Victor Wembanyama leads USA TODAY’s top 25 NBA players under 25

Who’s next? It’s a question that lingers over every NBA season, but perhaps never more so than at the dawn of a new one.

The 2026-27 campaign begins this week after the NBA crowned a ninth different champion in nine years when the New York Knicks captured the 2026 NBA Finals. Despite the spotlight on New York, Victor Wembanyama remains at the forefront of the league conversation entering the season as the San Antonio Spurs star continues his ascent toward becoming the NBA’s next dominant force.

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Older superstars such as LeBron James and Stephen Curry are still among the league’s biggest attractions, while established stars like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Nikola Jokic and Jalen Brunson are squarely in their primes. But the NBA’s next generation continues to gain ground, a trend reflected in USA TODAY Sports’ Top 100 player rankings entering the season.

Twenty-five players under the age of 25 made the list, led by Wembanyama. The rankings also feature three teenagers, two members of the 2026 draft class and multiple young stars expected to shape the NBA’s future for years to come.

Here’s a look at the top 25 NBA players under 25, according to USA TODAY Sports.

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NBA’s young stars to watch in 2026-27 season: 25 players under 25

Exactly 25 players under 25-years-old made our rankings of the top 100 NBA players this season. See the 25 young stars who are making their mark on the court.

Chet Holmgren #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder warms up before Game Six of the NBA Western Conference Finals at Frost Bank Center on May 28, 2026 in San Antonio, Texas.

(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)

1 / 25

NBA’s young stars to watch in 2026-27 season: 25 players under 25

Exactly 25 players under 25-years-old made our rankings of the top 100 NBA players this season. See the 25 young stars who are making their mark on the court.

Chet Holmgren #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder warms up before Game Six of the NBA Western Conference Finals at Frost Bank Center on May 28, 2026 in San Antonio, Texas.

(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)

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NBA’s young stars to watch in 2026-27 season: 25 players under 25

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Publish date : 2026-10-21 09:56:00

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