The 2025-26 NBA season has been unfolding for approximately three weeks, and the inaugural NBA Cup is currently underway, having commenced on the evening of October 31st.
In the Eastern Conference, the Chicago Bulls have enjoyed an unexpectedly strong opening, holding a 6-1 record and competing early in the standings with the Philadelphia 76ers, a team that seems to have overcome the injury challenges of the previous year.
In the Western Conference, the reigning champion Oklahoma City Thunder have validated the benefits of team stability, standing as the sole remaining undefeated team. The Los Angeles Lakers, still without LeBron James, have a 6-2 record, representing the most successful eight-game period for his NBA team in his absence.
Supplementing our ongoing weekly rankings, our NBA authorities have selected a fresh presence – defined as a rookie, offseason addition, or new coach – who has already contributed notably to each team. From the arrival of Mike Brown in New York to Cooper Flagg’s anticipated entrance in Dallas, we present the 30 players and coaches who have made a significant mark in the early phase of the season.
Note: Team classifications are based on assessments from our expert panel (ESPN’s Anthony Slater, Dave McMenamin, Jamal Collier, Kevin Pelton, Michael C. Wright, Ohm Youngmisuk, Tim Bontemps, Tim MacMahon, Vincent Goodwill and Zach Kram) regarding where teams are positioned this season.
Previous rankings: Preseason | Oct. 29
Navigate to a team:
ATL | BOS | BKN | CHA | CHI | CLE
DAL | DEN | DET | GS | HOU | IND
LAC | LAL | MEM | MIA | MIL | MIN
NO | NY | OKC | ORL | PHI | PHX
POR | SAC | SA | TOR | UTAH | WAS
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2025-26 record: 8-0
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Previous ranking: 1
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Next games: @ POR (Nov. 5), @ SAC (Nov. 7), @ MEM (Nov. 9), @ GSW (Nov. 11)
Top newcomer: Ajay Mitchell
Within the apron constraints, the Thunder will soon face financial realities that necessitate adjustments to their rotation beneath the primary players. However, that time is not yet at hand. Oklahoma City has retained its entire championship rotation, leaving limited opportunity for new players to make immediate inroads. Mitchell will need to establish himself in his second year. He accumulated 597 minutes as a rookie before requiring toe surgery, displaying promising potential. Yet, the initial seven games of his second season have presented a notable difference. Assuming a substantial role due to injuries in the backcourt, Mitchell is averaging 17.3 points in 27.6 minutes, arguing for his continued inclusion in Mark Daigneault’s nightly plans even after the return of Jalen Williams and others. — Anthony Slater
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2025-26 record: 5-1
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Previous ranking: 6
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Next games: @ LAL (Nov. 5), vs. HOU (Nov. 7), vs. NO (Nov. 8), @ CHI (Nov. 10)
Top newcomer: Dylan Harper
As the No. 2 selection, Harper warrants recognition, averaging 14 points across six games with a 50% field goal percentage and nearly four assists per game. Playing 23 minutes per game, Harper holds the fourth position in team scoring, and at 19 years old, plays a significant role in San Antonio’s rotation but is likely to miss several games due to his recent injury. Harper sustained a left calf strain during Sunday’s defeat against the Suns and is projected to be sidelined for several weeks. This setback could jeopardize San Antonio’s aspirations of concluding this season with three consecutive NBA Rookie of the Year recipients. — Michael C. Wright
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2025-26 record: 4-2
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Previous ranking: 5
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Next games: vs. MIA (Nov. 5), vs. GS (Nov. 7), vs. IND (Nov. 8), @ SAC (Nov. 11)
Top newcomer: Tim Hardaway Jr.
