With so many outstanding young players being drafted into the professional league lately, it’s safe to say that both the NBA and even the WNBA have never been more talented from top to bottom than they are right now.
For the 2023–24 season, we examine the top 10 players under the age of 25 including an MVP candidate and an all-around talent.
In no particular order, let’s go straight into it and look at some of the amazing talent of this generation.
Tyrese Haliburton: 23 years
Tyrese is a name that people think of when the Indiana Pacers come to mind. In addition to putting up amazing stats, the Pacers point guard is having a breakthrough season, hitting 39.7% from three-point range. He has the most assists per game in the league (11.7).
Haliburton has all the traits of a leader despite his unusual shooting style. The Pacers, who surround him with a very young squad, will surely develop into a formidable foe in the Eastern Conference over the next few years.
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Ja Morant: 24 years
Ja Morant took over as the starting point guard for the Grizzlies from the start. With his explosiveness, quick footwork, and speed, Morant is a formidable opponent for any team.
When he competes against NBA veterans and attacks the basket, Morant showed that he is fearless. For Morant, though, this season has been difficult. He was suspended for having an illegal firearm, which kept him out of the first 25 games. Later, he sustained a shoulder injury that ended his season. How is he going to return?
Anthony Edwards: 22 years
When it comes to being a leader, Anthony Edwards is all any team can ask for. He can do a little bit of everything, including making tough shots, taking charge of the offense, and communicating on defense. At just 22 years old, he has already established himself as one of the NBA’s best shooting guards.
Thanks to Edwards’ season-long play, Minnesota is now a legitimate playoff candidate and a formidable force in the Western Conference. Edwards is poised to rank among the league’s top guards because to a youthful core that backs him up and the guidance of Mike Conley and Karl-Anthony Towns.
Chet Holmgren: 21 years
The former No. 2 overall draft pick Chet Holmgren has been fantastic in 2023–24; he is not just one of the two favorites to win Rookie of the Year, but he is also one of the finest young players in the NBA, period, having missed what was meant to be his rookie season due to a foot injury.
With his exceptional finishing skills close to the hoop, spot-up three-point shooting ability, strong ball handle, and remarkable agility, Holmgren is a formidable player who can outmuscle opponents with slower feet. A dynamic asset for Oklahoma City’s defense, Holmgren is also a skilled shot-blocker with the agility of foot to defend opposing ball handlers when forced to switch.
Tyrese Maxey: 23 years
With the departure of previous league MVP James Harden, the Philadelphia 76ers turned on 23-year-old Tyrese Maxey to step up and fill the large shoes. Maxey has averaged nearly 26 points per game along with over six assists per game.
The 76ers haven’t missed a beat in 2023–24 thanks in large part to Maxey. As the All-Star break approaches, the team is sitting at 23–12 and third in the Eastern Conference, with Maxey expected to participate in the festivities for the first time in his career.
Zion Williamson: 23 years
Former No. 1 overall draft pick Zion Williamson has done an excellent job this season of at least keeping healthy and missing just six games in the season.
Williamson hasn’t played with the same intensity as he did in his early career, but he still has a 22/6/4 stat line on more than 58 percent shooting.
Victor Wembanyama: 20 years
Victor Wembanyama, the current first-overall draft pick, has already established himself as the league leader in nightly rejections. The San Antonio Spurs’ offense doesn’t run many plays for him, but he has already averaged 19 points and 10 rebounds a game.
In addition to being a fantastic lob threat, Wembanyama is a 7-foot-4 guard with a guard-like game. Along with being able to take on opponents one-on-one, shoot threes, drive to the basket, and do pretty much everything with an incredible physical package, the 20-year-old big man also has outstanding vision as a facilitator.
Evan Mobley: 22 years
Evan Mobley is the Cavaliers center. He can drive the ball, has a post-game, can shoot from the midrange, and is a reliable distributor. Mobley is a good rebounder as well, although, against more physically powerful opponents in the playoffs, his small stature does provide some challenges.
Many praised Evan Mobley’s ability level when he first entered the NBA, but that is not enough. Since he is still only 22, he has plenty of time to continue becoming the All-Star that many had envisioned him to be.
Jaren Jackson Jr: 24 years
With his ability to handle the ball and drive it from the outside, Jaren Jackson Jr. is a versatile, floor-spacing big man. Because of his shot-blocking skills and quick feet on the less glamorous end of the court, he is also a superb defender.
Although Jackson’s efficiency and impact are still limited by his poor rebounding and lack of passing when he has the ball, he has generally shown himself to be a plus player throughout his career, and any contender would be fortunate to have his services given the dearth of shot-blocking, floor-spacing big men in the Association.
Darius Garland: 23 years
Darius Garland, the great guard for the Cleveland Cavaliers, looks to have reached his peak as an NBA player based on his recent trajectory; his averages have remained rather consistent from 2021–2022.
But because of his ability to make jump shots off the dribble, over strong defenses, and with a high level of difficulty, Garland has been able to reach this All-Star peak.