6 NBA Breakout Candidates for 2026-27: Austin Reaves, Matas Buzelis, Dylan Harper & more primed for big jump

While NBA player breakouts may seem somewhat unpredictable, there is a general formula that many of those situations follow. Oftentimes, a player will get an increased role, new coaching, a continuation of a hot ending to last season, or all three. Using that criteria, we can have a decent idea of who is set to break out during the 2026-27 season. There were some noteworthy coaching changes and a lot of roster turnover, and several players stand to benefit from that activity. Here are the seven players who look most primed for a massive leap this upcoming season.MORE: Looking at Russell Westbrook's complicated, compelling legacyNBA breakout candidates for 2026-27Austin Reaves, LakersReaves is a strong candidate to be a first-time All-Star this season. He will play on a good team in the Lak