The Hoopnotions 25 Under 25
Think of this as one of those off-brand Forbes things. The Hoopnotions 25 under 25 aims to find the best youngsters in the game right now.
The future of the NBA is in good hands. In recent years, the influx of young talent into the NBA has been astonishing. Today, I’m trying to find the 25 best players under 25 in the NBA. I will be doing these rankings based on two things;
- What they’ve shown as a player so far
- Future Potential / Who Would I Want On My Team?
Without further ado, I present to you, the Hoopnotions 25 Under 25.
#25 – Josh Giddey (OKC)
Age: 19.8
2022 Stats: 12.5 pts ~ 7.8 rebs~ 6.4 asts ~ 48% TS
Josh Giddey’s herky-jerky ball-handling and mesmerizing passing made him one of my favorite rookies last season. Sure, he needs a lot of developing, but he’s a tantalizing playmaker with the ball in his hands.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and him make an interesting duo. Shai was better when Giddey missed end of last season. However, the idea of these two working together is one I’m still on board with.
Now, it’s time to build on that rookie campaign. An improvement in shooting is needed for Giddey to take that next step as an offensive creator. I’m sure he can do better than 26% from the 3-PT line and 38% from mid-range.
#24 – RJ Barrett (New York)
Age: 22.1
2022 Stats: 20.0 pts ~ 5.8 rebs ~ 51% TS
RJ Barrett, in solidarity with the rest of his team, regressed in 2022. Most notably, he went from shooting 40% to 34% from 3 from 2021 to 2022. On top of that, he posted a -1.3 defensive box plus/minus.
It’s safe to say that it wasn’t Barrett’s finest hour. And it seems that the rest of the league agrees that he’s not worth a max extension. I agree with them, given that Barrett has hardly improved after three seasons.
While Barrett has the size and ball-handling skills to be a two-way dynamo, he just hasn’t shown it in the NBA. 2023 represents a make or break year from Barrett and his future with not only the Knicks, but the league.
#23 – John Collins (Atlanta)
Age: 24.8
2022 Stats: 16.2 pts ~ 7.8 rebs ~ 61% TS
John Collins is stuck in NBA purgatory. Despite being a solid two-way, rim-smashing forward for the Hawks, he’s not getting any love. The Hawks have tried to move him numerous times over the past few seasons.
The thing about Collins is that I don’t see him getting much better than he currently is, which is fine. There aren’t too many forwards in the NBA who can shoot 38% from 3-PT range and defend multiple positions.
One thing I’m looking for this season is Collins’ offensive utilization in Atlanta. With Dejounte Murray coming to town, will that mean more opportunities for Collins? Or, as with the last three seasons, will his field goal attempts and points decrease?
#22 – Franz Wagner (Orlando)
Age: 20.9
2022 Stats: 15.2 pts ~ 4.6 rebs ~ 56% TS
Despite being one of the younger draftees in 2021, Wagner showed, once more, that international players are built different. Yes, Wagner did slow down as the season progressed. But, he showed that he fits the ‘jack of all trades’ forward role in the NBA.
The most surprising thing about Wagner’s rookie season was his shooting. Not billed as a shooter coming out of Michigan, he still shot 35% from outside. Add in his 2.9 assists, and you’ve got the blueprint for the modern NBA forward.
In 2023, I’m hoping that Wagner builds on what he did last year. Hopefully, Orlando indulges him by using him more. I’m also interested to see his new dynamic with Paolo Banchero. He might have to help Banchero drive around, though.
#21 – Jalen Green (Houston)
Age: 20.4
2022 Stats: 17.3 pts ~ 55% TS
I’m not the biggest Jalen Green fan. In my mind, a one-sided scorer doesn’t bring much to the table. Players need to be multi-dimensional and ever-changing to stick in the NBA. Coming into the league, Jalen Green was a scorer and just that.
