or a pull-up.

Jaden McDaniels, Timberwolves

There was a loudness to the way McDaniels spoke about (and then performed against) the Denver Nuggets in the playoffs. Since then, Minnesota has shifted its identity to a smaller, younger and more athletic bunch — and it’s easy to see a potential amplification on that noise from McDaniels this season.

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His aggression has not stopped offensively, and that fits within what Minnesota wants to do: Get out and run in transition. A throw-ahead to McDaniels could get an easy bucket or get him attacking to a midrange shot. Depending on matchups, the Wolves can use McDaniels as a screener. There is room for him to be involved in more pick-and-roll and handoffs, and he’s had zero issue reading the defense and being aggressive to look for…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/article/nba-breakout-candidates-11-players-who-could-surprise-in-2026-27-142735326.html

Author : Steve Jones

Publish date : 2026-10-21 14:27:00

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