NBA Top 25 Under-25

By Noah Odige

The NBA is full of young talent. Whether it be role players that are contributing to their teams’ success now or future cornerstones that represent the next generation of NBA legends. Either way, as the league continues to grow and change, these 25 players are models of the young talent present in the league. Please be advised that this list is purely opinionated and is subject to criticism and debate.

(Rankings and Ages as of March 1st)

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Honorable Mentions

Mitchell Robinson

Kelly Oubre Jr.

Aaron Gordon

Wendell Carter Jr.

Miles Bridges

Marvin Bagley

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TOP 25 Under 25

25. Jaren Jackson Jr.

One of the most talked-about prospects entering the 2018 NBA Draft, Jackson built up his stock as a 5-star recruit playing for Tom Izzo at Michigan State. In his lone year with the Spartans, he put up 11.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.2 blocks and earned Big Ten DPOY, Freshman of the Year, and All Big-Ten honors. The Memphis Grizzlies selected him 4th overall in the 2018 NBA Draft, over the likes of Trae Young nonetheless. After 54 games his rookie season and an All-Rookie First Team selection, Jaren Jackson Jr. showed promise as the future of the Grizzlies franchise. An improved sophomore season has added to that speculation further. However, injury concerns and efficiency problems since the Grizzlies added Jonas Valencunas have hindered his development into a true star. 

24. Lauri Markkanen

Lauri Markkanen represents the new type of big-man in the NBA, the same type created by Dirk Nowitzki and Chris Bosh, and emulated by Kristaps Porzingis and Lauri himself. The seven-footer was voted third-team All-American out of the University of Arizona. Drafted seventh overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2017 but traded to Chicago as part of the blockbuster trade involving Jimmy Butler, Markkanen proved his worth as a lottery-pick. His record-breaking rookie season earned him a spot on the All-Rookie First Team and he followed it up the next season with an increased scoring rate. Unfortunately, his sophomore season was marred by injury. After missing the first 23 games of the season his season ended early in March with further health concerns. If that’s not enough, the horrendous efficiency with him and Zach Lavine on the floor and his non-contribution on defense has been detrimental to his development.

23. DeAndre Ayton

Deandre Ayton is one of the young enigmas of the NBA. A consensus first-team All-American, Pac-12 Player and Freshman of the Year, and #1 overall pick in the solid 2018 NBA Draft. Ayton picked up All-Rookie first-team honors while averaging 16.3 points and 10.3 rebounds. However, the Suns’ center has had his fair share of problems on and off the court. Suspended for 25 games at the beginning of the 2019-20 season for violating the league’s anti-drug policy plus a nagging left ankle injury has inhibited his progress. Additionally, his one-dimensional style of play, This season the 7-footer is averaging 19.1 points per game with 70% of his attempts coming with 10 ft of the rim(converting 43%). Development in a shot mid-range and beyond can add a whole new dimension to his game.

22. Collin Sexton

The cornerstone of the Cleveland Cavaliers rebuild project, the Alabama product is proving to be a key piece of Cleveland’s future.  A decent rookie season proved that the young guard could score the ball averaging 16.7 points while playing all 82 games. However, his ability to distribute and hold the keys to an offense was severely questioned as he only averaged 3.0/2.3 assist to turnover ratio while playing 31.8 minutes per game. Although this season, recently-departed head coach John Beilein has moved Sexton to the two-guard spot while rookie Darius Garland has taken over at the point. This has elevated Sexton’s play dramatically as he is averaging nearly 20 points per game. The future in Cleveland looks bright and Collin Sexton is at the center of it all.

21. John Collins 

Wake Forest product John Collins continues to be one of the biggest steals of the 2017 NBA Draft. The 19th overall pick has been a vital part of the Hawks’ young core since his arrival. The two-way big man has been improving since his rookie year, upping his scoring average from 10.5 to 21.4 this season. On top of that the big man is shooting 58% from the field and 41% from outside. He and Trae Young make up one the best 1-2 punches in the league and is a testament to why Atlanta has arguably the best young core in the league.

20. Shai Gilgaeous-Alexander

Shai Gilgaaeous-Alexander has been widely regarded as a player with extreme potential. The Kentucky guard played in all 82 games for the Los Angeles Clippers last season (starting in all but 10 of them), and was a vital part of LA’s playoff contention. As a trade piece in last summer's blockbuster trade involving Paul George, Shai was paired with Chris Paul in a very underestimated Thunder roster. However this season SGA has averaged 19.3 points for the currently 6th seeded and Western Conference dark horse Oklahoma City team. He has also been able to achieve multiple statistical feats including being the youngest player ever to achieve a 20-20-10 stat line. Increased mentoring by Chris Paul and the further development of his three-point shot will have Shai Gilgaeous-Alexander emerge as one of the most lethal guards in the NBA.

