NBA Season Insights: Early Impressions and Rising Players

We’re just a week into the 2025-26 NBA season, yet several storylines are taking shape. Victor Wembanyama has been showing remarkable improvement, potentially positioning himself as one of the game’s elites. In the Eastern Conference, the race appears wide open, with the Philadelphia 76ers and the Chicago Bulls both holding undefeated records. The Oklahoma City Thunder have been dominant, hinting at the possibility of winning 70 games this season, despite missing a healthy Jaylen Williams. This year’s rookie class is looking impressive.

While standout players like Wembanyama, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Luka Doncic are stealing the spotlight with their fantastic performances, there are also lesser-known players making significant strides that could reshape their teams’ futures.

Let’s take a look at five young role players who have notably improved this season as we approach the new year.

Jonathan Kuminga, F, Golden State Warriors

Contract talks between Kuminga and the Warriors took longer than expected. Even after reaching an agreement, it seemed likely they would go their separate ways. Surprisingly, he shifted his focus from trying to be a primary scorer to embracing a more supportive role. In Golden State’s strong start, Kuminga has been doing a bit of everything. He’s not taking over offensively like before; instead, he’s screening harder, cutting aggressively, and playing with more strength around the basket. His usage rate may have dipped, but he’s scoring a career-high 16.2 points per game with an impressive 64% true shooting efficiency. This is exactly what Steve Kerr has envisioned for Kuminga, and he’s becoming a dependable starter. If he stays focused on making winning plays, the Warriors could reemerge as a genuine contender in the Western Conference.

Ajay Mitchell, G, Oklahoma City Thunder

Sam Presti has struck gold again. The Thunder picked Ajay Mitchell at 38 in the second round of the 2024 draft and signed him to a two-way contract. After showing his potential as a scorer, he earned a three-year, $8.7 million contract this summer, which is looking like a major win for the team. Mitchell has emerged as one of the better bench scorers in the league, averaging 18 points per game on 57% shooting. Standing at 6’4, he’s an agile driver who can change direction quickly and finish at the rim under pressure. He’s taking more three-pointers this season and also contributing as a rebounder and passer. The Thunder benefited from his scoring during Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s rest days, as Mitchell seized the opportunity to elevate his game while key players were recovering from injuries.

Ryan Rollins, G, Milwaukee Bucks

Rollins, a mid-second round pick from Toledo in 2022, found his way from the Warriors to the Wizards and then got cut, before signing with the Bucks on a two-way contract and subsequently landing a three-year, $12 million deal. Now starting in place of the injured Kevin Porter Jr., Rollins offers the Bucks exactly what they need in the backcourt. With Giannis Antetokounmpo performing at a high level, Rollins has become a vital contributor, providing scoring, spot-up 3-point shooting, and solid defense. He’s drained 40% of his last 140 three-point attempts and exhibits excellent movement off the ball. This has been crucial since Giannis looks to draw defenders and kick out to shooters. In a recent game, Rollins showcased his defensive capabilities and continues to hold on to the explosive scoring potential he displayed in college. He’s making a strong case for the starting point guard role, which could significantly enhance the Bucks’ prospects this season.

Kishawn George, G/F, Washington Wizards

Growing up in Switzerland, George made a mark during his freshman year at the University of Miami, leading to his selection by the Wizards with the 24th pick in the 2024 draft. Initially viewed as a 3-and-D wing, he has transformed into a versatile ball-handler who can run pick-and-rolls and find his teammates. His performance through four games has been stellar, with 20 points on an impressive 67% shooting. While his ball-handling isn’t perfectly refined yet, George effectively uses his size to navigate defenses and capitalize on scoring opportunities. His transition shooting has been lethal, making him a big threat on the run for a Wizards team keen on pushing the pace. After a year in the NBA weight room, he appears stronger, which helps him tackle the challenges of his second season. As the Wizards look to showcase their young talent, George is quickly becoming a success story.

Jaime Jaquez Jr., F, Miami Heat

Jaquez started off strong as a rookie after four years at UCLA but faced some backlash from Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra last season due to limitations in his shooting and playmaking. After the team revamped its offense, moving away from the pick-and-roll to a faster pace, Jaquez has evolved into a downhill scorer and is now a capable passer. Averaging nearly 19 points per game on an astonishing 71% shooting, he’s become a nightmare for defenders attacking the rim. With a combination of strength and athleticism, he’s making it easier to pressure defenses, particularly with the Heat’s new approach that allows for quicker scoring opportunities. Jaquez has also shown improvement in his passing vision, effectively combining drives to the basket with setting up teammates. The Heat have been operating at an unprecedented pace, and he’s reestablishing himself as a formidable scorer who consistently challenges defenses.