The 2025-26 NBA season is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable campaigns. With superstar movement at an all-time high, success this year won’t just depend on household names.
- Atlanta Hawks – Luke Kennard
- Boston Celtics – Payton Pritchard
- Brooklyn Nets – Keon Johnson
- Charlotte Hornets – Nick Smith Jr.
- Chicago Bulls – Ayo Dosunmu
- Cleveland Cavaliers – Max Strus
- Dallas Mavericks – P.J. Washington
- Denver Nuggets – Tim Hardaway Jr.
- Detroit Pistons – Caris LeVert
- Golden State Warriors – Brandin Podziemski
- Houston Rockets – Tari Eason
- Indiana Pacers – T.J. McConnell
- Los Angeles Clippers – John Collins
- Los Angeles Lakers – Rui Hachimura
- Memphis Grizzlies – GG Jackson II
- Miami Heat – Jaime Jaquez Jr.
- Milwaukee Bucks – Bobby Portis
- Minnesota Timberwolves – Rob Dillingham
- New Orleans Pelicans – Jordan Hawkins
- New York Knicks – Miles McBride
- Oklahoma City Thunder – Cason Wallace
- Orlando Magic – Anthony Black
- Philadelphia 76ers – Andre Drummond
- Phoenix Suns – Grayson Allen
- Portland Trail Blazers – Donovan Clingan
- Sacramento Kings – Keegan Murray
- San Antonio Spurs – Keldon Johnson
- Toronto Raptors – Gradey Dick
- Utah Jazz – Brice Sensabaugh
- Washington Wizards – Cam Whitmore
Beyond the MVP candidates and All-Stars is a collection of underrated players who could tilt the balance of power in crucial moments. These “secret weapons” may not dominate the headlines, but they can often be the difference between a team succeeding or failing.
Especially in today’s NBA, games are won on margins where these hidden X-factors thrive. Heading into 2025-26, it’s time to spotlight each team’s secret weapon, and it is interesting to see who each team will rely on in big moments.
Atlanta Hawks – Luke Kennard
2024-25 Averages: 8.9 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 3.3 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.1 BPG
Luke Kennard may not be the flashiest addition for Atlanta, but his floor-spacing ability could be exactly what Trae Young, Dyson Daniels, and Jalen Johnson need to fully unlock their offensive rhythm. No doubt, Kennard’s career-long reputation as a knockdown shooter makes defenses honest.
What makes Kennard a true secret weapon is his efficiency in low-usage roles. He doesn’t need 10 shots a night to swing games; a timely three or a well-placed secondary pass can change momentum immediately.
Boston Celtics – Payton Pritchard
2024-25 Averages: 14.3 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 3.5 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.2 BPG
Boston’s depth has been a recurring talking point for years, and Payton Pritchard is at the heart of it. After steadily carving out a bigger role, he delivered a career-high scoring season in 2024-25, winning Sixth Man of the Year.
What separates Pritchard from almost everyone else on the Celtics is his confidence in big moments. For a team headlined with star power in Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, Pritchard’s presence always ensures Boston always has a sparkplug ready.
Brooklyn Nets – Keon Johnson
2024-25 Averages: 10.6 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 2.2 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.4 BPG
Keon Johnson has been on the fringe of consistent rotation minutes, but Brooklyn views him as a developmental piece who can carve out a defensive identity for this young roster.
His athleticism and on-ball pressure make him a disruptive presence on the perimeter, exactly what the Nets need while retooling around their youth. At just 23, his growth could provide Brooklyn with an unexpected two-way guard option.
Charlotte Hornets – Nick Smith Jr.
2024-25 Averages: 9.9 PPG, 2.1 RPG, 2.4 APG, 0.3 SPG, 0.1 BPG
Charlotte’s rebuild will focus on surrounding LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller with young talent that can grow into proper roles. Nick Smith Jr. fits that mold perfectly, giving the Hornets a developing guard who can create his own shot while adjusting to the NBA’s pace.
His season last year showed flashes of smooth scoring ability, and now with more confidence and responsibility, he could become Charlotte’s bench scorer of choice. The guard has a chance to prove that he is more than just a rotation player next season.
Chicago Bulls – Ayo Dosunmu
2024-25 Averages: 12.3 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 4.5 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.4 BPG
Ayo Dosunmu’s steady rise has been one of the few consistent positives for a Bulls team caught between competing and rebuilding. His improved playmaking, highlighted by a career-best 4.5 assists per game last season, shows his development into more than just a defensive-minded guard.
