The NBA is a world of powerhouses dominated by stars. After the age of 24, with the gradual maturity of body and technology, the players slowly climbed to the top of the list and became the hegemon of the league. Bryant James, then Curry Durant.
However, although the under-24 players are still a little naïve, the youth storm can still sweep the league. What's even more frightening is that they still have endless talents to play. Paying attention to the rising stars and watching them go from youth to excellence is like grabbing a lottery ticket. It is possible to draw a jackpot, or just thank you for your patronage.
But players under the age of 24 will one day rule the league. We'll rank NBA under-24 stars to see who's the best.
10. Ayton (Sun, Age: 23)
First pick in the 2018 draft. Ayton was beaten by Doncic in his first season, who won the best rookie draft pick. In the 2019-20 season, he was banned for violating the NBA's anti-drug policy. Ayton's first two seasons have not been easy.
However, with his outstanding performance, Ayton finally proved his talent. He averaged 14.4 points and 10.5 rebounds per game last season, which makes him a better defender and under-the-basket scorer. While lacking the three-pointer skills of a modern center, Ayton has made a huge contribution at both ends of the box.
9. Alexander (Thunder, Age: 23)
Last season was Alexander's third season. He missed most of the games due to a foot injury. But when he's healthy, he's doing very well, averaging 23.7 points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.9 assists per game. During the offseason, Thunder management couldn't wait to renew a five-year, $172 million long-term contract with him. It's clear that Alexander is at the heart of the team's long-term team building.
Alexander's style of play is well suited to the NBA today — through the three-point line and free throw line as the primary means of scoring. As an organizer and defender, Alexander was also gradually improving. While they don't know when the Thunder will regain their team's competitiveness, at least they know Alexander is their future.
8. Michael Porter Jr. (Nuggets, age: 23)
As the nation's number one high school student, Porter received a lot of attention for his high school performance and coach Roy as a trailblazer. However, when participating in the 2018 NBA draft, due to a serious back injury, it will miss the entire rookie season, resulting in a decline in the draft market. The original top five picks for Porter were not selected by the Nuggets until the 14th pick.
As it turned out, the Nuggets chose the right person — Porter exploded last season, averaging 19 points, 7.3 rebounds per game, 6.3 three-point shots, and 44.5 percent three-point shooting. After Murray's season expense, Porter became the Nuggets' first attacker on the perimeter, demonstrating his potential to become a super scorer.
The Offseason Nuggets extended their contracts with Porter early, officially establishing Jokic, Murray and Porter as the core of the team. The Nuggets believe Porter's continued improvements could set them apart from the playoffs. Strong teams become title contenders.
7. Bauer (Wasp, Age: 20)
Due to his passionate father and unconventional point guard playing style, Ball was controversial before entering the NBA. Ball, however, quickly proved himself, showing his unique but talented style of play on passing, all-court and three-point shooting. Despite a month out with a wrist injury, he still beat his peers to become the best rookie.
6. Fox (King, Age: 23)
Fox is one of the fastest players in the NBA. The first step and the quick attack are almost undefensible. He also has a decent three-point shooting percentage and assists, averaging 25.2 points, 7.2 assists and 1.5 steals per game last season.
If it weren't for the Kings' poor performance, Fox would already be an All-Star, and of course, fox's first all-Star selection this year is still very promising. Regardless of Fox's team, his talent and strength are unquestionable.
5. Zion (Pelicans, Age: 21)
If it weren't for injuries — a fractured right foot in the offseason — Zion wouldn't have ranked so low. After all, Zion, who weighs 284 pounds but has amazing athletic talent, is almost unstoppable on the offensive end. With his strength and agility, he can easily reach the basket and score points with ease. In his second season last season, his scoring average improved from 22.5 points per game in his rookie season to 27 points per game.
As a person who often compares data with Jordan and Chamberlain, Zion's excellence is obvious to all. As long as he stays healthy, it's hard to imagine how much he can achieve.
4. Morant (Grizzlies, age: 22)
Morant was seen by many as one of the league's top young guards after his rookie season, as evidenced by his 30.2 points per game against the Jazz in the playoffs last season. It's been a long time since the young Rose and Westbrook who hasn't had a point guard like Morant who can perfectly combine speed and explosiveness.
Morant is still improving his outside shooting ability, which will take his game performance to the next level. If the Grizzlies can become a playoff team, it should come as no surprise that Morant appeared in the All-Star Game.
Trey Young (Eagle, Age: 23)
Last season's Traejan and his Eagles exceeded everyone's expectations. The Knicks were eliminated in the playoffs, and the 76ers reached the Eastern Conference Finals, eventually losing to championship Bucks. Traejan, who was criticized for his hardcore shooting and unreasonable shooting choices, is now an elite player with a perfect combination of three-pointers and assists, a bit of Curry's style.
A young scorer had a hard time finding his way to play at the start of his career, and Trae Young has made amazing progress, proving the right choice for the Hawks. Curry can change the NBA, why can't Treyang?
2. Tatum (Celtic, age: 23)
I always feel like Tatum has been playing in the NBA for many years, maybe because of his precocious performance, but he won't turn 24 until March next year. Twice named an All-Star, named to the All-Team, rookie season helped the Celtics reach the Eastern Conference Finals. Tatum is good enough, but he can get better.
In the new season, if he can optimize his shooting options and stand more on the free throw line, Tatum will have the strength to become one of the MVP candidates. Like Tatum's idol Kobe Bryant, he has enough desire to believe he can grow into one of the NBA's future top brands.
1. Doncic (Lone Ranger, Age: 22)
Since entering the NBA, Doncic has been one of the MVP candidates. He has become the hottest MVP candidate of the season. It's hard to imagine him only 22 years old. Give him a little more time and I believe he's not only the best player under 24, but probably the best player in the entire NBA.
Combined with physical confrontation, passing vision and goal-ending ability, Doncic became one of the league's toughest players to defend. What's even more frightening is that Doncic is getting better every season. Whether it's the playoffs or the international arena, Doncic's performance hasn't changed. Not surprisingly, the future belongs to Doncic.