10 Key Figures Shaping the 2025-26 NBA Season

As the 2025-26 NBA season approaches, with the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers having already tipped off the preseason in Abu Dhabi, anticipation is high. This offseason has seen significant shifts, with many players and personnel entering new phases of their careers.

This includes point guards adapting to new teams, coaches taking on roles with immense pressure, and promising young talents facing pivotal opportunities. These individuals are poised to be the defining figures of the NBA season.

Unlike our previous lists, this isn`t about the league`s absolute best or most crucial players like Nikola Jokic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, or Luka Doncic. Instead, we`re spotlighting 10 names whose stories, decisions, and performances will significantly influence the season`s narrative – on the court, through trade deadlines, and in future drafts and free agency.

Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks Forward

The biggest question surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo continues to be his long-term commitment to Milwaukee, the only NBA team he`s ever known over his 12-year career.

The Bucks have consistently tried to appease their superstar, first acquiring Jrue Holiday in 2020, then trading Holiday for Damian Lillard in 2023. The latest, and arguably most surprising, move involved waiving and stretching Lillard`s contract to bring in Myles Turner from the Indiana Pacers. Will this latest roster shake-up be enough to secure Antetokounmpo`s loyalty once more?

Antetokounmpo recently admitted to contemplating his future throughout the summer, following three consecutive first-round playoff exits. He expressed a strong desire for high-level competition, stating, “It`s a disservice to basketball… to not want to compete at a high level, to want your season to end in April.” These thoughts, he noted, are not new.

Interestingly, when asked about Bucks owner Wes Edens` claim that Giannis reaffirmed his commitment to Milwaukee in a June conversation, Antetokounmpo stated he couldn`t recall such a discussion.

On the court, a paradox emerges: Antetokounmpo is potentially on the cusp of his most statistically dominant season. Last season, his numbers surged when Lillard was out, and he had the ball more. Coach Doc Rivers is expected to lean into this strategy again, likely turning Giannis into an unstoppable scoring and playmaking force.

However, with unrestricted free agency less than two years away and a roster (beyond Turner) raising many questions, speculation about Antetokounmpo`s future will undoubtedly remain a dominant storyline.

Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic Forward

Orlando Magic president Jeff Weltman declared in May that the team was ready to “turn the page on our rebuild and enter the next stage of our team and look through a more win-now lens.” He then backed this statement with action, orchestrating a significant trade that sent multiple future draft picks to the Memphis Grizzlies for Desmond Bane – a move widely praised as one of the summer`s best.

However, the true success of this aggressive shift hinges not on Bane, Jalen Suggs, or Franz Wagner, but on Paolo Banchero. Fresh off a five-year, $239 million maximum contract extension, Banchero needs to ascend to full superstar status. Can he lead Orlando to their first playoff series win since 2010, and potentially a third NBA Finals appearance in franchise history?

This trajectory is plausible. Banchero, the No. 1 pick in the 2022 NBA draft, possesses a unique combination of size, strength, and skill at 6-foot-10 and 250 pounds, all before turning 23 in November. Yet, his career 3-point percentage stands at 32%, and his true shooting percentage only just surpassed 50% last season.

Bane`s arrival, offering elite outside shooting and secondary ball-handling, will provide significant support. Franz Wagner also needs to rediscover his long-range accuracy, aiming to rebound from two seasons below 30% after shooting 36% three years ago.

Ultimately, Orlando`s ceiling depends on Banchero`s growth. In a potentially wide-open Eastern Conference – particularly with Achilles injuries sidelining Tyrese Haliburton of the Pacers and Jayson Tatum of the Celtics – the Magic could surprise. This, of course, relies on Banchero making the anticipated leap this season and beyond.

Mike Brown, New York Knicks Head Coach

Replacing a coach who led a team to three consecutive playoff victories for the first time in a generation and to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in 25 years sets exceptionally high expectations for the successor. This is the daunting scenario Mike Brown faces, stepping in for Tom Thibodeau this summer.

Despite Brown`s public statements, including at a recent media day, that “no one has higher expectations than he does,” this sentiment is challenged by the fervent New York Knicks fanbase. Knicks fans have endured over half a century without a championship, and this season presents potentially their best opportunity since the Patrick Ewing era Knicks reached the 1994 NBA Finals.

Unlike recent seasons where the Knicks exceeded modest expectations, the wide-open Eastern Conference means anything less than an NBA Finals appearance could be deemed a failure in New York. While Brown has previous experience coaching in high-pressure environments, including leading LeBron James to the 2007 NBA Finals and a stint with the Lakers, the intensity he and his entire roster will face this season is arguably unprecedented.

A.J. Dybantsa, BYU Cougars Forward

A.J. Dybantsa, a forward for the BYU Cougars, is among four elite prospects – including Kansas guard Darryn Peterson, Duke forward Cameron Boozer, and Tennessee forward Nate Ament – who will be hotly contested for the top picks in the highly anticipated 2026 NBA draft class.

Beyond the league`s immediate action, significant attention will be focused on the scouting trails. Several teams, such as the Washington Wizards, Brooklyn Nets, and Utah Jazz, are likely contenders for the best odds in next spring`s draft lottery. This also extends to teams like the New Orleans Pelicans, Phoenix Suns, and Philadelphia 76ers, whose picks could convey to other franchises (Atlanta Hawks, Memphis Grizzlies, and Oklahoma City Thunder, respectively) if they finish lower in the standings or if the 76ers` pick falls outside the top four in June`s draft.

