Which younger NBA stars have the brightest future?
For a second consecutive 12 months, it’ll come as little shock that San Antonio Spurs phenom Victor Wembanyama is main the best way on an inventory that examines the perfect younger abilities within the league.
Behind Wemby, issues get awfully attention-grabbing. The place will stars equivalent to Anthony Edwards, Cade Cunningham and Paolo Banchero land? What about this 12 months’s star-studded rookie class, from former Duke teammates Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel to Dylan Harper and VJ Edgecombe? And who might be part of them on this record?
ESPN NBA insiders Tim Bontemps, Zach Kram, Bobby Marks, Kevin Pelton and Jeremy Woo got down to reply these questions, rating the highest 25 gamers underneath the age of 25 primarily based on long-term potential.
This is a take a look at our up to date record for 2025-26, together with how every thrilling younger star can take the subsequent step.
Age: 21
2025-26 stats: 13.0 PTS | 3.1 AST | 44.6 3P%
Final 12 months rank: NR
Getting drafted No. 3 by a staff that wound up internet hosting a first-round playoff collection meant Sheppard spent the overwhelming majority of final season on the fringes of coach Ime Udoka’s rotation. However with Jalen Inexperienced traded and Fred VanVleet’s unlucky ACL tear, Sheppard has been pressured into a giant function in his second season. And after a gradual begin, he is shortly come on, turning into among the finest high-volume 3-point shooters within the league as a powerful complementary participant alongside Alperen Sengun, Kevin Durant and Amen Thompson.
To take the subsequent step, Sheppard…
Must continue to grow in confidence as a ball handler and playmaker, and to enhance defensively. Sheppard was such an analytical star in faculty due to his defensive playmaking alongside along with his scoring. And whereas the 6-foot-2 guard is rarely going to turn into Gary Payton, if he can no less than flip himself right into a participant groups cannot repeatedly decide on, it’ll increase his ceiling significantly when paired along with his spectacular offensive recreation. — Bontemps
Age: 22
2025-26 stats: 11.8 PTS | 6.0 REB | 1.5 STL
Final 12 months rank: NR
Thompson is the quarterback of a Pistons protection that ranks fourth in each effectivity and in whole factors off turnovers. Because the begin of the 2024-25 season, Thompson has held opponents to 40% because the contesting defender. That ranks fourth greatest amongst 291 gamers to contest no less than 400 photographs, per GeniusIQ monitoring.
To take the subsequent step, Thompson…
Must increase his vary offensively. Whereas Thompson is taking pictures higher than 50% from the sphere, greater than 75% of his area aim makes an attempt have come inside 10 toes of the rim. He has tried simply 0.8 photographs per recreation from deep, rating within the backside 10% of all guards this season. — Marks
Age: 23
2025-26 stats: 20.3 PTS | 9.5 REB | 8.9 AST
Final 12 months rank: NR
Few gamers stand out within the field rating greater than Giddey. He is boosted his scoring to an enormous profession excessive, thanks largely to a much-improved skill to get to the free throw line, and with a 39% 3-point stroke, the as soon as reluctant shooter is making defenses pay for leaving him open. It stays unclear simply how a lot Giddey can drive successful, however on the very least, he can drive a enjoyable offensive engine in Chicago.
To take the subsequent step, Giddey…
Should show himself within the playoffs. Giddey’s first postseason publicity, with the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder in 2023-24, went so poorly that he was benched after which traded that summer time. Then the Bulls had been blown out of their first play-in recreation final season. It is all properly and good to excel in lower-stakes regular-season contests, however till Giddey can translate that efficiency to the postseason, there’ll at all times be questions in regards to the final stage of his stardom. — Kram
Age: 20
2025-26 stats: 19.1 PTS | 8.6 REB | 2.0 BLK
Final 12 months rank: NR
For some, the lasting reminiscence of Sarr stays his 0-for-15 summer time league debut after Washington took him second within the 2024 draft. However Sarr steadily improved throughout his rookie season and has constructed upon that this 12 months. The most important change? Going from 45% on 2-point photographs to over 56% this season, which has resulted in Sarr scoring practically 20 factors per recreation on over 50% taking pictures. There is a purpose having the ability to shield the rim and house the ground as a giant man is such a coveted talent set, and Sarr is starting to comprehend a few of that potential.
