Every NBA Team’s Best Player In 5 Years

• The NBA can dramatically change in five years with regard to talent and playing style

• Most of the NBA’s current top stars will not be in the league anymore

• The future of the league lies in the hands of the best young stars in the world

The landscape of the NBA is ever-evolving, with players rising and falling in prominence, teams undergoing transformations, and dynasties taking shape and dissolving. 

As fans and analysts, we constantly speculate about the future of the league, pondering who will rise to become the face of each franchise. The NBA’s “best player” is a title that carries immense weight, and projecting each team’s best player in five years is an enticing exercise in foresight.

In this article, we embark on a journey into the future, where we’ll attempt to forecast the brightest stars of the NBA’s landscape half a decade from today. 

From the established superstars to the emerging phenoms, every NBA team is poised for change, and the crystal ball of speculation is our guide as we explore who might be each franchise’s “best player” in the year 2028. 

Buckle up, basketball enthusiasts, as we embark on this intriguing journey through the NBA’s future stars and the potential transformations that lie ahead.

Atlanta Hawks – Trae Young

Trae Young’s trajectory as the best player for the Atlanta Hawks in five years looks promising. At just 24 years old, Young possesses a versatile skillset that includes exceptional scoring abilities, superb court vision, and outstanding passing skills. 

In his career which has spanned five years, he is averaging 25.5 points and 9.3 assists per game.

With his youth, he is yet to reach his peak, offering ample room for growth and development. While he might never be an elite defender, he can improve his shot selection and shoot more than the 43.7% he is averaging for his career. 

While unforeseen developments can always shape the NBA landscape, Trae Young’s current trajectory positions him as a strong candidate for this coveted role within the Atlanta Hawks.

Boston Celtics – Jayson Tatum

Jayson Tatum, selected by the Boston Celtics with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, quickly established himself as one of the team’s franchise cornerstones. 

Tatum’s strengths included his scoring ability, versatility, and exceptional athleticism as a 6’8” forward. He had developed into an elite scorer, capable of putting up points from beyond the arc, mid-range, and around the rim.

This past season, Tatum had the best production of his career by posting 30.1 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game on 35.0% shooting from the three-point line. 

Tatum is already the best player for a Celtics team that made the Finals in 2022 and being a franchise cornerstone so soon has elevated his game tremendously which is why he will be one of the top-five players in the world in five years.

Brooklyn Nets – Mikal Bridges

Mikal Bridges has important postseason experience on his resume. Mikal Bridges was a young and promising small forward known for his defensive prowess, three-point shooting, and versatility on the court. 

He was an integral part of the Suns’ roster, contributing to their playoff run in the 2020-21 season, where they reached the NBA Finals.

Since arriving in Brooklyn, Bridges has elevated his game by averaging 26.1 points and 4.5 rebounds per game over the 27 games played. 

An elite defender turned into a solid go-to scorer, Bridges will be the franchise player for the Nets over the next five years as he is only 27 years old.

Charlotte Hornets – LaMelo Ball

One of the most promising players today, LaMelo Ball was selected by the Charlotte Hornets with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. LaMelo quickly made an impact in the league with his exceptional passing skills, court vision, and basketball IQ. 

He was known for his ability to create scoring opportunities for his teammates and was regarded as one of the most exciting young prospects in the NBA.

In his rookie season, LaMelo Ball had demonstrated his potential to be a future star in the league. 

He was a key part of the Hornets’ future plans, and his development was closely followed by fans and analysts alike. Since his Rookie of the Year campaign, Ball has made the 2021-22 All-Star Team with many more to come.

Chicago Bulls – Patrick Williams

The Chicago Bulls have a core of DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine, but both of these players might not be on the roster going forward.

 DeRozan is 34 years old, LaVine is 28 years old, and each of the stars is currently being shopped in the trade market. That means based on the current roster, Patrick Williams is their best talent.

Williams is currently 22 years old, and as the No. 4 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, the forward is skilled on both ends of the court and will only improve. 

He is averaging only 9.7 points per game over his career, but only played 17 games in the 2022 season and is only three years into his career. By the time he is 27 years old, Williams will be a strong starting-caliber player for the Chicago Bulls.

Cleveland Cavaliers – Evan Mobley

Evan Mobley was a highly touted rookie who had been selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. 

Mobley was known for his versatility and skill set as a forward/center, and he was expected to be a key part of the Cavaliers’ rebuilding efforts almost immediately.

Mobley’s strengths include his shot-blocking ability, athleticism, ball-handling skills for a player of his size, and the potential to impact both ends of the floor. 

While not an All-Star yet, Mobley has made the 2022-23 All-Defensive Team and looks to be in the running for a Defensive Player of the Year very soon. By the time the center is 27 years old, he will be a bonafide two-way All-Star.

