The landscape of the NBA's rising stars is more competitive and promising than ever—who will emerge as the true future legends of the league? But here's where it gets controversial: not everyone agrees on who truly deserves to be called the top talent under 25. From Victor Wembanyama's towering dominance to the explosive potential of rookies like Cooper Flagg, the debate is wide open, raising questions about development, consistency, and long-term impact.
For the second year in a row, San Antonio Spurs phenom Victor Wembanyama continues to top the list, cementing his status as the brightest star among the young generation. His unique blend of size, skill, and defensive prowess makes him a formidable presence on both ends of the floor. Following him, the list becomes increasingly fascinating as it includes emerging talents such as Anthony Edwards, Cade Cunningham, and Paolo Banchero. The rankings also consider this year's impressive rookie class—featuring Duke teammates Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel, as well as rising stars like Dylan Harper and VJ Edgecombe—and ponder who else might rise to challenge the current hierarchy.
ESPN’s team of insider analysts—Tim Bontemps, Zach Kram, Bobby Marks, Kevin Pelton, and Jeremy Woo—have meticulously evaluated each player, focusing on their long-term potential and areas for growth. Let’s explore the updated list for 2025-26, shedding light on how these young athletes can elevate their game to new heights.
25. Reed Sheppard (Houston Rockets)—A promising 21-year-old guard, Sheppard averaged 13 points, 3.1 assists, and a remarkable 44.6% from three last season. Drafted third overall, he initially spent much of his rookie year on the fringes of the rotation. However, with trades involving Jalen Green and injuries to Fred VanVleet, Sheppard has stepped into a larger role and shown significant improvement, especially as a high-volume three-point shooter. To progress further, he needs to develop his ball-handling and playmaking confidence while bolstering his defensive abilities—traits that could dramatically raise his ceiling when paired with his offensive skills.
24. Ausar Thompson (Detroit Pistons)—At 22, Thompson is the anchor of one of the league’s best defenses, ranking high in efficiency and points off turnovers. His elite closeout and contesting skills keep opponents at bay, but he must diversify his offensive game. Currently relying heavily on shots near the rim, Thompson's ability to stretch his range will be critical in unlocking his full potential as an all-around threat.
23. Josh Giddey (Chicago Bulls)—This 23-year-old combines impressive versatility with a marked scoring improvement, including a career-high in points and free throw success. Yet, questions remain about his impact in the playoffs; his first postseason was challenging, and continued success in the regular season doesn't guarantee playoff stardom. The next step for Giddey is proving he can translate his offensive efficiency into the postseason, solidifying his role as a winning contributor.
22. Alex Sarr (Washington Wizards)—The 20-year-old center started with a rough summer league, missing all 15 shots, but quickly improved during his rookie season. His shot efficiency has increased, and he’s beginning to realize his potential as a rim protector and floor spacer. To elevate his game, Sarr needs to develop his three-point shooting consistently, which would make him a true two-way presence and a key piece for the Wizards’ future.
21. Jalen Suggs (Orlando Magic)—Despite injury setbacks, Suggs demonstrated his value when healthy, helping Orlando outperform expectations. His defense and versatile playmaking are promising, but staying healthy remains vital. Improving his three-point shooting to near his 2023-24 performance would make him an even more dynamic playmaker and floor spacer.
20. Dyson Daniels (Atlanta Hawks)—Esteemed for his defensive prowess, Daniels was named to the All-NBA Defensive First Team. To take his game to the next level, he must become more assertive offensively, increasing his scoring threat and 3-point attempts. His ongoing development as an offensive force will determine his future star potential.
19. VJ Edgecombe (Philadelphia 76ers)—The 20-year-old rookie has shown flashes of explosiveness and defensive promise. His shot creation and efficiency need refinement, especially ball skills and shot selection. With continued growth, he could become a key component alongside franchise cornerstone Tyrese Maxey.
18. Dylan Harper (San Antonio Spurs)—A 19-year-old rookie with impressive playmaking and scoring versatility, Harper has struggled with his shooting efficiency but displays craftiness around the rim. Improving his three-point consistency will be crucial for him to realize his star potential.
17. Kon Knueppel (Charlotte Hornets)—Leading all rookies in scoring and attempting a record number of threes for a first-year player, Knueppel is already setting himself apart. To truly evolve into a complete offensive weapon, he needs to develop his playmaking ability and defensive versatility.