To take the subsequent step, Sarr…
Must proceed to make strides as a shooter. Final season, he shot 30.8% from 3 on greater than 5 makes an attempt per recreation. This 12 months, he is as much as 34.6% however on decrease quantity. For Sarr to really attain his ceiling, he must turn into a 3-point taking pictures weapon that higher areas the ground for his teammates. — Bontemps
Age: 24
2025-26 stats: 14.9 PTS | 4.7 AST | 2.0 STL
Final 12 months rank: 18
The 47 video games Suggs missed final season, which ended prematurely because of knee surgical procedure, helped reveal his worth to the Magic. Orlando went 20-15 with Suggs regardless of accidents to its different stars and 21-26 with out him. It is occurring once more this 12 months, because the Magic are 13-7 with Suggs and 2-3 with out him.
To take the subsequent step, Suggs…
First, he has to remain wholesome. As is, Suggs’ elite on-ball protection and luxury taking part in off the ball makes him a powerful match alongside the remainder of Orlando’s under-25 core. However that match could be even higher if Suggs will get again close to the 40% he shot from 3 in 2023-24, which seems out of line with the remainder of his profession (33% total). — Pelton
Age: 22
2025-26 stats: 10.7 PTS | 6.2 REB | 2.2 STL
Final 12 months rank: 23
Daniels continues to be one of many league’s greatest perimeter defenders. Named to the All-NBA defensive First Staff final 12 months, Daniels is averaging 2.2 steals, second solely to the Thunder’s Cason Wallace.
To take the subsequent step, Daniels…
Needs to be extra aggressive on offense. After practically tripling his scoring common final season (5.8 to 14.1), Daniels is averaging 10.7 factors this season. A purpose for the lower is Daniels’ lack of free throws (1.5 per recreation) and 3-point makes an attempt (1.6 per recreation). — Marks
Age: 20
2025-26 stats: 14.4 PTS | 5.7 REB | 4.0 AST
Final 12 months rank: NR (rookie)
Whereas there have been some predictable rookie rising pains, Edgecombe has largely rewarded the 76ers’ choice to select him third, along with his explosiveness attacking the paint and flashes of defensive playmaking that time to main long-term upside. The way forward for the franchise rests on Edgecombe and Tyrese Maxey, and the way properly Philly can develop them in tandem.
To take the subsequent step, Edgecombe…
Has to enhance his effectivity and ball abilities. His early struggles (51.3% true taking pictures share in 20 video games) aren’t stunning for a prospect nonetheless creating his deal with and footwork. His mixture of energy and burst presents main upside as he continues to hone his talent as a shot creator, however he is additionally undersized for a 2-guard. He’ll proceed to get the reps he wants to shine his shot choice and reads. — Woo
Age: 19
2025-26 stats: 13.4 PTS | 3.9 AST | 3.1 REB
Final 12 months rank: NR (rookie)
Harper has come off the bench to start the season as a part of a crowded Spurs backcourt and has performed simply 14 video games because of harm, however he was poised and productive upon his return final month as he continues to settle in. His positional dimension, experience in utilizing screens and skill to make the sport simpler for teammates provides him a flexible base skillset for the place the NBA is headed.
To take the subsequent step, Harper…
Has to hone his jumper. He shot simply 33% from deep and 75% from the road at Rutgers, numbers that might want to tick up for him to make a star-quality leap within the NBA. He is a artful finisher contained in the paint already, however he has to catch and shoot extra persistently to thrive with out the ball in his fingers on a staff that has a number of different playmakers. — Woo
Age: 20
2025-26 stats: 18.0 PTS | 5.5 REB | 40.3 3P%
Final 12 months rank: NR (rookie)
The No. 4 decide simply edged out the 2 gamers drafted forward of him 5 months in the past by main all rookies in scoring. Knueppel is trying essentially the most 3s by a first-year participant in NBA historical past (8.4 per recreation), which might blow away the rookie document. No one with greater than 20 video games has averaged greater than Keegan Murray’s 2.6 3s — Knueppel is at the moment at 3.4.