The previous season saw teams eyeing Cooper Flagg before the Dallas Mavericks unexpectedly secured the No. 1 pick. However, the three or four-way battle for the top selection in the 2026 draft promises even greater intrigue and strategic maneuvering.

De`Aaron Fox, San Antonio Spurs Guard

While immense excitement surrounds Victor Wembanyama`s return, especially after his surge to No. 5 in ESPN`s NBA Rank, individual brilliance alone isn`t enough for MVP nominations or All-NBA selections.

For Wembanyama to reach those accolades, the San Antonio Spurs must collectively improve, vying for a playoff spot in the fiercely competitive Western Conference. This season, a significant part of that equation rests on De`Aaron Fox proving to be an effective co-star.

Their brief 120 minutes together on court in February yielded mixed results, a small sample size notwithstanding. Fox, acquired in a blockbuster trade in February and subsequently given a maximum contract extension in August, represents a substantial investment. The Spurs clearly believe he is the ideal complement to Wembanyama.

However, Fox must also integrate with No. 2 pick Dylan Harper and reigning Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle. The potential lack of consistent outside shooting among these three could create an awkward offensive dynamic.

(As a side note, I propose “The Anomaly” as a fitting nickname for Wembanyama, preferring it over “alien” to reflect his truly unique abilities.)

LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers Forward

Entering his 23rd NBA season, LeBron James finds himself in an unfamiliar role: not being the primary focal point of his team. That distinction now belongs to Luka Doncic, who recently signed a three-year extension with the Lakers, signifying the franchise`s clear pivot towards building around him.

While this strategic shift is understandable, it`s still LeBron James we`re discussing. Expect his future to be a relentless topic of conversation throughout the season, a narrative ignited in June by his agent, Rich Paul`s, cryptic remarks to Shams Charania regarding James` long-term plans.

Until both parties offer a definitive statement about their post-season partnership, the speculation will persist. Should the Lakers face challenges this season, the intensity of these discussions is only likely to escalate, especially leading up to the February trade deadline.

Kawhi Leonard, LA Clippers Forward

The LA Clippers face a season of external scrutiny, with an ongoing investigation into potential salary cap circumvention involving former sponsor Aspiration likely to remain a consistent talking point.

However, the on-court narrative primarily revolves around Kawhi Leonard. After missing much of last season due to injuries, he made a significant impact late in the season and during the Clippers` seven-game first-round loss to the Denver Nuggets. Surrounded by a deep, albeit aging, roster, a healthy Leonard could elevate the Clippers to genuine contender status in the Western Conference.

Now entering his age-34 season, the window for Leonard to deliver a successful tenure with the Clippers is narrowing. The 2025-26 season could prove to be one of his final opportunities to realize that goal.

Adam Silver, NBA Commissioner

Adam Silver`s 12th full season as NBA Commissioner was already poised to be momentous, even before the Clippers investigation took center stage. His ruling on that case will undoubtedly be a defining moment of the season and possibly his entire legacy.

Beyond the investigation, Silver has consistently discussed the league`s ambitious plans for European expansion. This involves potentially establishing a new league to rival EuroLeague, the premier basketball league outside the NBA. Such an expansion could introduce new teams, generate billions in fees for the 30 existing NBA owners, and attract wealthy new ownership groups.

Domestic expansion also remains a prevalent topic. Silver recently dismissed the notion that European expansion takes precedence, asserting that both initiatives are being pursued simultaneously and effectively on “parallel tracks.”

Expansion is widely considered a matter of “when,” not “if.” Seattle remains a strong candidate for a new franchise, while various ownership groups express keen interest in securing a team in Las Vegas. The coming months will reveal the true viability of Silver`s parallel development strategy and provide a clearer timeline for when NBA expansion might become a reality.

Amen Thompson, Houston Rockets Guard

Amen Thompson, the No. 4 pick in the 2023 NBA draft, quickly emerged as one of the league`s most compelling talents and is now poised for a monumental breakout season.

Houston faces a challenge with Fred VanVleet sidelined by a torn ACL sustained in offseason workouts, depriving them of his crucial outside shooting, defense, and leadership. However, this opens a significant opportunity for Thompson. Last season, he assumed a larger ball-handling role, ranking third behind VanVleet and the now-departed Jalen Green. The stage is now set for Thompson to step up, lead the offense, and facilitate play for All-Stars Kevin Durant and Alperen Sengun.

The Rockets` acquisition of Kevin Durant indicates they are not planning a transitional year. If Thompson – a strong Defensive Player of the Year candidate and exceptional passer – capitalizes on this moment, he could realistically achieve All-Star status, win the NBA`s Most Improved Player award, and help Houston become a formidable challenger to Oklahoma City in the Western Conference.

Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks Guard

Once considered a clear candidate for a maximum contract extension, Trae Young`s situation has evolved. The landscape has shifted significantly since the current collective bargaining agreement was enacted in spring 2023, leading teams to exercise greater caution with such large commitments.

Atlanta is embarking on its most anticipated season in years, following a highly praised offseason orchestrated by new lead basketball decision-maker Onsi Saleh. The team`s performance this year will critically influence Young`s value and market in next summer`s free agency, especially if no agreement is reached before then.

As the NBA potentially enters a new era of team construction and financial strategies, Trae Young`s upcoming contract could become a defining benchmark for the league`s future spending trends.