The 2025-26 NBA season is closing in on the halfway point, and there have been several pleasant surprises in terms of players and teams. Here is a look at the most significant player surprises in the NBA.
Who Are The Biggest Surprises On All 30 NBA Teams And What Does It Mean Going Forward
Daniss Jenkins, Pistons
Daniss Jenkins, on a two-way deal. has been a valuable reserve who showed he has a future in the league when he saw playing time alongside Jaden Ivey and Caris LeVert in early November. He is in line to get promoted before the end of the season and projects to be the Pistons‘ fifth guard in the future. Unless the Pistons trade for a veteran point guard.
Sandro Mamukelsavilli, Raptors
Sandro Mamukelashvili has been one of the best offseason signings. The 26-year-old has solidified his spot in the Raptors’ rotation and is on pace for a career season across the board. He has scored in double-figures in 17 of his 29 appearances, shooting 52.6% from the field and 39.6% from deep.
Jaime Jaquez Jr., Heat
Jaime Jaquez Jr. is a candidate for Most Improved Player and Sixth Man of the Year. A lot was expected of Jaquez after a solid rookie campaign, but he struggled with decision-making and shot selection in 2024-25.
Jaquez leads the Heat’s second unit, which is one of the best in the league. Jaquez has evolved from a high‑IQ role player into a reliable two‑way connector who can carry offense in stretches. Additionally, he has become a solid defender who can guard three positions — 2 through 4.
Jaylon Tyson, Cavaliers
Jaylon Tayson is also a candidate for Most Improved Player. After seeing sparse action as a rookie, Tyson has taken advantage of all the Cavaliers’ injuries. He has made tremendous growth in shot selection and is showing the ability to be a three-level scorer, thriving in Catch‑and‑shoot threes, straight‑line drives, and cuts off ball movement. While not a lockdown defender, he is versatile and has strong hands.
Tyler Kolek, Knicks
Tyler Kolek is a true point guard who plays with toughness. Not expected to see a lot of time this year, Kolek has established himself as the Knicks’ fifth guard and a valuable member of the team. While his role will likely be reduced once the team is fully healthy, the former second-round draft pick has done a nice job filling in for both Jalen Brunson and Miles McBride.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Hawks
It was no secret that Nickeil Alexander-Walker could ball. But the 27-year-old guard has exceeded expectations. Through the Hawks’ first 32 games, Alexander-Walker is third on the team in scoring and fourth in assists. While he is posting career-bests in scoring and assists, it is his 20-point-per-game average that is surprising. He has scored 20 or more points in 16 of his 30 appearances, topping 30 points on four occassions. Even more astonishing is that his career-high for a season is 12.8 points, which occurred in 2021-22 with New Orleans.
Jase Richardson, Magic
Jase Richardson hasn’t seen a lot of time on the deep Orlando squad. But the 20-year-old guard has been efficient in his limited time. He has appeared in 20 games, which is two more than Jett Howard played in during his rookie season in 2022-23. Howard was selected with the No. 11 pick that year, while the Magic took Richardson at No. 25.
Richardson has gotten more playing time lately as Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs have been sidelined. The 20-year-old, known for his shooting, has scored in double figures in three of his last five appearances. He averages 5.1 points on 50.6% shooting from the field and 43.3% from the 3-point line. He has scored in double-figures four times in 20 appearances while seeing just 10 minutes a game.
Richardson figures to have his playing time cut once the Magic becomes healthy.
Jalen Smith, Bulls
Jalen Smith has been really good for the Bulls off the bench. Smith has moved ahead of Patrick Williams on the depth chart.
An efficient scorer and strong rebounder, Smith is capable of playing both the four and five. He has a high motor and is willing to get out in transition. He is also servicable. Perhaps the biggest surprise is that he has a +1.1 +/- rating, which is the fourth-best on the Bulls.
Dominick Barlow, 76ers
While Dominick Barlow has shown promise with San Antonio and, to a lesser extent, Atlanta, the 22-year-old forward wasn’t expected to see as much playing time as he is.
Barlow has started 16 of his 19 appearances. Barlow averages 8.9 points, on 54.1% shooting, and 5.6 rebounds (2.3 offensive) in nearly 27 minutes. He has scored in double figures 10 times, topping the 20-point mark once, and he has grabbed at least 10 boards twice.
Ryan Rollins, Bucks
It hasn’t always been easy, but Ryan Rollins continued to put in the hard work and perseverance. Now, he is reaping the benefits.
An elite shooter, Rollins is having a breakout season. Rollins, who has taken over the Bucks’ starting point guard job, has become a borderline elite facilitator and a playmaker on the defensive end. Through the first 32 games, he averages 17.7 points, 5.8 assists, and 2.4 turnovers with shooting splits of 48.0/39.8/74.6.
While Milwaukee could make a move to upgrade its backcourt, Rollins has established himself as a high‑end defensive rotation guard going forward.
