One thing we’ve noticed in today’s NBA is the immense talent that’s been added every year. Whether it’s from college or overseas, we’re seeing a huge influx of young talent coming into the league. The young talent have proven to be impactful already with players like Luka Doncic already making the Western Conference Finals or even Jaren Jackson Jr. winning DPOY this past season…
The young talent has done a great job of replacing the now older talent we’ve been used to. Let’s get into some of the best players at each position under 25 in today’s NBA now…
PG: Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies (23)
Ignoring the off court incidents with Ja Morant, he’s the best young PG in the league right now. His ability to attack the rim and potentially poster your favorite player every game is insane. Even with his small frame, Ja Morant gets to the rim with ease and ferocity. His speed, change of direction, and ability to finish with tough contact makes him that much more special.
Not only is Ja Morant impossible to keep in front, he’s also improved his playmaking abilities as well. He averaged over 8 assists a game this past season, a career high.
If Ja Morant can get away from the off-court incidents, he’s bound to have an illustrious career and make more WCF appearances.
Honorable mentions: Trae Young (ATL), Tyrese Haliburton (IND), LaMelo Ball (CHA), Darius Garland (CLE)
SG: Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves (21)
The main thing I noticed from Anthony Edwards this past season was the increased maturity in his game. Not only did he post career highs in points per game, but rebounds per game, field goal percentage, 3pt percentage, and also assists per game. Basically everything.
Coming out of college, we all knew he can put the ball into the rim, but it was all about the other facets of the game where he could potentially impact. Making plays for others and using his 6’9 wingspan and 225 pound frame to grab boards only adds to it.
Anthony Edwards is the main star on that Timberwolves team and his continued growth will determine how good the Timberwolves franchise will end up being the 5 years or so. If he continues to be on the upward trend of becoming a complete player, he could overtake as the best SG in the league very soon.
Honorable mentions: Desmond Bane (MEM), Tyler Herro (MIA), Tyrese Maxey (PHI), Jordan Poole (WAS)
SF: Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks (24)
Luka Doncic had one of the greatest games we’ve ever seen with a 60-points 20-assists triple double this past season and that kind of showed the impact of the young superstar.
His ability to absolutely control the whole pace of the offense and game is extraordinary to watch. Luka won’t beat you with elite athleticism, but he just finds ways to score whether its a post up, fadeaway, or step back three. His ability to make everyone around him better is one of the best traits about Doncic. You don’t see that very often in young players, but Luka just has that it-factor that you want to build a dynasty around.
Even at the age of 24, Luka has proved to be a top 5 player in the NBA for the past few seasons now. The Mavericks are bound to win every time Luka is healthy and on the court.
Honorable mentions: Franz Wagner (ORL), Scottie Barnes (TOR), Cade Cunningham (DET)
PF: Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans (23)
Ignoring the injury concerns and the miscellaneous stuff off the court, Zion Williamson is one of the most dangerous weapons on the court… when he’s on the court. His generational athleticism at his size and frame is one of one. Zion’s ability to dunk aggressively on whoever is in front of him, and be an above average help defender is the reason why he was the #1 overall pick a few years back.
You won’t find a player like Zion often, if at all. The biggest thing whether Zion ends up regarded as one of the best at his position will be his availability. He’s missed 194 games since being drafted due to injury concerns. We all know when he’s on the court that he’s a force, we just need to see him on the court.
Honorable mentions: Evan Mobley (CLE), Paolo Banchero (ORL)
C: Jaren Jackson Jr., Memphis Grizzlies (23)
Jaren Jackson Jr. is the leader of the modern NBA big man. A big man that can guard the perimeter, the interior, and shoot from anywhere. Jaren Jackson Jr. had career highs in every facet of his game offensively and defensively.
He lead the league in blocks per game and ended up winning Defensive Player of the Year. Jaren Jackson Jr. became the youngest player in NBA history to win the DPOY award at the age of 23. JJJ’s impact shows the Grizzlies were a top 3 team in defensive rating last season with JJJ as the anchor.
If Jaren Jackson Jr. can continue to grow his interior game offensively and improve rebounding, he will just be much more dangerous and well-rounded.
Honorable mentions: Deandre Ayton (PHX), Victor Wembanyama (SAS)
