Every NBA season brings a new wave of breakout stars, whether it's young talents taking the next step in their development or established players making the most of increased opportunities and playing time.

With new rosters, changing roles and plenty to prove, the 2026-27 NBA season will be no different.

Here are five players who could - and should - take that leap this season.

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Ausar Thompson

Thompson enters his fourth season with the Detroit Pistons, and many fans already regard him as the league's best point-of-attack defender. Thompson received All-Defensive First Team honours and finished third in Defensive Player of the Year voting.

Thompson's biggest weakness since entering the league has been his offensive skill set; from outside the paint, he shoots a below league average 25%. However, he has worked tirelessly this offseason on his jump shot, and has shown improved flashes through the Pistons' first few preseason games.

Last season, Thompson averaged 9.9 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 2 steals per game on 26 minutes a game, and he looks likely to increase his minutes to around 30 per game, which would be a big boost to his confidence and overall output.

Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff has talked this offseason about increasing Thompson's offensive role,

"We obviously want Ausar to have the ball in his hands. We believe if he takes a jump, our team, is going to take a jump. In order to do that, he's got to get that exposure."

If Thompson has improved his offence and thrives in this expanded role, the sky's the limit for him to take over.

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