The 2024 NBA draft class was widely considered one of the less impactful in recent memory prior to the previous season. While this perception largely persisted throughout the season, several compelling narratives emerged as many of these prospects took on new roles and demonstrated significant long-term potential.
Some players, such as Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle (No. 4 pick), made an immediate and substantial impact in their inaugural season. Others, like Matas Buzelis (No. 11 pick), displayed early signs of a potential breakthrough. Furthermore, a number of prospects, including Reed Sheppard (No. 3 pick), are expected to step into more prominent roles.
It`s important to note that this list doesn`t rank the top or most valuable rising sophomores. Instead, it highlights the players whose development and performance I`m most eager to observe as training camp approaches.
Below is a detailed look at the ten most intriguing sophomores entering the 2025-26 season, outlining their rookie achievements and what key aspects to monitor in their second year.
- 10. Nikola Topic, Oklahoma City Thunder
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- Why He`s One To Watch:
- 9. Jared McCain, Philadelphia 76ers
- Rookie Season Highlights:
- Why He`s One To Watch:
- 8. Jaylen Wells, Memphis Grizzlies
- Rookie Season Highlights:
- Why He`s One To Watch:
- 7. Kel`el Ware, Miami Heat
- Rookie Season Highlights:
- Why He`s One To Watch:
- 6. Alex Sarr, Washington Wizards
- Rookie Season Highlights:
- Why He`s One To Watch:
- 5. Donovan Clingan, Portland Trail Blazers
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- Why He`s One To Watch:
- 4. Matas Buzelis, Chicago Bulls
- Rookie Season Highlights:
- Why He`s One To Watch:
- 3. Zaccharie Risacher, Atlanta Hawks
- Rookie Season Highlights:
- Why He`s One To Watch:
- 2. Stephon Castle, San Antonio Spurs
- Rookie Season Highlights:
- Why He`s One To Watch:
- 1. Reed Sheppard, Houston Rockets
- Rookie Season Highlights:
- Why He`s One To Watch:
10. Nikola Topic, Oklahoma City Thunder
Rookie Season Highlights:
Topic notably clinched a championship with the Thunder without ever stepping onto the court, as he missed his entire rookie season due to a torn ACL. Oklahoma City`s strong roster depth allowed them the luxury of effectively `redshirting` Topic for a year. Although technically a rookie next season, his potential for impact on the reigning champions warrants his inclusion on this list.
Why He`s One To Watch:
My primary interest in Topic stems from sheer curiosity. Given Oklahoma City`s extensive backcourt depth, his role at the start of the season is uncertain. However, he showed flashes of his capabilities during the summer league, demonstrating impressive playmaking skills (averaging 7.3 assists over three games) and high basketball IQ. This skillset could earn him valuable backup minutes behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Whether he develops into a long-term rotation player or becomes a valuable trade asset for the Thunder remains to be seen over the next season or two, but his positive early glimpses make him a player worth monitoring as the defending champions continue to evolve.
9. Jared McCain, Philadelphia 76ers
Rookie Season Highlights:
McCain delivered a promising, albeit limited, 23-game performance before suffering a torn meniscus in his left knee in December. He averaged 15.3 points on 46% shooting in 25.7 minutes. While this occurred during a challenging season for the Sixers, marked by injuries and a 24-58 record, it was a solid debut after Philadelphia selected him with the 16th pick. His natural scoring instincts and perimeter shooting quickly translated to the NBA level.
Why He`s One To Watch:
How McCain recovers from his injury and builds on his initial season, alongside how the 76ers manage backcourt minutes among McCain, Tyrese Maxey, and 2025 No. 3 pick VJ Edgecombe, will be key. Philadelphia`s best interest lies in harmonizing the fit between these three, with McCain potentially suited for a combo guard role long-term. A crucial big-picture question is whether the Sixers can achieve success with this trio, who will concede significant size defensively on the perimeter, especially with Joel Embiid and Paul George in their 30s and often dealing with availability issues. This season is pivotal for McCain to solidify his position as a core piece of the 76ers` future.
8. Jaylen Wells, Memphis Grizzlies
Rookie Season Highlights:
Wells was arguably the standout value pick of the 2024 draft, earning a spot on the All-Rookie first team. He averaged 10.4 points and started 74 games after Memphis acquired him with the 39th pick. Initially seen primarily as a spot-up shooter from Washington State, Wells not only hit 35% of his three-pointers but also demonstrated surprising defensive capabilities, embracing tough matchups and quickly establishing a viable role in his debut season.
Why He`s One To Watch:
The Grizzlies` decision to trade Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic was somewhat mitigated by Wells` emergence. He is now poised to expand his role as a scorer next season, with Bane`s departure freeing up numerous touches both as a shooter and secondary playmaker. A late bloomer who played Division II basketball and turns 22 in August, Wells may possess additional untapped potential. The Grizzlies will likely want to assess if he can significantly increase his contributions. While his limitations as an on-ball creator might cap his ultimate high-end outcomes, based on his past performance, it`s plausible he will continue to surprise if he can achieve a leap forward in both efficiency and volume.
