Why These Underrated NBA Sophomores Could Steal the Show in the 2025-26 Season
By Edcel Panganiban January 09, 2026 06:16
The 2025-26 NBA season is underway, and while the headlines often belong to established stars and flashy rookies, a quiet but compelling group of sophomores from the 2024 draft class is positioning itself to steal the show. These second-year players many overlooked or limited in their rookie campaigns due to stacked rotations, injuries, or developmental growing pains are now primed for expanded roles, improved efficiency, and breakout campaigns that could reshape team trajectories and fantasy landscapes.
The 2024 draft was widely viewed as one of the weaker classes in recent memory, with no immediate superstar-caliber talents dominating from Day 1. Yet, as ESPN noted in its preseason preview, "Some, like Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle, made a significant impact in their debut season. Others... showed signs of breaking out in-season." Now in Year 2, opportunity meets preparation for several underrated talents.
Reed Sheppard, G, Houston Rockets Drafted No. 3 overall, Sheppard spent much of his rookie year on the bench in a crowded backcourt, averaging modest minutes. But with injuries and roster adjustments (including Fred VanVleet's absence), the Kentucky product is finally getting the keys. Early in 2025-26, he's flashing the elite shooting and IQ that made him a college sensation, with reports of improved playmaking and defensive effort. "Reed is a very talented player... He knows the game," Rockets assistant coach Royal Ivey said in a team documentary segment. Projections suggest Sheppard could average 15+ points and 5+ assists as a secondary handler, especially if he maintains his floor spacing. His leap could be the biggest in the class, making Houston's contention hopes more realistic.
Matas Buzelis, F, Chicago Bulls The No. 11 pick had a strong late-season surge as a rookie, showcasing three-level scoring and athleticism. In a rebuilding Bulls squad built for pace, Buzelis is expected to take a massive step forward. Scouts rave about his shot mechanics and versatility, with one league executive telling The Athletic that his "physical tools and shot mechanics" position him for a breakout. A potential 18-20 PPG sophomore season isn't out of the question, especially if he solidifies as a starter.
Alex Sarr, C, Washington Wizards The No. 2 pick finished fourth in Rookie of the Year voting last season with 13.0 PPG, 6.5 RPG, and 1.5 BPG across 67 starts. Now 20, Sarr has elevated his game, leading sophomores in scoring early in 2025-26 (around 18-19 PPG) while dominating blocks (2.2+ BPG). "Sarr’s Player Impact Estimator also ranks first among sophomores," RotoWire highlighted. His mobility as a 7-footer fits the modern NBA perfectly, and he's already posted multiple 30-point games. Washington’s rebuild hinges on his continued growth.
Stephon Castle, G, San Antonio Spurs The 2024-25 Rookie of the Year (No. 4 pick) earned the honor with a solid debut: 14.7 PPG and 4.1 APG in 26.7 MPG, improving markedly post-All-Star break. Now alongside Victor Wembanyama, Castle is set for a bigger role. His defense and playmaking remain elite, and efficiency gains could push him toward All-Star consideration. "Castle has the talent to establish himself as a top-50 fantasy player," one fantasy analyst noted.
Ajay Mitchell, G, Oklahoma City Thunder A late first-round steal (No. 38), Mitchell has thrived in OKC's loaded rotation. Early 2025-26 stats show him averaging 16+ PPG in increased minutes, proving he can start or bench effectively. His poise and scoring in limited rookie action have carried over, making him a hidden gem in a contender.
Kel'el Ware, C, Miami Heat Ware's athleticism and rim protection were evident as a rookie, but expanded minutes could unlock his offensive upside. Miami's development system has a track record with bigs, and Ware is poised to become a two-way force off the bench or in spot starts.
Tidjane Salaün, F, Charlotte Hornets The No. 6 pick was raw as a rookie but showed flashes of length and shooting. With Charlotte needing forward help, Salaün is a popular "breakout" pick in sleeper discussions. His tools scream upside, and a leap to 12-15 PPG isn't unrealistic.
Terrence Shannon Jr., G, Minnesota Timberwolves A late bloomer as a rookie, Shannon's athleticism and scoring could earn him rotation minutes in Minnesota's wing-heavy group. He's a classic "sleeper" in fantasy circles.
Jaylen Wells, G, Memphis Grizzlies An All-Rookie first-teamer last season (10.4 PPG), Wells was arguably the draft's best value. His two-way play positions him for a significant jump in Memphis' revamped lineup.
Zaccharie Risacher, F, Atlanta Hawks The No. 1 pick started 73 games as a rookie (12.6 PPG) and improved dramatically post-New Year's (14 PPG, 40% from three). Atlanta's push for contention could accelerate his development.
These sophomores share common threads: added opportunity, refined skills after a year of NBA seasoning, and team contexts that reward growth. In a league where second-year leaps have produced stars like LaMelo Ball and Tyrese Haliburton, this group could produce the next wave. Don't sleep on them the 2025-26 season might just belong to the overlooked class of 2024.
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