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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Brandon Miller

The Hornets drafted Miller 2nd overall in the 2023 NBA draft, and he has slowly improved in his first few seasons.

This past offseason, the Hornets made a big move, trading their star point guard, LaMelo Ball, to the Minnesota Timberwolves. As a high-usage player, Ball's departure now lets Miller take on much more usage and volume as the Hornets' go-to scorer.

Miller averaged 20.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 3.3 assists on 30.3 minutes per game last season, while nursing injuries. Miller suffered a left shoulder subluxation injury early in the season, missing 13 consecutive games, then played the rest of the season with a shoulder wrap.

This past offseason, he underwent surgery to repair the left shoulder instability and a labrum tear. Miller discussed how the injury affected him last year and how he feels now.

"Last year my shoulder just wasn't holding up. It was either popping out of place, feeling funny, or just 10/10 pain. Now just limiting that pain to 0/10. Shoulder is not popping out of place; it's been stable... I think that can take my game to another level."

He's also just signed a 5-year USD$200-million contract extension.

Knowing all this, it only makes sense that Miller goes up from here and could become a potential all-star and 25-plus points-per-game player.

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