Through his rookie season, nothing has changed. After a slow start, Green had an Anthony Edwards-like scoring boom in the second half of the season. I liked his aggressiveness and shot selection. And I would be lying if I said Green wasn’t fun to watch.
But similar to Edwards, Green has to show growth in other areas to impress me. I know you can score. Great. What else?
#20 – Tyrese Maxey (Philadelphia)
Age: 21.6
2022 Stats: 17.5 pts ~ 4.3 asts ~ 59% TS
Tyrese Maxey turned into Philly’s quintessential second option last season. His blend of speed, agility, and ball-handling make him a blur on the court. Fueled by his sizzling 43% 3-PT shooting, Maxey more than doubled his scoring average to 17.5 points a night.
Tobias Harris and James Harden are supposed to be Joel Embiid’s support. They’re supposed to carry the load every night. Instead, it’s Maxey. Funny how that works.
Maxey’s lack of size makes him a defensive target. But, his scoring ability is second to none. I doubt he’ll ever become an All-Star – given how Philly is run through Joel Embiid. The question for Maxey isn’t necessarily in development, it’s in consistency for a contending team.
#19 – Jaren Jackson Jr. (Memphis)
Age: 22.8
2022 Stats: 16.3 pts ~ 5.8 rebs ~ 2.3 blocks ~ 54% TS
If not for foul trouble, Jaren Jackson Jr. would be higher on this list. Still, when healthy, he’s one of the better two-way bigs in the league. In his first full season back from his ACL tear from the bubble, JJJ led the NBA in blocks and made his first all-defensive team.
But Jackson is someone who should be higher on this list. He just hasn’t reached his potential yet, which is so frustrating. So, why isn’t JJJ reaching his potential? It’s pretty simple, really.
For starters, his shooting touch is gone. It may have something to do with his shooting form, which looks more like a heave than a shot. Jackson went from shooting 39% from three in 2020 to 32% last year. And, of course, the foul trouble.
You can’t be successful if you average 3.5 fouls per game. Jackson just takes himself out of games with silly fouls. In my mind, Memphis needs JJJ to clean up his act to reach contending status in the west.
#18 – De’Aaron Fox (Sacramento)
Age: 24.6
2022 Stats: 23.2 pts ~ 5.6 asts ~ 55% TS
De’Aaron Fox is the most confusing player in the league. At his best, he looks like a franchise point guard. At his worst, he’s unusable. After an explosive 2021, it took a Tyrese Haliburton trade to unlock that same scoring to end 2022.
Fox isn’t your average point guard. He’s like Russell Westbrook in a lot of ways. Neither of them can shoot, but they’re pretty good at running the offense. Most point guards who’ve done this over the past three seasons deserve more recognition, right?;
De’Aaron Fox Over The Past Three Seasons
23.2 points ~ 6.5 assists ~ 1.4 steals ~ 56% TS ~ 2.0 OBPM
Here’s the thing with De’Aaron Fox. While he’s good, I don’t think he’s a real game-changer. He’s not a special playmaker or shooter. A lot of his success can be attributed to a high usage rate. In the modern NBA, he’s not what you want in a point guard. I’m sure he’ll put up good numbers again this season, but he may be one of those empty stats guys.
Now, you’ll have to wait and see just how high I put Haliburton on this list.
(spoiler alert: pretty high)
#17 – Desmond Bane (Memphis)
Age: 24.1
2022 Stats: 18.2 pts ~ 44% 3-PT ~ 59% TS
Desmond Bane is the model role player in the NBA. The beefy wing transformed into a weapon for the Grizzlies this past season. Bane shot a ridiculous 43.6% from 3, making him one of the more prolific gunners in the league.
His improvements off the dribble and defensively were also a welcome sight. With Dillon Brooks battling injuries and inconsistent play, it seems that Bane has usurped his role in Memphis.
Bane now serves as Ja Morant’s most reliable second option. For a Grizzlies team on the rise, we’re going to see plenty more of him in the future.
