Get ready for the upcoming 2025-26 NBA season, basketball fans! It's been a long wait, but we're almost back in front of our screens, eagerly anticipating the action-packed games ahead. With the preseason just around the corner, it's an opportune moment to evaluate each NBA team's young talent by addressing some critical questions that will shape not only this season but also the future of these franchises.
Today, we'll be focusing on the Northwest and Southwest Divisions of the Western Conference, exploring the potential of some exciting young players.
Christian Braun: The Unsung Hero?
There's a segment of NBA fans who might find this question controversial, but Christian Braun's performance speaks for itself. I've been following Braun since his draft days, and his third season in the league has been impressive. Despite the presence of Nikola Jokic, one of the world's best players, Braun has quietly established himself as one of the top players in his draft class, which includes names like Paolo Banchero and Chet Holmgren.
Braun's growth as a playmaker and defender has been remarkable. He's proven his ability to guard some of the league's best wings and has shown great potential as a secondary ball-handler and transition player. As a half-court player, Braun excelled in pick-and-roll situations, creating efficient shots for himself and his teammates. His improved jump shooting and overall offensive versatility make him a valuable asset for the Denver Nuggets.
Rob Dillingham: The Shifty Scorer
Rob Dillingham's preseason performances have been a delight, showcasing his offensive prowess. He's looked like the guard everyone expected him to be, with explosive scoring abilities and a knack for pulling up from long range. Dillingham's ability to create passing angles and juke out defenders is a sight to behold.
The Minnesota Timberwolves need Dillingham to step up into a bench role behind Mike Conley and Donte DiVincenzo. With Conley's performance potentially declining, Dillingham's talent could become even more crucial. Additionally, his ability to handle the ball and create opportunities will be vital if either Conley or DiVincenzo misses time.
The Timberwolves have a talented young core, including Terrence Shannon Jr., who impressed in last season's playoffs, and Jaylen Clark, one of the league's best perimeter defenders. New addition Joan Beringer, with his athletic prowess, could also make an impact. However, it's Dillingham's growth that will be crucial for the team's success, especially considering the trade capital invested in acquiring him.
Ajay Mitchell: The Confident Guard
Ajay Mitchell has been on fire, even with a left ankle injury keeping him out of some preseason action. His performance against the Indiana Pacers was impressive, showcasing his ability to create efficient shots and his overall confidence on the court. Mitchell's development as a jump shooter and his ability to finish at the rim make him a valuable asset for the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Despite the Thunder's abundance of point guards, Mitchell's talent is undeniable. He has the potential to be a starter in his sophomore year, and his game has the depth and versatility to complement Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Alex Caruso, and Cason Wallace. Nikola Topic, last year's lottery pick, will have to work hard to match Mitchell's productivity.
Mitchell's potential breakout season could see him become a key rotation player for the defending champions, and it's worth keeping an eye on his odds for the Sixth Man of the Year award.
Scoot Henderson: The Rising Star
Scoot Henderson's recent injury may keep him sidelined for a while, but his progress as a spot-up shooter last season was notable. The Portland Trail Blazers have built a solid infrastructure to support Henderson's development, with bruising forwards and a towering center who can protect the rim. Additionally, the team has talented scoring guards and a skilled ball-handling four-man in Deni Avdija.
The addition of center Yang Hansen in the 2025 draft could be a game-changer for Henderson's playmaking abilities. Hansen's passing skills and comfort in handoff actions will create opportunities for Henderson to work a two-man game. As Henderson recovers from his injury, it will be fascinating to see how he integrates into the team and flourishes with these new pieces.
Ace Bailey: The Efficient Shooter
Ace Bailey has been tearing it up in the preseason for the Utah Jazz, and his efficient offensive looks without needing to dribble are impressive. Coach Will Hardy has utilized Bailey's skills, creating open shots through movement and cuts. Bailey's ability to catch, turn, and shoot is a key factor in his success.
To maximize Bailey's potential, it's important to involve him in the offense and encourage him to think about his impact on the game. Developing a strong understanding of quality looks will benefit him when he has to direct traffic and make decisions for his teammates. Bailey's handle may not be his strongest asset, so focusing on his shooting and defensive abilities is crucial.