19. Ja Morant

If Zion was a surefire #1 pick, Ja Morant was the clear #2. The arguably best player in Murray State program history has been the most electrifying rookie this season. Averaging 17.8 points and 6.8 assists in less than 30 minutes of playing time are no small feat. Morant has shown extreme athleticism, a pretty decent shooting touch, and a confidence that is shown in his play. The front-runner for Rookie of the Year this season is looking at an increased playing length next year and the young core of himself, Jaren Jackson Jr., Dillon Brooks, and more are going to be exciting to watch in the future.

18. Zion Williamson

The most anticipated rookie since LeBron James, a freak of nature, and ACC Player-of-the-Year, and consensus number one overall pick. After a torn meniscus sidelined him during the preseason, Williamson made his debut this January against the San Antonio Spurs, an explosive one that saw him scoring 17 points in 3 minutes. Since his debut, however, Zion has played in 13 games averaging 23.3 points and 7.3 rebounds while playing less than 30 minutes a game and shooting 57% from the field. He’s also been a huge boost to the team. When Williamson is on the court the Pelicans’ offensive rating skyrockets to 116.7 which would be 2nd in the NBA. On the defensive side, the Pelicans defensive rating is 105.7 (which would be 3rd in the NBA) compared to their bottom-3 defense without him. Analytics aside, Zion is a spectacle to watch and is showing signs of a future superstar.

17. Myles Turner

Arguably the MOST underrated center in the league, Myles Turner has been almost irreplaceable as part of the Indian Pacers’ core. The former Texas center has been in the league for nearly five years and has been one of the more consistent centers in the NBA, especially around the rim. Turner has spent his last four seasons (2019-20 included) in the top-5 of blocks per game. Before last season, Turner signed a 4-year, $72 million contract extension with the Pacers, further establishing him as their current franchise center. However, although he can shoot from beyond the paint, the center doesn’t contribute offensively nearly as much as he can and struggles to create his own shot, with nearly 83% of his points this season being assisted. Nevertheless, Myles Turner is an integral piece of the Pacers’ frontcourt and is essential to their contention.

16. Jaylen Brown

Brown has been the definition of a “bet on yourself’ type player. The Celtics surprisingly picked him 3rd overall in 2016 and since he’s been the scorn of not only certain teammates but the Boston media. While playing with Kyrie Irving for the last two seasons, Brown produced the worst efficiency in his short career. However, after signing a $115 million contract this past off-season, Brown has been the clear leader of a Boston team that is 41-18 and 3rd in the Eastern Conference. Averaging 20.4 points and shooting a career-high from the field and has increased his three-point volume tremendously. The scoring tandem of he, Jayson Tatum, and Kemba Walker has been the best scoring trio and Brown is the catalyst to the Celtics success.

15. Bam Adebayo

Bam Adebayo is a clear top-10 if not top-5 big man in the NBA today. The All-Star center has been the best surprise of the 2019-20 NBA Season. Although the Heat have been known for their perimeter shooting this year, it would all be for naught if not for Adebayo. The 14th pick out of Kentucky is averaging 16.2 points and 10.5 points this season and adds a whole new dimension to the Heat’s offense. The team is +3.2 on offense when Adebayo is on the floor and is -1.2 on defense as well. Another underrated aspect of Adebayo’s game is his passing. Bam is averaging 5.1 assists a game this season and is second on the team in assists. Although undersized, Adebayo is a nightmare for opposing bigs and will be essential to Miami’s playoff chances.

14. Domantas Sabonis

The 2nd-half of the Indiana Pacers’ extremely skilled frontcourt, Sabonis has established himself in the NBA as a top big man. After being relegated to an assist in Russell Westbrook’s stat line in OKC, being seen as just an irrelevant trade piece in the Paul George-to-OKC trade, and primarily coming off the bench his first two seasons in Indiana, Domantas Sabonis has taken his game to a whole new level. The first-time All-Star is averaging 18.4 points and 12.5 rebounds and nearly 5 assists per game this season. Although he isn’t as strong a post defender, he makes up for it with his offensive prowess. He can create his own shot and has an extended range beyond the paint. Sabonis has been the best player on the Pacers this season and the chances of that changing are low. 

