Donovan Mitchell believes the future of the NBA is in good hands, and he made it clear during All-Star Weekend 2025 that several young stars and rising prospects are poised to become the faces of the league in the next five years.
When asked to name the players he believes will carry the torch for the next generation, Mitchell gave a thoughtful and well-rounded response, naming six players, including current NBA superstars and two high school prospects.
“I mean, we have a lot of talent in the league. That’s tough, can’t really name one, there are so many. I don’t want to annoy anyone so I think we’ll just have to see how everything plays out.”
“You’ve got Anthony Edwards, you’ve got Ja Morant, I think AJ, can’t really say his last name, he’s still in high school he’s going to be dope, Cooper Flagg.”
“I just think there is so much talent in this league, when you get into this league it’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who I think should win the MVP this year, you’ve got myself, you’ve got Jayson Tatum, there is so much talent, we’ll just have to see how it plays out.”
One of the first names Mitchell mentioned was Anthony Edwards, the Minnesota Timberwolves‘ explosive guard who has already made a name for himself as a dynamic scorer and elite two-way player.
Edwards has continued to elevate his game each season, proving that he has the potential to be the face of the league with his charismatic personality and fearless approach on the court. His athleticism, confidence, and ability to take over games in big moments make him an obvious choice for the NBA’s next wave of superstars.
Another established star on Mitchell’s list is Ja Morant, the electrifying Memphis Grizzlies point guard known for his high-flying dunks and relentless attacking mindset.
Morant’s impact on the game is undeniable, and if he stays healthy and continues refining his skills, he could lead the league in scoring and assists while remaining one of the most marketable players in the NBA. His ability to captivate fans with his style of play makes him a prime candidate for the next face of the league.
Mitchell also named Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Oklahoma City Thunder’s MVP frontrunner for the 2025 season. SGA has quietly evolved into one of the best players in the league, blending elite scoring, playmaking, and defense into a complete superstar package.
Mitchell even said that Shai should win MVP this season, a testament to how dominant and efficient he has been. If SGA continues this trajectory, he could easily be one of the top players in the world within five years.
Alongside these current NBA stars, Mitchell highlighted Jayson Tatum, the Boston Celtics’ franchise player, as another future face of the league. Tatum has already proven himself on the biggest stages, leading the Celtics to deep playoff runs, a title and establishing himself as one of the best scorers in the NBA.
His ability to deliver in clutch moments and lead a contending team solidifies his position as one of the league’s biggest names for years to come.
Surprisingly, Mitchell didn’t just limit his list to NBA stars—he also mentioned two rising high school prospects, AJ Dybantsa and Cooper Flagg. Both are considered future top picks in the NBA Draft, with Flagg already being projected as a generational talent due to his two-way dominance, athleticism, and versatility.
Meanwhile, Dybantsa is a scoring phenom with elite size and skill, making him one of the most exciting young players to watch.
Mitchell’s perspective highlights the NBA’s bright future, filled with superstar potential across multiple generations. While some current superstars like LeBron James and Stephen Curry are nearing the twilight of their careers, the league is clearly stacked with elite young talent, ensuring that basketball’s global popularity will continue to thrive for years to come.
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