Everyone knows about LeBron James, Kevin Durant, James Harden and Steph Curry. But the NBA is starting to be taken over by young players right out of college.
There is a handful of talented young players who have not even come close to their prime yet. Players like Anthony Davis and Giannis Antetokounmpo just missed the cutoff on this list, but here are the top 23 players in the NBA under the age of 23.
23. Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks
Young was a controversial player coming out of Oklahoma. The rookie has drawn comparisons to Steph Curry because of his quick release and ability to shoot from anywhere on the floor. It is not a fair comparison because he is not as efficient as the two-time MVP but he is a player with a lot of potential in a point guard driven league.
22. John Collins, Atlanta Hawks
Young's teammate on the Hawks has folks in Atlanta excited for the future. The ability for Collins to dominate in a pick-and-roll game makes his game unique in this league. He has contributed back to back games with a double-double. Despite missing games in the beginning of the season due to injury, Collins is one of the league's top sophomore.
21. Myles Turner, Indiana Pacers
The Texas product is in his fourth year in the league and has proven to be one of the best rim protectors. While his offensive numbers may not jump off the page, Turner has the ability to rebound and defend anyone down low. Indiana is a team that historically played mean and Turner fits that bill.
20. Jaren Jackson Jr., Memphis Grizzlies
Leading up to the draft, Jackson Jr. was the top five pick that seemed to be under hyped and not valued. So far, he has played like the fourth overall pick. He is averaging 13.9 points per game and has shown his ability to take and make big shots. In a game against Brooklyn, Jackson Jr. set his career high with 36 points. The Grizz were down seven with 30 seconds left but the rookie completed a four-point play and nailed a three with four seconds left to send the game to overtime.
19. Deandre Ayton, Phoenix Suns
It is clear that Ayton did not need his one-year at Arizona. He stands at 7'1, weighs 250 pounds and was the consensus top prospect in this year's draft. The Suns expected Ayton to come in and contribute immediately and he has done just that. Ayton is averaging 16 points, 10.2 rebounds and is shooting 60% from the field. He has the ability to post up down low, hit a mid-range shot or run the floor. With his skill set, Ayton can dominate the league for many year's to come.
18. Lonzo Ball, Los Angeles Lakers
Lonzo Ball is an incredibly talented basketball player that has no reached his full potential yet. He is averaging 9.5 points per game since entering the league. The Lakers signed LeBron James which many thought would help Ball but Los Angeles bringing in Rajon Rondo questions their faith in Ball. Rondo has missed time due to injury so Ball has had a chance to showcase his talent. His life off the court has been circus like but luckily for him, his father has not been in the media much lately. Ball has the ability to become a great player and the chance to learn from one of the best to ever do it.
17. Dennis Smith Jr., Dallas Mavericks
Smith Jr. is your prototypical athletic point guard who is not afraid. He has battled injuries throughout his short career but the N.C. St. product is a pure scorer who can pass a little bit. Smith Jr. is averaging 13.5 points and 4.2 assists in 20 games of action this season.
16. Kyle Kuzma, Los Angeles Lakers
Kuzma was a late-first round pick out of Utah that no one really knew much about. He quickly changed that narrative using his ability to score the basketball at a high rate. Throughout the entire off season, the Lakers were rumored to trade for another superstar but Kuzma was on the do not trade list. It would definitely behoove them to make him apart of their long term plans.
15. Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks
This is a player that could be higher on the list but the league is full of young talent. Doncic, at just 19, is quickly becoming a superstar in this league. The former EuroLeague MVP has had his deep skill set transfer over to the NBA nicely. He is a big time player that can change a franchise and he has already begun to do that in Dallas.
14. Lauri Markkanen, Chicago Bulls
The big man out of Arizona just returned to action this year but he saw a rookie season full of success. Markkanen averaged 15.2 points and 7.5 rebounds per game for Chicago. He fits this league perfectly because he can step out and shoot from range which is necessary as a big man nowadays.
13. De'Aaron Fox, Sacramento Kings
De'Aaron Fox is a special talent. Coming out, I figured him to be the best player in the 2017 draft. While there is a superior young player, Fox is second. He spent a rookie year in Sacramento figuring out his game on a bad team but he has taken that next step as a point guard this season. Fox is averaging 17.3 points and 7.5 assists so far this season.