7. Kel`el Ware, Miami Heat
Rookie Season Highlights:
Ware earned All-Rookie second team honors after making a midseason breakthrough, delivering several productive stretches and eventually moving into the starting lineup. He is a naturally talented, modern center capable of paint protection, agile footwork, and consistent spot-up three-point shooting. He exceeded initial expectations with his readiness to contribute after the Heat drafted him 15th overall.
Why He`s One To Watch:
How quickly Ware can fully realize his considerable potential is a significant factor in Miami`s current roster retooling. Despite his successful rookie season, Heat coach Erik Spoelstra`s recent public comments urging Ware to `improve his professionalism` were noteworthy, aligning with pre-draft perceptions of Ware. NBA executives and scouts had previously questioned his motor and commitment to playing at a high level, making it somewhat surprising that the Heat—a franchise known for prioritizing intangibles—saw him as a fit. Clearly, Miami believes it can maximize Ware`s capabilities, and it will be interesting to observe whether he can build on his early success and further legitimize himself as a starting-caliber center.
6. Alex Sarr, Washington Wizards
Rookie Season Highlights:
As the second overall pick, Sarr made the All-Rookie first team despite being very much a developmental project. He played the entire season at age 19, averaging 13 points and 6.5 rebounds, while demonstrating considerable defensive potential with 1.5 blocks per game. Washington is fully committed to developing its young talent, and Sarr largely showed he could be a long-term cornerstone, even with rough edges in his game.
Why He`s One To Watch:
Following trades for AJ Johnson and Dillon Jones, Washington now employs a sixth of the 2024 first-round selections, yet Sarr still possesses the most intriguing upside among the group. His ability to read the court offensively has not yet caught up to his exceptional physical tools, but his athleticism and length are likely to translate defensively, making him a mobile shot-blocker and paint protector. With a year of experience, significant improvement is anticipated. Sarr experienced predictable ups and downs offensively, shooting just 39.4% from the field, but he did manage 2.4 assists per game as a rookie center. The Wizards have given him more than just a simple rim-running role, allowing him to explore his playmaking skills. While his overall numbers aren`t stellar, and he`s a subpar rebounder for his size, there`s a strong possibility Sarr will show comprehensive improvement in his second year, especially if Washington`s other young players also progress as a unit. His participation in France`s EuroBasket setup in August, with Victor Wembanyama and Rudy Gobert sitting out, will provide a valuable opportunity to showcase his development.
5. Donovan Clingan, Portland Trail Blazers
Rookie Season Highlights:
Clingan led all rookies in blocks per game (1.6) and earned All-Rookie second team honors, averaging 6.5 points and 7.9 rebounds in just 19.8 minutes while shooting 53% from the field. His per-minute production and defensive influence were substantial, signaling a promising future as a rim-protecting anchor for the Blazers` defense.
Why He`s One To Watch:
The Trail Blazers appear to have paved the way for Clingan and draftee Yang Hansen to share minutes at center next season; although Robert Williams III is still on the roster, he could become a trade candidate on his expiring contract. How these minutes are ultimately distributed based on performance will be fascinating. Clingan deserves the majority of the playing time but also needs to improve his conditioning to handle extended minutes. The fact that he started the final 27 games of the season is a clear indication that he is next in line for a prominent role. An interesting side note will be whether the Blazers experiment with Clingan and Yang playing together in double-big lineups. On paper, this fit seems awkward, but considering Portland`s apparent long-term investment in both players, there`s a compelling argument for exploring this combination. All things considered, Clingan is set for an expanded role and could quickly establish himself as one of the NBA`s premier interior defenders.
4. Matas Buzelis, Chicago Bulls
Rookie Season Highlights:
Buzelis emerged impressively for the Bulls midseason, proving to be a valuable pick at No. 11. He started the final 31 games of the season, averaging 31 points on 47% shooting in those contests. This strong performance earned him a spot on the All-Rookie second team and has positioned him as a crucial component of Chicago`s future plans.
Why He`s One To Watch:
Buzelis was once considered a contender for the No. 1 pick in the 2024 draft class, a testament to his significant potential as a tall, skilled perimeter scorer. As he continues to gain strength and refine his shooting, Buzelis has an expansive runway for both development and an increased role. With the Bulls consistently hovering around play-in contention, their most promising path forward likely hinges on a prospective star turn from Buzelis. While this might not fully materialize in one summer, the Bulls` commitment to an up-tempo style of play should favor Buzelis. He should see more opportunities with the ball in his hands, operating in space, and will have the chance to expand his shot-creating skills for himself and his teammates. Chicago remains in contract negotiations with Josh Giddey, but his presumptive return to the lineup and playmaking abilities should further help Buzelis settle in. Still only 20 years old, the type of sophomore leap he can achieve is arguably the most critical big-picture storyline for the Bulls heading into the season.
