The NBA’s sophomore class is back for an encore, and this year’s group is proving the “sophomore slump” is nothing but a myth. Headlined by the reigning Rookie of the Year and a defensive anchor in the nation’s capital, this roster features players who have leaped from promising rookies to legitimate starters. Here is the full list of second-year stars ready to shine in Los Angeles.
Stephon Castle (San Antonio Spurs)
San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle (5) dribbles in the first half against the Sacramento Kings at Frost Bank Center. Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images
Season Stats: 16.6 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 7.0 APG
Castle has been nothing short of spectacular in his second season. With Victor Wembanyama drawing attention, Castle has blossomed into a premier playmaker, ranking 10th in the league in assists. He recently dropped a season-high 26 points against the Suns and has shown a knack for filling the stat sheet, making him arguably the best player on this roster.
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Alex Sarr (Washington Wizards)
Jan 2, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Wizards center Alex Sarr (20) grabs the ball during the second half against the Brooklyn Nets at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images
Season Stats: 17.2 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 2.8 APG
Sarr has taken a massive leap offensively while remaining a defensive terror. He is averaging over 17 points per game, a huge jump from his rookie year, and recently poured in a career-high 34 points against the Nuggets. His combination of size, shot-blocking, and improved scoring touch makes him a nightmare matchup in this setting.
Reed Sheppard (Houston Rockets)
Apr 11, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Houston Rockets guard Reed Sheppard (15) drives the ball against Los Angeles Lakers guard Gabe Vincent (7) during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images
Role: Sharpshooting Playmaker
After a quiet rookie year, Sheppard has found his groove in Houston. With Jalen Green gone, he has stepped into a larger role as a floor spacer and secondary ball-handler. His elite three-point shooting (over 50% in college) is starting to translate into a deadly weapon alongside Amen Thompson.
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Matas Buzelis (Chicago Bulls)
Jan 18, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis (14) dribbles against Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic (9) and guard Tre Jones (30) during the second half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
Role: Versatile Forward
Buzelis continues to be a bright spot for the Bulls, using his length and athleticism to impact the game on both ends. His ability to run the floor and finish above the rim makes him a perfect fit for the fast-paced nature of the Rising Stars game. He has steadily improved his scoring efficiency in year two.
Donovan Clingan (Portland Trail Blazers)
Jan 3, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Portland Trail Blazers center Donovan Clingan (23) walks up the court in the first half against the San Antonio Spurs at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images
Role: Defensive Anchor
“Cling Kong” remains a wall in Portland’s paint. While his offensive game is still developing, his rim protection is elite. In a game full of guards driving to the basket, Clingan will be the one making them think twice.
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Kyshawn George (Washington Wizards)
Jan 17, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Washington Wizards forward Kyshawn George (18) controls the ball as Denver Nuggets guard Bruce Brown (11) guards in the fourth quarter at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
Role: 3-and-D Wing
George joins his teammate Sarr as a key piece of Washington’s young core. His length allows him to defend multiple positions, and his three-point shot has become a reliable weapon. He is the type of glue guy every team needs.
Ajay Mitchell (Oklahoma City Thunder)
Jan 11, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell (25) drives between Miami Heat guard Pelle Larsson (9) and guard Jaime Jaquez Jr. (11) during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Role: Steady Point Guard
Mitchell has quietly become a solid rotation piece for the Thunder. He plays with a calmness that fits perfectly in OKC’s system, rarely turning the ball over and making smart reads. He won’t flash the wildest highlights, but he will make the right play every time.
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Cam Spencer (Memphis Grizzlies)
Dec 5, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Cam Spencer (24) reacts after a three point basket during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Clippers at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Role: Sniper
Spencer brings elite shooting and a fiery competitive edge to the sophomore squad. He plays with a chip on his shoulder and isn’t afraid to let opponents know when he hits a big shot. His spacing will be crucial for his team.
Jaylon Tyson (Cleveland Cavaliers)
Jan 23, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Jaylon Tyson (20) drives to the basket against Sacramento Kings guard Dennis Schroder (17) during the second half at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
Role: Scoring Wing
Tyson has shown flashes of being a dynamic scorer for Cleveland. He has the size to get to his spots and the touch to finish over defenders. This showcase is an excellent opportunity for him to display his full offensive bag.
Kel’el Ware (Miami Heat)
Nov 23, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Miami Heat center Kel’el Ware (7) drives against Philadelphia 76ers center Andre Dummond (1) in the second quarter at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
Role: Athletic Big
Ware fits the Miami Heat culture perfectly; he plays hard, runs the floor, and protects the rim. His athleticism for a 7-footer is rare, and he should be on the receiving end of plenty of lobs in Los Angeles.
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Jaylen Wells (Memphis Grizzlies)
Dec 2, 2025; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Jaylen Wells (0)drives to the basket against San Antonio Spurs guard Devin Vassell (24) during the second half at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
Role: Two-Way Guard
Wells rounds out the Grizzlies’ trio in the event. He has earned his minutes by playing tough defense and hitting open shots. His development is a big reason why Memphis remains one of the best talent developers in the league.
The verdict
Apr 11, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Houston Rockets guard Reed Sheppard (15) drives the ball against Los Angeles Lakers guard Gabe Vincent (7) during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images
This sophomore class has star power at the top with Castle and Sarr, but it’s the depth that makes them dangerous. With elite shooting, rim protection, and playmaking, this group has all the tools to dominate the tournament.
The post NBA announces 2026 Rising Stars rosters: The Sophomores appeared first on The Big Lead.
