The start of a new NBA season brings fresh excitement, with every team hoping for a championship run. It’s also a time for individual players and teams to make their mark in the history books. As the 2025-26 season begins, several major milestones are within reach for some of the league’s biggest names and most successful teams.
👑 Legends Cementing Their Legacies
This season, several all-time greats are set to add more achievements to their incredible careers. The Lakers’ LeBron James is on the verge of becoming the first player in NBA history to play 23 seasons. He is also close to passing Robert Parish for the most games played and becoming the first to log 60,000 career minutes. Additionally, he’s just a few milestones away from leading in all-time field goals made and climbing higher on the all-time assists and steals lists. Meanwhile, Stephen Curry of the Warriors is on track to be the first player ever to make 5,000 career three-pointers (including playoffs). Other veterans like Kevin Durant of the Rockets and James Harden of the Clippers are also climbing the all-time scoring ladder, with Durant aiming for the top five and Harden looking to crack the top ten.
✨ Young Stars on the Rise
While the veterans chase history, a new generation of stars is already creating its own legacy. Nikola Jokić of the Nuggets is set to climb to second on the all-time triple-doubles list, a remarkable feat for a center. Similarly, Luka Dončić of the Lakers is expected to record his 100th career triple-double, joining an exclusive club. Over in Minnesota, Anthony Edwards is aiming to score 10,000 career points before his 25th birthday, a milestone only achieved by a handful of legends. Victor Wembanyama of the Spurs continues to be a defensive force, on pace to become one of the fastest players to reach 500 career blocks. Trae Young of the Hawks is also on track to become one of the quickest players to dish out 5,000 career assists.
🎯 Specialists and Record-Setters
Many players are nearing records specific to their unique skills or franchises. Klay Thompson, now with the Mavericks, continues his ascent up the all-time three-pointers list, while Coby White is poised to become the Bulls’ all-time leader in made threes. In Sacramento, DeMar DeRozan continues to show his mastery of the mid-range shot, and his teammate Domantas Sabonis is climbing the all-time triple-double list. In Miami, Bam Adebayo is close to becoming the Heat’s all-time leading rebounder, and Tyler Herro is nearing the team’s three-point record. These milestones highlight the diverse talents that make the NBA so exciting.
🏆 Team Achievements and Trends
It’s not just about individual players; several teams are also setting new standards. The Celtics, known for their shooting, set an NBA record for made threes last season and look to continue their long-range dominance. On the other end of the court, the Magic established themselves as the league’s best defensive team, allowing the fewest points per game. The Thunder made history with a record-breaking point differential last season, showcasing their balanced power. The Pistons and Grizzlies also deserve recognition for their huge improvements, with Detroit seeing a 30-win jump and Memphis experiencing one of the largest scoring increases in league history. These team accomplishments show how strong coaching and teamwork can lead to historic success.
