The NBA landscape is constantly evolving, with a new generation of talented young players ready to take the reins from the established superstars. As we look ahead to the future of the league, it’s clear that the next decade will be defined by the incredible potential and promise of these rising stars. In this article, we’ll rank and analyze the top 25 NBA players under the age of 25, providing an in-depth look at the future faces of the game.
The Criteria: Evaluating Young NBA Talent
To create our rankings, our panel of NBA experts considered a variety of factors, including:
- Current production and impact on their team
- Projected ceiling and future potential
- Skill set and ability to adapt to the modern NBA
- Consistency and ability to stay healthy
- Intangibles like leadership, competitiveness, and work ethic
With these criteria in mind, let’s dive into our rankings, starting with the players who just missed the cut.
Honorable Mentions: Young Stars on the Rise
Before we reveal our top 25, here are a few players who narrowly missed the list but are definitely worth keeping an eye on:
- Jaden Ivey, PG, Detroit Pistons – A dynamic scorer and playmaker with All-Star potential.
- Benedict Mathurin, SG, Indiana Pacers – An efficient shooter and scorer who has taken a big leap in his second season.
- Trey Murphy III, F, New Orleans Pelicans – A versatile two-way player who can shoot, defend, and make plays.
- Cam Thomas, SG, Brooklyn Nets – A prolific scorer who could be in line for a breakout season.
Now, let’s count down the top 25 NBA players under 25, starting with…
#25 – Bilal Coulibaly, SG, Washington Wizards
Coulibaly, the 7th pick in the 2023 draft, has made significant strides in his second season. His length, explosiveness, and improving offensive game give him the potential to climb these rankings in the coming years.
#24 – Tari Eason, PF, Houston Rockets
Eason has emerged as one of the NBA’s most impactful reserves in his third season. His active defense and improved finishing make him a key piece of Houston’s young core.
#23 – Dyson Daniels, PG, Atlanta Hawks
Daniels has quickly become one of the league’s elite perimeter defenders. If his offensive game catches up, he could be a special two-way player.
#22 – Amen Thompson, SF, Houston Rockets
Thompson’s defensive versatility and transition game have earned him a spot in Houston’s closing lineups. His upside is immense if his shooting develops.
#21 – Tyler Herro, PG, Miami Heat
Injuries have slowed Herro’s development, but when healthy, he’s a dynamic scorer and playmaker. Improving his durability and consistency will be key.
#20 – Jalen Green, SG, Houston Rockets
Green’s scoring ability is undeniable, but his efficiency and shot selection remain works in progress. If he puts it all together, he could be a perennial All-Star.
#19 – Dereck Lively II, C, Dallas Mavericks
Lively has the defensive instincts and mobility to be an elite rim protector. As his role grows, he could become one of the league’s best young bigs.
#18 – Jalen Suggs, SG, Orlando Magic
Suggs is the anchor of one of the NBA’s top defenses. If his shooting efficiency improves, he could be a true two-way star.
#17 – Jalen Johnson, SF, Atlanta Hawks
Johnson has taken a big step forward as Atlanta’s second option. His versatility and playmaking give him All-Star potential.
#16 – Zion Williamson, PF, New Orleans Pelicans
Injuries have derailed Williamson’s career, but his talent is undeniable. If he can stay healthy, he has the ability to be a dominant force.
#15 – Brandon Miller, SF, Charlotte Hornets
After a strong rookie season, Miller continues to impress with his shooting and scoring ability. To climb these rankings, he’ll need to improve as a playmaker and defender.
#14 – Darius Garland, PG, Cleveland Cavaliers
Garland has been instrumental in Cleveland’s hot start, shooting career-best percentages. The next step is translating his regular season success to the playoffs.
#13 – Cade Cunningham, PG, Detroit Pistons
Cunningham looks poised for an All-NBA breakout season, showcasing his scoring, rebounding, and playmaking abilities. Improving his decision-making and efficiency will be key.
#12 – LaMelo Ball, PG, Charlotte Hornets
Ball’s scoring is up, but his assists and efficiency are down. Finding the right balance between scoring and playmaking will determine how high his star can rise.
#11 – Scottie Barnes, SF, Toronto Raptors
Barnes is coming off an All-Star season and looks poised for even bigger things. The development of his 3-point shot will be crucial to his ceiling.
#10 – Alperen Sengun, C, Houston Rockets
Sengun has established himself as an offensive hub and defensive anchor for the surprising Rockets. He has a chance to be one of the league’s best young bigs.
#9 – Jalen Williams, SF, Oklahoma City Thunder
Williams’ efficiency and versatility have been revelatory. He’s a key piece of OKC’s core and looks like a future All-Star.
#8 – Evan Mobley, PF, Cleveland Cavaliers
Mobley is already an All-NBA defender, and his offensive game is growing. He’s a foundational piece for the Cavs.
#7 – Tyrese Maxey, PG, Philadelphia 76ers
Maxey broke out as an All-Star last season. He’s the future in Philly and is just scratching the surface of his potential.
#6 – Tyrese Haliburton, PG, Indiana Pacers
Haliburton is an advanced stats darling and the engine of Indiana’s offense. If his efficiency bounces back, he’ll be an All-NBA contender.
#5 – Chet Holmgren, PF, Oklahoma City Thunder
Holmgren’s rookie year showcased his immense potential as a versatile, two-way big. Health is the only thing holding him back from superstardom.
#4 – Franz Wagner, PF, Orlando Magic
Wagner has blossomed into a max player and go-to option for the Magic. His two-way impact and growing offensive game make him a franchise cornerstone.
#3 – Paolo Banchero, PF, Orlando Magic
An injury has sidelined Banchero, but when healthy, he’s an offensive force with unlimited potential. The sky’s the limit for this former #1 pick.
#2 – Anthony Edwards, PG, Minnesota Timberwolves
Edwards is the best player on this list in terms of current production. An All-NBA selection and playoff run have solidified his superstar status.
#1 – Victor Wembanyama, C, San Antonio Spurs
Was there ever any doubt? Wembanyama is a generational talent who has lived up to the massive hype. He’s already the best shot blocker in the NBA and his offensive arsenal is expanding rapidly. The sky is the limit for this 20-year-old phenom, who looks poised to dominate the NBA for the next decade and beyond. The Wembanyama era has arrived, and the league may never be the same.
The future of the NBA is incredibly bright, with a deep pool of young talent ready to carry the league forward. From established stars like Doncic and Tatum aging out of this list to rising phenom Victor Wembanyama topping the rankings, the next generation of superstars is already making their mark. The coming years will be defined by these 25 players and their peers, as they battle for championships, MVP trophies, and a place in the NBA pantheon. The game is in good hands, and the best is yet to come.
