NBA’s Top 25 Under 25: Ranking the Best Young Players in the League

An entire era in the NBA is coming to an end as several significant generational players’ careers are coming to a close.  In the next couple of years, if not sooner, LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant will be retiring from the game.  But fans shouldn’t worry as the ‘passing of the torch’ is underway and the youth movement is already thriving in a big way.  Here is our top 25 under 25 list.

1. Victor Wembanyama, Spurs (22)

While much of this list can be debated and discussed over beers, the No. 1 spot is a virtual lock.  

Victor Wembanyama is a franchise cornerstone and has the chance to become one of the greatest centers of all time when his career is done.  He’s already had some health issues, but overall, he’s exceeded expectations after being the top pick in the 2023 draft. He’s averaged 22.5 points, 11 rebounds, and 3.7 blocks so far in his career and will always be a favorite for the Defensive Player of the Year Award.  If he stays healthy, he’ll be the generational player everyone expected.

2. Anthony Edwards, Timberwolves (24)

It’s hard to believe Anthony Edwards is in his sixth season in the NBA and just 24 years old.  He’s averaged nearly 24 PPG over his career and led the NBA in made 3s last season.  He’s been watched closely since high school and has delivered what many expected after being the first pick in 2020.  His legacy will be cemented if he can help the Timberwolves win a title, and so far, he’s shown he can be clutch in the playoffs. Those performances continue to impact NBA betting odds and futures markets, especially as Minnesota pushes deeper into contention.

3. Paolo Banchero, Magic (22)

Paolo Banchero only played 46 games last season, and in his three years in the NBA, he’s averaging 22.4 PPG, 7.1 rebounds, and 4.6 assists.  The 2022 first overall pick has led the Magic back to the playoffs in the last two seasons and has helped turn the fortunes around in Orlando.  He has steadily improved from Year 1 and is becoming a big focal point of the offense with the Magic.  Should he continue on this trajectory, Banchero could take this team to that next level.

4. Cooper Flagg, Mavericks (19)

While he’s still in his first NBA season, Cooper Flagg is already making waves as a 19-year-old.  If you ask around, many would say they’d choose the Mavericks forward as the player they would want to start a team with.  Why?  Well, he can play multiple positions, compete defensively, and he’s young.  Flagg is averaging 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists in his rookie season, and for a player who likely will be in the league for the next 15 years, the outlook is bright in Dallas.

5. Cade Cunningham, Pistons (24)

Cade Cunningham rounds out the top 5 as he enters his fifth NBA season.  The top pick from the 2021 draft has the Pistons in first place in the East and is averaging 25.3 points and 9.6 assists this season.  The expectations for Cunningham have been high since high school, and now we’re seeing what he’s capable of.  As long as he stays healthy, he’ll be in his prime for the next 5-7 years and could lead the Pistons to a title in that span, if not earlier.

6. Jalen Williams, Thunder (24)

Jalen Williams can do it all: score, pass, rebound, and defend.  In his four seasons, he averaged 18.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 4.4 assists.  He’s already won a title and could win more with the stacked Thunder team for years to come.

7. Alperen Şengün, Rockets (23)

Alperen Şengün is one of the most unique big men in the league. He can score, pass, rebound, and block shots.  He’s averaging 16.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and nearly a block a game over his five year career.  He’s now an All-Star and evolving into a truly complete offensive big man.

8. Evan Mobley, Cavaliers (24)

Now in his fifth season, Evan Mobley has helped turn around the Cavaliers in recent seasons.  He combines defense and has a versatile offensive game. He is the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, and his two-way consistency keeps him among the elite.

9. Chet Holmgren, Thunder (23)

The second pick from the 2022 draft already has a championship, and when he’s healthy, Chet Holmgren is one of the most impactful two-way forwards in the game. Over his career, he averages 2.2 blocks per game, along with 1.5 PPG.  If fully healthy, he has massive upside to reach another level.

10. Jalen Johnson, Hawks (23)

Jalen Johnson has been a steal for the Hawks after being taken 20th overall in 2021. He’s having a breakout season, averaging over 23 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 8.2 assists.  Johnson is taking on a bigger role in Atlanta, and his two-way skill set and athleticism have fans excited.

11. Amen Thompson, Rockets (22)  

Already regarded as one of the best defenders in the NBA in just three seasons.

12.  Tyrese Maxey, 76ers (24)

Tyrese Maxey just turned 25, but we’ll include him on the list.    He’s averaging nearly 29 points this season, sixth in the NBA, and has become one of the leaders in Philadelphia.

13.  Scottie Barnes, Raptors (24)

He’s the Raptors top player, a former All-Star and Rookie of the Year.  

14.  Franz Wagner, Magic (24)

Franz Wagner has averaged 19.3 PPG over his five-year career and has the combo of size (6-foot-10) and skill set.

15.  Dylan Harper, Spurs (19)

At just 19 years old, Dylan Harper has the tools for long-term success, especially with San Antonio.  The 2nd pick of last year’s draft is averaging 11 points and 3.7 assists in his rookie year. 

16.  Dyson Daniels, Hawks (22)

The No. 8 pick of the 2022 draft is considered one of the best up-and-coming perimeter defenders in the league.  He’s made strides as he won Most Improved Player in 2025.

17.  Deni Avdija, Trail Blazers (24)

Since arriving from Washington, Deni Avdija has improved in his two seasons with Portland and is averaging 25.2 PPG this season, and is now a part of the core moving forward.

18.  Christian Braun, Nuggets (24)

He was taken 21st in 2022 and is proving to be a steal.  While he’s dealt with injuries this season, he doubled his production when put into the starting lineup in 2024-25.  Expect a long, productive career for Braun.

19.  Stephon Castle, Spurs (21)

Stephon Castle was the Rookie of the Year last season and is already one of the team’s best defenders. If he can take the next step, he’ll cement an extraordinary core in San Antonio.

20.  Brandon Miller, Hornets (23)

Brandon Miller was limited to just 27 games last season but has averaged 18.9 PPG over his three-year career.  It will be a building block in Charlotte for years to come.

21.  Josh Giddey, Bulls Guard (23)

22.  VJ Edgecombe, 76ers Guard (20)

23.  LaMelo Ball, Hornets Guard (24)

24.  Ace Bailey, Jazz Guard (19)

25.  Dereck Lively, Mavericks Center (21)