With less than three weeks until the start of the 2025-26 season, the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers kicked off the NBA's preseason schedule on the other side of the globe in Abu Dhabi on Thursday.

In an offseason full of movement, many players and personnel are stepping into uncharted waters: a point guard adjusting to a new home, a new coach in charge of a team with massive expectations and some young talent staring at massive opportunities. It sets them up to be among the people who will define the NBA this season.

We published our first version of this list a year ago, featuring names such 76ers center Joel Embiid , Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick and (now former) Boston Celtics majority owner Wyc Grousbeck, among others.

This is not a list of the best or most

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