Top 10 NBA Players to Watch in the 2026-27 NBA Season

The upcoming NBA campaign could bring major changes across the league. Several established stars have switched teams during the offseason, while others are returning from injuries or looking to respond after disappointing playoff exits.

With new team combinations, championship ambitions and individual milestones creating plenty of storylines, the 2026-27 NBA season is set to feature some of the league’s biggest names. Here is a closer look at 10 players who enter the campaign with significant expectations.

1. Victor Wembanyama

Victor Wembanyama enters the 2026-27 NBA season after taking another major step forward during his third year in the league. The San Antonio Spurs star won his first Defensive Player of the Year award and finished third in the NBA MVP voting during the 2025-26 campaign.

Wembanyama’s impact was not limited to individual awards. The Spurs reached the NBA Finals for the first time since 2014, giving the young franchise a significant boost heading into the new season.

At just 22, Wembanyama already combines elite defensive ability with the offensive skill set expected from a modern superstar. His development will be one of the biggest storylines of the new campaign, particularly after San Antonio’s deep postseason run.

He also enters the season as a leading candidate for the MVP award, meaning the expectations surrounding the French star are higher than ever.

2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander remains one of the NBA’s premier offensive players after winning his second MVP award last season. The Oklahoma City Thunder guard came close to guiding his team back to the NBA Finals but saw that run end against San Antonio in a seven-game Western Conference Finals series.

The return of a healthy Jalen Williams gives Oklahoma City another important piece alongside Gilgeous-Alexander. The Thunder will hope that combination can help them make another deep postseason run.

Gilgeous-Alexander has also indicated that his offseason preparation has remained intense. His work away from the court could be important as he looks to maintain the production that has made him one of the league’s most consistent scoring threats.

He is projected to average around 30 points per game again, which would extend his remarkable scoring consistency.

3. Nikola Jokic

Nikola Jokic enters the season with something to prove after Denver suffered a first-round playoff elimination last year. The Nuggets superstar has also finished short of the MVP award in each of the previous two seasons.

Despite those setbacks, Jokic’s individual production remains extraordinary. He averaged a triple-double for the second consecutive campaign, demonstrating his continued influence as a scorer, rebounder and passer.

The Nuggets have not made significant roster changes, leaving much of their success dependent on the core that has been built around Jokic. Denver will look to return to the championship conversation after three straight seasons without reaching beyond the second round.

History also provides an interesting reference point. The last time Denver was eliminated in the first round, Jokic responded by leading the Nuggets to an NBA championship the following season.

4. Luka Doncic

Luka Doncic begins another important chapter with the Los Angeles Lakers, but his health will be a major storyline entering the 2026-27 NBA season.

Doncic’s previous campaign ended prematurely after he suffered a Grade 2 left hamstring strain. He missed the final five games of the regular season and was unavailable throughout the postseason.

During the offseason, Doncic focused on improving his fitness and conditioning. A healthy return could be especially important because this will be his first season with the Lakers without LeBron James alongside him.

That change places additional attention on Doncic’s ability to lead the Lakers. His offensive creativity and playmaking remain central to the team’s ambitions, while his physical preparation could determine how consistently he performs across a full NBA schedule.

5. Giannis Antetokounmpo

Giannis Antetokounmpo enters the 2026-27 NBA season in a completely different environment after spending more than a decade with the Milwaukee Bucks.

The two-time MVP requested a trade during the offseason and was eventually moved to the Miami Heat. The move creates a fascinating frontcourt partnership between Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo.

The combination gives Miami two highly influential players who can affect games on both ends of the floor. Antetokounmpo’s ability to attack the basket, defend multiple positions and create pressure around the rim could complement Adebayo’s skill set.

For Antetokounmpo, the move also represents an opportunity to begin a new chapter after 13 years in Milwaukee. Expectations will be significant as Miami attempts to turn its new-look roster into a serious championship contender.

6. Jalen Brunson

Jalen Brunson heads into the new season as the leader of the defending NBA champion New York Knicks. After an impressive playoff campaign, Brunson and his teammates will attempt to maintain their momentum and defend the franchise’s title.

Brunson has already made it clear that the focus has shifted toward the next challenge. His comments about turning the page underline the difficulty of repeating as champions in an increasingly competitive league.

Health is another positive factor for Brunson. He is entering the season after recovering from the wrist injury he suffered during the playoffs.

As the Knicks’ primary offensive leader, Brunson’s availability and performance will be closely watched throughout the campaign. New York’s hopes of making another deep postseason run will depend heavily on his ability to control games and lead the offense.

7. Jaylen Brown

Jaylen Brown will begin a new phase of his career with the Philadelphia 76ers after being traded away from the Boston Celtics during the offseason.