Moussa Diabate, Hornets
Moussa Diabate impressed Charlotte’s brass enough last year to earn a standard contract last February after being on a two-way deal with the team. Diabate has established himself as a reliable backup/spot-starter when rookie Ryan Kalkbrenner sits. He is an elite finisher and rebounder, while improving significantly on defense. The 22-year-old is at his best in games where athleticism and length matter more than skill.
Tyrese Martin, Nets
Tyrese Martin played well last year with Brooklyn and had his two-way contract converted to a standard contract. But, he entered training camp on the bubble to make the team as the Nets had 19 players on standard deals.
Martin was a standout in training camp, which earned him a spot on the team. Martin has become a rotation “glue guy.” He has appeared in 27 of the Nets’ 29 games, averaging 7.9 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in 20 minutes a game.
While Martin has struggled shooting the ball, he averages 1.4 threes and has scored in double figures 10 times, including twice topping 20 points. The 6-6 guard has 21 double-figure scoring games, tallying 20 or more points on four occassions, in 60 games last season.
Ethan Thompson, Pacers
Ethan Thompson began the season with the Miami Heat G-League squad, Sioux Falls Skyforce. While Thompson had no previous NBA experience, he had impressed in the G-League and was averaging 26.9 points, 6.5 assists, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.4 steals with the Skyforce before earning a two-way contract with the Pacers.
Thompson has taken advantage of the Pacers’ litany of injuries since joining the team. Thompson, known as a catch-and-shooter, has appeared in all 12 games for the Pacers, including five starts. He has scored in double-figures on four occasions and averages 5.6 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.8 assists in 21 minutes. He also knocks down 1.3 threes a contest with shooting splits of 38.1/33.3/66.7.
Thompson will likely finish the year with the Pacers on a two-way deal. But, he projects to be out of the Pacers’ rotation as they become healthier.
Marvin Bagley III, Wizards
Marvin Bagley III’s resurgence with the Wizards has been one of the team’s bright spots. Bagley’s offensive efficiency boomed with non‑Alex Sarr minutes. Overall, he has been reliable in interior offense and rebounding off the bench.
Bagley, who has bounced around the league the last few seasons, averages 10.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.6 assists. Bagley is shooting a career-best 63.3% from the field and has scored in double-figures in 13 of 25 games, topping the 20-point mark twice. Defense has always been an issue for the Wizards, though he has been better this year. His -1.4 scoring margin is the fourth best on the team.
As a result of his play, Bagley is a trade candidate. He is an unrestricted free agent this summer.
Ajay Mitchell, Thunder
After a solid, albeit limited, rookie season, Ajay Mitchell has become a key member of OKC’s bench mob. Mitchell, who has doubled his production from a year ago on a per-game basis, ranks in the top five on the team in scoring, assists, and rebounds. He will continue to be part of the Thunder’s second unit while also potentially getting spot starts.
Nick Smith Jr.
Nick Smith Jr. signed a two-way deal with LA after being released by Charlotte before training camp. A borderline NBA player, Smith Jr. has been good with the Lakers despite not seeing regular playing time. He has seen action in 13 games this year, earning regular minutes when Luka Doncic or Austin Reaves are out.
Smith has really taken off this month, compiling 10 points and 1.9 threes a game while shooting 47.4% from the field and 41.9% from the field. He is shooting a career-best 45.7% from the field, a marked improvement over his career average of 39.7%. He has also scored in double figures five times, topping 20 points on two occassions.
Smith Jr. will likely be an occasional rotation player the rest of the year, mainly filling in for injuries.
Josh Okogie, Houston
Josh Okogie signed a one-year, $3.1 million contract with the Rockets to provide wing depth. Known for athleticism and defensive versatility, Okogie has done that while also providing some shooting. He has seen more time than expected with Dorian Finney-Smith and Tari Eason being sidelined.
Okogie has started 21 of his 29 appearances, averaging 21 per game. Okogie has scored nine double-figure games, which equals his total in 41 appearances, and has a +2.0 plus/minus rating. He is averaging 1.1 threes a game while shooting 45.8% from the field and 42.1% from the 3-point line.
Okogie has played well enough to remain in Ime Udoka‘s top 12. While he figures to see a minute reduction with Eason and Finney-Smith healthy, Okogie will likely see regular minutes when injuries hit.
Luke Kornet, Spurs
Luke Kornet signed a four-year contract to back up Victor Wembanyama. However, the 30-year-old has seen more playing time since Wembanyama has missed 12 games, and the Spurs have not missed a beat. Overall, Kornet is having a career year, and the Spurs are 15-2 in games that he has started.
Spencer Jones, Nuggets
Spencer Jones, on a two-way contract, has played in 27 of the Nuggets’ 31 games this year due to injuries to Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun. While Jones isn’t known for his offense, he has been very efficient with 53.7% from the field and 37.9% from the 3-point line. He has been good defensively, and the Nuggets are 11-5 in the games he started. Additionally, he has a +3.0 plus/minus rating.