13. Zach Lavine

This is a bittersweet ranking for Zach Lavine. The 24-year old swingman is having a career year. The former lottery-pick out of UCLA is currently in his sixth year in the NBA and 3rd in Chicago. Although Lavin is leading the Bulls in scoring by a wide margin, however defensively Lavine is atrocious. In fact, the Bulls allow +10.1 points per 100 possessions when Lavine is on the floor. As well as defensive problems, injury problems plague the two-guard as he has not played a full season since his sophomore year. However, Lavine is arguably one of the best offensive guards in the league, his versatility, athleticism, as well as his shooting touch, making him a dangerous offensive weapon.

12. De'Aaron Fox

One of the most explosive, athletic, and skilled young point guards in the NBA today, De’Aaron Fox has established himself as the Sacramento Kings franchise player. The Kentucky product has gone from flashing potential in his rookie year to legitimate star in the span of a season. Upping his scoring average, his assists total, and shooting percentage, Fox is constantly improving. The other half of the Hield-Fox scoring tandem, Fox is averaging 31.3 points per 100 possessions and is the cornerstone of one of the best young cores in the league. Although talented, efficiency and turnovers seem to be an obstacle for the young guard. Regardless of efficiency problems, De’Aaron Fox has all but established himself as a great point guard in the league.

11. Brandon Ingram

Brandon Ingram is here to stay. From the #2 pick to underwhelming scorer, to Anthony Davis trade-piece, to bonafide All-Star. Ingram has become one of the premier scorers in the NBA. In his first year in New Orleans, BI is shooting 47% from the field, nearly 40% from three, and 86% from the line. The forward has also become more adept at shooting from three, taking more attempts from outside than ever, and is getting to the line way more than he had before. If Ingram can get past the injuries that have prevented him from playing 60 or more games since his rookie season, he may catapult into the upper echelon of NBA superstars.

10. Jamal Murray

Jamal Murray is one of the most established point guards in the NBA. The young Kentucky product is shooting a career-high in eFG%, getting to the line consistently (shooting nearly 90% ). Plus, the Nuggets are a better team whenever Murray is on the floor, both defensively and offensively. The areas where Murray struggles though are apparent. Usually the primary ball-handler on a competitive team, Murray struggles in taking and making the big shot. In the regular season and playoffs, Murray is 3 of 17 in shots in the last two minutes of a game in shots to tie or take the lead. Murray also struggles at distributing the ball efficiently. Although Nikola Jokic may be leading the team in total assists, Murray has one of the worst assist percentages of any starting point guard in the NBA, and his shot volume and turnover percentage do not make up for the difference. Despite his shortcomings, Murray is central to the Nuggets success. 

9. Kristaps Porzingis

The “Unicorn” in the NBA, Porzingis is one of the most exciting big men in the league today. After three successful but troublesome years in New York, a torn ACL, and a year to rehab, Porzingis has come back this season as one part of the European dynamic duo that is he and Luka Doncic. The 7’3” big man has made huge strides in his strength and stamina, he also has made major improvement as a post defender. Porzingis is averaging a career-high in rebounds as well as adding two blocks per game. Although he is not the primary scorer on this Mavericks team, he makes good use of his scoring opportunities. His three-point volume has been the highest it has ever been in his career and is still hitting them at a consistent rate (nearly 35%). Porzingis has become one of the more reliable scorers/two-way big men in the NBA and will be necessary for the Mavericks to contend.

8. D’Angelo Russell

D’Angelo Russell has been one of the more interesting stories in the NBA. The 24-year old guard has already seen trips to four teams in his short career. With a short and disastrous stay in Los Angeles (the team in which he was drafted), Russell made extreme progress in his two seasons with the Brooklyn Nets before he signed a 4yr-$117 million contract as part of a sign-and-trade with the Golden State Warriors. Russell has established himself as an elite pick-and-roll scorer, a reliable three-point shooter, and an extremely decent passer as well. Since being traded to the Timberwolves, the All-Star point guard has averaged 23.1 PPG and 7.3 APG while shooting 43% from the field. Now paired with Karl Anthony-Towns, Russell now has another superstar that, if played right, will become one of the best scoring duos in the NBA.