Cameron Johnson has encountered a challenging transition following his replacement of Michael Porter Jr. in Denver’s starting lineup post-trade. Johnson is currently managing right shoulder inflammation while attempting to overcome an early-season shooting slump (40.0% from the field, 25.0% from 3-point range). Hardaway Jr. has emerged as the Nuggets’ most influential addition, averaging 10.2 points as a reserve while maintaining a 44.8% success rate from beyond the arc. — Tim MacMahon
Top newcomer(s): Jake LaRavia, Deandre Ayton, Marcus Smart
The absence of a straightforward answer to this query emphasizes the Lakers’ impressive 6-2 start. Each of their free agent signings from the summer presents a strong case. LaRavia has participated in all eight games while L.A. has struggled with injuries, averaging 12.6 points on 58.5% shooting and leading the team in deflections. Ayton is contributing 16.9 points on 65.1% shooting and securing 8.1 rebounds per game. Smart is averaging 9.2 points and leads the team in steals per game (1.7) and in plus-minus, boasting a plus-64 rating in 146 minutes played. — Dave McMenamin
Top newcomer: Kevin Durant
Expectedly, the introduction of Durant, known for being one of the most accomplished scorers of all time, has led to an upswing in offensive output. With Durant at the forefront, Houston has averaged 127.8 points over its first five games, marking the highest total through five games in Rockets history. Recovering from a 0-2 start, Houston outscored its opponents by 75 points during a three-game winning streak, culminating in Monday’s victory over Dallas. Durant (21 points) finished as the third-leading scorer, while Alperen Sengun (26) and Amen Thompson (27) collectively scored 53 points. — Wright
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2025-26 record: 5-2
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Previous ranking: 9
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Next games: @ CLE (Nov. 5), vs. TOR (Nov. 8), vs. DET (Nov. 9), vs. BOS (Nov. 11)
Top newcomer: VJ Edgecombe
Few additions have impacted their respective teams this season as significantly as Edgecombe, the outstanding rookie guard from Baylor, secured by Philadelphia as the third overall pick in June’s NBA draft. Edgecombe’s performance is redeeming the tribulations of the 76ers’ previous season, as he entered Tuesday night’s game averaging 20.3 points – surpassing all others in his class – while maintaining over 49% shooting accuracy overall and 42% from the 3-point line. — Tim Bontemps
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2025-26 record: 4-3
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Previous ranking: 2
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Next games: vs. PHI (Nov. 5), @ WAS (Nov. 7), vs. CHI (Nov. 8), @ MIA (Nov. 10)
Top newcomer: Jaylon Tyson
Despite technically being in his second year in the league, Tyson’s limited playing time in his first season makes his transition to the starting lineup – due to Darius Garland’s injury – a significant development for the Cavaliers’ rotation. Averaging 10.9 points and shooting 44% from 3-point range on approximately five attempts per game, Tyson demonstrates the potential of a 3-and-D wing who could significantly complement Donovan Mitchell and Garland, with the latter potentially returning on Wednesday. — Jamal Collier
Top newcomer: Isaac Okoro
While the Bulls retained almost their entire roster from last season, the addition of Okoro aims to fortify their defensive strategy in the starting lineup. Chicago initiated the week ranked 12th in defense and has been among the season’s unexpected performers, despite Okoro’s challenges, averaging six points while shooting 38.5% from the field (29.4% from 3) and securing only two steals in six games. — Collier
Top newcomer: Myles Turner
Turner’s decision to join the Bucks has positioned him as a figure of animosity in Indiana, where he spent the initial decade of his career. Turner was met with boos upon his return on Monday, but Bucks players were determined to secure the win for their newest teammate. Offensively, Turner has had a relatively subdued start, averaging 9.7 points on 39.7% shooting. However, coach Doc Rivers has praised Turner’s defensive prowess and his valuable intangibles that have contributed to Milwaukee’s early success. — Collier
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2025-26 record: 5-2
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Previous ranking: 14
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Next games: vs. UTAH (Nov. 5), @ BKN (Nov. 7), vs. PHI (Nov. 9), vs. WAS (Nov. 10)
Top newcomer: Duncan Robinson
