This year`s NBA Rank saw a significant overhaul compared to twelve months prior, with 25 new faces entering the top 100 – the most substantial turnover since 2019. While some, like top pick Cooper Flagg, became eligible this year, most new entrants earned their spots through impressive on-court performances.
With such dynamic shifts in mind, let`s explore which players are poised to break into the NBA Rank top 100 next season, having missed the cut this year.
For this analysis, we`re intentionally excluding star players sidelined purely by injury. Figures like Tyrese Haliburton, Damian Lillard, and Jayson Tatum (expected out for 2025-26 due to Achilles ruptures), along with Kyrie Irving (recovering from an ACL tear), are obvious selections once healthy. Instead, our focus is on predicting a mix of promising 2025 draft picks, young talents ready for a leap, and experienced players set to reclaim their spots. Last year, we successfully identified six out of ten potential newcomers, including Flagg. This time, we aim to exceed that record.
Second-Year Stars
Dylan Harper, San Antonio Spurs
Second-year players are consistently the most common additions to NBA Rank, typically accounting for about three new entries annually over the last decade. With only one rookie making this year`s list, numerous other draft picks are prime candidates. Historically, eight out of eleven No. 2 picks since 2014 have cracked the top 100 by their second season. While Harper might have a limited role as a rookie playing behind De`Aaron Fox, limiting his initial top 100 inclusion, expect him to demonstrate sufficient potential to secure a spot next year.
Kon Knueppel, Charlotte Hornets
Beyond the top two draft slots, the correlation between draft position and a sophomore spot on NBA Rank diminishes. Production becomes the key factor, as demonstrated by No. 9 pick Zach Edey making this year`s list. Knueppel, MVP of the NBA Summer League championship game, appears as ready to contribute as any rookie outside of his Duke teammate Flagg. He also benefits from a more immediate opportunity compared to Harper and No. 3 pick VJ Edgecombe. Therefore, he`s a strong bet to join the list next year.
Rising Young Stars
Donovan Clingan, Portland Trail Blazers
As a rookie, Donovan Clingan immediately established himself as a premier rim protector, blocking 7.5% of opponent two-point attempts—a rate surpassed only by Victor Wembanyama. While his offensive game is still developing, the Portland Trail Blazers` decision to buy out Deandre Ayton paves the way for Clingan to assume a starting role. Having averaged a double-double (10.0 rebounds) in 37 starts last season, a full starting opportunity could see him achieve consistent double-doubles and over two blocks per game, securing his spot in the top 100.
Zaccharie Risacher, Atlanta Hawks
Risacher is a rare No. 1 pick in the last decade not to make the top 100 entering his second season, which is understandable given his modest rookie production (12.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, and low ancillary stats) and the perception of the 2024 draft class as relatively weak. However, Risacher still finished second in Rookie of the Year voting and turned 20 late in the season. With expected growth and playing for an Atlanta team poised to return to the playoffs, he becomes a much stronger candidate for next year`s list.
Ausar Thompson, Detroit Pistons
Among recent NBA Rank newcomers, only Ivica Zubac ranked higher than Ausar Thompson`s twin brother, Amen. While Ausar isn`t as offensively polished as Amen, he showcased similar defensive upside after recovering from a blood clot. Following the All-Star break, Thompson averaged 1.7 steals and 1.0 blocks. Last season, only two players—MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and recent NBA Rank addition Jalen Johnson—achieved at least 1.5 steals and one block per game, highlighting Thompson`s defensive impact.
Kel`el Ware, Miami Heat
In 36 starts during his rookie season, Ware averaged a double-double with 10.8 points and 10.0 rebounds. Benefiting from playing alongside All-Star Bam Adebayo, Ware isn`t the same caliber of rim protector as Clingan, but his development has significantly exceeded expectations for a player considered a long-term project from Indiana. Another year of improvement, particularly in his three-point shooting, should place Ware firmly on a trajectory for the top 100.
Returning to the List
Josh Giddey, Chicago Bulls
This is one instance where the NBA Rank may have misjudged a player. Previously ranked as high as No. 53 in 2023, Giddey fell off the list after a disappointing 2024 playoff run with the Oklahoma City Thunder. This now appears to be an overcorrection, especially after Giddey`s performance following the 2025 All-Star break, where he averaged 21.2 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 9.3 assists, shooting 46% from three-point range. While his weaknesses can be challenging in a supporting role, given the primary offensive responsibilities in Chicago, Giddey has the potential to lead a formidable attack.
Herbert Jones, New Orleans Pelicans
Remarkably, Herbert Jones`s only appearance in the top 100 was last year, despite earning an All-Defensive first-team selection and finishing fifth in Defensive Player of the Year voting in 2023-24. Injuries sidelined Jones for much of last season, as he played only 20 games before undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery in February. Expected to return fully healthy, Jones will have ample opportunity to re-establish his elite defensive value and reclaim his spot.
Brandin Podziemski, Golden State Warriors
Ranking Podziemski No. 78 based solely on his rookie season might have been seen as ambitious. His All-Rookie first-team nod was largely fueled by 38.5% three-point shooting, which saw a slight dip in his second year. However, Podziemski simultaneously increased his usage rate as a playmaker for the Warriors` second unit and actually became more efficient overall. A strong Year 3 performance should solidify his position within the top 100.
Immanuel Quickley, Toronto Raptors
Immanuel Quickley`s absence from the spotlight last season was largely due to injuries, limiting him to just 33 games. When healthy, Quickley was highly effective, averaging 17.1 points and 5.8 assists in only 27.8 minutes—even less than he played after joining Toronto midway through 2023-24. If Quickley can replicate this production over 60-plus games and help the Raptors contend for a play-in spot or better, he is well-positioned to return to the list, having previously been ranked No. 64 a year ago.
Rupert Hollis