We take a look at the ten best young NBA players heading into the 2023-24 season. These players are 24 years old or younger, already making an impact in the league, and are either generational superstars or the next in line. Here are our top 10 best young players in the NBA:
10. Tyrese Maxey (Philadelphia 76ers)
Following the ridiculousness of the Ben Simmons saga, one of the best things to come out of it was the breakout of Tyrese Maxey. Last season he averaged 20.3 points per game and 43 percent from three-point range in only his third NBA season.
Maxey has quickness and speed on a championship-caliber team, and actually plays better without James Harden. Despite the question marks surrounding Maxey on the defensive side of the ball, he has tremendous upside. Expect the 76ers to hand him more playmaking responsibility.
Tyrese Maxey’s per game stats without James Harden last year :
– 24.8 points
– 5.4 assists (1.6 TOVs)
– 3.8 reboundsDeep-dive into how Harden’s holdout could aid in his growth, Nurse’s potential impact on reshaping his off-ball skills and unlocking his complete upside.
⬇️🎥 pic.twitter.com/R8piwme7p0
— Hoops Don (@99thBasketball) September 11, 2023
9. Paolo Banchero (Orlando Magic)
Banchero is without a doubt one of the best young NBA players after a standout rookie season. The first pick of the 2022 draft, he averaged 20 points and almost seven rebounds per game, good enough to earn Rookie of the Year honors.
At 6-foot-10, a 20-year old Banchero already starred for Team USA at the FIBA World Cup in 2023. He has the size of a power forward with the ball handling skills of a guard. If Banchero can develop an outside shooting game, he could become one of the genuine superstars of the NBA.
8. Darius Garland (Cleveland Cavaliers)
Darius Garland was an All-Star two seasons ago and although he didn’t make a return trip last season, he still averaged nearly 22 points and eight assists per game. Garland’s play making skills has been instrumental in Cleveland’s resurgence.
If he can continue his career best form from long range, the Cavaliers could make a deep run into the playoffs. Add Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley into the mix and the Cavs could be a darkhorse contender in the years to come.
7. LaMelo Ball (Charlotte Hornets)
Injury issues for LaMelo Ball has impacted his development and he was limited to only 36 games last season. Despite the persistent injuries, Ball made the most of his minutes averaging 23.3 points, 8.4 assists and 6.4 rebounds per game.
The Hornets will want Ball to remain injury-free to justify the $260 million supermax extension he signed in July. If he can, he no doubt has the elite play making skills to take Charlotte into the playoffs.
6. Jaren Jackson (Memphis Grizzlies)
Jackson came into his own last season, particularly on the defensive end, averaging a league-best three blocked shots per game. His efforts earned him the Defensive Player of the Year award and he was a big part of the Grizzlies establishing themselves as an Eastern Conference powerhouse.
On the offensive end Jackson improved greatly, averaging nearly 19 points per game on 50 percent shooting. He is an elite rim protector and increased the Grizzlies’ net rating by over 10 points per 100 possessions. The only negative to Jackson’s game is that he gets himself into foul trouble.
5. Tyrese Haliburton (Indiana Pacers)
Haliburton was the only player in the NBA last season to average at least 20 points, 10 assists, and hit over 40 percent from beyond the arc. Before he went down to injury last season the Pacers were on track for the playoffs. Last season Haliburton also became an All-Star for the first time and should do so for the next decade if he can remain consistent.
Tyrese Haliburton just gave Kelly Olynyk a Shaqtin’ highlightpic.twitter.com/bOkHXZFtCQ
— NBA Memes (@NBAMemes) February 14, 2023
4. Zion Williamson (New Orleans Pelicans)
Zion Williamson could rank first on this list, but he’s having real issues staying on the court. One of the best interior scorers in the NBA, Williamson averaged 26 points per game last season. He has MVP potential and deserves a spot as one of the best young NBA players, but his injury history is concerning for the Pelicans.
Despite a 25.8 points per game average during his career, he missed the entire 2021-22 season and played only 29 games last season. Will Zion ever be healthy enough to make it to, and compete in the playoffs?
3. Anthony Edwards (Minnesota Timberwolves)
Edwards had a standout series in the playoffs last season against the Denver Nuggets, averaging 35 points per game. During the season, he averaged 24.6 points and 4.4 assists. He also continues to expand his game becoming more of a threat from three-point range.
In addition, Edwards’ playmaking skills and defensive ability has improved remarkably. With a max contract next to his name, Edwards will soon be amongst the elite NBA shooting guards and could even find himself in contention as an MVP candidate in 2023-24.
2. Ja Morant (Memphis Grizzlies)
If he can stay off Instagram and away from his strap, Ja Morant could very well lead the Grizzlies to a deep playoff run this season. In 2022-23 he averaged 26.2 points and 8.1 assists, rising above the rim and dunking on some of the best big men in the league.
As explosive as Morant is on the court, his conduct raises questions on what his future holds in Memphis. If he can stay out of trouble, there’s every chance he can guide the Grizzlies to their first ever NBA championship.
1. Luka Doncic (Dallas Mavericks)
Can you believe Luka Doncic is only 24 at the start of the 2023-24 season? Hard to believe as he’s been around for a while now. One of the best players in the 2022-23 season, Doncic shot a career-best 49.6 percent from the floor, and he averaged 32.4 points per game, behind only Joel Embiid.
Doncic is the best young NBA player right now but he needs to take the Mavericks – a team that failed to make the playoffs last season – to the next level. If he’s to be in the discussion for best player of all time, he needs to win a ring and an MVP award.