12. Brandon Ingram, Los Angeles Lakers
Ingram is the last of three Lakers on this list and is part of a really young core in LA, including Josh Hart. The Lakers have set themselves up for future success or short term success if they package some players for a superstar to put next to LeBron James. Ingram could be that guy thanks to his play and unlimited potential.
11. Aaron Gordon, Orlando Magic
Gordon is in his fifth season out of Arizona and is putting together another Gordon-like season. He is averaging 16.4 points and 7.4 rebounds per game while being one of the most athletic freaks in the NBA. Not to mention that he is the best dunker in the game, sorry LaVine.
10. Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls
LaVine suffered a torn ACL that made people question whether he would have to change his game. It was a question whether he could dunk like he used to, well he can. It was also a question is he would be able to score enough, well he can. LaVine is averaging 24.5 points per game this season and is making the Bulls look like a winner when they acquired him and sent Jimmy Butler to Minnesota.
9. Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics
Jaylen Brown is an important player for Boston moving forward. He is coming back from injury and needs to showcase himself on his contract year. Brown has been a quiet player but put himself on the map during last year's playoff run in Boston. It is no guarantee that the Celtics extend him after the season but whoever gets him is getting a great player.
8. Jamal Murray, Denver Nuggets
Murray was part of a Kentucky team that was not as successful as usual so he flew under some radars. Going to Denver, he has not been able to hide. Murray dropped 48 points against the Celtics and sparked some issues when he took a shot at the buzzer when the game was well in hand. Murray is an elite scorer on an up and coming Nuggets team.
7. Kristaps Porzingis, New York Knicks
Boo'd at the draft, Porzingis has come to New York and taken the city over. Despite missing this season to a torn ACL, the Latvian star has shown his ability to throw down put back dunks, shoot from deep and execute Hakeem Olajuwon like post moves. It is yet to be seen is Porzingis will return this season but for his own health, he should not. In the Big Apple, Porzingis has made himself a brand. Imagine how big he could be if the team was good?
![[NBA awards] Nikola Jokic next to Luka Doncic, Victor Wembanyama, Jalen Brunson, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwp.clutchpoints.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2024%2F04%2F2024-NBA-awards-Official-picks-for-MVP-All-NBA-more-150x150.jpg&w=320&q=75)
6. Karl Anthony-Towns, Minnesota Timberwolves
Is Towns a problem? Does he not get along with Butler? Well, he's now in Philly and Towns can get back to basketball. The former Kentucky WildKAT has never missed a game in the NBA and in his fourth year, is averaging a double-double for the fourth time. He was given a massive five-year, $190 million extension from Minnesota in September so they have made it clear that he will be the guy moving forward.
5. Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets
There is no other player like Jokic in this league. He is 7′ tall and is a threat for a triple-double every night. He is averaging 16.5 points, 9.6 rebounds and 7.8 assists per game. He has seven games with double-digit assists, including games with 15 and 16. The big man who can pass like Jokic is extremely absent in today's game. Jokic is unique and at only 23, he will be tormenting opposing teams for a long time.
4. Donovan Mitchell, Utah Jazz
Mitchell made headlines towards the end of last season thanks to a Rookie of the Year battle with Ben Simmons. While Simmons is the better player, Mitchell is the better scorer and the best player on a Jazz team that should finish near the top of the West. He is not afraid of the big moment and wants the ball in his hands late in games. Utah found a diamond with the 13th pick in the 2017 draft.
3. Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics
If there is one player who can bring back the mid-range game in the NBA, it is Tatum.
He has striking similarities to Kobe Bryant and has shown them off during his young career. We will need to see more of his killer mentality come playoff time but at the consistent rate he can knock down a fade away jumper from 15-20 feet has to have the Black Mamba smiling.
2. Ben Simmons, Philadelphia 76ers
“He can't shoot the three, he needs to learn to shot.” Who cares? Simmons is a 6'10 point guard who is a walking triple-double. The only player to compare him to is Magic Johnson because of their size and he is making those comparisons stand up. Simmons is averaging 15.7 points, 8.3 rebounds and 8.1 assists per game for his career. No, he can't shoot but he doesn't need to and can dominate without it.
1. Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns
If someone called Booker the best scorer in the game, they might not be right but they can certainly have a good argument. He is averaging 23.5 points per game this season and 20.1 for his career. He delivered a 70-point performance last season. Not much more has to be said but at 22 years old, Booker might be the best young player to start a franchise with.
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