Who Are the Top NBA Rising Stars to Watch This Season?

As I analyze the upcoming NBA season, I can't help but draw parallels between what we're seeing in the PBA and the developments in the world's premier basketball league. Watching TNT struggle without Rondae Hollis-Jefferson in their PBA Philippine Cup campaign reminded me how crucial versatile players have become in modern basketball. That absence created a void that affected their entire system - something we see frequently in the NBA when teams lose their Swiss Army knife players. This season, I'm particularly excited about several rising stars who embody that same do-it-all capability that makes players like Hollis-Jefferson so valuable.

When I look at the current NBA landscape, Chet Holmgren stands out as someone who could genuinely redefine what's possible for a seven-footer. Having watched him recover from that devastating foot injury that kept him out all last season, I've been blown away by his preseason performances. The guy isn't just tall - he's averaging 18.3 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks in his first 12 games while shooting 42% from three-point range. Those aren't just good numbers for a rookie; they're All-Star caliber production. What makes him special in my view is his ability to protect the rim like a traditional center while handling the ball and shooting like a guard. I've rarely seen a player with his combination of skills, and I believe Oklahoma City has found their franchise cornerstone.

Then there's Paolo Banchero, who already looks like a veteran despite being just 20 years old. I watched him closely during his rookie season when he put up 20 points per game, and what impressed me most was his maturity and physicality. The way he commands double teams and makes smart passes out of them reminds me of a young LeBron James - though I know that's high praise. His mid-range game has improved dramatically, and I'd estimate his efficiency in that area has increased by at least 15% based on what I've observed. The Magic have built their entire offense around him, and rightly so - he's the kind of player who makes everyone around him better.

What many casual fans might miss about these rising stars is how their versatility impacts team construction. Just as TNT discovered with Hollis-Jefferson's absence, when you have a player who can defend multiple positions, create offense, and space the floor, it allows for so much more flexibility in your lineup decisions. I've noticed teams are increasingly valuing these multi-dimensional players over specialists, and the success of guys like Holmgren and Banchero will only accelerate that trend. Personally, I think this is the right direction for the league - basketball is more exciting when players can do a bit of everything rather than being confined to specific roles.

Another player who's captured my attention is Jalen Williams from the Thunder. While Holmgren gets most of the headlines, Williams has quietly developed into one of the most efficient secondary creators in the league. His stats might not jump off the page - around 17 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists - but when you watch him play, you see a player with incredible court vision and defensive instincts. I'd argue he's already one of the top 10 two-way guards in the Western Conference, and at just 22 years old, his ceiling is enormous. The Thunder's development staff deserves tremendous credit for identifying and nurturing his unique skill set.

As we move through this season, I'm keeping a particularly close eye on how these young players handle the increased scrutiny and defensive attention that comes with success. We've seen many promising talents struggle with the sophomore slump or fail to make the leap from good to great. Based on what I've observed in their training habits and mental approach, I'm betting on Holmgren and Banchero to not just maintain their production but actually improve as the season progresses. The NBA's future is in remarkably good hands with this new generation of stars who combine individual brilliance with team-oriented play. What excites me most is that we're likely just seeing the beginning of what these players can accomplish.