#16 – Deandre Ayton (Phoenix)
Age: 24.0
2022 Stats: 17.2 pts ~ 10.2 rebs ~ 2.8 BPM ~ 66% TS
The Phoenix Suns may not like Deandre Ayton, but I sure do. After they reluctantly resigned him for four seasons this offseason, it seems like Ayton can go back to what he does best. Playing solid on both ends.
Deandre Ayton doesn’t stand out. His numbers aren’t eye-popping, and it’s easy to focus on his fellow co-stars. That’s not to say that he isn’t valuable, however. Quite the opposite, in fact.
Ayton’s combination of soft hands down low, excellent offensive rebounding, and steady defense make him one of the best centers in the NBA. So, the Phoenix Suns may not appreciate everything he brings to the table, but make no mistake, Deandre Ayton is one of the best centers in the league.
#15 – Jarrett Allen (Cleveland)
Age: 24.3
2022 Stats: 16.1 pts ~ 10.8 rebs ~ 3.9 BPM ~ 70% TS
Now, as much as I love Deandre Ayton, Jarrett Allen is better. Not only is he on a cheaper contract, but he’s also not just a good defender – he’s elite. And that’s what separates him from Ayton. That and the afro.
Since becoming a Cavalier, Allen has been at the forefront of a rapidly improving Cavs team. Allen’s frontcourt tandem with Evan Mobley is one of the finest in basketball.
Alongside Darius Garland, Allen should continue his production for years to come. And to think some people didn’t like his extension last year. Couldn’t have been me.
#14 – Robert Williams (Boston)
Age: 24.8
2022 Stats: 10.0 pts ~ 9.6 rebs ~ 2.2 blocks ~ 5.5 BPM ~ 75% TS
Why did I put Robert Williams over both Allen and Ayton? Well, it’s simple. He’s the best defender out of the bunch and the best playmaker.
It also doesn’t hurt that Williams is one of the best value contracts in the NBA. Last season, he produced 5.5 BPM. Boston paid him just $3.6 million dollars. Over the next four seasons, they’ll pay him just $48 million. Steal.
Williams’s versatility on defense is second to none. Boston uses him wonderfully as a vertical threat. Plus, he’s one of the better playmaking bigs in the league. If not for injuries in the postseason, who knows what Boston could have done?
#13 – Anthony Edwards (Minnesota)
Age: 20.9
2022 Stats: 21.3 pts ~ 2.1 stocks ~ 56% TS
It’s impressive that Anthony Edwards is this good at his second job. I mean, an actor and a basketball player? Save some for the rest of us, Ant.
In all seriousness, Edwards is one of the most exciting players in the league. His bullish downhill game combined with his unreal athleticism isn’t fair. You can’t stop him when he puts his head down.
In his second season, Edwards improved his efficiency and decision-making. I’m hoping he can continue to do that in his third season. Having Rudy Gobert down low makes it easier to play defense. Maybe that opens things up for Edwards offensively.
#12 – Scottie Barnes (Toronto)
Age: 20.9
2022 Stats: 15.3 pts ~ 7.5 rebs ~ 1.8 stocks ~ 55% TS
I wasn’t a fan when the Raptors took Barnes over Suggs in the 2021 NBA Draft. Barnes had a higher ceiling, but he was rawer than sushi coming out of Florida State. It turns out that Masai Ujiri knows his sushi.
Barnes was a one-man wrecking crew last season. His length and mobility make him a true 1-5 defender in the NBA. Barnes was also very inventive in finding ways to score. Cuts and offensive rebounds were where the bulk of his production came from.
Now, it’s time to add that jump shot.
#11 – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (OKC)
Age: 24.0
2022 Stats: 24.5 pts ~ 5.0 rebs ~ 5.9 asts ~ 2.1 stocks ~ 3.4 BPM ~ 56% TS
The Thunder shut down SGA for a reason. With him, they wouldn’t be able to tank. While he’s played just 59% of games in the last two seasons, SGA is as good as it gets. His fluid handle and creativity make him one of the best young assets in the league.