To take the subsequent step, Knueppel…
Should maintain exhibiting he is greater than a shooter. He got here inside an help of a triple-double final month towards the Lakers and might leverage the defensive consideration his taking pictures attracts to create open photographs for teammates. — Pelton
Age: 21
2025-26 stats: 18.2 PTS | 7.3 AST | 6.1 REB
Final 12 months rank: NR
Not each Rookie of the 12 months marketing campaign is created equal, and Fort’s trophy final season was largely a perform of a weak class, in addition to a credit score to his personal play. However he confirmed proof of a second-year leap earlier than straining his left hip flexor in mid-November, notably as a playmaker. Fort reached double-digit assists 3 times as a rookie, however he is already performed so 4 instances in 15 video games this season. Add in robust, aggressive protection and a 60% mark on 2-point photographs, up from 50% as a rookie, and Fort seems like a powerful long-term wingman for Victor Wembanyama.
To take the subsequent step, Fort…
Has to turn into a extra reliable shooter. So long as Fort is not a menace from distance, he’ll by no means stress defenses as a lot as different gamers ranked larger on this record. Fort made simply 26.7% of his 3-pointers in faculty, 28.5% as a rookie and 27.6% in a small pattern this season. His profession free throw share (72.2%) suggests he isn’t a secret marksman, however even bettering to the league-average from 3 would do wonders for his match subsequent to Wembanyama and Harper. — Kram
Age: 24
2025-26 stats: 25.8 PTS | 7.2 REB | 6.3 AST
Final 12 months rank: NR
When Portland acquired Avdija from Washington through the 2024 draft, it was seen by many throughout the NBA as an overpay. Nevertheless, Avdija has rewarded that religion with a powerful case to make his first All-Star staff this season. He is additionally arguably the main candidate for Most Improved Participant behind a leap in factors per recreation (25.8, up from 16.9) whereas sustaining his effectivity.
To take the subsequent step, Avdija…
He simply has to do that once more subsequent season. Avdija already seems like a foundational performer for the Blazers. If he can proceed this manufacturing and carry it over to subsequent season, he’ll have totally ascended to a star-level wing. — Bontemps
14. Jalen Duren | C | Detroit Pistons
Age: 22
2025-26 stats: 18.8 PTS | 11.5 REB | 65.5 FG%
Final 12 months rank: NR
After being left off the record his first three seasons, Duren is making a case for Most Improved Participant and an All-Star spot. Duren is one in every of 4 gamers to common no less than 18 factors and 11 rebounds. The opposite three are Nikola Jokic, Victor Wembanyama and Karl-Anthony Cities. Duren can be one in every of 4 gamers in NBA historical past with 2,500 factors and a couple of,000 rebounds earlier than turning 22.
To take the subsequent step, Duren…
Examine two of the higher passing bigs: Jokic and Alperen Sengun. Duren has improved in nearly each statistical class besides assists. He ranks thirty second amongst facilities in assists per recreation (1.8) and within the twentieth percentile amongst all bigs in help to utilization ratio, per Cleansing the Glass. — Marks
Age: 23
2025-26 stats: 20.2 PTS | 7.9 REB | 3.8 AST
Final 12 months rank: 3
With a profession common of 28 factors throughout 12 playoff video games, Banchero clearly has the potential to be a No. 1 choice, and the previous high decide and Rookie of the 12 months has one of many highest ceilings on this complete record. However Banchero has fallen 10 spots for 2 causes: due to his continued inefficiency as a scorer and since that is the fourth consecutive season Orlando has a greater web score with Banchero off the ground. The Magic received off to a gradual begin with Banchero wholesome however went 7-3 throughout his absence with a strained groin.
