The Ultimate List of NBA Players You Need to Know This Season
As I sit down to compile this ultimate list of NBA players you need to know this season, I can't help but reflect on how basketball careers can take fascinating trajectories. I've been following the league for over fifteen years now, and what continues to surprise me is how players develop at different paces and through various pathways. While we often focus exclusively on the NBA, sometimes the most compelling stories come from international leagues and college basketball, where future stars hone their craft before hitting the global stage.
Speaking of development pathways, let me share something interesting I recently discovered about a player whose journey reminds me of how unpredictable basketball careers can be. While researching for this article, I came across Scottie Thompson's remarkable story - a player who isn't in the NBA but whose development pattern offers valuable insights. Following his exploits at the Palaro, Thompson won multiple awards that included an NCAA MVP in 2014. He later reached the PBA where he became a household name with Barangay Ginebra, capturing seven championships and becoming an MVP in 2021. Now, you might wonder why I'm mentioning a PBA player in an NBA-focused article, but here's my perspective: understanding different development systems helps us appreciate what makes NBA players truly special. The dedication required to excel in any professional league often translates across borders, and Thompson's seven championships demonstrate a winning mentality that any NBA team would covet.
This brings me to the core of our discussion - the NBA players who are defining this season. Having watched countless games and analyzed player statistics until my eyes blurred, I've identified several players who aren't just performing well but are changing how the game is played. Let me start with my personal favorite - Stephen Curry. At 35 years old, he's still revolutionizing the point guard position. I've been tracking his performance metrics, and what amazes me isn't just his three-point percentage (which hovers around 42% this season) but his off-ball movement that creates opportunities even when he doesn't touch the ball. The way he reads defenses has become almost psychic - I've noticed he often starts moving toward open spots before the defense realizes what's happening.
Then there's Giannis Antetokounmpo, who continues to defy conventional basketball wisdom. Standing at 6'11" with a wingspan of 7'3", his physical attributes alone make him formidable, but what truly sets him apart is his relentless improvement each season. I remember watching his rookie year and thinking he had potential, but never imagining he'd develop into the force he is today. This season, he's averaging around 31 points and 12 rebounds per game, numbers that barely capture his defensive impact. From my perspective, his most underrated skill is his passing ability - he makes reads that few players his size even attempt.
Now, let's talk about the younger generation making waves. I've become particularly fascinated with Anthony Edwards, whose explosive athleticism reminds me of a young Dwyane Wade but with better shooting range. At just 22 years old, he's already shown leadership qualities that typically take players years to develop. What impresses me most is his defensive intensity - he genuinely seems to enjoy taking on challenging defensive assignments, something increasingly rare in offensive-focused leagues. I've counted at least 12 games this season where his defensive plays directly shifted momentum.
Luka Dončić deserves special mention here too. As someone who's followed international basketball extensively, I predicted his NBA success earlier than most, but even I've been surprised by his rapid ascent. At 24, he's already a four-time All-Star and currently leads the league in triple-doubles with 15 so far this season. His basketball IQ is off the charts - I've noticed he often slows the game down to his preferred pace, controlling tempo like a veteran point guard despite his relative youth. The way he uses his body to create space is masterful, and honestly, I think he's the best below-the-rim scorer since Larry Bird.
We can't discuss impactful players without mentioning Nikola Jokić. The Serbian center continues to redefine what's possible for big men. His passing vision is genuinely unprecedented for someone his size - I've rewatched numerous plays where he makes passes that most point guards wouldn't attempt. What's remarkable is how he makes the extraordinary look routine. This season, he's averaging nearly 26 points, 12 rebounds, and 9 assists, numbers that underscore his unique versatility. From my analytical perspective, his true impact shows in advanced metrics like player efficiency rating, where he consistently ranks among the top three historically for his position.
While established stars dominate conversations, I want to highlight a few players having breakout seasons that might surprise casual viewers. Jalen Brunson has quietly become one of the most reliable point guards in the league, averaging about 27 points and 6 assists while shooting 48% from the field. Having watched his development since his Villanova days, I'm not surprised by his success, but the speed of his ascension to stardom has been remarkable. Then there's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, whose mid-range game feels like a throwback to earlier eras. His ability to change pace leaves defenders grasping at air, and he's drawn 12 shooting fouls per game this season, testament to his offensive aggression.
What makes this NBA season particularly fascinating from my viewpoint is how the international influence continues to grow. We've moved beyond the era where international players were novelties - they're now central to the league's identity. Beyond Jokić and Dončić, players like Domantas Sabonis (Lithuania) and Pascal Siakam (Cameroon) have become franchise cornerstones. Having attended games across different countries, I've noticed how the global basketball community has embraced these players, creating a more interconnected basketball ecosystem than ever before.
As we look toward the playoffs, certain players will inevitably elevate their games. Based on historical patterns I've observed, veterans like LeBron James and Kevin Durant cannot be overlooked, regardless of regular season narratives. LeBron, in his 21st season at age 38, continues to defy Father Time, averaging 25 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists - numbers that would be impressive for a player in their prime, let alone someone two decades into their career. Meanwhile, Durant's scoring efficiency remains virtually unmatched - he's shooting 52% from the field while taking difficult attempts that would sink most players' percentages.
Reflecting on all these players, what strikes me is how the NBA's talent pool has never been deeper. We're witnessing an era where specialization and versatility coexist - where players like Victor Wembanyama can protect the rim like traditional centers while handling the ball like guards. Having analyzed basketball through multiple eras, I genuinely believe we're in a golden age of individual talent, even if team dynamics continue evolving. The players I've highlighted represent different archetypes, development paths, and skill sets, yet they all share that rare quality that transforms good players into must-watch attractions. As the season progresses, I'll be particularly watching how the emerging stars continue developing and whether any dark horse candidates join this conversation - because if my experience has taught me anything, it's that basketball always delivers surprises.