Paolo Banchero and Jalen Williams lead a group of great second-year NBA stars

The NBA is filled with talented players who have just gotten started and others who have been in the league for years. Then there are some stars who are only in their second year but showing a ton of potential and promise.

Leading the pack in his second year is last season's Rookie of the Year, Paolo Banchero of the Orlando Magic. This season, he is recording 22.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 5.2 assists, and has improved his game in just about every way. Meanwhile, the Magic are hotter than they have been in years.

In just a single year, Banchero has enhanced his leadership skills, his floor vision, and his ability to read and find other players on the court. More importantly, his team is actually winning a lot more.

Then there is Jalen Williams of the Oklahoma City Thunder, who was in the running for Rookie of the Year last season too. He has become his team's second option in a short amount of time, playing incredibly well alongside MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. For 2023-24, Williams is posting 19 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 4 assists on 53.9% from the floor.

These two second-year stars aren't alone when it comes to impressing the league. Others like Shaedon Sharpe of the Portland Trail Blazers, Jalen Duren of the Detroit Pistons, and others are also posting strong numbers and showing a ton of growth in a short amount of time.

These players have been talented for a long time but their sudden increase in skills is startling and exciting for fans all over the league.