Dallas Mavericks – Luka Doncic

Luka Doncic has a chance to be the best player in the world in five seasons. 

In just his first few seasons in the league, Luka Doncic had earned four All-Star and four All-NBA selections and was considered one of the top young talents with the potential to lead the Mavericks to championship contention as he already has a Western Conference Finals appearance to his resume.

One of the best international players of all time already, Doncic can carry a franchise on his back through elite skill and size as a 6’7” point-forward. 

He can play on the court in any format and position because he is simply that skilled when it comes to impacting the game. In five seasons, expect Doncic to have a regular-season MVP and a total of nine All-Star appearances to his name.

Denver Nuggets – Nikola Jokic

What has been said about Nikola Jokic that hasn’t been said already? The two-time MVP and reigning NBA champion is one of the most uniquely skilled big men ever and an all-time great passer at the center spot. 

Over his eight-year career, Jokic has amassed five All-Star and five All-NBA Team selections along with his MVP awards.

We might never see a player of Jokic’s build and lack of athleticism who can impact the game through passing again. He is simply unstoppable in the NBA because you can’t foul him or else he shoots over 80% from the stripe over his career. 

From three, he is near 35%. At 6’11” and 284 lbs, he is also immovable inside. By the time he is 33 years old, he will still be the man in Denver.

Detroit Pistons – Cade Cunningham

Selected by the Detroit Pistons with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, Cade Cunningham was widely regarded as one of the top prospects in his draft class.

A versatile and skilled guard, Cade is known for his scoring, ball-handling skills, and basketball IQ even as a young player with two seasons under his belt.

Cunningham is averaging 17.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game over his career and is only 21 years old. 

The point guard is good enough to be a cornerstone for the Detroit Pistons and he can impact the game in many ways by the time he is 26 years old, which still does not indicate his prime which is good for his franchise.

Golden State Warriors – Jonathan Kuminga

Jonathan Kuminga was a promising young player who had been selected by the Golden State Warriors with the No. 7 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. Kuminga, originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo, was considered one of the top prospects in his draft class.

Kuminga has the tools to develop into a strong two-way player and was seen as a valuable addition to the Warriors’ roster, which had been looking to add young talent to complement their established core. 

He has only averaged 18.8 minutes per game over his career so far, but by the time Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green are retired, he will be the man in Golden State.

Houston Rockets – Alperen Sengun

Alperen Sengun was a young and promising player who had been selected by the Houston Rockets with the No. 16 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. A strong prospect, Sengun immediately showed low-post scoring ability, rebounding skills, and basketball IQ. 

He was known for his physical presence in the paint and had shown the potential to become a dominant force in the interior.

After averaging 9.6 points and 5.5 rebounds per game in his rookie season, the Turkish center averaged 14.8 points and 9.0 rebounds per game in his second season with the Houston Rockets. 

If he continues this trend, he will be an All-Star in just a few seasons and by five years, will be the go-to player for the Rockets.

Indiana Pacers – Tyrese Haliburton

Selected by the Sacramento Kings with the No. 12 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, Tyrese Haliburton made the All-Rookie Team in his first season. However, for whatever reason, the Kings traded their prospect in his second season to the Indiana Pacers where he has truly blossomed.

In the 2022-23 season, Tyrese Haliburton had an impressive campaign, showcasing his basketball IQ, playmaking ability, and versatility. 

The point guard posted 20.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 10.4 assists per game on 40.0% from the three-point line and made his first All-Star Team, so in five years, he will be even better with more All-Star appearances to his name.

Los Angeles Clippers – Kenyon Martin Jr.

The Los Angeles Clippers just traded for Kenyon Martin Jr. this summer with a deal including the Houston Rockets. Martin Jr. is only 22 years old and will only improve his offensive game because he is a natural shot-blocker and athlete who can sky-high when he leaps into the air.

The small forward is 6’6” tall so he can occupy both the small and power forward positions but the key for Martin Jr. is to develop his outside shot as he is only shooting 34.0% from three over his career.

Considering both Kawhi Leonard and Paul George will be over 36 years old each, this current roster is built for winning immediately which could be a red flag.

Los Angeles Lakers – Austin Reaves

Austin Reaves was an undrafted rookie who had signed a two-way contract with the Los Angeles Lakers for the 2021-22 NBA season after playing college basketball at the University of Oklahoma.

He has literally come out of nowhere thanks to his playmaking and scoring skills, playing a pivotal role in the Lakers’ Western Conference Finals berth last year.

Reaves is a current member of Team USA’s squad in the 2023 FIBA tournament which shows how far he has come. The shooting guard is extremely confident and at only 25 years old, he will be the best player for the Los Angeles Lakers in five years. 

That is amazing to consider since Anthony Davis is nearly 31 years old, but the big man’s body will break down in a few seasons leaving the franchise to Reaves.

