The excitement around the 2024-25 NBA season is building, and a fresh crop of young talent is poised to make their mark in the league. Amongst these promising stars, Victor Wembanyama stands out, not just for his ranking but also for his jaw-dropping post-All-Star break performance last season.
At just 20 years old, Wembanyama has secured the 12th spot in the overall ranking. His impressive stats of 23.5 points, 12 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 4.5 blocks, and 1.5 steals per game post-All-Star break underline his multifaceted gameplay. As Sam Quinn aptly puts it, "We're not just talking about the next great NBA player here. We're talking about the sort of player this sport has never seen, the next step in its evolution."
Emerging Talent
Jabari Smith Jr. and Jalen Green are also turning heads. Smith Jr., ranked at 100, is the lowest on this year's list but shows promise. Green, on the other hand, is not just another name on the list; he occupies the 92nd position. "Green is supremely talented and an unbelievable athlete, even by NBA standards," says Jack Maloney. At 22 years old, Green has already made significant strides and is looking to climb higher on the charts.
Dereck Lively II, at 90th, and Jonathan Kuminga, at 83rd, further showcase the league's depth of young talent. Kuminga, who is 21, has the Golden State Warriors betting on him big time. Brad Botkin notes, "The Warriors have all resisted Kuminga as a trade chip, believing he can be not just a future tentpole but a key piece of a team that still believes it can make one last run at honest contention." Jasyn Wimbish further adds, "He regularly posts the highest plus-minus on the Mavericks," indicating his value on the court.
Rising Stars
Moving up the rankings, Jalen Johnson stands out at the 80th spot, with Brandon Miller at 66th. Then there's Cade Cunningham, whose ranking at 49 promises a bright future. "With a new coach, Cunningham can build upon last season and gain more attention," says Wimbish, emphasizing the potential for growth and increased visibility.
Alperen Sengun, ranked 47th, and Chet Holmgren, at 30th, highlight the depth of young international talent making waves in the NBA. Holmgren's game has been particularly intriguing, and his high ranking indicates a strong backing from fans and analysts alike.
The Paolo Banchero Phenomenon
One of the most remarkable stories is that of Paolo Banchero, who occupies the 29th spot. Banchero's recent accolades include winning the Rookie of the Year title and leading Orlando to its first playoff appearance in four years. "He earned his first All-Star nod and led Orlando to its first playoff appearance in four years," Wimbish points out, underlining his immediate impact on the league.
James Herbert sums up the excitement surrounding these young phenoms, stating, "The ceiling is incredibly high." As these players continue to develop, the league can expect to see new records shattered and the game itself evolve.
As we look ahead to the 2024-25 NBA season, the focus will inevitably be on how these young players live up to their potential and expectations. For fans, analysts, and the players themselves, the upcoming season promises a thrilling showcase of emerging talent, strategic prowess, and unforgettable moments.