Steady starter to an All-Star lock? Top-10 talent to an MVP? Breakout seasons take many forms in the NBA. Ben Golliver identifies 30 players primed to take the next step.
ESPN analyzed 30 NBA players positioned to take significant career leaps during the 2026-27 season across several tiers, including MVP candidates, potential superstars, prospective first-time All-Stars, and incoming rookies. Notable contenders featured in the MVP tier include Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs, Luka Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers, and Cade Cunningham of the Detroit Pistons.
Other highlighted players include Cooper Flagg, Tyrese Maxey, Chet Holmgren, and Anthony Edwards. The piece outlines various circumstances driving these projected developments, ranging from increased team usage and contract extensions to major offseason roster overhauls.
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