The anticipation for the 2024-25 NBA season is palpable as fans and analysts alike turn their focus towards the league’s most promising talents. Among them is Victor Wembanyama, a player whose impact is expected to be nothing short of revolutionary. At 20 years old, Wembanyama has already secured the 12th spot in the overall ranking, an impressive feat for someone so early in their career. His post-All-Star break performance speaks volumes: 23.5 points, 12 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 4.5 blocks, and 1.5 steals per game. 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."
Victor’s emergence in the league sets the stage for a dynamic and competitive season. Another young star making waves is Jalen Green, who at 22 years old holds the 92nd spot in the Top 100. Green's athleticism and talent have not gone unnoticed. Jack Maloney describes him as "supremely talented and an unbelievable athlete, even by NBA standards." This season will be crucial for Green as he aims to climb higher in the rankings and establish himself further as a key player for his team.
Equally intriguing is the ranking shuffle among rising stars. Jabari Smith Jr. sits at the 100th spot, while Dereck Lively II is slightly ahead at 90th. At 21 years old, Jonathan Kuminga is ranked 83rd. The Golden State Warriors have great expectations for Kuminga; as Brad Botkin highlights, "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."
Jalen Johnson, who occupies the 80th spot, and Brandon Miller, positioned at 66th, are also players to watch. The mid-tiers of the rankings are occupied by future stars such as Cade Cunningham and Alperen Sengun. Cunningham, ranked 49th, is poised for a breakout season. "With a new coach, Cunningham can build upon last season and gain more attention," says Jasmyn Wimbish. Wimbish continues, "He's on a career trajectory to be a mainstay at the All-Star Game."
Alperen Sengun, just two spots ahead at 47th, continues to develop into a formidable force on the court. Meanwhile, Chet Holmgren, who ranks 30th, and Paolo Banchero, at 29th, promise to shake things up as they inch closer to the top ranks. Banchero, in particular, has already made significant strides by earning 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 notes.
This influx of youthful talent marks an exciting era for the NBA. These young stars bring with them not only skill but a level of determination and ambition that is set to redefine the league. As James Herbert succinctly states, "The ceiling is incredibly high." Each game, each play will be a step towards greatness for these players as they carve out their legacies in the annals of basketball history.
The upcoming NBA season promises to be a milestone in showcasing the evolution of the sport. As players like Victor Wembanyama and Paolo Banchero demonstrate their prowess, the landscape of professional basketball is poised for thrilling transformations. Fans and analysts eagerly await the performance of these young stars, knowing they are witnessing the emergence of potentially the next generation of NBA legends.