Given the team’s current deficiency in 3-point production (ranking 27th in attempts per game), newcomer Robinson will be relied upon to increase volume, especially with Jaden Ivey and Marcus Sasser sidelined due to injuries. He is currently averaging over six 3-point attempts per night, converting nearly 41% of them. However, more assertiveness in seeking out shots would enhance spacing and create opportunities for Cade Cunningham and the emerging star Ausar Thompson. The Pistons’ fifth-ranked defense has sustained them, while the shooting is anticipated to improve. — Vincent Goodwill
Top newcomer: Mike Brown
Sunday provided the necessary remedy for the Knicks and their new coach, Brown. Following a three-game road losing streak, the team delivered their most cohesive performance of the young season, converting 20-of-42 3-point attempts to avenge a previous loss to the Bulls from two nights prior. “I still think our ceiling is a lot higher, but you can see the potential. This team is more than capable of playing faster,” Brown stated. For a team that did not experience a three-game losing streak last season until January, the Knicks – and Brown – required early validation of their approach. — Goodwill
Top newcomer: John Collins
Collins has seamlessly integrated into his role as the Clippers’ sixth man, leading coach Tyronn Lue’s reserves in both scoring (11.8 points) and rebounds (5.3), while also averaging 1.2 steals. A skeptical perspective might attribute Collins’ early achievements to the collective underperformance of other new additions, such as Bradley Beal, Brook Lopez, and Chris Paul. Nevertheless, the 6-foot-9 forward is also achieving a career-best 58.5% shooting accuracy from the field, meriting acknowledgment. — McMenamin
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2025-26 record: 5-3
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Previous ranking: 3
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Next games: @ SAC (Nov. 5), @ DEN (Nov. 7), vs. IND (Nov. 9), @ OKC (Nov. 11)
Top newcomer: Al Horford
The Warriors’ most notable victory of the early season was in overtime against Denver, where they witnessed the version of Horford they had envisioned after his acquisition this summer. He played for 29 minutes, hit two crucial 3-pointers, and effectively defended Nikola Jokic during several significant possessions, concluding the game alongside the other veterans. This is the type of performance they will need from Horford consistently as April approaches. However, it is apparent that the maintenance plan for Horford, now in his 19th season, will not frequently permit such performances before the playoffs. Horford will not play on consecutive nights, having already missed three games and appeared limited, rusty, and ineffective in his three other appearances. The Warriors have been outscored by 36 points while he has been on the court this season. — Slater
Top newcomer: Jrue Holiday
Holiday has not only met but exceeded Portland’s expectations as the starting point guard while Scoot Henderson is still sidelined by a hamstring strain. Holiday is averaging 16.7 points and a career-high 8.3 assists while contributing to a Blazers defense that is forcing turnovers at an unparalleled rate in the NBA. Holiday’s quietest night this season, including 0-of-6 on 3-point shooting, was a factor as Portland lost at home to the short-handed Lakers on Monday. Nevertheless, the Blazers are above .500, marking the latest point in any season since 2022-23. — Kevin Pelton
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2025-26 record: 4-3
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Previous ranking: 15
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Next games: @ DEN (Nov. 5), vs. CHA (Nov. 7), vs. POR (Nov. 8), vs. CLE (Nov. 10)
Top newcomer: Norman Powell
Powell has integrated well into Miami, especially while Tyler Herro is out. If he can maintain his health, Powell has the potential to replicate his performance from the initial months with the Clippers last season when Kawhi Leonard was sidelined, playing at an All-Star level by providing perimeter shooting and crucial scoring. With Herro unavailable, Powell has recorded 20 or more points in three of his four games, including making 11 three-pointers in those games. Despite missing three consecutive games due to a groin issue, Powell is expected to continue making an impact in Miami’s new, fast-paced offense. — Ohm Youngmisuk
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2025-26 record: 4-3
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Previous ranking: 10
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Next games: @ NYK (Nov. 5), vs. UTA H (Nov. 7), @ SAC (Nov. 9), @ UTAH (Nov. 10)
Top newcomer: Terrence Shannon Jr.