Memphis Grizzlies – Ja Morant

Ja Morant, selected by the Memphis Grizzlies with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, quickly emerged as one of the league’s most promising young talents. 

Known for his incredible athleticism, court vision, and scoring ability, Morant has become a fan favorite and a rising star in the league.

During his rookie season, Morant won the NBA Rookie of the Year award and has since made two All-Star Teams and the 2021-22 All-NBA Team. 

As long as he can keep his behavior in check, Morant will be one of the best players in the NBA in five years and also a superstar in his prime who will sell out seats in any arena.

Miami Heat – Tyler Herro

Tyler Herro had quickly gained recognition for his scoring ability, particularly his three-point shooting, which was a significant factor in the Miami Heat’s run to the NBA Finals during the 2019-20 season. 

His strengths include his shooting range, ball-handling skills, and his ability to perform under pressure in clutch situations.

Mainly a sixth man for the Heat who captured Sixth Man of the Year in 2022, Herro is averaging 17.7 points per game on 43.9% from the field, 38.3% from three, and 87.5% from the free-throw line. 

He was seen as a versatile scorer who could contribute both as a starter and coming off the bench. In five years, if Herro isn’t traded, he will become the star of the Heat.

Milwaukee Bucks – Giannis Antetokounmpo

Since becoming an All-Star in his fourth season, Giannis Antetokounmpo has established himself as one of the most dominant and versatile players in the league. 

He is a seven-time NBA All-Star, a two-time NBA Most Valuable Player, and had led the Milwaukee Bucks to an NBA championship in the 2020-21 season.

Giannis’ remarkable journey from a relatively unknown prospect to an NBA superstar has made him a beloved figure not only in Milwaukee but also in the broader basketball community.

Considering arguably the best two-way player in the world is only 28 years old, he will still be a dominant player by the time 2028 rolls around.

Minnesota Timberwolves – Anthony Edwards

Anthony Edwards was a highly promising young player for the Minnesota Timberwolves in the NBA. Edwards, selected by the Minnesota Timberwolves with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, has quickly made a significant impact in the league. 

As of 2023, Edwards averaged a career-high 24.6 points per game and made the All-Star Team. Edwards’ development and progress as a player is closely followed, and he is viewed as one of the rising stars in the NBA. 

His future potential and ability to contribute to the Timberwolves’ success were of significant interest to fans and analysts as he is even the star of Team USA in the 2023 FIBA tournament. No doubt, Edwards will be a superstar by 2028.

New Orleans Pelicans – Zion Williamson

You might criticize Zion Williamson but there is no way a player with his physical gifts and ability will continue missing games every season. 

Eventually, Williamson will get his act together and lose the weight as he approaches legitimate superstardom. When healthy, the former No. 1 overall pick is one of the most impactful players the NBA has seen.

Williamson is already a two-time All-Star with only 114 career games played, meaning he has a chance to be the face of the NBA if he can get his weight under control and find a way to stay healthy. 

It is obvious Zion has not taken his career seriously so far which goes to show the potential he has.

New York Knicks – Jalen Brunson

Julius Randle makes a strong argument for being the player for the Knicks going forward, but that man has to be Jalen Brunson based on his innate leadership qualities. 

In only his first season in New York, Brunson was spectacular by averaging 24.0 points and 6.2 assists per game as he led the team to the second round of the playoffs.

Brunson is quick with his handles, elite at slashing, and is getting better as a primary playmaker. So much so, that Steve Kerr has given Brunson the mantle to be the primary point guard for Team USA.

That is an honorable situation for the 27-year-old, and by the time he is 32 years old, he will be one of the best floor generals in the NBA.

Oklahoma City Thunder – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is an explosive athlete who was a superstar in the 2022-23 season. A bonafide scorer, playmaker, and rebounder, the point guard does everything well on the court and is only getting started. 

He posted 31.4 points per game last year, a remarkable achievement for a 25-year-old.

Gilgeous-Alexander will only get better with young stars around him, and that means Josh Giddey and Chet Holmgren will push the superstar to be even better. 

In five years, we might be looking at one of the top-five players in the world and that is amazing to consider when Giddey and Holmgren will also be All-Stars.

Orlando Magic – Paolo Banchero

The reigning Rookie of the Year, Paolo Banchero is only going to get better in terms of offensive ability and efficiency. 

The forward looked like a six-year veteran in his rookie season, posting 20.0 points and 6.9 rebounds per game for the Orlando Magic as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft.

Banchero is 20 years old, so in five years, he will still be on his way up to the prime of his career. 

Banchero is gaining valuable experience with Team USA in the 2023 FIBA tournament, and he can use that to push towards developing himself as a superstar player. He has a long way to go, but he can get there.

