The 80s-born cohort of superstar NBA players are all wrapping up their careers. LeBron, Steph, Durant, and others from their era are still competing—for now. But the next generation will be here before you know it. Who are some of the most promising rising stars in the NBA?
Cade Cunningham
You’ve probably heard a lot about Cade Cunningham already. He’s got a lot of buzz surrounding him, but he’s struggled to quite live up to the expectations yet. His first-pick status in 2021 got a bit rattled by a shin injury that took him out of nearly the entire 2022 season, and in the other games he’s appeared in he’s seemed shaky on the three-pointer and hasn’t drawn enough free throws. Still, he could develop into a real star.
Scottie Barns
The Raptors’ forward, Scottie Barns, sports a 7’3” wingspan on his 6’7” frame, which makes him very versatile in a variety of situations. What makes him interesting is his ability to go toe-to-toe with bigger players due to his impressive strength and his speed to get to the perimeter to block shots. He’s going to be able to slot into any role a team needs him for other what we expect to be a long career.
Jalen Green
Jalen Green was picked number 3 overall in the 2021 draft for good reason. The kid can just get smooth points when he shoots. While playing for the Houston Rockets, he’s learned to manage the sky-high expectations on him as his team’s go-to scoring player. In order to improve, he’ll need to shore up his defensive play and sharpen his decision-making when it comes to passing, but he could become a reliable scoring player.
Scoot Henderson
A good star has to have a good name, and “Scoot Henderson” is up there with all-time great basketball names. As for his actual playing, the guy is the face of the Trail Blazers due to his uncanny ability to read the defense and make plays happen.
Amen Thompson
Lots of Houston Rockets here, but that’s just how it goes when you’re good at the draft. Picked fourth overall in the 2023 draft, Thompson has a surprisingly straightforward game. He’s raw athleticism on the floor, with surprising leaping ability that makes him a scoring threat from any part of the court.
Franz Wagner
The Orlando Magic is lucky to have Franz Wagner on the team, as he’s a rare type of player. He’s got a broad wingspan and an awesome three-pointer, in addition to his talented passing game, defensive ability, and pick-and-roll abilities. That’s basically everything you want in a forward, and he’s possessed with a nearly supernatural ability to get himself into the right place at the right time to impact plays.
Paolo Banchero
Speaking of players that Orlando should cherish, let’s look at Paolo Banchero. He’s so talented with the ball in his hands that it earned him the number one draft pick after his impressive tenure at Duke. Once the Magic shores up the rest of the roster, Banchero and Wagner should serve as a strong core to give them long-term dynasty potential.
Chet Holmgren
Don’t focus too much on Holmgren’s thin physique. The Oklahoma City center is a lockdown rim protector who can also go to the hole when it’s time to press the attack. His shot from the perimeter is also nothing to sneeze at, making him a versatile and mobile player who never slows down on the court.
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Evan Mobley
The Cavs have a phenomenal young player on their hands with Evan Mobley, a seven-footer with a forceful defensive approach. His only drawback right now is that he needs to further develop his strength to really keep other players at bay and get the best out of his 7’4” wingspan!
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Victor Wembanyama
Wembanyama is an exciting player for a lot of reasons. He’s so fast and fluid for a man of his stature that it’s almost uncanny. He’s capable of creating plays that are literally not possible for other players as they simply don’t have the size and speed that he does. If he continues to hone his game, he could become one of the most important players in the NBA.
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