As LeBron, Steph, and KD near retirement, the NBA is looking for the best young players, including Victor Wembanyama, Anthony Edwards & Tyrese Haliburton to step up as the next superstars.
As the NBA nears the twilight of legends like LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant, the spotlight is increasingly shifting to the league's younger stars.
In this article, I examine the best young NBA players under 25 who are positioning themselves as the future faces of the league, ready to step up.
Best young NBA players in 2024
10. Scottie Barnes
In just three seasons, Scottie Barnes has proven himself as one of the most versatile young stars in the NBA. From playing power forward as a rookie, and small forward in his second year, to even starting as a shooting guard this season, Barnes' ability to adapt to various roles is a testament to his high basketball IQ and skill set.
His unique versatility allows him to impact the game in numerous ways, whether it's running the offense, defending multiple positions, or playing off the ball.
After a solid start to his career, Barnes has taken a major leap in 2023-24, showing significant improvement across all facets of his game. His expanded offensive toolkit, combined with his natural defensive instincts, has made him a cornerstone player for the Toronto Raptors.
At just 22, Barnes is a key building block for the franchise, and with his impressive two-way play, his future in the league looks incredibly bright.
Scottie Barnes' 2023-2024 stats:
| MIN | 2P M/A | 3P M/A | FT M/A | REB | AS | ST | TO | BS | PF | PTS | GP |
| 34:54 | 53.7% 346/645 | 34.1% 101/296 | 78.2% 196/251 | 8.2 5.9/2.4 | 6.1 | 1.3 | 2.8 | 1.5 | 2 | 19.9 | 60 |
9. Tyler Herro
At just 23 years old, Tyler Herro has enjoyed the best season of his NBA career. He's setting new personal records across the board, including points, rebounds, assists, steals, and three-point shooting percentage, establishing himself as one of the best NBA players in 2024.
Despite facing a turbulent offseason filled with trade speculation, Herro has channeled the uncertainty into a standout performance on the court. His ability to score with precision, both off the dribble and from deep, has been a key factor in his career year.
Herro's impressive play has propelled the Miami Heat to a stronger regular season than last year.
His scoring prowess and playmaking skills have made him a crucial asset for the team. If he maintains this level of performance, the Heat is likely to be a formidable opponent in the playoffs in the future, with Herro at the forefront of their success.
Tyler Herro's 2023-24 stats:
| MIN | 2P M/A | 3P M/A | FT M/A | REB | AS | ST | TO | BS | PF | PTS | GP |
| 33:59 | 47.2% 216/458 | 38.8% 155/399 | 87% 111/128 | 5.1 4.7/0.4 | 4.8 | 0.7 | 2.4 | 0.1 | 1.5 | 20.6 | 49 |
8. Zion Williamson
Zion Williamson, the former No. 1 overall pick, made strides in the 2023-24 campaign by maintaining his health, having missed only 11 games so far.
While he hasn't quite reached the explosive heights of his earlier seasons, his recent performance remains impressive, granting him a place among the top young NBA players.
Though he has not fully recaptured the All-NBA form he showed in previous years, Williamson played at an All-Star level this past season. His efficient scoring and solid all-around contributions have been pivotal for his team.
If he maintains his health and continues to develop, Williamson has the potential to live up to the immense hype he garnered from his impressive performances in college and high school.
Zion Williamson's 2023-24 stats:
| MIN | 2P M/A | 3P M/A | FT M/A | REB | AS | ST | TO | BS | PF | PTS | GP |
| 31:36 | 57.6% 635/1102 | 29.6% 6/19 | 70.2% 353/503 | 5.9 4.1/1.8 | 5 | 1.1 | 2.8 | 0.7 | 2.3 | 23.1 | 71 |
7. Cade Cunningham
As the 2021 NBA Draft's No. 1 overall pick, Cade Cunningham has quickly established himself as the Detroit Pistons' leading player at just 22 years old.
His skill set, including tough-shot-making and playmaking, has been evident throughout his career so far. Cunningham's ability to handle the ball and create opportunities for himself and his teammates highlights why he was so highly regarded as a prospect.
Cunningham's ability to contribute effectively in multiple facets of the game highlights his talent and promise. His scoring, playmaking, and overall impact on the court are remarkable for a player of his age.
As he continues to grow and develop, Cunningham's future in the NBA looks incredibly bright. His journey will be exciting to watch as he evolves into one of the league's top players and potentially a future All-Star.
Cade Cunningham's 2023-24 stats:
| MIN | 2P M/A | 3P M/A | FT M/A | REB | AS | ST | TO | BS | PF | PTS | GP |
| 33:27 | 48.7% 405/832 | 35.6% 119/335 | 86.9% 238/274 | 4.3 3.8/0.5 | 7.5 | 0.9 | 3.4 | 0.4 | 2.5 | 22.7 | 62 |
6. Paolo Banchero
As the No. 1 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, Paolo Banchero is living up to the immense expectations early in his career.
The 21-year-old forward has showcased his versatility and skill set, blending a 6-foot-10, 250-pound frame with the agility and finesse of a modern forward. His ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor has been evident throughout the 2023-24 season.
Banchero has notably improved his outside shooting, hitting 33.9% of his three-point attempts, a significant upgrade from his rookie year.
This added dimension makes him even more challenging for defenders, as he can now stretch the floor while also leveraging his physicality to dominate closer to the basket, drive, and create opportunities for his teammates.
With such a strong performance in his sophomore season, Banchero can be definitely considered as one of the best young players the NBA has with the potential to ascend rapidly in these rankings and become a key player in the years to come.
