The NBA's 2024-25 season promises to be an exciting showcase of burgeoning talent and rising stars. As the league gears up for another year, several players are poised to make significant impacts, with Victor Wembanyama leading the charge.
At just 20 years old, Victor Wembanyama has already etched his name among the top athletes in the NBA, securing the 12th spot in overall rankings. His impressive post-All-Star break performance, where he averaged an astounding 23.5 points, 12 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 4.5 blocks, and 1.5 steals per game, reflects the caliber of player he is becoming. As analyst Sam Quinn observes, "We're not just talking about the next great NBA player here. We're talking about the sort of player this sport has never seen, the next step in its evolution."
Wembanyama isn’t the only young player turning heads. Jalen Green, aged 22, has been ranked 92nd in the Top 100. Known for his incredible athletic prowess, Green continues to demonstrate why he is seen as one of the most exciting talents in the league. As Jack Maloney notes, "Green is supremely talented and an unbelievable athlete, even by NBA standards."
Similarly, Jonathan Kuminga, who stands at 21 years old and is ranked 83rd, is seen as an invaluable asset for the Golden State Warriors. Despite being considered for trades, the Warriors have resisted these calls, believing in his potential. Brad Botkin asserts, "The Warriors have all resisted Kuminga as a trade chip, believing he can be not just a future tentpole but a key piece of a team that still believes it can make one last run at honest contention."
Another player making waves is Paolo Banchero, who is ranked 29th. The Rookie of the Year led the Orlando Magic to their first playoff appearance in four years, a significant milestone for the franchise. Jasmyn Wimbish captures his impact eloquently, "He earned his first All-Star nod and led Orlando to its first playoff appearance in four years."
In the mid-tier rankings, we find Alperen Sengun at 47th and Cade Cunningham at 49th. Cunningham, in particular, has been highlighted for his potential trajectory in the league. "With a new coach, Cunningham can build upon last season and gain more attention," states Wimbish, emphasizing the brighter prospects on the horizon for him. She also adds, "He's on a career trajectory to be a mainstay at the All-Star Game."
Other notable mentions include Chet Holmgren and Brandon Miller, who are ranked 30th and 66th, respectively. Holmgren’s rise has been noteworthy and places him among the elite young players in the league.
Jabari Smith Jr., Jalen Johnson, and Dereck Lively II round off the lower end of the Top 100. Smith Jr. is ranked 100th, Johnson sits at 80th, and Lively II is positioned at 90th. These players remain integral to their teams, contributing in various capacities that often go beyond the stat sheet. For instance, Jasmyn Wimbish cites an unnamed Mavericks player, "He regularly posts the highest plus-minus on the Mavericks," indicating an underappreciated effectiveness on the court.
As we look to the future, these young athletes symbolize the next wave of NBA excellence. The blend of raw talent, athleticism, and evolving skills paints a promising picture of the league's direction. With seasoned players providing guidance and competition remaining as fierce as ever, the stage is set for an enthralling season. The ceiling for these young stars is incredibly high, as aptly summarized by James Herbert, "The ceiling is incredibly high."