Early Season Standouts in the NBA: Players Defining the Narrative
With most teams having played at least 20 games, the 2025-26 NBA season has reached its quarter mark. As we take stock of the league’s landscape, it’s clear that certain players have emerged as breakout stars, defying expectations and rewriting narratives. Yesterday, we highlighted seven teams with surprising starts, and today, we focus on individual players who have shone brightly in the early part of the season.
Austin Reaves: The Lakers’ Rising Star
Austin Reaves, the versatile guard for the Los Angeles Lakers, has been nothing short of a revelation this season. Entering the year, questions loomed about Reaves’ ability to thrive and serve as the No. 2 offensive option alongside Luka Doncic, especially with his impending free agency. However, 20 games into the season, Reaves has silenced those doubts and more. He is currently averaging an impressive 28.1 points and 6.6 assists per game. Reaves has demonstrated his ability to seamlessly integrate with Doncic when the Slovenian is healthy and has even taken the reins of the offense in Doncic’s absence, hitting crucial game-winning shots.
Lakers coach J.J. Redick has praised Reaves’ game, noting his cadence and understanding of matchups. “He’s got a great understanding of when he has a good matchup. He’s got a great understanding of how to play with Luca [Doncic]. And so the flow state that every athlete kind of searches for. He’s just in that right now,” Redick said. Reaves’ performance has not only earned him a place in the All-Star conversation but also positions him as a strong candidate for All-NBA honors. This breakout season will undoubtedly lead to a significant pay raise when he hits free agency this summer.
Jalen Duren: The Pistons’ Defensive Dynamo
Jalen Duren, the young center for the Detroit Pistons, has had a meteoric rise this season, defying the doubts that surrounded him during his contract negotiations last summer. The Pistons initially hesitated to agree to Duren’s financial demands, questioning his fit alongside Cade Cunningham and his defensive capabilities. However, Duren has been a force to be reckoned with, averaging 19.6 points and 11.8 rebounds per game while shooting an efficient 66% from the field.
Duren’s impact extends beyond his raw stats. He has become Cunningham’s most reliable pick-and-roll partner, with the Pistons scoring a league-best 1.45 points per possession when Duren is the screener. His finishing ability is evident, as he shoots 83.3% on roll shots. Defensively, Duren has transformed from a liability to a cornerstone, anchoring the Pistons’ second-ranked defense. His physical presence and improved defensive awareness have made him a key reason why Detroit has the best defense in the league. Duren’s breakout season has him in contention for the All-Star team and the Most Improved Player award, and he will command a significant contract this summer.
Alex Sarr: The Wizards’ Emerging Force
Another young big man making waves this season is Alex Sarr of the Washington Wizards. Despite the Wizards’ struggles, Sarr has been a bright spot, showcasing significant growth and potential. Drafted second overall last year, Sarr looked overmatched as a 19-year-old, averaging 13 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.4 blocks per game on just 39.4% shooting. However, this season, he has taken a significant leap forward, averaging 19.1 points, 8.6 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 2.0 blocks while shooting 51.5% from the field.
Sarr has become a more efficient scorer, particularly in the restricted area, where he takes nearly six shots per game and shoots an impressive 74%. His role in the pick-and-roll has expanded, with the Wizards scoring 1.05 points per possession on these plays, up from 0.79 last year. Sarr’s defensive improvements are also notable, with his 50.8% block rate ranking seventh among NBA starters. His 11.0 contested shots per game are second among all centers. At just 20 years old, Sarr’s ceiling is rising, and he is positioning himself as a key piece of the Wizards’ future.
Ryan Rollins: The Bucks’ Cinderella Story
Ryan Rollins, the point guard for the Milwaukee Bucks, has one of the most compelling narratives in basketball this year. His journey to becoming a prominent player has been far from straightforward. Drafted in the second round in 2022, Rollins struggled to find playing time with the Warriors and was subsequently traded to Washington, where he played just 10 games before being released for shoplifting. However, the Bucks saw potential in him and signed him to a two-way deal in 2024. After a brief stint in the G-League, Rollins earned a three-year, $12 million contract from the Bucks.
With Kevin Porter Jr. injured to start the season, Rollins was given the opportunity to start at point guard, and he has seized it. Averaging 17.9 points, 5.9 assists, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game, Rollins has been a revelation. His shooting has also improved, with a 48.5% field goal percentage and a 39.4% clip from beyond the arc. Rollins has earned the respect of his teammates, including Giannis Antetokounmpo, and is firmly establishing himself as a key player for the Bucks, whether Giannis remains with the team or not.
Deni Avdija: The Trail Blazers’ Versatile Threat
Deni Avdija, the forward for the Portland Trail Blazers, is another player turning heads with his breakout performance this season. Avdija’s journey to Portland has been marked by missed opportunities, particularly by front office executives who overlooked him. However, the Blazers have reaped the benefits of his talent, as Avdija has become a cornerstone of their surprising success. Averaging 25.8 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game, Avdija is a dynamic playmaker and scorer. His shooting has improved, and he leads the league in drives, averaging 19.4 per game, more than any other player, including Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Defensively, Avdija has also stepped up, fitting seamlessly into Portland’s high-pressure, defense-into-offense system. He has been tasked with guarding bigger wings and has excelled in the role. Avdija’s all-around game has earned him a place in the All-Star conversation, and he is a vital piece of the Blazers’ building process, helping to establish a foundation for future success.
Keyonte George: The Jazz’s Offensive Upgrade
The Utah Jazz have had a challenging season, with Walker Kessler out and Lauri Markkanen rumored to be on the trade block. However, one bright spot has been the emergence of Keyonte George. The 22-year-old guard has significantly improved his scoring efficiency and production. George is averaging 22.8 points per game on 44.6% shooting, a substantial increase from his 16.8 points per game last season. His aggression has led to more frequent trips to the free-throw line, where he is averaging 7.0 attempts per game, up from 4.3 last year.
George’s offensive improvements are evident in his increased drives and mid-range shooting. He is averaging 10.7 drives per game and is converting 47.1% of them, a significant improvement from last year’s 8.6 drives and 42.8% conversion rate. His mid-range game has also evolved, with him taking 2.4 mid-range shots per game and connecting at a 43.8% rate, up from 1.2 shots and 35.4% last season. While George remains a work in progress defensively, his offensive growth is a positive development for Jazz fans, providing a glimmer of hope in an otherwise tumultuous season.
As the NBA season progresses, these players continue to make a significant impact, redefining their roles and the narratives surrounding their teams. Their breakout performances serve as a reminder of the dynamic and unpredictable nature of professional basketball, where stars can emerge from the least expected places.