Philadelphia 76ers – Tyrese Maxey

Tyrese Maxey is a young and promising player for the Philadelphia 76ers in the NBA. Maxey, selected by the 76ers with the No. 21 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, had quickly gained recognition for his scoring ability and versatility. 

Maxey’s strengths included his scoring ability, ball-handling skills, and improving defensive effort. Maxey is known for his ability to drive to the basket, create his own shot, and contribute on both ends of the floor. 

His rookie season with the 76ers had shown promise, and he was seen as a valuable asset for the team’s future and has since developed into a long-term cornerstone for Philadelphia alongside reigning MVP Joel Embiid.

Phoenix Suns – Devin Booker

Devin Booker is easily one of the league’s premier scorers and was a key figure in the resurgence of the Phoenix Suns in recent seasons. His strengths include exceptional scoring ability, three-point shooting, and offensive versatility. 

By his second season, Booker dropped a 70-point game and became the youngest player ever to do so.

During the 2020-21 NBA season, Devin Booker played a pivotal role in leading the Phoenix Suns to the NBA Finals, where they narrowly missed winning a championship. 

His leadership and scoring prowess had made him a beloved figure among Suns fans and a respected player across the league. At 26 years old, Booker is the best shooting guard in the world and will continue to be in five years.

Portland Trail Blazers – Scoot Henderson

Scoot Henderson was taken No. 3 overall in the 2023 NBA Draft as the long-term replacement for superstar Damian Lillard. 

Portland sees the end is in sight for arguably their greatest player in the team’s history, and bringing Henderson on board solidifies the point guard position for the foreseeable future.

A dynamic athlete with incredible physical gifts, Henderson has the base to be similar to Russell Westbrook except he has better shooting ability and natural playmaking skills. 

Scoot will only be better as the seasons go by, and at 19 years old, the young man has a ton of time to reach legitimate superstar status.

Sacramento Kings – De’Aaron Fox

De’Aaron Fox has established himself as one of the promising young point guards in the league, thanks to his speed, ball-handling, and scoring ability. 

This past season, Fox made his first All-Star Team by averaging 25.0 points and 6.1 assists per game and leading the Sacramento Kings into the playoffs.

Fox’s performance and development were closely monitored by Kings fans and the broader basketball community, as he was seen as a player who could potentially lead the franchise back to long-term playoff contention. 

By the time Fox is 30, he will still be a lightning-quick point guard but could improve upon his 32.1% career three-point percentage.

San Antonio Spurs – Victor Wembanyama

Is there anyone else up for debate on the San Antonio Spurs roster? Victor Wembanyama might be the most hyped rookie since a young LeBron James and the pressure on the young man is certainly real.

The Frenchman can score, defend, and rebound at an elite level and while he won’t have a rookie campaign as good as Michael Jordan for example, he will show why he is the man.

Wembanyama will be a superstar in five years’ time because he has all the physical and mental gifts to do so. The man is a natural basketball player and at 7’3”, he will always be a factor in the paint.

As long as Gregg Popovich can get his hands on Victor and push him to be as great as Tim Duncan and David Robinson, San Antonio will be in excellent shape by 2028.

Toronto Raptors – Scottie Barnes

Scottie Barnes was a rather surprising rookie as he won Rookie of the Year by posting 15.3 points and 7.5 rebounds per game for the Toronto Raptors. 

The forward is not only a skilled scorer and defender but has natural playmaking skills as well. It is clear that the Raptors want to make him the star of the team, and that bodes well for the young man’s career.

Scottie is only 22 years old and by the time he is 27, he will be the go-to player in terms of both ends of the court. 

Toronto might be rebuilding as Fred VanVleet is gone and so is possibly Pascal Siakam, meaning Barnes must be ready to take the torch and lead a team.

Utah Jazz – Keyonte George

Lauri Markkanen is the easy choice for the Utah Jazz, but he is 26 years old and we might not be sure how his body will hold up by the time five years comes by. 

The All-Star forward is clearly a solid talent, but Keyonte George is actually a very interesting prospect. George 6’4” shooting guard is highly rated and the Jazz can’t wait for him to play.

George will be given the minutes needed to fight for a starting spot in 2023-24, and that is good news for the shooting guard who was taken No. 16 overall in the 2023 NBA Draft. 

As long as George is given minutes to blossom, he might be the best player for the Jazz by 2028.

Washington Wizards – Jordan Poole

The Washington Wizards no longer have Bradley Beal or Kristaps Porzingis for that matter, meaning the recently acquired Jordan Poole will be the best player on the team in five years’ time. 

Poole averaged 20.4 points per game last year and is only 24 years old, so the future is very bright for him.

Washington has their future placed on Poole and Kyle Kuzma as well, so the shooting guard needs to take responsibility and act like a leader. 

Perhaps getting traded by the title-contending Warriors will get his mind set on dominating the offensive end because he is a natural marksman with exceptional handles.

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