While there is not a definitive newcomer on the roster, there is a new key rotation player: Shannon Jr., a second-year guard who has been given the primary opportunity to replace Nickeil Alexander-Walker in coach Chris Finch’s rotation. Shannon began accumulating minutes late in the regular season and during the playoffs. He has participated in all seven of Minnesota’s games this season, though his offense remains an area of concern (shooting 32.1% overall, including 29.4% on 2-pointers this season). — Bontemps
Top newcomer: Desmond Bane
Bane has faced challenges with his 3-point shooting, converting only 28.5% in his first eight games. He has also scored just 23 points in his last three games, culminating in an ejection during the third quarter of Tuesday’s loss to Atlanta for a flagrant foul against Onyeka Okongwu, followed by a technical foul for swiping the ball at Okongwu after the foul. Nonetheless, the Magic recognize that it is still early and that they need more time to establish chemistry with their new performer. Once that occurs, they anticipate improved 3-point shooting, with Bane creating space for Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner while providing much-needed veteran leadership. Despite a slow start, the Magic are investing four first-round picks and a first-round pick swap with the expectation that Bane will improve. — Youngmisuk
Top newcomer: Kristaps Porzingis
The Hawks eagerly anticipated seeing how the two-man game between Trae Young and Porzingis would develop. While they will need to wait at least another month before seeing those two together again, Porzingis has demonstrated the significant impact he can have for the Hawks independently. Porzingis is averaging 15 points in the three games since Young has been absent. His presence commands attention inside when the Hawks pass him the ball with a mismatch, creating opportunities for his teammates. He went to the free-throw line 13 times, converting 11 free throws to lead the Hawks to a victory over Orlando on Tuesday. Additionally, his 12 rebounds on Sunday contributed to the Hawks’ competitiveness in a loss at Cleveland. Should Porzingis remain healthy, his impact will only continue to grow. — Youngmisuk
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2025-26 record: 3-5
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Previous ranking: 23
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Next games: vs. WAS (Nov. 5), @ ORL (Nov. 7), @ ORL (Nov. 9), @ PHI (Nov. 11)
Top newcomer: Josh Minott
While Boston awaits Jayson Tatum’s return to the court, they took chances on several promising swing players during the offseason. Minott, one of those players, has secured a starting spot in Boston’s rotation in recent games and has immediately made a difference as a high-energy player, generating extra possessions by rebounding and creating turnovers. — Bontemps
Top newcomer: Brandon Ingram
Although Ingram isn’t a recent addition, as Toronto traded for and extended his contract during the 2024-25 season, he did not play a game for the Raptors until this season. The former All-Star is leading Toronto with an average of 22.3 points, and is quietly posting the best efficiency numbers of his career thanks to a hot streak from his midrange-heavy shot selection. Ingram had never made more than 49.7% of his shots in any previous season, but he’s all the way up at 55.0% this season. — Zach Kram
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2025-26 record: 3-5
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Previous ranking: 16
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Next games: vs. HOU (Nov. 5), vs. DAL (Nov. 7),vs. OKC (Nov. 9), @ NYK (Nov. 11)
Top newcomer: Cedric Coward
Coward, the 11th pick of the draft, is a standout performer for a Memphis team that has few bright spots in the wake of the one-game suspension of veteran point guard Ja Morant. The Grizzlies traded up five spots to acquire Coward in the draft, as the team identified the shooting guard’s athleticism, versatility, and physicality as key elements in building around Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. Offensively, the rookie ranks third on the team in scoring while connecting on better than 50% of his shots from beyond the arc. — Wright
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2025-26 record: 2-5
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Previous ranking: 21
