The future of the NBA is looking more bright as each season moves forward. Young stars are entering the league at a more rapid pace than they have in the past and the competition between teams looks to be intriguing going into next decade.
So let’s take a look at the top 5 players (20 years old or younger) who could potentially change the direction of the NBA and who are potential superstars moving forward.
5. Ja Morant
I’ve been saying this since the offseason: Ja Morant has the potential to be the best young point guard to enter the NBA in a very long time.
His court vision has improved dramatically in his sophomore season for Murray State and he could (and should in my opinion) be a top 5 pick in the 2019 draft.
His IQ on the court is beyond his years and we have not seen a point guard in a draft class to match his all-around game since Russell Westbrook over 10 years ago. Whichever team gets this young stud muffin next June will be receiving a major prize.
4. Zion Williamson
Although he is not in the league yet, he absolutely deserves a mention. Zion is a transcendent talent which the league has never seen before.
With ridiculous athleticism, size, and surprising IQ on the floor whoever wins the lottery will have a unique situation on their hands.
I believe Zion would be the most exciting in Phoenix or Atlanta. Those teams have struggled this year but mixing Mr. Williamson with the other young players on these two franchise’s will lead to ticket sales and could lead to a potential dynasty next decade.
3. Jayson Tatum
Still just 20 years old, although Tatum’s play has not been as flashy as during his rookie season the trajectory towards his future is trending up.
He’s nearly at the efficiency he was last year despite a higher volume of shots, and although his game is not spectacular when watching him play he consistently gets the job done and looks to be the Celtics star of the future.
As Boston continues to have success going forward and Tatum continues to get better, I can see him not being well-liked among the majority of NBA fans. Not because his personality isn’t pleasant but simply because he’s going to get the job done to help the Celtics continue winning.
2. Jaren Jackson Jr.
As a lifelong Grizzlies fan, Jaren Jackson Jr. potentially saved the franchise long term. The front office is inept and many prospects were scared to even play for this team last draft.
With the 4th pick, Chris Wallace and company saw a bright future for this young man (who is still a teenager) and convinced him that everything would be okay.
The Grizzlies are a mess (despite a 16-15 record, the Brooks saga says it all) but the only young prospects in the last 25 years who can compare with JJJ’s skillset are Anthony Davis and Kevin Garnett.
He will still only be 20 years old all of next season and he already looks far ahead of the curve than was expected. I am very excited for his future, as for the rest of the team I’m not so sure.
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1. Luka Doncic
This Slovenian Strawberry Stud Muffin has been exceptional in his rookie season so far. Making clutch plays, the leader of this Mavericks team as just a teenager, and with an international draw, the future is looking very bright for Luka.
As the season has progressed he is looking more and more comfortable and I have him as the 36th best player in the NBA already (with a potential to move up even more by the end of the season).
Trading for Luka Doncic has changed the direction of Dallas going forward and the Mavericks have a potential superstar on their hands.
