Derik Queen absolutely went off as a rookie, dropping the first ever 30-point triple-double by a rookie center in league history in a December 8 loss to the Spurs. This big man isn’t just versatile, he’s making history, and if you’re not paying attention to him or the other sophomore stars ready to explode, you’re already behind.
Big Men Ready to Dominate
Queen saw meaningful run right out of the gate, averaging 25 minutes across 81 games in his first season. He put up 11.7 points, 7.1 rebounds, 3.7 assists, a steal, and almost a block a night. His playmaking versatility was on full display with two triple-doubles. When he ran with the first unit, starting 48 games, he cranked those numbers up to an impressive 13.4 points, 8.1 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.1 blocked shots. Whether he plays the four or the five, even coming off the bench, he’s going to be an integral part of that lineup. And if Zion Williamson is healthy, those two sharing the court? That’s going to be must-watch.
Then there’s Collin Murray-Boyles, another versatile big man from Toronto ready to throw off that sophomore slump cliché. CMB had a productive rookie campaign, showing what he can do in per-36-minute averages: 14 points, 8.2 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.5 steals, and a ridiculous 15 blocked shots! He played in 57 games, starting 22, and that 17-point, 15-rebound, 3-assist, 3-steal, 3-block line in an overtime win against the Sixers on January 11 was just a taste of his potential. He’ll play both power forward and center, even alongside Jakob Poeltl in jumbo frontcourt lineups. Toronto’s frontcourt depth behind Poeltl is thin, setting CMB up for a big leap. This guy’s hype train is picking up steam every single day, and for good reason.
Next-Gen Backcourt on the Rise
Over in Memphis, Cedric Coward is ready to lead a new era. He was an All-Rookie First Team selection last season, dropping 13.6 points, 5.9 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.5 triples per game. He started 47 of his 62 appearances, and his best performance against the 76ers on December 30 saw him put up 28 points, 16 rebounds, and four dimes. With Memphis dealing Ja Morant to the Trail Blazers and entering a new chapter without Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., or Desmond Bane, Coward is a cornerstone of the future alongside Cameron Boozer. He’s got even more runway this season and is a huge breakout candidate. He’s a Washington State product, so you know he’s got that grind.
And let’s not forget Jeremiah Fears from New Orleans, who played all 82 games of his rookie season! He averaged 14.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.2 triples in 25.8 minutes. While his shooting percentages were a bit inefficient at 43.4% from the floor and 78.9% from the free-throw line, playing every game as a rookie says a lot about his durability and coaches’ trust.
As we head into the 2026-27 season, these aren’t just names you’re hearing about, these are the guys who are going to define the league’s next generation. They’re making moves, they’re breaking records, and they are absolutely primed for massive sophomore seasons. Get ready, because these young stars are coming for everything.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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