If Bailey can combine the shot-making skills of Michael Porter Jr. with the defensive instincts of Jaden McDaniels, he could become a valuable asset for the Jazz. His draft selection, despite pre-draft concerns, could be justified with continued growth and development.
Cooper Flagg: The All-Around Talent
Cooper Flagg has been taking on lead reps in multiple preseason contests, showcasing his passing touch and ability to get downhill. His potential as a playmaker for others is evident, and his scoring abilities, particularly his pull-up jumpers, are impressive. Flagg's comfort bombing away from deep is a sign of his shooting potential.
Flagg's ability to make advanced reads out of pick-and-roll actions will improve with time, but his college experience has prepared him for this role. His passing skills and ability to hit the corners and spray the ball to shooters are valuable assets. With his two-way talent, Flagg has the potential to become an All-Star in his first NBA season, and his impact on the Dallas Mavericks' contention in the Western Conference could be significant.
Reed Sheppard: The Potential Starting Point Guard
With Fred Van Vleet out for the year, the Houston Rockets have a gaping hole at the point guard position. Reed Sheppard, the third overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, has the blend of shooting, playmaking, and defensive skills that attracted several front offices. While his rookie season wasn't as expected, Sheppard's standout performances in his starts and G League minutes showcase his potential.
Sheppard's ability to create his own shot and operate in the pick-and-roll make him a valuable asset. However, his confidence in getting downhill and creating efficient offense inside the arc needs improvement. Sheppard's turnovers in the preseason have been a result of miscommunication, but his shot has looked cleaner, and he's taking better looks.
I'm curious to see how Sheppard develops, but I'm not convinced he's the best starting option for the Rockets. Amen Thompson's jumbo lineup and Alperen Sengun's offensive hub role could be more effective options.
Cedric Coward: The Defensive Specialist
Cedric Coward, despite not lighting it up from distance, has been impressive defensively for the Memphis Grizzlies. His massive wingspan and defensive prowess have been on full display, challenging shooters and drivers in the lane. Coward's ability to use his size and length to his advantage is a valuable asset.
With bigs injured on the roster, Ja Morant needs players like Coward who can help cover up holes at the point of attack. Coward's path to minutes is clear with his defensive capabilities, and his shooting priors suggest his perimeter offense will improve as the season progresses. His ability to get to the rim, draw contact, and score off free throws makes him a valuable off-ball player.
If Coward continues to produce and pass the sniff tests, he could emerge as an All-Rookie contender, especially with the Grizzlies' ability to win games despite injuries.
Jeremiah Fears: The Exciting Prospect
Jeremiah Fears's preseason has been a showcase of his strengths and areas for improvement. His athletic scoring abilities and pick-and-roll chops are impressive, but his perimeter shooting and defensive skills need work. However, his ability to change speeds and create efficient offense is a positive sign.
Fears's shooting from three needs improvement, and his turnovers must be cleaned up. Defensively, he's done well staying home on shooters and improving his contests. While there are concerns about hiding him on defense, the Pelicans have asked him to play a specific role, and he's delivered.
If Fears can improve his outside shooting and continue his defensive progress, he has real upside as a rookie. His draft stock may have been middle-of-the-road, but his performance in Summer League and preseason has been impressive.
Dylan Harper: The Polished Rookie
The San Antonio Spurs have a crowded guard room, but Dylan Harper's talent is undeniable. As the second overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, Harper is poised for a strong rookie season. His ability to split pick-and-rolls, create paint touches, and score inside the arc make him a valuable asset.
Harper's passing skills and versatility in different roles and positions are impressive. If he can stand out as a starting-caliber guard off the bench, he could enter the Sixth Man of the Year race. His impact as a passer, rebounder, and defender, along with his scoring abilities, could see him with one of the highest net ratings in this rookie class.
Harper and Cooper Flagg are in win-now situations, and their ability to perform under pressure in their debut seasons is exciting. I'm looking forward to seeing what these talented rookies can achieve.