Collin Gillespie, Suns
Collin Gillespie was slated to be Phoenix’s backup point guard. But Gillespie has seen much more action than expected with Jalen Green missing so much time.
Gillespie, who set a career-high in games played at 31, is having a career season. Gillespie has produced one double-double and averages 13.5 points, on 43.6% from the field, and 2.9 threes at a 42.5% clip. He also grabs 2.0 rebounds, 5.1 assists, 1.4 steals, along with 1.9 turnovers in 28.3 minutes.
Gillespie has earned another contract, whether it is with the Suns or not. He is slated to be an unrestricted free agent this summer.
Will Richard, Warriors
Will Richard has been one of the biggest surprises in the league. Not only is he a late-second-round draft pick who signed a two-way contract, but he is a veteran NBA player on a team with a goal of competing for a championship. Richard has appeared in 27 of the Warriors’ 32 games, starting 12 contests.
Richard has had his moments, demonstrating the ability to score. Known as a 3-and-D wing, Richard already has one 20-point and one 30-point game. He averages 8.1 points and 2.9 rebounds while shooting 52.9% from the field and 1.3 threes at a 38.9% clip.
Richard has obviously earned Steve Kerr‘s trust. And Kerr previously said he has a roster that goes 14-15 deep; it is likely he will continue to see minutes until at least the trade deadline.
Cam Spencer, Grizzlies
Cam Spencer has taken a massive step forward in his development. Spencer, who signed a multi-year contract this summer, has seen much more time this year than initially thought, with Ja Morant missing 16 games. He has also benefited from Scotty Pippen Jr. and Ty Jerome being sidelined for the entire year.
Spencer has played well enough to remain in the rotation when the Grizzlies are finally whole. However, Jerome figures to take minutes away from Spencer when he finally makes his debut. Pippen Jr. may also cut into Spencer’s playing time, but it will likely be a while before he is on an NBA court.
Caleb Love, Trail Blazers
Caleb Love, an undrafted free agent who signed a two-way contract, has gotten a chance to play due to Portland’s multitude of injuries. Love has shown some ability to score at the NBA level, hitting double digits in 8 of 24 contests, though he has been inefficient from the field. He has scored 20 or more points twice and averages 8.6 points and 1.5 threes while shooting 35.7% from the field and 28.1% from deep.
Ryan Nembhard, Mavericks
Another two-way player making headway in the early going is Ryan Nembhard. Nembhard has played well since taking over the starting point guard spot for Brandon Williams. The Mavs are 7-7 in games Nembhard has started and 9-11 overall in his appearances.
Nembhard has compiled three double-doubles and averages 10.4 points, 6.4 assists, and 2.3 rebounds as a starter. For the season, Nembhard knocks down one three a game while shooting 48.5% from the field and 40% from the 3-point line.
Nembhard is projected to remain the starter at point guard until Kyrie Irving returns. It remains to be seen what role Nembhard will have after Irving returns, though, as it stands right now, it appears he will stay in the rotation.
Svi Mykhailiuk, Jazz
Svi Mykhailiuk is a veteran who is a full-time starter for the first time in his career. The 28-year-old forward, known as a floor spacer and secondary ballhandler, averages 9.1 points and 1.9 threes while shooting 47.7% from the field and 40.1% from beyond the arc. He also averages 2.6 rebounds and 2.0 assists per contest. Mykhailiuk has scored in double figures in 12 of his 30 games, topping the 20-point mark on three occassions.
Expect Mykhailiuk to remain in the starting lineup unless the Jazz trade him.
Maxime Raynaud, Kings
This year was supposed to be for development for the young 7-foot-1 center. But with the injuries to Keegan Murray and Domantas Sabonis, Raynaud has seen a significant increase in playing time and is now starting at the five. Since moving to the starting unit, Raynaud has been fabulous, averaging 14.9 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 1.4 assists, with shooting splits of 56.0/33.3/66.7. All five of his double-doubles have come since he moved to the first unit.
Kobe Sanders, Clippers
With all of LA’s injuries and Chris Paul being sent home. Kobe Sanders has become a regular in the Clippers’ rotation. The No. 50 pick in this past June’s draft is a multi-skilled connector who sees the floor well and is a versatile defender. Not known as a shooter, he has connected on nearly 45% of his field goal attempts and averages 1.0 threes a game at a 40% clip.
Bryce McGowens, Pelicans
Like Nick Smith Jr., Bryce McGowens is a Hornets throwaway. The former second-round pick, who spent last season with Portland, signed a two-way contract with the Pelicans this summer. He is off to the best start of his career, averaging 7.5 points on 48.6 % shooting from the field and 48.5% from deep in 21 games, including eight starts.
© Troy Wayrynen, Imagn Images