NBA's Emerging Superstars: Best Player Rankings

The NBA finds itself in its first true out with the old guard and in with the new guard since Michael Jordan won his first ring back in 1991 when his Bulls beat the Lakers in 5 to win his first NBA Title.

Yes, LeBron James is still great even after being in the league for 20-plus years. KD is still legit, and while the Golden State Warriors dynasty is over, Steph Curry remains a threat every time he steps on the court. But, like everything in life, the times are changing, and the emergence of a wide variety of young superstars under the age of 25 has found their way to the Western and Eastern Conference finals. 

We have compiled a list of the top 10 NBA emerging superstars under 25. This list reflects where they are today, not what they may become down the road.

1. Luka Doncic
Simply put, Doncic is one of the most outstanding offensive talents the game has ever seen. While the Dallas Mavericks may ultimately lose to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference Finals, it won’t be because of Doncic’s offensive output.

2. Anthony Edwards
Anthony Edwards, aka Ant-Man, is the ultimate Swiss Army knife player. He does it on both ends of the court and has Michael Jordan's spark on and off the court. I’m not saying he will be the next Air Jordan, but his leadership and mid-range game are similar to Jordan's.

3. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
SGA is similar to Luka because he has one of the best offensive bags in the game today. He is smooth like butter on the offensive side of the ball. Some struggles on the defensive side, but he is clearly one of the top young players in the league today.

4. Victor Wembanyama
Wemby will most likely be the person topping a list like next year, as he has the most raw and unique talent in the game. Like Edwards, he can take over a game on both sides of the court. It’s just a matter of time before he is the best player under 25.

5. Ja Morant
Watching Ja Morant play basketball is must-see TV. Yes, his off-the-court antics have hurt his credibility, but that aside, he can take over a game at the drop of a dime. Morant is clearly the leader of his team and is one of the most spectacular players in the association today.

6. Tyrese Haliburton
The sky is the limit for Haliburton, who has Curry-like range. He does an excellent job doing the little things throughout a game that give his team a chance to win almost every time he hits the court. The only knock against him is like Jayson Tatum; he sometimes disappears from the game. Sure, he runs up and down the court, but he seems to take himself out of the game.
 
7. Tyrese Maxey
Maxey maybe Joel Embiid's perfect running mate, but with Embiid often not playing, Maxey has proven that he can be the focal point of his team's offense. All hustle, all the time, is what Maxey has become. 

8. Zion Williamson
Williamson has all the talent in the world, but his body breaks down too often, which is why he is so low on this list. He is still one of the most spectacular young players in the NBA; he just needs to spend more time in the gym.

9. Paolo Banchero
Banchero improved his 3-point shooting this past season and is clearly the leader of the improving Orlando Magic. The question is, will he take the big leap forward next season?

10. Chet Holmgren 
Holmgren has a ton of latent on both sides of the court and will spend most of his career coming in second to Wemby for the Defense Player of the Year award. He needs to bulk up if he wants to have a long NBA career.