Paolo Banchero's 2023-24 stats:
| MIN | 2P M/A | 3P M/A | FT M/A | REB | AS | ST | TO | BS | PF | PTS | GP |
| 35:11 | 49.2% 573/1165 | 34.5% 135/391 | 72.7% 442/608 | 7.1 6/1.1 | 5.3 | 0.9 | 3.2 | 0.6 | 1.9 | 22.9 | 87 |
5. Tyrese Maxey
Stepping into the spotlight left by James Harden's departure, 23-year-old Tyrese Maxey has excelled for the Philadelphia 76ers.
Maxey has demonstrated exceptional scoring and playmaking abilities, with an average of nearly 26 points and over six assists per game.
His strong performance was evident even in the playoffs, where he played remarkably well despite the absence of co-star Joel Embiid. Unfortunately, the 76ers were eliminated after a 2-4 series loss to the Knicks.
Maxey's impressive contributions throughout the season have made him a standout All-Star candidate, and he's also in the conversation for All-NBA honors.
Maintaining this high standard will be crucial for both his individual accolades and the 76ers' success in the future.
Tyrese Maxey's 2023-24 stats:
| MIN | 2P M/A | 3P M/A | FT M/A | REB | AS | ST | TO | BS | PF | PTS | GP |
| 38:08 | 50.4% 475/943 | 37.3% 235/630 | 87.1% 359/412 | 3.8 3.3/0.5 | 6.2 | 1 | 1.7 | 0.5 | 2.2 | 26.2 | 77 |
4. Tyrese Haliburton
Tyrese Haliburton is the best passer in the NBA right now, and he has exceptional versatility. He was third in the league with 10.4 assists per game during the 2023-24 season.
Haliburton also contributed over 23 points per game and maintained a solid 38% shooting from beyond the arc despite his unorthodox shooting form. His all-around impact has been crucial for the Indiana Pacers, who finished the season with a strong 47-35 record and narrowly missed winning the inaugural In-Season Tournament.
Haliburton's ability to orchestrate the offense and score efficiently, whether from long range or driving to the basket, has made him a cornerstone for the Pacers' future.
As a dynamic floor general, he excels in creating opportunities for his teammates while also shouldering a significant scoring load. With Haliburton leading the way, the Pacers are well-positioned for sustained success and growth, making him a key player to watch in the coming seasons.
Tyrese Haliburton's 2023-24 stats:
| MIN | 2P M/A | 3P M/A | FT M/A | REB | AS | ST | TO | BS | PF | PTS | GP |
| 32:42 | 61.1% 363/594 | 36.6% 250/683 | 85.4% 213/250 | 4.1 3.5/0.6 | 10.4 | 1.2 | 2.3 | 0.7 | 1.1 | 19.9 | 85 |
3. Ja Morant
The 2023-24 season was challenging for Grizzlies star Ja Morant, who missed the first 25 games of the season due to suspension and then faced another setback with a shoulder injury that ended his year after just nine games back.
Despite these disruptions, Morant showed why he is considered one of the best young NBA players. His ability to finish strongly at the rim and use his elite speed and agility to outmaneuver defenders remains unmatched.
Fast forward to the 2024-25 season, Morant returned as one of the top all-around players in the NBA.
His remarkable athleticism, scoring prowess, and playmaking abilities ensure that he will continue to be a formidable force on the court. He is fully capable of making a significant impact for the Grizzlies and solidifying his status among the league's elite.
Ja Morant's 2023-24 stats:
| MIN | 2P M/A | 3P M/A | FT M/A | REB | AS | ST | TO | BS | PF | PTS | GP |
| 35:19 | 55.4% 66/119 | 27.5% 14/51 | 81.3% 52/64 | 5.7 4.9/0.8 | 8.1 | 0.8 | 3 | 0.6 | 2.1 | 25.1 | 9 |
2. Victor Wembanyama
Victor Wembanyama, the 1st overall pick in 2023, has hit the ground running in the NBA, quickly establishing himself as a dominant force on the defensive end.
Leading the league in blocks while averaging 21 points and 10 rebounds per game during the 2023-24 season, Wembanyama's impact is undeniable. His ability to alter shots and protect the rim is reminiscent of some of the most formidable defenders the league has seen in a long time.
Victor Wembanyama's 2023-24 stats:
| MIN | 2P M/A | 3P M/A | FT M/A | REB | AS | ST | TO | BS | PF | PTS | GP |
| 29:39 | 53.5% 423/792 | 32.4% 128/394 | 79.5% 292/367 | 10.6 8.4/2.3 | 3.9 | 1.2 | 3.7 | 3.6 | 2.2 | 21.4 | 71 |
1. Anthony Edwards
At just 22 years old, Anthony Edwards is rapidly establishing himself as one of the premier shooting guards in the NBA and is already among the best young NBA players under 25. With his explosive athleticism, impressive size, and exceptional shot-making ability, Edwards embodies the traits of an elite shooting guard.
His all-around game includes strong rebounding, effective playmaking, and a knack for disrupting opposing offenses with his defensive skills.
Edwards' standout performance has been a key factor in the Minnesota Timberwolves' impressive season, which included a trip to the Western Conference finals. The former No. 1 overall pick's growth has positioned him as a potential future MVP candidate and vital to Minnesota's championship aspirations.
With his continued development, Edwards will likely be a top player under 25 in the coming years, possibly claiming the top spot in future rankings as he reaches his peak.
Anthony Edwards' 2023-24 stats:
| MIN | 2P M/A | 3P M/A | FT M/A | REB | AS | ST | TO | BS | PF | PTS | GP |
| 35:59 | 51.7% 638/1236 | 36.5% 236/646 | 83.3% 506/608 | 5.7 5/0.7 | 5.4 | 1.3 | 3.1 | 0.5 | 1.9 | 26.2 | 95 |
