Often hailed as one of the most prestigious basketball tournaments in the world, the National Basketball Association (NBA) has witnessed numerous legendary players, including LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan and many others rising to incredible fame owing to their spine-chilling performances on the court. While the NBA is often regarded as one of the most dynamic basketball tournaments in the world, it is also often hailed as the launch-pad for the rising talent in the basketball arena.
The glorious history of the National Basketball Association has witnessed numerous rising stars, including Stephon Castle (San Antonio Spurs), Zaccharie Risacher (Atlanta Hawks), Zach Edey (Memphis Grizzlies) and many others, who have captured a massive fan-following from all over the world for their dominant exploits on the court. Have you ever wondered about the iconic and rising basketball players who might become the face of the NBA in 2026? Well, let’s find out.
In this article we will take a look at the top four sensational basketball players who are currently dominating the National Basketball Association (NBA) arena with their unmatched performances for their respective teams.
Top 4 Rising Stars Set to Become the Face of the NBA in 2026
Anthony Edwards – Minnesota Timberwolves
The 23-year-old American professional basketball player, Anthony Edwards, who currently plays for the Minnesota Timberwolves of the National Basketball Association (NBA), is at the first spot in our list of the top four most talented basketball players who might become the face of the NBA in 2026.
Often hailed as one of the most promising shooting guards in the history of the NBA, Anthony Edwards was selected with the first overall pick by the Timberwolves in the 2020 NBA Draft and, ever since, the American shooting guard has established himself as a three-time NBA All-Star, a two-time All-NBA Second Team Selection, and has also clinched a gold medal on the 2024 U.S. Olympic team. As of June 2025, Anthony Edwards leads the NBA in total made 3-pointers (youngest ever to hit 1,000) and averages around 27 PPG on high efficiency.
Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander – Oklahoma City Thunder
At the second spot in our list of the top four sensational basketball players who are currently dominating the National Basketball Association (NBA) arena with their unmatched performances for their respective teams, we have the 26-year-old Canadian professional basketball player, Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander, who is currently for the Oklahoma City Thunder of the National Basketball Association (NBA).
As of June 2025, Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander has established himself as a three-time NBA All-Star, a three-time All-NBA First Team member, and was also named the NBA Most Valuable Player for the 2024–25 season. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has successfully captured the NBA MVP, Finals MVP, and scoring titles in the 2025 season, becoming the first player since Shaq in 2000 to secure all three in one season. Additionally, Shali has also garnered enormous fame for leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to their first NBA Championship since relocating—finishing 68–14 at the age of twenty-six.
Victor Wembanyama – San Antonio Spurs
Next, at the third spot in our list of the top four most talented basketball players who might become the face of the NBA in 2026, we have the iconic French professional basketball player Victor Wembanyama, who currently plays for the San Antonio Spurs of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Often hailed as one of the most prolific centres of all time, Victor Wembanyama witnessed an incredible rookie year (2023-24) with the San Antonio Spurs and averaged 21.4 PPG, 10.6 RPG, and led the league with 3.6 BPG, earning unanimous Rookie of the Year honors and a spot on the All-Defensive First Team.
Ever since, the French basketball sensation Victor Wembanyama has proved to be unstoppable, as the 2024–25 campaign witnessed him take another leap: 24.3 PPG, 11.0 RPG, and 3.8 BPG, with a field goal percentage of around 47 %. Moreover, at the age of twenty-one, Victor Wembanyama has also established himself as the youngest Spur to be named as an NBA All-Star.
Luka Dončić – Los Angeles Lakers
Finally, at the fourth spot in our list of the top four sensational basketball players who are currently dominating the National Basketball Association (NBA) arena with their unmatched performances for their respective teams, we have the 26-year-old Slovenian professional basketball player, Luka Dončić, who currently plays for the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association (NBA).
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Since his rookie season (2018-19), Luka Dončić has been selected to five NBA All-Star games and five All-NBA First Team selections, speaking volumes about his unwavering prominence in the game. Luka made headlines for clinching the prestigious 2018–19 Kia NBA Rookie of the Year award, unanimously capturing all 100 first-place votes. Often hailed as one of the greatest European basketball players of all-time, Luka Dončić can undoubtedly become the face of the NBA by 2026 owing to his current streak of unwavering dominance on the court.