To take the subsequent step, Banchero…
Should enhance his effectivity. Banchero nonetheless takes too many midrange jumpers and has below-average profession marks from 3-point vary (32%) and on the free throw line (73%). Among the many 30 highest-usage gamers since he entered the league, Banchero ranks twenty ninth in true taking pictures share, forward of solely LaMelo Ball. — Kram
Age: 24
2025-26 stats: 22.7 PTS | 6.1 REB | 3.7 AST
Final 12 months rank: 4
Admittedly, placing Wagner forward of three All-NBA gamers was most likely overexuberant. Nevertheless, earlier than struggling a excessive ankle sprain that may sideline him a number of weeks, Wagner was practically matching that manufacturing because the Magic thrived with him as their offensive point of interest throughout Banchero’s personal harm absence. Specifically, Wagner has excelled attending to the foul line this season, beating his profession excessive by 1.6 per recreation.
To take the subsequent step, Wagner …
Should be revered by defenses when recognizing up. If Wagner might persistently translate his 85% free throw taking pictures past the arc, even to keep up this 12 months’s 36% accuracy, he’d seemingly transfer again into this record’s high 10.
— Pelton
Age: 24
2025-26 stats: 19.7 PTS | 7.8 REB | 1.6 BLK
Final 12 months rank: 11
It is proof of the NBA’s depth of under-25 expertise that Barnes stayed in the identical spot amidst the perfect begin of his profession. Barnes is taking pictures career-high percentages from inside (54% on 2s), outdoors (38% on 3s) and the foul line (85%), thriving as a part of a deeper Toronto beginning 5 with the addition of Brandon Ingram. Regardless of his robust box-score manufacturing, Barnes is arguably extra beneficial as a flexible defensive pressure.
To take the subsequent step, Barnes …
Should show his mettle within the playoffs. The Raptors misplaced a first-round collection throughout Barnes’ rookie season and have not been again since, a drought that has an excellent likelihood of ending this season. — Pelton
Age: 23
2025-26 stats: 23.4 PTS | 10.5 REB | 7.9 REB
Final 12 months rank: 17
The most important impediment for Johnson has been availability, as a bevy of accidents have slowed the beginning of his profession, most just lately a torn labrum that led to surgical procedure in January. He is in midst of his greatest season, averaging profession highs in factors, 3-point share, rebounds and assists, wanting like a worthy point of interest for a rising Hawks staff. Already one of many league’s high stat-sheet-stuffers, Johnson has begun translating that into successful.
To take the subsequent step, Johnson…
Has to shore up his decision-making. His 3.3 turnovers per 36 minutes include the territory of his utilization (a lot of it with Trae Younger sidelined), and he is a powerful passer at his dimension (6-foot-8, 219 kilos). He is been capable of polish his recreation in different areas, notably as a shooter, however slicing again on the turnovers as he continues to realize expertise as an offensive cornerstone will go a great distance. — Woo
9. Chet Holmgren | C | Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder
Age: 23
2025-26 stats: 18.8 PTS | 8.0 REB | 39.5 3P%
Final 12 months rank: 5
Holmgren has been among the finest defenders within the league since he first stepped onto an NBA court docket. In line with GeniusIQ, opponents have shot simply 50.4% on dunks and layups when Holmgren is the closest defender throughout his profession. That is the fifth-lowest mark amongst 103 gamers with no less than 500 photographs defended over that span — simply behind Wembanyama. Add in a viable offensive recreation, with Holmgren producing a profession excessive in factors on career-best effectivity this season, and the previous No. 2 decide might have loads of particular person {hardware} in his future.
