NBA Basketball Players Under 20 And Under 24. The NBA is in capable hands. For the record, we’re not discussing Commissioner Adam Silver’s leadership. Neither do any of the wonderful people who work tirelessly behind the scenes to keep the Association running smoothly.
We are talking about all the young stars who are consistently performing at an insanely high level and will eventually take over as the league’s faces from Steph Curry, LeBron James, and Kevin Durant, when those residing legends—36, 33, and 33, respectively—decided to describe it as a career in the not-too-distant future.
NBA Basketball Players Under 20
Paolo Banchero – 19 years old
NBA Basketball Players Under 20: We know it’s unusual to include a player who has yet to appear in an NBA game on this list, but I believe it’s safe to say that Paolo Banchero can provide immediate production when he steps onto an NBA court for the first time.
Combining his skill with his physical features is rare even at the highest level, and while we can’t predict the player he’ll get to be in a few years, we can see that he’ll make an impact right away in the 2022-2023 NBA season. There aren’t many guys who are 6’11”, 260 pounds, and can score on all three different levels.
Although many asked why he was selected first overall in the draft, I believe we’ve seen some hints this summer as to why the Magic made that choice.
Franz Wagner – 20 years old
NBA Basketball Players Under 20: Franz Wagner was not the highlight of the Orlando Magic’s 2021 draft class; that honor went to Jalen Suggs on draft night. However, by the end of the 2021-2022 period, Wagner had demonstrated that he was not only the best rookie in the club but also the best player in general.
As a rookie of NBA Basketball Players Under 20, the 6’10 forward averaged nearly 15.2 points and 4.5 rebounds while shooting 35.4% from 3-point range. He exhibited the exact characteristics that are desired for a stretch power forward for today’s NBA, making him a no-brainer to develop around in the future.
Jalen Green – 20 years old
Jalen Green may have not been drafted first overall and even won rookie of the year, but he was easily the most exciting rookie last season. His explosive leaping ability in the expansive and half court makes him an instant highlight reel highlight, and when combined with his shooting ability, he is easily must-see television.
The next process for Green this season is to extend his hot streak from the last 2 months of the 2021-2022 season to the entire season. Once that occurs, he is likely to rocket up this list.
Cade Cunningham – 20 years old
NBA Basketball Players Under 20: Cade Cunningham, despite being selected with the first overall pick, appeared to fly under the radar all through his rookie season. He wasn’t as explosive as Jalen Green and didn’t have the same team success as Evan Mobley as well as Scottie Barnes, but he was just as effective.
Cade averaged 17.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game, demonstrating the versatility but all game that has elevated him to the consensus future star in the 2021 NBA Draft class. With the addition of Jaden Ivey in the backcourt this season, expect Cunningham’s efficiency and regular counting stats to rise, making Detroit one of the more intriguing teams to watch.
NBA Basketball Players Under 24
Luka Doncic – 23 years old
Luka has not only formed himself as the top young player in the NBA but also as one of the league’s most talented players in general, on track to be one of the best the league has ever seen. Doncic already has a Hall of Fame-worthy resume as a three-time First Team All-NBA selection as well as a three-time All-Star starter.
The sky is the limit for Luka after destroying the Phoenix Suns in the Western Conference Semifinals to progress to his first Western Conference Finals. It won’t be long before he’s competing for the NBA’s best player, regardless of age.
Trae Young – 23 years old
Trae Young’s numbers alone have spoken for themselves. There are no other point guards in the NBA who average 29 points and 10 assists per game while being a threat to score from anywhere on the floor. And, after two consecutive playoff appearances, it appears Ice Trae has officially transformed the Atlanta Hawks into a perennial playoff contender, demonstrating the impact his unique talent has on the rest of the team.
When you mix all of those elements with the reality that he is completely alright about being the NBA’s villain, you have the perfect recipe for one of the most box office players in the league right now. Young has quickly risen to become one of the NBA’s top point guards, and with his flair for dramatic and highlight play, he is also one of the league’s biggest draws.
Darius Garland – 22 years old
The backcourt of Darius Garland and Collin Sexton will most likely be split up soon, with Sexton the most likely to take his talents elsewhere. That’s because Garland is the one the Cavaliers should rally behind, as the point guard has steadily improved his metrics, most noticeably his PER and true shooting percentages, throughout each of his three seasons in the league, and is a more well-rounded player than Sexton.
Garland, fresh off his first All-Star appearance, is now the primary foundation of the Cavs’ young core and is on track to become one of the NBA’s top five point guards. The Cavs are poised to become a sustained playoff team this season as Garland keeps going to elevate his game.
Anthony Edwards – 21 years old
Nobody, not even a healthy Zion Williamson, comes close to Anthony Edwards’ dunk prowess. Strategic prior to the fe. And no one appears to be having as much fun around as Ant. The Wolves drafted a character who always makes us laugh with his press conference answers and flashes that massive smile after embarrassing defenders who try to block his dunks. But Edwards is clearly more than just one of the NBA’s best in-game dunkers.
I hear you saying he surely deserves Rookie of the Year over LaMelo Ball after averaging 19.3 points per game in his rookie season. Edwards’ first season in the NHL was outstanding, but it was even more remarkable that his statistics and advanced metrics dramatically improved in season No. 2. This is a player who scored 36 points in his first playoff game. Ant-Man is a special player for the Timberwolves.
