The countdown to the 2026-27 NBA season is finally almost over, with 30 teams preparing for another gruelling 82-game campaign and a fresh shot at championship glory.
October 20th raises the curtain and while the league's established superstars will once again dominate the MVP conversation, a new generation is threatening to shake up the pecking order.
Cooper Flagg is chasing superstardom in Dallas, Amen Thompson has a massive contract to justify, and Anthony Davis is looking to remind the league why he was once among basketball's most feared big men.
With breakout seasons, big expectations and career revivals on the cards, here are five players to keep an eye on when the action tips off.
Cooper Flagg | Dallas Mavericks
Cooper Flagg arrived in Dallas carrying enormous expectations and somehow managed to raise them.
The 2025 No. 1 draft pick claimed Rookie of the Year honours after averaging 21 points, 6.7 rebounds and 4.5 assists, becoming the first rookie since Michael Jordan to lead his team in total points, rebounds, assists and steals.
Flagg also became the youngest player in NBA history to score 50 points in a game.
With his rookie campaign behind him, the 19-year-old now faces the challenge of turning individual brilliance into victories for the Mavericks.
Amen Thompson | Houston Rockets
Houston have invested heavily in Thompson, handing the explosive guard a five-year, $208million contract extension.
The 23-year-old averaged 18.3 points, 7.8 rebounds and 5.3 assists last season, establishing himself among the NBA's most exciting two-way talents.
Already an elite perimeter defender, Thompson's biggest opportunity lies in improving his outside shooting. Add a consistent jumper to his athleticism and Houston could have another genuine superstar.
Jalen Johnson | Atlanta Hawks
Trae Young's departure has opened the door for Johnson to become Atlanta's undisputed franchise leader.
The versatile forward averaged 22.5 points, 10.3 rebounds and 7.9 assists last season, putting up numbers that underline his remarkable development.
Johnson has the scoring, rebounding and playmaking ability to carry the Hawks, but his biggest test will be translating those impressive individual performances into postseason success.
Dylan Harper | San Antonio Spurs
Victor Wembanyama might command the spotlight in San Antonio, but Harper could emerge as another major weapon.
The second overall pick in 2025 averaged 11.8 points during his rookie regular season before improving to 14.1 in the playoffs.
Harper then delivered 25 points in Game 5 of the NBA Finals against New York, offering another glimpse of his potential.
More responsibility could bring another substantial leap.
Anthony Davis | Washington Wizards
At 33, Davis finds himself facing a very different challenge.
The 10-time All-Star has battled persistent injury problems, averaging 20.4 points and 11.1 rebounds last season before his campaign ended prematurely.
Now in Washington, Davis has returned to preseason action following his injury troubles.
For a player who once ranked among basketball's most dominant big men, staying healthy and proving he can still influence games at the highest level will be the ultimate objective.