To take the subsequent step, Holmgren…
Simply wants to remain on the court docket. Holmgren’s rookie season was delayed a 12 months because of harm, and he performed solely 32 video games final season. (In whole, he is appeared in simply 51% of Oklahoma Metropolis’s regular-season contests since he was drafted.) Whether or not Holmgren’s physique, which is slight for a middle, can maintain up over a number of lengthy seasons stays an important query for the Thunder going ahead, particularly with beginning middle Isaiah Hartenstein a possible cap casualty after this season. — Kram
Age: 18
2025-26 stats: 17.3 PTS | 6.3 REB | 3.3 AST
Final 12 months rank: NR (rookie)
After some early-season handwringing about Flagg’s preliminary performances — he was taking part in out of place at level guard on a staff with hardly any taking pictures round him and with loads of drama — issues have seemed far totally different as soon as Flagg switched again to his combo ahead function. He is placing up stat traces which are solely akin to LeBron James amongst 18 12 months olds in NBA historical past. Dallas goes to be simply nice because the Flagg period takes maintain within the Metroplex.
To take the subsequent step, Flagg…
Has to proceed to develop his physique and offensive recreation. The factor that is so spectacular about him is that he nonetheless very a lot seems like an adolescent taking part in towards grown males — and he nonetheless places up massive numbers. That stated, Flagg is taking pictures 25% from 3, and to turn into a whole offensive pressure in at this time’s league, particularly as a wing participant, he has to get into the mid-to-high 30s sooner or later. — Bontemps
Age: 24
2025-26 stats: 18.9 PTS | 9.1 REB | 1.7 BLK
Final 12 months rank: 8
The primary of 4 gamers on this record who earned All-NBA honors final season, Mobley was additionally voted Defensive Participant of the 12 months on the conclusion of a breakthrough fourth marketing campaign. Mobley is taking pictures a career-low 50% from the sphere amidst an uneven Cavaliers begin however with profession highs in factors and assists per recreation.
To take the subsequent step, Mobley …
May marry the quantity uptick we have seen this season with the effectivity he supplied final season, when he boasted a career-best .633 true taking pictures share. One issue that might assist: if Mobley ever will get to play middle full time, maybe his greatest place, and controls the defensive glass in that spot. — Pelton
6. Amen Thompson | G | Houston Rockets
Age: 22
2025-26 stats: 17.4 PTS | 7.0 REB | 5.1 AST
Final 12 months rank: 22
Thompson continues to show the nook as an elite two-way participant, placing tons of stress on the paint and making performs for teammates whereas recurrently taking over the hardest perimeter project. He is capably shouldered extra utilization to this point with Fred Van Vleet sidelined and has seen his free throw share rise to 81%, up greater than 12% from final season.
To take the subsequent step, Thompson…
Must make progress taking pictures from lengthy vary (22% for his profession). Thompson has seemed extra assured letting it fly this season however has but to supply vital outcomes. Ironing out his jumper continues to be the important thing to accessing his full potential, serving to create house for teammates when he is off the ball and maintain defenders from sagging off him. His dimension (6-7, 200) and pace enable him to get into the paint anyway, however his taking pictures has lengthy been a developmental focus. — Woo
5. Alperen Sengun | C | Houston Rockets
Age: 23
2025-26 stats: 23.0 | 9.4 REB | 7.0 AST
Final 12 months rank: 10
There’s an argument that, apart from Wembanyama, Sengun has essentially the most potential of any participant on this record. Whereas his factors per recreation elevated from 19.1 to 23.0, it’s Sengun’s playmaking and improved effectivity from deep which have stood out. He’s averaging a profession excessive 7.0 assists (up from 4.9), whereas taking pictures 36.4% from deep.
To take the subsequent step, Sengun…
Must turn into extra constant within the midrange. From 10 toes to only contained in the 3-point line, Sengun is taking pictures lower than 40%. He additionally ranks within the backside half amongst bigs in taking pictures share inside 4 toes of the basket. — Marks
4. Jalen Williams | G | Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder
Age: 24
2025-26 stats: 17.3 PTS | 6.2 AST | 5.2 REB
Final 12 months rank: 9
Maybe most spectacular about OKC’s dominance has been that Williams — who averaged 23 factors within the NBA Finals as a 24-year-old — has solely performed six video games after coming back from offseason wrist surgical procedure. However as a wing able to each creating high quality photographs and guarding nearly any perimeter participant, Williams is essentially the most beneficial of NBA archetypes and has already showcased it on the game’s largest stage.
