You don’t have to be a veteran to make an impact in the NBA. In fact, we’re seeing younger superstars every year in the league, as teams don’t want to ‘waste’ their draft picks on players that have spent a lot of years in college.
It’s getting more normal to see 19-year-olds become first-round picks and even start right away in the NBA, and that’s why most of them are likely to break all kinds of records if they stay healthy.
To be honest, most of the best players in the league right now are young, barring some obvious exceptions like LeBron James, Kevin Durant, or Stephen Curry. That’s why today, we’re going to let you know about the 5 best NBA players under 25.
The Best NBA Players Under 25
Honorable Mention: Jamal Murray, Devin Booker, Bam Adebayo, Brandon Ingram, Jaylen Brown
5. Ja Morant
Ja Morant. (Getty)
It didn’t take long before Ja Morant proved to the rest of the world that he shouldn’t be overlooked. He willed the Memphis Grizzlies into playoff contention in his rookie season with his electric dunks, underrated defense, and solid playmaking.
Morant is one of the most athletic guards in the league and he shows it with his never-ending energy and has shown some impressive maturity to embrace a leadership role right out of the gate.
4. Trae Young
Trae Young. (Getty)
Trae Young went from being one of the flashiest players in the league to being criminally underrated, even being snubbed from this year’s All-Star Game despite posting some impressive numbers.
Young can pull up from everywhere on the court and score at a high clip. He’s a master at drawing fouls and is one of the most entertaining passers you’ll see on a basketball hardwood. His defense is subpar, tho.
3. Zion Williamson
Zion Williamson. (Getty)
There were some obvious concerns regarding Zion Williamson’s health due to his weight but now that he’s at full strength, he’s shown that he’s a generational player. He’s way more than just a strong frame.
Besides his strength and athleticism, Zion is quite smart and skilled. He’s got nice footwork and the intangibles to become a superstar, as he’s scoring at will against grown men the same way he did in high school and college.
2. Jayson Tatum
Jayson Tatum. (Getty)
It’s crazy to think that Jayson Tatum has yet to turn 25 years old, as it seems like he’s been around the league for ages. Well, no, he’s just 22 and will only get better with the years, which is a scary thought for the rest of the league.
Tatum has one of the most complete and polished offensive repertoires in the league but he’s also a much better defender than people credit him for. Also, he stepped up as the Boston Celtic’s go-to-guy at just 20 years old.
1. Luka Doncic
Luka Doncic. (Getty)
Luka Doncic is a once-in-a-lifetime kind of player. He’s been turning heads since his days at Real Madrid and it only took him a couple of months to silence his doubters when he made it to the NBA.
Doncic can do it all on the offensive end of the floor, nearly averaging a triple-double. He’s shown that he’s got the clutch gene in him and will be the face of the NBA once LeBron’s reign is over.