With Chicago’s backcourt in flux, Dosunmu has the tools to cement himself as a key two-way contributor. His versatility makes him a Swiss Army knife for Billy Donovan, giving Chicago someone who can grow offensively and provide high-level defense every night.
Cleveland Cavaliers – Max Strus
2024-25 Averages: 9.4 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 3.2 APG, 0.5 SPG, 0.2 BPG
When Cleveland acquired Max Strus, the goal was to add shooting around Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, and Darius Garland. While his scoring dipped slightly last year, Strus still stretches the floor in ways few other Cavaliers wings can.
His movement without the ball complements Cleveland’s guard-heavy offense, creating essential spacing for Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. For a Cavaliers team trying to make a deep postseason run, Strus’ ability to stay composed and hit momentum-swinging threes could be a major secret weapon.
Dallas Mavericks – P.J. Washington
2024-25 Averages: 14.7 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 2.3 APG, 1.1 SPG, 1.1 BPG
Even with the stars on the Mavericks, P.J. Washington gives them the defensive versatility and offensive balance they’ve been searching for. His ability to guard multiple positions allows Dallas to switch schemes on the fly, and he is a capable scorer, too.
Where Washington really becomes a secret weapon is his knack for timely production. For Dallas, Washington represents the kind of quiet impact that can decide playoff series when defenses zero in on Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving, and even Cooper Flagg.
Denver Nuggets – Tim Hardaway Jr.
2024-25 Averages: 11.0 PPG, 2.4 RPG, 1.6 APG, 0.5 SPG, 0.1 BPG
Denver already has an elite offensive engine in Nikola Jokic, but Tim Hardaway Jr. adds a punch of instant scoring to their rotation. Coming off the bench, he provides shooting and spacing that keep the Nuggets’ offense humming.
The underrated part of Hardaway’s role is fit. Jokic thrives with floor spacers who punish defenses for collapsing, and Hardaway can do exactly that, as long as he doesn’t hit a cold streak.
Detroit Pistons – Caris LeVert
2024-25 Averages: 12.1 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 3.4 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.5 BPG
Caris LeVert gives the Pistons something they could have used last season: a steady, experienced wing who can create his own offense when possessions break down. With Cade Cunningham leading the way, LeVert’s ability to handle the ball makes him a perfect fit.
Defensively, he isn’t elite, but his length and instincts allow him to be disruptive when engaged. His secret weapon status comes as a mentor and a much-needed shot creator.
Golden State Warriors – Brandin Podziemski
2024-25 Averages: 11.7 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 3.4 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.2 BPG
Brandin Podziemski embodies both shooting and movement without the ball. After showing flashes of maturity beyond his years last season, Podziemski has emerged as a trusted rotational piece who keeps the Warriors’ offense flowing when Stephen Curry rests.
What makes Podziemski a true secret weapon is his basketball IQ. On a team that values intangibles as much as highlights, Podziemski is quickly proving himself as a winning piece in Golden State’s next chapter.
Houston Rockets – Tari Eason
2024-25 Averages: 12.0 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 1.5 APG, 1.7 SPG, 0.9 BPG
Tari Eason might be one of the most overlooked young forwards in the NBA. His defensive intensity and energy off the bench make him the kind of player Ime Udoka will forever fall in love with.
Offensively, Eason is still refining his game, but his slashing, offensive rebounding, and transition finishing already translate. His secret weapon status comes from being a disruptor, and he is the heartbeat of their second unit.
Indiana Pacers – T.J. McConnell
2024-25 Averages: 9.1 PPG, 2.4 RPG, 4.4 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.3 BPG
Every team needs a steady veteran, and for Indiana, T.J. McConnell remains that heartbeat off the bench. As we saw in the NBA Finals last season, McConnell lets his toughness, passing, and defensive hustle do the talking.
In an era dominated by star guards, McConnell thrives as the guy who pressures 94 feet, dives for loose balls, and makes the “extra” play most players avoid. In Tyrese Haliburton’s absence, McConnell’s intangibles could be the difference between Indiana keeping its momentum or losing it.
Los Angeles Clippers – John Collins
2024-25 Averages: 19.0 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 2.0 APG, 1.0 SPG, 1.0 BPG
John Collins will look to be revitalized with the Clippers, and his production last season speaks for itself. A near-20 point scorer with rebounding and rim protection, Collins gives L.A. a reliable third option behind Kawhi Leonard and James Harden.