To take the subsequent step, Williams…
Contemplating what Williams did final season — making All-NBA and scoring 40 factors in an NBA Finals recreation — it is troublesome to nitpick. You could possibly level to continued enchancment as a playmaker and shooter. Nonetheless, he is already turn into a foundational participant of what seems just like the NBA’s subsequent dynasty. — Bontemps
Age: 24
2025-26 stats: 27.5 PTS | 9.3 AST | 6.4 REB
Final 12 months rank: 13
For a second straight season, Cunningham is on an All-NBA tempo. He ranks first in fourth-quarter factors and second behind final 12 months’s MVP, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, in whole clutch factors. Cunningham has no less than 20 factors and 10 assists in 11 video games this season.
To take the subsequent step, Cunningham…
Wants to manage his turnovers. Cunningham is averaging 3.9 per recreation (fourth most within the league) and already has seven video games of no less than 5. — Marks
Age: 24
2025-26 stats: 28.7 PTS | 4.9 REB | 41.6 3P%
Final 12 months rank: 2
Edwards stays No. 2 in his closing season earlier than turning 25. Because of career-best effectivity numbers and some of the prolific 3-point photographs within the sport, Edwards continues to enhance as a scorer. And his playoff monitor document — main Minnesota to consecutive convention finals — speaks for itself. The dynamic guard is properly on his technique to his third straight All-NBA staff, and whereas breaking into the primary staff might show difficult given the superlative statistics of the NBA’s greatest gamers, Edwards is a powerful wager to climb to that high tier as he approaches his prime.
To take the subsequent step, Edwards…
Should maintain bettering as a playmaker. This is an odd reality: Though he is taking part in greater than ever as Minnesota’s de facto level guard, Edwards’ 3.8 assists have really dropped this season to their lowest common since 2021-22. Among the many league’s high 10 in factors per recreation this season, Edwards has the fewest assists. A scarcity of constant creation for his teammates is the principle weak point separating Edwards from the gamers on the high stage of MVP rivalry. — Kram
1. Victor Wembanyama | F | San Antonio Spurs
Age: 21
2025-26 stats: 26.2 PTS | 12.9 REB | 3.6 BLK
Final 12 months rank: 1
Properly, this wants little rationalization: Wembanyama is the NBA’s future. He may additionally be its current, judging by the quantity of MVP buzz he garnered by way of 12 video games earlier than a calf pressure put his season on maintain. He continues to evolve, having vastly improved his shot choice in 12 months 3, trying 4 fewer 3-point makes an attempt per recreation and emphasizing extra easy performs within the paint. Do not forget, he is additionally the league’s greatest rim protector. Wembanyama continues to reside as much as each component of hype, with well being seemingly the one impediment in the intervening time to perpetual dominance. By all of it, it is easy to neglect he is nonetheless simply 21.
To take the subsequent step, Wembanyama…
What do you add to a recreation that has every thing? It is evident this season that Wembanyama has begun to grasp the simple issues, wielding his dimension extra persistently contained in the paint and settling far much less. He is so coordinated and expert at 7-5 that it is scary to assume that increasing his array of dribble and midpost strikes might already be the subsequent step in his development. He has at all times revered Kevin Durant and creating a KD-esque midrange recreation is properly inside Wemby’s means. — Woo
Which younger stars fell off the record?
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Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana Pacers* (2024 rating: 6)
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Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers* (7)
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LaMelo Ball, Charlotte Hornets (12)
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Darius Garland, Cleveland Cavaliers* (14)
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Brandon Miller, Charlotte Hornets (15)
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Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans* (16)
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Dereck Full of life II, Dallas Mavericks (19)
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Jalen Inexperienced, Phoenix Suns (20)
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Tyler Herro, Miami Warmth* (21)
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Tari Eason, Houston Rockets (24)
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Bilal Coulibaly, Washington Wizards (25)
* aged out