7. Trae Young

The former 5th overall pick in the draft has already been seen as a superstar by most fans and players. The 6’1” guard from Oklahoma has become a player that is “Curry-esque” in the league. In his second year, Young has upped his scoring average ten points since his rookie year and is passing the ball even better. Although he is one of the NBA’s leaders in field goals attempted per game (a staggering 20 times), Young is actually shooting better than his debut season (43%). However, Trae Young, as you would expect, is horrendous on defense. Allowing 117 points per 100 possesions which is one of the worst in the NBA. However, when Young is off the court, the Hawks become absolutely unwatchable, as Young contributes +15.7 points as well as assists on 45.7% of the Hawks offense. Therefore his defensive fallacies are made up for with his massive offensive contributions. Regardless, Trae Young is going to be the best point guard in the NBA within five years and that may be a consensus opinion. 

6. Ben Simmons

Ben Simmons is one of the prime examples of “You don’t need a jump shot to dominate” in the NBA. Although it would be in his best interest to develop a jumper, Simmons is doing fine without one. The 6’10” guard/forward is averaging nearly a 17/8/8 stat line this season, and before the injury, it was one of the reasons the 76ers were kept afloat this season. In his third season in the league, the do-it-all guard has consistently delivered on offense with his amazing playmaking abilities (8.3 APG), hustle on the boards (8.7 RPG), and lockdown defense (105 D-RTG). The Swiss Army knife of a player has been the key to Philly’s offense and shares the franchise spotlight with All-Star big man Joel Embiid. Other than a jump shot, Simmons' game is polished and he is the key to the Philadelphia 76ers hopes for a championship.

5. Donovan Mitchell

In his eyes, Mitchell is the 2018 NBA Rookie of the Year, in Utah’s eyes, he is their savior. The Jazz's first potential franchise player since the departure of Gordon Hayward, Mitchell has already led the Utah Jazz to two NBA playoff appearances, has a record-breaking rookie season, and an All-Star selection within his first three seasons. The crazy part is that Mitchell has continued to get better. Upping his scoring average, assists, shooting percentage, and efficiency every year. Donovan Mitchell is on the verge of having the Utah Jazz become legitimate contenders in the West and may just be getting started.

4. Devin Booker

Devin Booker gets buckets. This is not an unknown fact in the league. The first time All-Star is one of the best scorers in the NBA, and he shows no signs of slowing down. The 23-year old has averaged 25+ ppg for the last three seasons (2019-20 included) and has constantly improved his shooting percentage. However, in Booker’s short career, he has yet to be a part of a Suns’ roster that boasted 25+ wins. Although not Booker’s fault, he also has not contributed to many wins himself. The guard has only amassed a total of 15.5 win shares over the last 5 seasons. Many argue that Booker would thrive and succeed around better players and it may be so. Nonetheless, Devin Booker is definitely one of the best shooters, scorers, and as of now, passing two-guards in the NBA.

3. Jayson Tatum

Jayson Tatum is here and he is here to stay. Tatum is making Danny Ainge look like a genius for trading down to snag him with the #3 pick in 2017. The recently named NBA Player of the Month is posting a career-high in points, rebounds, and three-pointers. He has been scoring with extreme confidence and he has been the focal point of the Celtics’ offense since Kyrie Irving’s departure and Kemba Walker’s injury concerns. The Duke product is not only scoring but doing it at an efficient level as well, generating +11.4 points per 100 possessions while on the court. Tatum has elevated his game to a level we have never seen before and quite frankly the NBA should be scared.

2. Karl Anthony-Towns

KAT is the best center in the NBA. Before you disagree, take a look at the numbers. Towns has been averaging 26.5 PPG, 10.8 RPG, somehow 4.4 assists, while shooting 50% from the field, 41% from 3 on a decent volume, and 80% from the line. In fact, Towns’ win shares from his first four seasons are similar to legendary centers Bill Russell and Shaquille O’Neal. In fact, the only other player this season who is averaging at least 25 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, while shooting at least 50% from the field, is Giannis Antetokounmpo. When you factor in the three-point percentage, Towns is the lone person on the list. However, the Timberwolves are not consistently winning games, and although an injury sidelined KAT this season, the Wolves' new additions during the trade deadline mean that the next few years will be full of success in Minnesota. 

1. Luka Doncic

Did you expect anyone else? Although he is only in his second season, Doncic plays although he is the most seasoned veteran in the league. Averaging a near triple-double this season, the All-Star has established himself as a future MVP of the league. The Mavericks are winning games and Doncic is the catalyst. Luka is also not a defensive liability and the Mavs already efficient offense is even more dangerous with him on the court as they score a whopping 119.6 points per 100 possessions when he takes the floor. He also has been able to find the basket efficiently in close game situations with a near 50% eFG% in close margin games. Doncic scores effortlessly and with almost absurd confidence at only 21 years old and that is why he is essentially the best young player in the league and will be the face of the NBA within 5 years.