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Next games: vs. NO (Nov. 5), @ MEM (Nov. 7), @ WAS (Nov. 8), vs. MIL (Nov. 10)
Top newcomer: Cooper Flagg
The Mavericks anticipated that Flagg would experience growing pains as a rookie, regardless of the anticipation following his successful stint at Duke. All 18-year-olds who have played in the NBA have faced challenges, and Flagg has the additional difficulty of playing point guard for the first time while typically guarding the opponent’s best player. His statistics (13.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.9 assists with a 44.6 effective field goal percentage) may not be impressive, but there is no alarm in Dallas. The Mavericks firmly believe that Flagg possesses the resilience, maturity, confidence, and competitiveness necessary to benefit from his difficulties. — MacMahon
Top newcomer: Dillon Brooks
Although Brooks has been limited to three games because of a core muscle strain, the nine-year veteran has already made a favorable impression in Phoenix. Brooks is the Suns’ second-leading scorer (19.3 points per game) and his 2.7 steals per game are second in the league, trailing only Cason Wallace of Oklahoma City. His presence has helped Phoenix improve their defensive ranking from 27th to 22nd under first-year coach Jordan Ott. — McMenamin
Top newcomer: Kon Knueppel
Charlotte’s rookies have played the most minutes of any team this season, with as many as three (No. 4 pick Knueppel and second-rounders Sion James and Ryan Kalkbrenner) starting together at times. Knueppel has had the biggest impact, averaging 30.1 minutes and 14.0 points. His 43.1% 3-point shooting on high volume (7.3 attempts per game) has been an ideal fit alongside LaMelo Ball in the Hornets’ backcourt. Knueppel had a career-high 24 points Sunday as the Hornets snapped a three-game losing streak by defeating Utah. — Pelton
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2025-26 record: 2-5
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Previous ranking: 26
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Next games: vs. GSW (Nov. 5), vs. OKC (Nov. 7), vs. MIN (Nov. 9), vs. DEN (Nov. 11)
Top newcomer: Russell Westbrook
Sacramento microphones captured a conversation between Westbrook and Domantas Sabonis late in their recent road win in Milwaukee. Sabonis had five fouls. Westbrook, fearing he would pick up a sixth, instructed Sabonis to switch off Giannis Antetokounmpo and guarded him instead. Sabonis remained eligible for the final 2:35 and the Kings closed to prevail 135-133. This exemplified Westbrook’s prompt influence on a roster lacking leadership and defensive versatility. Despite signing a minimum one-year contract a week before the season commenced, he has quickly established himself in the starting and closing lineup, finishing with 26 points and 12 rebounds in 37 minutes against the Nuggets on Monday night. — Slater
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2025-26 record: 3-4
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Previous ranking: 24
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Next games: @ DET (Nov. 5), @ MIN (Nov. 7), vs. MIN (Nov. 10), vs. IND (Nov. 11)
Top newcomer: Ace Bailey
Utah’s front office and coaching staff are optimistic that Bailey, the fifth pick in the draft, can develop into a cornerstone for the franchise. While that potential has not yet translated into immediate production for the teenager, who is averaging 4.6 points on 29.5% shooting, the Jazz have been encouraged by Bailey’s approach and receptiveness to coaching since his arrival in Utah. — MacMahon
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2025-26 record: 1-6
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Previous ranking: 25
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Next games: vs. BKN (Nov. 5), @ DEN (Nov. 8), @ GSW (Nov. 9), @ UTAH (Nov. 11)
Top newcomer: Jay Huff
Entering what is expected to be a rebuilding year with Tyrese Haliburton injured, the Pacers did not add many new players over the summer. The best of the bunch is backup center Huff, whose offensive contributions have not yet translated from Memphis to Indiana — he’s shooting just 3-for-17 (18%) on 3s after nailing 41% last season — but he remains a capable interior defender. Huff is averaging 3.7 blocks per 36 minutes, while no other Pacer has more than 1.1 blocks per 36 with two-time blocks champion Myles Turner now playing elsewhere. — Kram
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