His athleticism and efficiency around the rim provide the offensive presence the Clippers have lacked. Collins is finally in a situation where his role is clear, and his confidence is certainly growing.
Los Angeles Lakers – Rui Hachimura
2024-25 Averages: 13.1 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 1.4 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.4 BPG
The Lakers have star power in LeBron James and Luka Doncic, but Rui Hachimura might be their most important complementary piece. What makes Hachimura valuable as a secret weapon is his reliability.
In playoff series, when role players often decide outcomes, Hachimura’s ability to space the floor, attack mismatches, and hold his own defensively makes him a perfect glue guy. Hopefully, he gets that chance to prove himself next season.
Memphis Grizzlies – GG Jackson II
2024-25 Averages: 7.2 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 1.0 APG, 0.4 SPG, 0.2 BPG
GG Jackson II represents Memphis’ next wave of talent. Still just 20 years old, his flashes of scoring ability and rebounding hint at a player who could eventually blossom into a frontcourt force.
The Grizzlies are already loaded with young talent, but Jackson’s upside gives them yet another developmental weapon. His role in 2025-26 may not be huge, but Jackson has the tools to swing games in limited minutes.
Miami Heat – Jaime Jaquez Jr.
2024-25 Averages: 8.6 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 2.5 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.2 BPG
Jaime Jaquez Jr. feels like a prototypical Heat Culture player. Tough, versatile, and unafraid of big moments, he showed flashes as a rookie of someone who could carve out a long career in Miami even if last season was a slight disappointment.
While he may not put up huge numbers, Jaquez’s impact comes in the form of hustle plays and smart decisions. His quiet reliability could make him Miami’s under-the-radar X-factor this season.
Milwaukee Bucks – Bobby Portis
2024-25 Averages: 13.9 PPG, 8.4 RPG, 2.1 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.5 BPG
Bobby Portis has become the emotional heartbeat of the Bucks, bringing toughness and energy that can’t be measured by stats alone. What makes Portis Milwaukee’s secret weapon is his ability to swing games with energy plays.
A couple of offensive rebounds, a timely corner three, or a defensive stop in crunch time often ignite both the Bucks and their fan base. His impact goes beyond numbers, and that is why he makes this list.
Minnesota Timberwolves – Rob Dillingham
2024-25 Averages: 4.5 PPG, 1.0 RPG, 2.0 APG, 0.4 SPG, 0.0 BPG
Rob Dillingham didn’t have a great rookie campaign last year, but we expect different in 2025-26. His speed, creativity off the dribble, and ability to break down defenses give Minnesota something they haven’t had: a true change-of-pace guard behind Anthony Edwards.
What makes Dillingham intriguing is his fearlessness. Even in limited minutes, he’s shown he’s not afraid of the moment, willing to attack veteran defenders and create scoring chances.
New Orleans Pelicans – Jordan Hawkins
2024-25 Averages: 10.8 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 1.2 APG, 0.5 SPG, 0.4 BPG
Jordan Hawkins’ elite shooting stroke already makes him an asset in the Pelicans’ flawed but hopeful system. When defenses collapse inside (mainly when Zion Williamson makes the court), Hawkins is ready to punish them from deep.
He moves well without the ball, constantly relocating to make life difficult for defenders, and he’s learning to put the ball on the floor when chased off the arc. In terms of flying under the radar, Hawkins is a secret weapon.
New York Knicks – Miles McBride
2024-25 Averages: 9.5 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 2.9 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.3 BPG
The Knicks’ identity has been built on toughness and defense, and Miles McBride embodies that. He’s not flashy, but he plays hard on every possession, and the Knicks fanbase loves him for that.
Offensively, McBride has made strides as a shooter and secondary playmaker. If he continues hitting open shots consistently, he becomes a reliable two-way guard who fits seamlessly into New York’s gritty style.
Oklahoma City Thunder – Cason Wallace
2024-25 Averages: 8.4 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 2.5 APG, 1.8 SPG, 0.5 BPG
With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, and even Alex Caruso carrying much of the attention and praise for the Thunder, Wallace’s defensive edge provides the balance this young contender needs.
On offense, Wallace doesn’t force the issue. He knocks down open shots, moves the ball, and picks his moments to attack. In tight postseason games, as he proved last season, Wallace’s poise could be the Thunder’s hidden ace.