In 2021, this is what SGA did in just 35 games;
23.7 points ~ 5.9 assists ~ 4.7 rebounds ~ 51% FG ~ 42% 3-PT ~ 81% FT
Of course, the majority of the league doesn’t know how good this guy is. It’s hard to watch the OKC Thunder if you’re not a die-hard basketball fan or an incel. Hopefully, SGA can stay healthy this season and show the world just how good he is.
#10 – Darius Garland (Cleveland)
Age: 22.5
2022 Stats: 21.7 pts ~ 8.6 asts ~ 58% TS
I don’t think Darius Garland is better than SGA. But, there’s something to be said about durability. Garland played just five college games but has been pretty healthy as a pro. And it also helps that he’s on a winning team.
Last season, Garland was the catalyst for Cleveland’s breakout season. He became a first-time All-Star, facilitating the Cavs’ lethal frontcourt. But, the most impressive thing Garland did was become more efficient.
Despite taking nearly two and a half more shots per game, Garland increased his FG%. On top of that, he shot 38% from beyond the arc on nearly seven attempts per game. The last thing he can do to improve is cutting down on turnovers.
#9 – Lamelo Ball (Charlotte)
Age: 20.9
2022 Stats: 20.1 pts ~ 6.7 rebs ~ 7.6 asts ~ 1.6 steals ~ 55% TS
Ok. Look. Let me explain myself. I can’t deny that Lamelo Ball isn’t exciting to watch. He is. It’s like watching Spider-Man and seeing Peter Parker learn to use his abilities for the first time (shoutout Tobey Maguire).
I’m not saying that Lamelo Ball isn’t a good player. You don’t become an All-Star by accident unless you’re Dana Barros. But I just haven’t seen that much improvement from Ball so far.
Most notably, Ball continues to struggle to score inside the arc. In 2022, he shot just 54% in the restricted area. Nearly 45% of Ball’s field goals last season were from beyond the arc. While that’s not a huge problem, he’ll have to become better from two-point land to take that next step as a scoring threat.
#8 – Tyrese Haliburton (Indiana)
Age: 22.4
2022 Stats: 15.3 pts ~ 8.2 asts ~ 2.3 stocks ~ 60% TS
I was the biggest Tyrese Haliburton fan leading up to the 2020 NBA Draft. A couple years later and I’m reaping the rewards. The Sacramento Kings may not appreciate him, but rest assured, I do.
Haliburton is the ideal NBA point guard. He’s a pass-first guy who isn’t always looking for his own shot. But, when he wants to score, he’s efficient and precise. In recent years, the point guard position has gone through a scoring boom.
But, Haliburton is a hybrid. His playstyle is akin to late greats like Dennis Johnson and Mark Price. Guys who knew their role and played it to a T. And now, we’ll laugh at the Kings for the next decade for giving this guy up.
#7 – Zion Williamson (New Orleans)
Age: 22.0
2021 Stats: 27.0 pts ~ 7.2 rebs ~ 65% TS
Zion Williamson’s career has had its ups and downs. Sure, the injuries are extremely worrying. And yes, his new contract has a pretty funny stipulation about his weight. But, when he plays, no one can deny his talent.
In his one full season of action, Williamson averaged 27 points and 7 boards a night on 61% shooting from the field. Those numbers have never been put up in a single season, ever.
For a Pelicans team on the rise, Williamson could be the piece that pushes them into the realm of perennial playoff participants in the West. I know there’s a lot of uncertainty around him, but I’m hoping that Zion can re-assert himself as one of the game’s best.
#6 – Cade Cunningham (Detroit)
Age: 20.8
2022 Stats: 17.4 pts ~ 5.5 rebs ~ 5.6 asts ~ 1.9 stocks ~ 50% TS
Last season, Detroit’s roster was one of the worst in basketball. That’s why it’s impressive that Cunningham was as effective as he was. He ended the season with the ball in his hands more. There, he flashed his floor general prowess.
