The 2025-26 NBA season has been defined by a surge of young talent moving from promising prospects to established stars, along with veterans reaching new, unexpected heights. This annual “leap,” when players drastically improve their efficiency, volume, and overall impact, has altered the landscape of the league. Here are 10 NBA players who have taken a massive leap this season.
10 NBA Players Who Have Taken a Massive Leap
10. Nickeil Alexander-Walker
Nickeil Alexander-Walker has taken a leap in the 2025-26 season due to increased opportunity with the Atlanta Hawks, leading to a career high of over 20 points per game, up about 11 points from last season. He has combined elite 3-and-D skills from his Minnesota Timberwolves tenure with newfound confidence, improved composure, and consistent offensive aggression
9. Stephon Castle
As a sophomore, Stephon Castle has surpassed expectations to become a significant contributor next to Victor Wembanyama. He has seen massive jumps in his scoring, rebounding, and playmaking, shifting from a defensive-focused rookie to a confident lead guard.
8. Keyonte George
The Utah Jazz aimed for Keyonte George to be their future lead guard, and he has responded with a serious scoring leap. By increasing his shooting efficiency and improving his decision-making, George has become a high-volume scorer who can run an offense, averaging over 24 points so far this season, up from 16.8 a year ago.
7. Jalen Duren
Jalen Duren has taken a massive leap as both a finisher and a rebounder. Sixth in offensive rebounds per game, he is a force at the rim, shooting over 70 percent in that area, while also showing improved defensive awareness. His growth has solidified him as a crucial building block for the Detroit Pistons.
6. Alperen Sengun
Alperen Sengun has bridged the gap between “good” and “dominant” center. He has improved his already elite playmaking while finding more consistency in scoring against top defensive bigs. He has been a frequent All-Star candidate, pushing the Houston Rockets into the upper tier of the Western Conference.
5. Deni Avdija
Maintaining the post-All-Star surge from last season, Deni Avdija has solidified himself as a reliable 25+ point-per-game scorer for the Portland Trail Blazers. His scoring, combined with improved rebounding and defensive versatility, has made him a cornerstone of the Blazers’ young core.
4. Josh Giddey
Following a trade to the Chicago Bulls, Josh Giddey has blossomed into a triple-double threat nightly. He has increased his scoring to nearly 20 points per game while maintaining elite rebounding and assist numbers, showcasing the playmaking ability of an All-Star. His improved shooting efficiency in a new system has allowed him to take a massive step forward.
3. Amen Thompson
Amen Thompson has taken a massive leap in the 2025-26 NBA season by evolving from a specialized defender into a premier all-around playmaker and scoring threat for the Rockets. His development is driven by a significant increase in ball-handling responsibility, improved free-throw shooting, and expanded playing time, resulting in averages of over 18 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists per game.
2. Jalen Johnson
Jalen Johnson has transitioned from an intriguing athletic prospect to a legitimate All-Star. Averaging over 23 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists, he has become the primary scoring threat for the Hawks. His ability to hit threes, set up his teammates, and finish above the rim makes him a versatile weapon in the Eastern Conference.
1. Michael Porter Jr.
Michael Porter Jr. has taken a massive leap in the 2025-26Â season by emerging as the focal point of the Brooklyn Nets offense, averaging over 25 points per game and career-highs across the board. His breakout is driven by increased offensive freedom, improved playmaking, and a refined ability to create shots as a top-tier off-ball threat.
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