Orlando Magic – Anthony Black
2024-25 Averages: 9.4 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 3.1 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.6 BPG
The Magic have loaded up on versatile, oversized guards, and Anthony Black is quickly proving he belongs in the mix. His length, defense, and unselfish playmaking fit perfectly next to Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner.
Black’s true value lies in his ability to disrupt games defensively. Whether he’s picking pockets, rotating to protect the rim, or pushing in transition, he makes plays that don’t always show in the box score.
Philadelphia 76ers – Andre Drummond
2024-25 Averages: 7.3 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 0.9 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.5 BPG
Andre Drummond isn’t the star he once was, but with the 76ers, he fills a crucial role as Joel Embiid’s backup. His rebounding dominance and physical presence inside give the Sixers a safety net when their MVP center sits.
Few teams can bring in a reserve who controls the glass the way Drummond does. What makes Drummond a secret weapon is how he simplifies the game because he uses his extremely long arms and height to swallow up rebounds in just a few minutes.
Phoenix Suns – Grayson Allen
2024-25 Averages: 10.6 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 2.1 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.3 BPG
Grayson Allen quietly had one of his most efficient seasons in 2024-25, thriving as a floor-spacer and secondary scorer. But Allen’s edge isn’t just his shooting; it’s his competitiveness.
He isn’t afraid to play physical defense, scrap for loose balls, or take shots in big moments. Allen’s willingness to do the dirty work and knock down timely shots makes him a true under-the-radar weapon.
Portland Trail Blazers – Donovan Clingan
2024-25 Averages: 6.5 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 1.1 APG, 0.5 SPG, 1.6 BPG
Portland is betting big on Donovan Clingan’s development, and early signs suggest they might have something special. His size and rim protection already translate, giving the Trail Blazers an interior anchor to build their defense around.
Even as a rookie, he showed poise contesting shots without fouling. For a young Blazers team that was quick to get rid of Deandre Ayton, his defensive impact could quickly become their most reliable weapon.
Sacramento Kings – Keegan Murray
2024-25 Averages: 12.4 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 1.4 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.9 BPG
Keegan Murray will be Sacramento’s fourth option behind Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine, and DeMar DeRozan. The Kings’ hopes of being competitive one day may ultimately hinge on Murray’s growth.
If he continues to improve as a scorer and on-ball defender, Sacramento suddenly has a legitimate and talented starting lineup. Murray’s shooting ability and athleticism ultimately make him a secret weapon.
San Antonio Spurs – Keldon Johnson
2024-25 Averages: 12.7 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 1.6 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.3 BPG
With Victor Wembanyama and, to a lesser extent, De’Aaron Fox grabbing headlines, Keldon Johnson remains an essential piece of San Antonio’s foundation. Johnson’s secret weapon quality is his consistency.
Night in and night out, he gives the Spurs double-digit scoring and strong effort on both ends. While Wembanyama will be the face of the franchise, Johnson’s production helps keep San Antonio competitive via depth.
Toronto Raptors – Gradey Dick
2024-25 Averages: 14.4 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 1.8 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.2 BPG
Gradey Dick’s leap turned heads last season, as he emerged as one of Toronto’s most reliable perimeter scorers. His shooting stroke is exactly what the Raptors’ offense has needed, stretching defenses and giving Scottie Barnes and Brandon Ingram more room to operate.
Beyond his shooting, Dick has flashed more off-the-dribble creation than expected, showing growth as a playmaker and slasher. As a secret weapon, he’ll be one of the Raptors’ most important long-term weapons.
Utah Jazz – Brice Sensabaugh
2024-25 Averages: 10.9 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 1.5 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.1 BPG
The Utah Jazz have a knack, historically, for finding hidden gems, and Brice Sensabaugh fits that mold. His scoring instincts, particularly in the midrange and around the basket, give the Jazz a weapon off the bench who can heat up quickly.
Defensively, he’s still learning, but his strength and effort suggest he’ll hold his own with more reps. On a rebuilding team, Sensabaugh’s ability to nail shots and continue improving defensively makes him a secret weapon.
Washington Wizards – Cam Whitmore
2024-25 Averages: 9.4 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 1.0 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.3 BPG
Cam Whitmore brings a much-needed edge to Washington’s rebuild. Even in limited minutes last season, his explosiveness popped off the screen, and the Rockets did him a favor by sending him to a team where he will play.
For a team in transition, Whitmore’s energy is contagious. He may not be fully polished yet, but his upside makes him the Wizards’ most intriguing secret weapon in 2025-26.
