In any sport, youth is a blessing everyone should take advantage of. While you’re young, go hard, and you’ll soon be in the company of a few legends someday. In the NBA, times have changed as the young are slowly taking control. Although aging superstars like Lebron James, Chris Paul, Kevin Durant, and Stephen Curry are still leading and producing elite-level numbers, the young guns are catching up.
From sharpshooting to electrifying dunks, intelligent passing to stifling defense, the young stars of the NBA are making a statement. Here are some of the best players under the age of 25 who are making waves in the NBA:
Ja Morant – Memphis Grizzlies
27.6 points per game
5.9 rebounds per game
6.6 assists per game
The Grizzlies have made a complete 360 from last year’s performance. The once-lowly Memphis Grizzlies are in the 3rd spot of a tough Western Conference. The team’s success is attributed to their young core, with the brightest spot being Ja Morant. The rise of Ja Morant is truly remarkable as we’re seeing a superstar in the making.
Chosen 2nd in the 2019 NBA Draft, Ja has nothing been but a blessing to an ailing Memphis Grizzlies franchise. This season Ja has been selected in his first all-star game and has dazzled the crowd with impressive dunks. With the latest NBA odds in favor of the Grizzlies, look for Ja to lead this team deep into the playoffs this season.
Luka Doncic – Dallas Mavericks
27.5 points per game
9.1 rebounds per game
8.8 assists per game
Slovenian superstar Luka Doncic is just 23 years old, but he’s already handling the point at Dallas. Before the NBA, Doncic was already playing professional basketball in Slovenia. When he was 13 years old, he signed a 5-year contract with Real Madrid. Picked 3rd overall in the 2018 Draft, Luka was immediately traded to Dallas for another young superstar on this list.
Now that he’s in the NBA, Luka brings a brand of basketball that’s both flashy and efficient. Luka Doncic is one of the most complete players in terms of skills in the NBA. The Dallas Mavericks are 5th in the Western Conference, partly due to “Luka Magic.”
Trae Young – Atlanta Hawks
27.9 points per game
9.3 assists per game
6.2 FTM per game
When the Hawks picked Luka Doncic, they immediately traded him for Trae Young to the Dallas Mavericks. Don’t get it wrong; both teams involved in this trade were winners; the Atlanta Hawks just leaned towards “Ice” Trae more. One of the deadliest shooters from the rainbow stripe, Trae Young terrorizes defenses with his fancy dribbling and shooting.
If Ice Trae doesn’t get you with his dribbles or shooting, he can drive past you towards the basket either for a smooth layup or a chance at the free-throw line. Trae Young helms the point guard position in Atlanta and averages 9.3 assists per game, the 4th best in the NBA.
Dejounte Murray – San Antonio Spurs
20.1 points per game
8.3 rebounds per game
9.4 assists per game
Averaging close to a triple-double, Dejounte Murray has earned his spot among the stars. Recently named an all-star, the San Antonio Spurs point guard is second in the league in Triple-doubles made.
For those unfamiliar with this stat, a triple-double is when a player scores double digits in 3 out of 5 statistical categories(points, rebounds, assists, blocks, and steals). Getting a triple-double is a challenging thing to do in the NBA. As a floor general, Murray averages 9.4 assists per game, the 3rd best in the NBA. Murray is one of the few bright spots on a struggling Spurs team.
Darius Garland – Cleveland Cavaliers
20.3 points per game
8.0 assists per game
1.2 steals per game
The Cleveland Cavaliers are this year’s dark horse. The Cavs, who shouldn’t even be in contention, are sitting at 5th place in the Eastern Conference. The success is mainly due to the stellar play of their point guard, Darius Garland.
This year, Garland is incredibly crafty and intelligent with the ball, rightfully named as an all-star. Paired with Evan Mobley and fellow all-star Jarrett Allen, the Cavs are surging in the standings and might take a jab at a deep playoff run.
LaMelo Ball – New Orleans Hornets
19.9 points per game
7.0 rebounds per game
7.4 assists per game
LaMelo Ball has been ballin’ as of late. Fans have a lot to look forward to as their floor general has been named to the all-star team this year.
The sky’s the limit with LaMelo as he’s been productive for a struggling Hornets team. With flashy passes and unpredictable shooting, LaMelo is one of the best young stars in the NBA today.
Special Mentions:
Jayson Tatum – Boston Celtics
Jarrett Allen – Cleveland Cavaliers
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – Oklahoma City Thunder
Deandre Ayton – Phoenix Suns
Anthony Edwards – Minnesota Timberwolves
Conclusion
The NBA is only getting younger and better. Fans don’t have to worry when the Lebrons, the KDs, and Currys retire from the league. The league is headed for a bright and entertaining future with young stars such as Luka Doncic, Ja Morant, Jayson Tatum, and Trae Young.
