Let's run through eight sophomores who are set to make some noise.
You can't talk about this class without starting with **Victor Wembanyama**. His rookie year with the Spurs was a spectacle, averaging 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and a league-leading 3.6 blocks. He showed flashes of a generational talent, recording a 5x5 game against the Lakers in February and dropping 40 points and 20 rebounds on the Knicks in March. The buzz around him is deafening, and frankly, it’s deserved. For his sophomore campaign, a more polished offensive game and continued physical development will make him an even more terrifying force.
Then there's **Chet Holmgren**. After missing his entire first season, his "rookie" year in 2023-24 was a revelation for the Thunder. He put up 16.5 points, 7.9 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 2.3 blocks, shooting 37% from deep on nearly five attempts per game. Holmgren's two-way impact was important for OKC's surprising playoff push. The comparison between Holmgren and Wembanyama is going to be a talking point for the next decade, and for good reason. Both are unicorns. Holmgren's advanced feel for the game and his shooting touch make him incredibly dangerous. His slight frame is still a question mark, but he held up better than many expected.
**Brandon Miller** out of Charlotte quietly had a solid first year, averaging 17.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.4 assists. He shot 37.3% from three, showing off the pure stroke that made him the second overall pick. With LaMelo Ball’s health always a question, Miller often carried a heavy offensive load. His sophomore year should see him take another step as a primary scorer. He ended the season strong, averaging 20.8 points in his last 15 games.
**Scoot Henderson** is a tricky one. His rookie year with Portland was… rough. He posted 14.1 points and 5.4 assists, but shot just 38.5% from the field and 31.6% from three. Turnovers were a major issue, averaging 3.2 per game. Thing is, you saw the explosion, the burst, the competitive fire. He just needs to harness it. If he can tighten up his handle and decision-making, while improving his efficiency, his sophomore year could be a massive leap. This dude has elite potential, and Portland needs him to realize it quickly.
Now, let's talk about some guys who might not have the same hype as Wemby or Chet but are primed for big jumps.
**Keyonte George** for the Utah Jazz put up 13.0 points and 4.4 assists in his rookie season. He shot a pedestrian 39.1% from the field and 33.7% from deep, but he got better as the season wore on. George started 44 games and showed a real knack for creating his own shot and distributing the ball in pick-and-roll. With Collin Sexton and Jordan Clarkson still around, his role might be a bit muddled, but his talent is undeniable. His sophomore season will be about improving that efficiency and earning more minutes.
Another guard to keep an eye on is **Ausar Thompson** of the Detroit Pistons. His rookie numbers were 8.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.1 steals, and 0.9 blocks. The offensive game is still a work in progress (20% from three), but his defensive versatility and athleticism are off the charts. He’s already an elite defender capable of guarding multiple positions. If he can develop even a respectable jumper, his impact will skyrocket. He's one of the few Pistons who played with consistent effort every single night.
Real talk: **Dereck Lively II** was a godsend for the Dallas Mavericks. The big man averaged 8.8 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks in his first year, shooting an incredible 74.7% from the field. He gave the Mavs the rim protection and lob threat they desperately needed. His energy and defensive instincts were a perfect fit next to Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. Expect his usage to increase as he gets stronger and more comfortable in the offense. He’s already a high-impact player, and more offensive touches will only make him better.
Finally, don't sleep on **Jaime Jaquez Jr.** of the Miami Heat. He defied expectations by averaging 11.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.6 assists, shooting 48.9% from the field. He played with a veteran's poise and toughness from day one, fitting perfectly into the Heat culture. Jaquez isn't flashy, but he's efficient, smart, and plays winning basketball. Miami values guys who contribute immediately, and Jaquez did exactly that. His improvement won't be in raw athleticism, but in refining his post-game and expanding his shooting range.
Looking at these eight, the biggest leap from rookie to sophomore year will likely come from **Scoot Henderson**. His rookie stats were underwhelming, but the underlying talent is immense. If he can raise his field goal percentage from 38.5% to, say, 43%, and bump his assist-to-turnover ratio, his impact will be exponentially greater. He has the most room for growth because his baseline was lower than someone like Wembanyama, who was already putting up historic numbers.
Wembanyama will be better, no doubt, but going from 21.4/10.6/3.6 blocks to something truly unheard of is a tougher climb. Holmgren will improve too, but his rookie year was already incredibly strong for a big man. Henderson has the clearest path to a massive statistical jump and a huge leap in overall efficiency and impact.
My bold prediction for the 2025-26 season: Scoot Henderson will average over 20 points and 7 assists, shooting north of 43% from the field, and lead the Trail Blazers to the play-in tournament.