Cunningham is a bulldog – mowing through defenders as he powers to the rim. Improving his inconsistent outside shot would make him more of a threat. But, scoring aside, Cade makes his teammates better.
And Detroit just gave him Jalen Duren and Jaden Ivey, giving him some much-needed weapons. Expect big things from both the Pistons and Cunningham this season.
#5 – Evan Mobley (Cleveland)
Age: 21.1
2022 Stats: 15.0 pts ~ 8.3 rebs ~ 2.5 stocks ~ 1.5 DBPM ~ 55% TS
I did it. I did it. So what? What’re you going to do about it? Yeah. That’s what I thought.
Mobley was another 2021 prospect that I fell in love with. But, even I couldn’t have foreseen what his rookie season would be. From the jump, Mobley established himself as one of the league’s best defenders. Not only was he an elite shot-blocker, he could stay with guards on the perimeter.
Heading into year two, I’m hoping Mobley adds to his offensive repertoire. Adding some lower body strength would go a long way. So would a jump shot, but I may be getting ahead of myself.
Or am I?
#4 – Ja Morant (Memphis)
Age: 22.9
2022 Stats: 27.4 pts ~ 5.7 rebs ~ 6.7 asts ~ 58% TS ~ 25 missed games
Ja Morant officially broke out in 2022. On top of his mystifying athleticism, Morant turned into one of the best scoring threats in the league. The NBA has never seen a player with Morant’s tenacity at getting to the rim.
But, for once, Morant was also able to burn defenses from outside. And that’s why he was so effective last season. Now, as much as I love Morant, I can still point out his flaws. His defense leaves a lot to be desired, and, as always, he’s at constant risk of injury with his sometimes reckless leaps.
The Grizzlies were perfectly fine without Morant during the regular season. They were not fine, however, in the postseason. And that’s where Morant’s real value is to this team. When the going gets tough, you need a killer like Morant on your side.
#3 – Trae Young (Atlanta)
Age: 23.8
2022 Stats: 28.4 pts ~ 9.7 asts ~ 7.1 BPM ~ 60% TS
Trae Young and Ja Morant are neck and neck in terms of value. One may argue that Young is more talented offensively than Morant, but hey, I’m a sucker for explosive dunks. What can I say?
So, why is Young landing one spot ahead of Morant? Well, for one, he’s a lot more durable. While Morant missed 25 games last season, Young missed just six. Ja has also never played more than 70 games in a regular season. Young has done this twice.
Availability is the best ability. It’s also worth mentioning that, yes, Young is a better offensive threat than Ja Morant. You don’t lead the NBA in points and assists by accident. Adding some defense couldn’t hurt though, you know?
#2 – Jayson Tatum (Boston)
Age: 24.3 (19)
2022 Stats: 26.9 pts ~ 8.0 rebs ~ 4.9 BPM ~ 58% TS
For six months, Jayson Tatum was at his best while simultaneously being at his worst. Tatum’s meteoric rise coincided with the Celtics rapidly turning into contenders. Tatum was perhaps the reason the Celtics lost in the Finals. But he’s also the reason they got there in the first place.
Sure, he set an all-time playoffs record in turnovers. He also scored 46 points on the road against the defending champions to force a game 7. All in all, it was a mixed bag. But it was the best we’d ever seen out of Tatum…so far.
His scoring and defense won’t ever be questioned. The next step for Tatum will be his playmaking / decision making. Golden State knew how to pressure him and force him into ill-advised passed. Becoming better at handling said pressure will be key for Tatum going forward.
#1 – Luka Doncic (Dallas)
Age: 23.4
2022 Stats: 28.4 pts ~ 9.1 rebs ~ 8.7 asts ~ 8.2 BPM ~ 57% TS
Duh
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