16. Stephon Castle (San Antonio Spurs)—Evidence of a second-year leap, Castle excelled as a playmaker last season and has improved his shooting efficiency. To ascend further, he needs to become a more reliable perimeter threat, forcing defenses to respect his outside shot.
15. Deni Avdija (Portland Trail Blazers)—A transformative acquisition for Portland, Avdija has surged to average nearly 26 points per game. Consistency will be key; maintaining this level of production beyond a single season could cement his status as a franchise cornerstone.
14. Jalen Duren (Detroit Pistons)—Emerging as a promising center, Duren’s rebounding and scoring have skyrocketed, placing him among the league’s most efficient young bigs. Enhancing his passing and playmaking, inspired by Jokic or Sengun, will elevate his impact.
13. Paolo Banchero (Orlando Magic)—The former Rookie of the Year and top draft pick possesses a high ceiling, evidenced by his playoff performance. However, his scoring efficiency and shooting percentages need improvement to maximize his potential as the team’s primary scorer.
12. Franz Wagner (Orlando Magic)—A consistent offensive threat, Wagner’s recent high ankle sprain temporarily slowed his momentum. To climb into the elite level, he must become a consistent threat from beyond the arc—turning his free-throw shooting into a reliable three-point stroke.
11. Scottie Barnes (Toronto Raptors)—A versatile forward whose improvement in shooting across the board has been impressive. Yet, his true value lies in his defensive versatility. Proving himself in high-stakes playoff moments will determine if he can ascend to the upper tier of future stars.
10. Jalen Johnson (Atlanta Hawks)—Despite injury setbacks, Johnson has demonstrated his ability as a statistical all-rounder, with career highs in scoring, rebounding, and assists. To reach the next level, he must refine his decision-making to reduce turnovers and become a more efficient offensive centerpiece.
9. Chet Holmgren (Oklahoma City Thunder)—A defensive prodigy, Holmgren’s shot-blocking and rim protection are elite. His offensive game is rapidly developing, but maintaining health is vital; injuries have limited him to just over half of his games so far. Staying on the court long-term is essential for him to fully realize his promise.
8. Cooper Flagg (Dallas Mavericks)—An 18-year-old with a mature game, Flagg’s early-season struggles gave way to impressive stats, comparable only to legends like LeBron James at his age. As he continues to develop physically and offensively, especially in shooting, he could become a franchise cornerstone for the Mavericks.
7. Evan Mobley (Cleveland Cavaliers)—A two-way force and previous Defensive Player of the Year candidate, Mobley’s shot efficiency has dipped slightly, but his scoring and playmaking are trending upward. Optimally, a move to full-time center could amplify his defensive presence and overall impact.
6. Amen Thompson (Houston Rockets)—A dynamic two-way guard, Thompson excels at disrupting offenses and creating plays. Improving his three-point shooting remains a top priority to unlock his offensive ceiling and make him a true offensive and defensive threat.
5. Alperen Sengun (Houston Rockets)—An underrated playmaker with a burgeoning offensive game, Sengun is a prime candidate for further growth. Consistency and midrange shooting improvements could turn him into a perennial All-Star.
4. Jalen Williams (Oklahoma City Thunder)—A standout in the NBA Finals, Williams’ resilience after returning from injury underscores his value. Continued development as a shooter and playmaker will determine if he can sustain this high level and lead the next generation of NBA stars.
3. Cade Cunningham (Detroit Pistons)—A prolific scorer and playmaker, Cunningham’s challenge remains limiting turnovers, which have hindered his efficiency. Addressing this issue could push him into true superstardom.
2. Anthony Edwards (Minnesota Timberwolves)—A top-tier scorer with an improved efficiency and deep shooting range, Edwards is already making a case as a superstar. The next step is enhancing his playmaking, as he’s currently one of the league’s least assist contributors among the top scorers.
1. Victor Wembanyama (San Antonio Spurs)—No surprises here: Wembanyama continues to live up to the hype, combining towering defensive presence with offensive versatility. His health remains the only potential roadblock, but with ongoing development of his offensive repertoire—potentially akin to Durant’s midrange mastery—he’s poised to dominate for years to come.
And this is the part most people miss... The future of the NBA isn’t just about raw talent; it’s about how these players develop specific skills, adapt to increased competition, and sustain their health over lengthy careers. Do you agree with this list? Who do you think is overrated or underrated? Sound off below—discussion is what fuels the next generation of NBA greatness.
