Every NBA season has its defining names, and after a historically active offseason, 2026/27 already has a compelling cast to follow.
## Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
The back-to-back MVP enters the season chasing a third straight award after averaging 31.1 points and leading Oklahoma City to the league’s best regular-season record. Our MVP race tracker follows his pursuit of truly rare company in league history.
## LeBron James
At 41, James begins a new chapter with Philadelphia after eight seasons with the Lakers, joining forces with Jaylen Brown, Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. However this superteam experiment unfolds, James’s every game will be closely watched, including his emotional Christmas Day return to Los Angeles.
## Giannis Antetokounmpo
The two-time MVP’s move to Miami pairs him with Bam Adebayo in one of the league’s most physically imposing frontcourts. Our championship favorites breakdown explains why this partnership could reshape the Eastern Conference race.
## Jalen Brunson
Fresh off winning Finals MVP in New York’s five-game triumph over San Antonio, Brunson enters the season as the face of a franchise trying to become the league’s first repeat champion in years.
## Victor Wembanyama
San Antonio’s superstar center helped lead the Spurs to a franchise-best 62 wins and a Finals appearance last season. With continued development, he looks like the league’s next great two-way force.
## Why These Names Matter This Season
Each of these players anchors a genuine championship contender, making their individual performances directly tied to the biggest team storylines of the year. Our NBA standings tracker and championship favorites guide both dig deeper into how these players’ seasons could shape the title race.
## Final Word
Between a superteam experiment, a back-to-back MVP chasing history, and a defending champion looking to repeat, this season’s biggest names should provide plenty of drama from October through June.