NBA Preseason Standouts 2026: 7 Breakout Players to Watch Before the New Season
The NBA preseason standouts 2026 conversation is heating up as young players and emerging contributors compete for larger roles ahead of the 2026–27 regular season.
While established NBA superstars attract enormous attention, preseason basketball often provides the first glimpse of players preparing to take a significant step forward.
Some are former lottery picks looking to establish consistency. Others are developing role players attempting to earn the trust of their coaching staffs.
Strong preseason performances do not guarantee regular-season success, but they can reveal improvements in confidence, shooting, decision-making, and defensive awareness.
Here are seven intriguing players worth monitoring as the new NBA season approaches.
Why NBA Preseason Breakout Players Matter
Preseason basketball offers a different environment from the regular season.
Coaches frequently test lineup combinations, provide opportunities to younger players, and evaluate athletes competing for rotation minutes.
This creates an opportunity for emerging players to demonstrate skills that may have been less visible previously.
However, preseason statistics should always be evaluated in context.
A player may score efficiently against a lineup that includes several reserves.
Another player may struggle offensively while demonstrating important defensive improvements.
The most useful evaluation combines statistics with observations about decision-making, physical development, and role suitability.
1. Brandon Williams — Golden State Warriors
Brandon Williams has attracted attention with his scoring ability and aggressive offensive approach.
Golden State is known for its movement-oriented offense, but the Warriors can also benefit from players who create pressure through direct drives toward the basket.
Williams offers that type of attacking ability.
His speed can force defenders to react quickly, creating opportunities for finishes near the rim or passes to open teammates.
In a recent preseason performance against Sacramento, Williams scored 19 points while shooting efficiently.
The most important question is whether he can maintain that effectiveness against stronger defensive rotations.
What Williams Could Bring to Golden State
A reliable reserve ball handler can reduce the offensive burden on established starters.
Williams could provide additional penetration, transition scoring, and opportunities for shooters.
To secure a consistent role, he will also need to demonstrate sound decision-making and dependable defense.
2. GG Jackson — Memphis Grizzlies
GG Jackson is another intriguing player entering the new season.
His combination of size, scoring potential, and offensive confidence makes him worth watching.
For young forwards, development often involves learning when to attack and when to move the basketball.
Jackson's preseason performances have suggested growing confidence.
However, consistency remains the most important objective.
A successful season would involve efficient shot selection, improved defensive awareness, and dependable contributions across different matchups.
Why GG Jackson's Development Matters
Memphis benefits when its supporting players can create offense without disrupting the team's overall structure.
Jackson has the potential to provide scoring flexibility.
His next step is turning individual flashes into repeatable production.
3. Scoot Henderson — Portland Trail Blazers
Scoot Henderson entered the NBA with significant expectations.
As a young guard, his development depends on more than athletic ability.
He must continue improving his ability to read defenses, manage the pace of possessions, and make efficient decisions.
During the 2026 preseason, Henderson has shown signs of greater composure.
That improvement could be important for Portland.
A point guard who controls tempo can make the game easier for teammates and help the offense avoid unnecessary turnovers.
What to Watch From Henderson
Pay attention to his shooting decisions, assist-to-turnover balance, and defensive effort.
Those areas may provide a better measure of his progress than points alone.
If Henderson becomes more consistent, Portland could benefit from stronger offensive organization.
4. Leonard Miller — Chicago Bulls
Leonard Miller has emerged as an interesting preseason performer for Chicago.
His versatility gives him opportunities to contribute in several areas.
Miller can affect games through rebounding, movement, and finishing around the basket.
He also demonstrated offensive potential with a 26-point performance against Denver.
For Chicago, the challenge is determining how to maximize his abilities within the team's rotation.
Why Versatility Is Valuable
Modern NBA teams need players who can perform multiple responsibilities.
A forward capable of defending different opponents, rebounding effectively, and finishing offensive opportunities provides flexibility.
Miller's long-term role will depend on whether he can maintain consistent decision-making and defensive positioning.
5. Asa Newell — Atlanta Hawks
Asa Newell is another young player generating interest.
His athleticism and energy can make him effective around the basket.
Players who move well without the ball often create scoring opportunities without requiring complicated offensive actions.
Newell's ability to run the floor and contribute near the rim could become useful for Atlanta.
However, physical development and defensive discipline will be important.
Young frontcourt players must learn how to defend without committing unnecessary fouls.
They also need to recognize when to provide help defense and when to remain with their assignments.
Newell's progress in these areas could influence his opportunities.
6. Kel'el Ware — Milwaukee Bucks
Kel'el Ware offers an intriguing combination of size and developing offensive skills.
His preseason performances have created interest in how he could contribute to Milwaukee.
For a modern NBA big man, shooting ability can create additional spacing.
However, rebounding, rim protection, and defensive positioning remain fundamental responsibilities.
Ware's development will depend on how effectively he combines those elements.
What Milwaukee Needs From Ware
The Bucks can benefit from frontcourt players who protect the basket and contribute without requiring constant offensive touches.
If Ware becomes more reliable defensively while maintaining his offensive potential, he could provide valuable lineup flexibility.
7. Ron Holland — Detroit Pistons
Ron Holland has attracted attention through his defensive activity and athleticism.
His ability to pressure opponents and create transition opportunities makes him an interesting player to monitor.
Defensive versatility is especially valuable in the NBA because teams frequently switch assignments and use different offensive combinations.
Holland's energy can contribute even when he is not scoring heavily.
However, offensive development remains important.
Improved shooting and better decisions with the basketball could make him a more complete contributor.
How to Identify a Real NBA Breakout Player
Preseason scoring totals can be exciting, but they are only one part of the evaluation.
Consider several factors when identifying potential breakout players.
First, look for consistent improvement across multiple games.
Second, evaluate whether the player contributes in areas beyond scoring.
Third, consider the team's roster and available minutes.
A talented player may struggle to secure opportunities if several established veterans occupy the same position.
Finally, observe how the player responds to stronger opponents.
A breakout becomes more convincing when the improvement continues into meaningful regular-season games.
NBA Preseason Predictions: Who Could Make the Biggest Leap?
Each player on this list offers a different type of upside.
Brandon Williams could strengthen Golden State's reserve offense.
GG Jackson may develop into a more consistent scoring contributor.
Scoot Henderson has an opportunity to improve Portland's offensive organization.
Leonard Miller, Asa Newell, Kel'el Ware, and Ron Holland could provide valuable versatility.
However, these are developmental possibilities rather than guaranteed outcomes.
The first several weeks of the regular season will provide more reliable evidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the top NBA preseason standouts in 2026?
Players drawing attention include Brandon Williams, GG Jackson, Scoot Henderson, Leonard Miller, Asa Newell, Kel'el Ware, and Ron Holland.
Do preseason statistics predict NBA success?
Not necessarily. Preseason performances can reveal improvements, but regular-season competition provides a stronger evaluation.
Which NBA young players should fans watch in 2026?
Players with growing responsibilities, improved efficiency, and opportunities for additional minutes are worth monitoring.
When does the 2026–27 NBA regular season begin?
The regular season is scheduled to begin October 20, 2026.
Final Thoughts
The NBA preseason breakout players 2026 discussion highlights an exciting part of professional basketball.
Emerging contributors can change the direction of a team's season by providing unexpected scoring, stronger defense, or improved playmaking.
The seven players featured here have demonstrated reasons for optimism.
Their next challenge is transforming promising preseason performances into dependable contributions when the games begin to count.
For NBA fans, tracking their progress could become one of the most rewarding storylines of the 2026–27 season.
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