The 2025-26 NBA season is on the brink of commencing, with teams like the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers already having begun their preseason schedule. This offseason has been marked by significant shifts: players transitioning to new teams, new coaches taking the helm with lofty expectations, and young talents poised for substantial opportunities. These elements suggest that the upcoming season will be shaped by the influence of specific individuals. Unlike lists of the league`s top players, this analysis focuses on ten key figures whose actions and decisions—whether on the court, leading up to the trade deadline, draft, or free agency—will be pivotal in defining the season`s narrative.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks forward
Giannis Antetokounmpo`s long-term commitment to the Milwaukee Bucks remains a central talking point. Despite the Bucks` continuous efforts to bolster the roster, including high-profile trades for Jrue Holiday and Damian Lillard (the latter now waived for Myles Turner), Antetokounmpo has openly expressed dissatisfaction with early playoff exits, denying any specific memory of committing to the team owner. Paradoxically, with Lillard`s departure potentially leading to more ball-handling responsibilities, Antetokounmpo is expected to have a statistically dominant season. With unrestricted free agency approaching in less than two years and ongoing questions about the team`s depth, his future will be under constant scrutiny.
Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic forward
The Orlando Magic, signaling a shift from rebuilding to `win-now` mode with the acquisition of Desmond Bane, are banking on Paolo Banchero becoming a bona fide superstar. Fresh off a maximum contract extension, Banchero, despite his exceptional physical talents and youth (turning 23 in November), needs to significantly improve his efficiency, particularly his 3-point shooting (career 32%) and overall true shooting percentage. The success of the Bane trade and the Magic`s playoff aspirations—especially in a wide-open Eastern Conference marked by key injuries to stars like Tyrese Haliburton and Jayson Tatum—will largely depend on Banchero taking a substantial leap forward this season.
Mike Brown, New York Knicks head coach
Stepping into the shoes of Tom Thibodeau, who delivered consistent playoff success and an Eastern Conference Finals appearance, Mike Brown faces immense pressure as the new head coach of the New York Knicks. The fan base, yearning for a championship after half a century, views this season as potentially their best opportunity since 1994. Brown, though experienced with high-stakes roles like coaching LeBron James, now navigates unique expectations from a passionate fan base and a roster unaccustomed to such deep playoff runs. Anything short of an NBA Finals appearance in a competitive Eastern Conference could be considered a letdown.
A.J. Dybantsa, BYU Cougars forward
A.J. Dybantsa stands out as one of the elite prospects, alongside Darryn Peterson, Cameron Boozer, and Nate Ament, in what is anticipated to be a star-studded 2026 NBA draft class. Teams across the league will closely monitor these talents, with several franchises like the Washington Wizards, Brooklyn Nets, and Utah Jazz likely vying for top lottery odds. Additionally, teams such as the New Orleans Pelicans, Phoenix Suns, and Philadelphia 76ers may see their draft picks (transferred to teams like the Atlanta Hawks, Memphis Grizzlies, and Oklahoma City Thunder, respectively) become valuable assets, intensifying the competition for the coveted first overall pick. This dynamic, featuring multiple top-tier prospects, promises to make the draft lottery exceptionally compelling.
De`Aaron Fox, San Antonio Spurs guard
While anticipation for Victor Wembanyama`s return and his ascent in player rankings is high, his individual brilliance alone won`t secure MVP or All-NBA honors; team success is crucial. For the San Antonio Spurs to elevate to playoff contention this season, De`Aaron Fox`s role as Wembanyama`s primary co-star will be paramount. Despite mixed results in their limited time together, the Spurs` significant investment in Fox with a maximum extension underscores their confidence in him as the ideal complement to Wembanyama. However, integrating Fox with other young talents like Dylan Harper and Stephon Castle, given their collective shooting challenges, could present an intriguing on-court dynamic. (As an aside, “The Anomaly” is proposed as a fitting nickname for Wembanyama, preferring it over “alien”).
LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers forward
Entering his 23rd NBA season, LeBron James finds himself in an unprecedented role: no longer the undisputed primary focal point of the Los Angeles Lakers, a distinction now belonging to Luka Doncic following his recent contract extension. While this shift is understandable, given James`s age and Doncic`s long-term commitment, questions about LeBron`s future with the franchise will persist throughout the season. These discussions, ignited by cryptic remarks from his agent, Rich Paul, are expected to intensify, particularly if the Lakers underperform, making his status a major storyline leading up to the trade deadline.
Kawhi Leonard, LA Clippers forward
Kawhi Leonard`s season will be defined by two key narratives: the ongoing off-court investigation into potential salary cap circumvention by the Clippers, and his ability to remain healthy and on the court. After missing substantial time last season, Leonard`s impact when available was undeniable. With a veteran-laden, deep roster, the Clippers` legitimate contention in the Western Conference hinges on Leonard`s availability. Entering his age-34 season, this year represents a critical juncture for him to solidify his legacy and deliver success during his time with the Clippers.
Adam Silver
Adam Silver`s 12th season as NBA Commissioner is poised to be highly consequential, with his ruling on the Clippers` salary cap investigation potentially shaping his legacy. Beyond this, Silver is actively exploring the league`s global expansion, including the creation of a new European league that could lead to new teams and generate billions in expansion fees. Simultaneously, domestic expansion remains a significant topic, with Seattle and Las Vegas as prime candidates. Silver maintains that both international and domestic expansion projects are progressing in parallel, indicating that expansion is an inevitability rather than a distant possibility, and the coming months will reveal the timeline and scope of these ambitious plans.
Amen Thompson, Houston Rockets guard
Amen Thompson, the #4 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, is on the verge of a breakout season, having already established himself as a captivating talent. The unfortunate torn ACL suffered by Fred VanVleet creates a significant opportunity for Thompson to assume a primary ball-handling role for the Houston Rockets. Tasked with orchestrating the offense and facilitating for All-Stars Kevin Durant and Alperen Sengun, Thompson`s performance is critical as the Rockets aim for immediate contention, not a rebuilding year, after the Durant trade. His defensive prowess and exceptional passing could see him emerge as an All-Star and a strong candidate for the Most Improved Player award, potentially keeping Houston competitive with Oklahoma City in the Western Conference.
Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks guard
Trae Young`s contract situation highlights a new era of NBA team building and spending under the current collective bargaining agreement, making a max extension no longer an automatic outcome. The Atlanta Hawks are entering a highly anticipated season following a praised offseason under new decision-maker Onsi Saleh. Should the two sides fail to reach an agreement before next summer, Young`s performance this season will be crucial in defining his market value in free agency, potentially placing his deal at the forefront of the league`s evolving financial landscape.
Rupert Hollis 
Jasper Carew