Brown has already indicated that he is focused on moving forward rather than dwelling on the trade. His attention now turns toward building a successful partnership with Philadelphia’s star-studded lineup.

The 76ers can potentially feature Brown alongside LeBron James, Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe and Joel Embiid. That group gives Philadelphia several high-level scoring and playmaking options.

For Brown, the move provides an opportunity to establish his legacy in a different environment. His two-way ability could be particularly important for a Philadelphia team entering the season with major championship expectations.

8. Kevin Durant

Kevin Durant enters his second season with the Houston Rockets facing increased pressure to deliver a deeper playoff run.

Durant’s first season in Houston did not end as hoped. The Rockets were eliminated by the Lakers in the opening round, leaving the team looking for a stronger postseason performance this time around.

Houston should benefit from a healthier roster heading into the new campaign. Fred VanVleet is expected to return after missing the entire previous season because of a knee injury.

Durant remains one of the NBA’s most accomplished scorers, and his experience could become especially valuable when the Rockets face difficult playoff situations. The combination of Durant’s individual ability and a healthier supporting cast gives Houston an opportunity to aim higher in the Western Conference.

9. Stephen Curry

Stephen Curry remains at the center of the Golden State Warriors’ championship hopes despite the team’s challenging offseason.

Golden State did not land a major free-agent addition, leaving the franchise to rely heavily on its experienced core. Curry, Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler are all over 35, making their health and workload important factors during the season.

Curry missed 27 consecutive games last season because of runner’s knee. His availability will therefore be one of the key concerns surrounding the Warriors.

When healthy, Curry continues to provide Golden State with elite shooting and offensive creation. His postseason experience, combined with the team’s veteran core, could remain valuable as the Warriors attempt to stay competitive in a difficult Western Conference.

10. LeBron James

LeBron James enters another historic NBA season after leaving the Los Angeles Lakers and joining the Philadelphia 76ers.

The move gives Philadelphia another major star to add to a lineup that already includes Jaylen Brown, Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. The combination has created significant expectations around the 76ers heading into the new campaign.

James will begin his 24th NBA season, but his recent performances have continued to show his ability to contribute at an elite level. His experience could be particularly valuable during the postseason, when Philadelphia will face the pressure that comes with championship expectations.

The partnership between James and Embiid is one of the most intriguing elements of Philadelphia’s new-look roster. How effectively the team’s stars share offensive responsibilities will be an important storyline throughout the season.

Why the 2026-27 NBA Season Could Be Different

The upcoming NBA season has several elements that make it particularly intriguing. Team changes have altered the league’s competitive landscape, with players such as Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jaylen Brown and LeBron James beginning new chapters with different franchises.

At the same time, established stars such as Wembanyama, Gilgeous-Alexander and Jokic remain at the center of their teams’ championship ambitions. Their performances could shape the MVP race as well as the Western Conference playoff picture.

Health could also play a major role. Doncic missed the postseason last year, Curry dealt with a lengthy absence and Brunson is returning from a playoff injury. Keeping key players available over an 82-game schedule is often just as important as individual talent.

The new season will therefore feature a mixture of young superstar development, veteran experience, major team changes and championship pressure.

Players Entering the Season With Different Challenges

What to Watch During the New NBA Campaign

The 2026-27 NBA season will offer several individual storylines that could develop throughout the regular season. Wembanyama’s continued rise, Gilgeous-Alexander’s attempt to lead Oklahoma City back to the Finals and Jokic’s response to Denver’s early playoff exit are among the major Western Conference narratives.

In the Eastern Conference, Brunson will attempt to lead the Knicks through another championship defense, while Antetokounmpo’s arrival in Miami and the revamped Philadelphia lineup will create new expectations.

For players returning from injuries, consistency and availability could be just as important as individual statistics. Doncic, Curry and Brunson all enter the season with recent injury concerns behind them, making their ability to stay healthy particularly relevant.

Meanwhile, Durant and James will bring enormous experience to teams with championship aspirations. Their performances could influence how quickly their new or developing team combinations come together.

Final Verdict

The 2026-27 NBA season features a remarkable mix of established legends, reigning award winners, emerging superstars and players beginning new chapters with different franchises. Wembanyama enters after a breakthrough campaign, while Gilgeous-Alexander and Jokic remain central to their teams’ championship plans.

At the same time, major offseason moves involving Antetokounmpo, Brown and James have reshaped the league’s storylines. Doncic, Curry and Brunson will also carry important expectations after dealing with injuries during the previous campaign.

With training camps beginning on September 29, the focus will soon shift from offseason expectations to actual performances. The regular season will ultimately determine which stars can turn individual excellence into sustained team success.