The NBA landscape is a constant state of flux, a dynamic ecosystem where yesterday`s phenoms can be overtaken by tomorrow`s breakout stars in the blink of an eye. ESPN`s annual NBA Rank, a hotly debated barometer of player prowess, serves as a stark reminder of this relentless churn. The 2024-25 edition saw a significant refresh, with a full 25% of the Top 100 comprised of players who were unranked just a year prior. This unprecedented turnover signals not just a shift in talent, but a league brimming with potential.
As the dust settles on one season, the basketball world inevitably turns its gaze to the future. Who are the next individuals poised to make that leap? Which players, currently operating outside the elite discussion, will force their way onto the coveted Top 100 list for the 2025-26 season? For this analysis, we`ll intentionally sidestep the obvious candidates—those returning from major injuries like Tyrese Haliburton or Damian Lillard—and instead focus on the emergent talents and seasoned professionals ready to redefine their narrative.
The Sophomore Surge: Fresh Faces Ready for the Limelight
History tells us that the sophomore season is often where draft potential truly begins to crystallize into tangible NBA impact. On average, three second-year players crack the Top 100 annually, leveraging increased experience and opportunity. With only one rookie making the cut this past year, the field is wide open for the 2025 draft class to make a significant statement.
Dylan Harper, San Antonio Spurs
As the No. 2 overall pick, Harper steps into a lineage where eight of the last eleven players drafted in that slot have achieved Top 100 status by their second year. While his rookie campaign with the San Antonio Spurs might see him play a supporting role behind the established De`Aaron Fox, this controlled environment could be precisely what he needs. Harper is expected to demonstrate enough flashes of brilliance and developmental progress to cement his place among the league`s recognized talents. His ascension won`t be a surprise; it`ll be a logical progression for a player of his caliber.
Kon Knueppel, Charlotte Hornets
Beyond the top two picks, the correlation between draft position and sophomore recognition often wanes, replaced by a meritocracy of on-court production. Kon Knueppel, the Charlotte Hornets` promising wing, is a prime example. His MVP performance in the NBA Summer League championship game hinted at an immediate readiness for the professional game. Given a potentially larger immediate role than some of his draft counterparts, Knueppel possesses the foundational skills and competitive drive to convert opportunity into Top 100 recognition swiftly. Some players just arrive “NBA ready,” and Knueppel appears to be among them.
Young Guns on the Rise: The Next Wave of Dominance
Beyond the immediate post-draft class, a cohort of young players, often in their second or third seasons, are on the cusp of breaking through. They`ve showcased significant potential, and with further development and expanded roles, they are poised to become undeniable forces in the league.
Donovan Clingan, Portland Trail Blazers
Donovan Clingan, in his rookie year with the Portland Trail Blazers, immediately established himself as an elite rim protector, second only to Victor Wembanyama in opponent 2-point attempt swat rate. While his offensive game remains a work in progress, the strategic move by Portland to buy out Deandre Ayton has cleared the runway for Clingan to assume a starting role. Averaging a double-double with significant blocks last season in limited starts, a full season as the primary big could easily propel him into the Top 100 conversation. Sometimes, opportunity is all a player needs, and Clingan has been handed the keys to the paint.
Zaccharie Risacher, Atlanta Hawks
The narrative surrounding Zaccharie Risacher, the No. 1 pick in a “weak” 2024 draft, meant he entered his second season outside the Top 100 – a rare occurrence for a top selection. However, his second-place finish in Rookie of the Year voting, coupled with turning 20 at the end of his debut season, speaks volumes about his underlying talent and rapid development. As the Atlanta Hawks continue to mature and eye a playoff return, Risacher`s expected growth, both statistically and in impact, makes him a prime candidate to overcome initial skepticism and solidify his standing as a cornerstone player.
Ausar Thompson, Detroit Pistons
While his twin brother, Amen, made a notable entry into the NBA Rank, Ausar Thompson of the Detroit Pistons is not far behind. His defensive acumen, particularly after returning from a blood clot, was truly remarkable. Post-All-Star break, Thompson`s averages of 1.7 steals and 1.0 blocks per game put him in an exclusive club, alongside perennial MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Hawks` Jalen Johnson. Such defensive versatility and intensity are rare, and with continued offensive refinement, Thompson`s unique two-way impact is undeniable. He might not fill the stat sheet with points, but he wrecks opponents` game plans with quiet efficiency.
Kel`el Ware, Miami Heat
Kel`el Ware`s rookie season with the Miami Heat significantly outpaced expectations. Logging double-doubles (10.8 points, 10.0 rebounds) in 36 starts, he demonstrated a level of polish and productivity beyond what was anticipated from a project coming out of college. His development was undoubtedly aided by playing alongside an All-Star like Bam Adebayo, but Ware`s continued improvement, particularly in expanding his 3-point shooting range, could unlock another level to his game. When a “project” starts delivering immediately, the ceiling seems to expand with every passing game.
The Resurgence: Veterans Seeking Redemption and Re-Entry
The path to the Top 100 isn`t solely for the ascendant youth. For established players who, for various reasons, have fallen off the list, the desire for re-entry can fuel career-defining seasons. The NBA is a harsh mistress; one bad season or ill-timed injury can send even established talents tumbling. But for those with grit, the climb back is always in sight.
Josh Giddey, Chicago Bulls
Josh Giddey`s dip off the Top 100 felt like an overcorrection, particularly after his sensational performance post-2025 All-Star break with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Averaging 21.2 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 9.3 assists, alongside 46% 3-point shooting, Giddey showcased his true potential when given significant offensive responsibilities. His move to the Chicago Bulls, where he is expected to be the primary offensive engine, presents an ideal environment for him to leverage his unique playmaking and rebounding skills. With the keys to the offense, Giddey is poised not just to return to the list, but to re-establish himself as a triple-double threat.
Herbert Jones, New Orleans Pelicans
It`s almost remarkable that Herbert Jones has only cracked the Top 100 once, considering his All-Defensive First-Team nod and fifth-place finish in Defensive Player of the Year voting in 2020. Injuries, specifically a season-ending shoulder surgery that limited him to just 20 games last season, are the primary culprits for his recent absence. A fully healthy Herbert Jones is one of the league`s premier perimeter defenders, capable of guarding multiple positions and disrupting entire offensive schemes. His value is often understated in traditional box scores, but indispensable to winning teams. Expect his return to health to translate directly into a return to the rankings.
Brandin Podziemski, Golden State Warriors
Brandin Podziemski`s initial ranking at No. 78 might have seemed aggressive after his rookie campaign, largely fueled by his 38.5% 3-point shooting. While his shooting percentage saw a slight dip in Year 2, his overall efficiency improved, and he embraced a more significant playmaking role within the Golden State Warriors` second unit. Year 3 is often a pivotal period for guards, where their game truly rounds into form. With added experience and a continued evolution of his versatile skill set, Podziemski is well-positioned to solidify his standing and become a consistent presence in the Top 100 for years to come.
Immanuel Quickley, Toronto Raptors
Injuries played a significant role in Immanuel Quickley`s absence from the Top 100 last season, limiting him to just 33 games. However, when healthy, his per-minute production was exceptional, averaging 17.1 points and 5.8 assists in only 27.8 minutes—a more efficient output than his initial stint with the Toronto Raptors. If Quickley can maintain this level of production over a more substantial number of games (60+) and guide the Raptors towards playoff contention, his re-entry onto the list will be a foregone conclusion. Out of sight, out of mind, perhaps, but certainly not out of talent.