3. Zaccharie Risacher, Atlanta Hawks
Rookie Season Highlights:
Risacher validated Atlanta`s confidence in selecting him first overall in a draft class that lacked a clear consensus No. 1 among NBA decision-makers. While he didn`t win Rookie of the Year, he was one of the few rookies to make significant contributions to a playoff-caliber team, shooting 45.8% from the field and 35% from beyond the arc, and starting 73 of 75 games. He provided immediate value entering the league at just 19 years old; the question now is how much he will continue to add to his game as his career progresses.
Why He`s One To Watch:
The Hawks bolstered their position this offseason by acquiring Kristaps Porzingis and Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and also secured a potentially valuable 2026 draft pick from New Orleans by trading out of the 13th pick. With Trae Young and Dyson Daniels due for contract extensions, there`s both an immediate impetus to win and a long-term evaluation process for Atlanta`s front office. A key reason for Risacher`s immense value is that his shooting, perimeter defense, and positional size at small forward fit seamlessly into nearly any lineup configuration. With that in mind, Risacher`s continued evolution as a scorer should be a top priority for the Hawks. Atlanta already has sufficient playmaking on the roster, and Risacher should be effective enough off-ball that they don`t need to rush his growth as an on-ball scorer. However, allocating some creation opportunities his way is likely in their long-term best interest. How much more comfortable he can become operating off the dribble, executing pull-up jumpers, and making plays for teammates is worth exploring. Some development in these areas could be the difference between him being an excellent role player and unlocking higher-end outcomes for his growth. How much Atlanta pushes Risacher in this regard will be worth monitoring at the start of next season. He might not necessarily become a typical No. 1 pick-level franchise player without significant growth, but it`s possible he far exceeds what were relatively modest expectations for a top pick. His participation with the French national team at EuroBasket in August might offer an early glimpse into his offseason progress.
2. Stephon Castle, San Antonio Spurs
Rookie Season Highlights:
A strong debut season earned Castle Rookie of the Year honors, as he averaged 14.7 points and 4.1 assists in 26.7 minutes, starting 47 games for the Spurs. As anticipated, he faced efficiency challenges (42.8% FG and 28.5% from 3), but he performed solidly defensively and improved after the All-Star break, benefiting from the freedom San Antonio granted him.
Why He`s One To Watch:
As the Spurs continue their journey to build a contender around Victor Wembanyama, who appears fully ready to return from a blood clot, the most critical factor beyond Wembanyama`s health is how well San Antonio`s guards can integrate around him. The trade for De`Aaron Fox naturally lessened some of Castle`s ball-handling responsibilities. The unexpected lottery jump that secured the Spurs the No. 2 pick in Dylan Harper adds a third key player to the backcourt. This is an exciting development for the roster, but it will also require all three players to adapt. Castle is far from reaching his full potential, but he is also the most natural candidate among the three to embrace a more versatile two-way role, thanks to his size, defensive instincts, and unselfish offensive tendencies. He will still need to significantly improve his long-range shooting to truly excel off the ball, particularly given what San Antonio`s lineups will presumably look like. The Spurs will need to creatively stagger their guards, not only to win games but also to provide Harper and Castle with optimal opportunities to develop comfortably. Considering the changing context—and the increased urgency to make the playoffs as the Spurs progress with Wembanyama—how adaptable Castle can be and how he refines his game may be highly consequential to San Antonio`s future and how central he becomes to this next iteration of the team.
1. Reed Sheppard, Houston Rockets
Rookie Season Highlights:
Following considerable pre-draft hype, there wasn`t much to report about Sheppard`s rookie season, as he appeared in only 51 games and averaged just 12 minutes on a talented Rockets team. However, he did score 49 points in a G League game, and Houston remains optimistic about him as he steps into more minutes on a team with high aspirations.
Why He`s One To Watch:
One underlying consequence of Houston trading Jalen Green in the Kevin Durant deal is that the Rockets significantly opened up backcourt minutes for Sheppard, who is now projected to play a substantial role behind Fred VanVleet and Amen Thompson. The Rockets` ability to genuinely contend may depend more on the growth of their young players than whatever Durant provides; Sheppard, Thompson, and Jabari Smith Jr. are all set to play major roles. While he wasn`t particularly outstanding in summer league, Sheppard is a reason for optimism—he should be stepping into an ideal situation as a secondary handler, playmaker, and spacer who can both operate off of and facilitate for Houston`s stars. His shooting will be critical alongside Thompson and Alperen Sengun, but he`ll also need to maintain defensive effectiveness, as the Rockets will be giving up considerable perimeter size when VanVleet and Sheppard share the floor. Sheppard`s instincts for winning possessions aid him defensively, though he isn`t exactly a deterrent for opposing shooters. Sheppard has the potential to be a huge swing factor in Houston`s title chase; in theory, he`s entering the perfect scenario. The question is whether next season is the right time for his breakout, and how the Rockets might need to adjust their depth accordingly. The simple fact is that we haven`t truly seen his full potential yet, and what his development means for Houston`s trajectory this season earns him the top spot on this list.
