5 NBAers who could break out in 2026-27

With the 2026-27 NBA season around the corner, here's a look at five players poised to make a leap toward stardom.

Statistics listed are from the 2025-26 season.

Harper's impressive rookie season flew somewhat under the radar, as the dynamic guard had to earn his minutes in a deep Spurs backcourt, while more productive freshmen received larger roles on inferior teams. Still, there were flashes of Harper's superstar potential en route to the Finals. Expect plenty more of those this season, regardless of whether he begins the year in the starting lineup.

Harper's just too good, too crafty, and too relentless to keep quiet for much longer. Don't be surprised when the 20-year-old has a much bigger say in San Antonio's fortunes this time around - or when he emerges as Victor Wembanyama's best teammate sooner than later.

One stat to know: Harper's 325 playoff points were the sixth most ever by a rookie.

Charlotte may take a temporary step backward while recovering from the loss of former franchise player LaMelo Ball, but the Hornets' future is no less exciting. That's because they have Miller, Kon Knueppel, an impressive array of other youngsters, and a boatload of future draft picks.

However, if the Hornets are truly going to make fans forget about Ball, Miller will have to emerge as the surefire star the team believes he can be. That leap could come as soon as this season. The 23-year-old is fresh off the best and most efficient season of his young career, having teased his potential as a two-way cornerstone. Miller was the youngest of 11 players to average at least 20 points and shoot better than 38% from deep last season.

There's an Anthony Edwards-esque vibe to Miller's game, especially as he continues to take and make more 3-pointers. Expect the fourth-year forward to nudge his way into All-Star discussions this season while keeping Charlotte in the postseason race.

One stat to know: The Hornets went 41-24 when Miller was active last season, compared to 3-14 when he was sidelined.

An analytics darling with a feel for the game well beyond his years, Murray-Boyles' impact as a rookie couldn't be measured by his modest numbers. The Raptors big man averaged only 8.5 points and five rebounds last season, but as ESPN's Dean Oliver recently wrote, the advanced metrics project Murray-Boyles' 2026-27 production to be in line with Hawks All-Star Jalen Johnson.

As was on display during Toronto's seven-game playoff loss to Cleveland last spring, Murray-Boyles is a sharp and relentless player whose presence is much bigger than his 6-foot-7 frame. He's also an outrageously effective and versatile defender, a sound team rebounder, and a fine playmaker with underrated on-ball skills that he honed while starring at South Carolina.

Additionally, Murray-Boyles showed up to training camp much leaner after running three-to-six miles daily during the offseason, with the sophomore saying he feels more explosive as a result.

Murray-Boyles has genuine star upside, especially if his 3-point shot stabilizes. But even as is, the 21-year-old should star in his role on what's suddenly a contending Raptors team with Kawhi Leonard back in the fold. That should make him a household name by the spring, regardless of whether he starts or comes off the bench (behind beleaguered veteran Jakob Poeltl).

One stat to know: The last rookie to match or exceed Murray-Boyles' playoff stat line (14-6-2-1-1) was Penny Hardaway in 1994.

There are surely some incredulous Jazz fans reading this and shaking their heads, unable to understand why Kessler went under the radar in Utah only to be pegged as a breakout star upon his arrival in Los Angeles (especially since the big man missed most of last season).

But this isn't about market size; it's about fit, health, and opportunity.

Kessler spent the first four years of his career toiling away on a tanking Jazz team, but his efficiency (68% from the field), rim protection (2.4 blocks per game), and offensive rebounding always teased the potential for much more. After a shoulder injury limited Kessler to just five games last season, expect him to finally realize his potential as a Laker.

Los Angeles gave Kessler $130 million this summer while trading control of four first-round picks to acquire him, thereby anointing the 25-year-old as the franchise center Luka Doncic has been waiting for. That doesn't mean Kessler will prove to be worth the hefty price, and it doesn't mean he'll complete what still looks like an imbalanced one-way squad. But with Doncic feeding him and the defensively shoddy Lakers relying so heavily on his rim protection, Kessler could emerge as the team's second-most-valuable player.

If Kessler stays healthy, you can count on him to average career highs while possibly entering the Defensive Player of the Year discussion.

One stat to know: Kessler is one of 15 players in NBA history to average at least two blocks per game in each of his first three seasons.

Few seem to have noticed given Chicago's irrelevance, but Buzelis enjoyed a tremendous sophomore season. The young forward upped his usage and nearly doubled his scoring average while increasing his efficiency, which is no small feat on a bad team.

The rebuilding Bulls will be even more devoid of supporting talent this season, leaving Buzelis to fully assume a starring role. There are sure to be some ugly performances and a ton of losses along the way, but he should emerge as a nightly 20-point scorer and shot-blocker who continues to expand his self-creation skills. At 6-foot-8 and 22 years old, Buzelis makes for an intriguing prospect to pair with rookie big man Caleb Wilson.

One stat to know: The only active players who matched or exceeded Buzelis' 2025-26 scoring average, blocks average, and usage rate in either of their first two seasons were Victor Wembanyama, Jaren Jackson Jr., Joel Embiid, Kristaps Porzingis, Karl-Anthony Towns, Anthony Davis, and Brook Lopez.

Honorable mentions: Ajay Mitchell (Thunder), Cedric Coward (Grizzlies), Ty Jerome (Grizzlies)

Joseph Casciaro is theScore's lead NBA reporter.