25 Youngest Players to Watch in 2023

25 Youngest Players to Watch in 2023

Some of the world’s most gifted young athletes play in the NBA. Although these athletes are still refining their games, they have already displayed moments of genius. We’ll look at the 25 youngest players to watch in 2023 in this post.

Players from all around the world and in a variety of positions are included on this list. There are shooting guards like Bones Hyland and Cameron Thomas, point guards like Josh Giddey and Ayo Dosunmu, small forwards like Scottie Barnes and Jonathan Kuminga, power forwards like Franz Wagner and Jalen Johnson, and centres like Evan Mobley and Alperen Sengun.

The upcoming season will be an exciting time to see these athletes grow and contribute to their teams.

1. Cade Cunningham (Detroit Pistons)

Cade Cunningham. All-Pro Reels, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

One of the most intriguing young players in the NBA, Cade Cunningham, is expected to have a significant effect in the 2023 campaign. The guard, who is 21 years old, is in his third season with the Detroit Pistons and is already regarded as one of the team’s top performers.

Cunningham, a point player who is 6-foot-8, has exceptional size and athleticism. He has a propensity for scoring from all over the court and is a skilled ball handler and passer. Cunningham had a triple-double of 17.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.6 assists a game last year. He also had a 41.6% three-point shooting percentage.

Cunningham still needs to work on his game, but he already possesses all the necessary talent. He is a talented playmaker and goal scorer who is also a solid defender. He has a leadership element about him and is a highly mature player for his age.

Cunningham is ready to advance his game as a result of the Pistons adding some crucial players in the offseason. Young and gifted athletes like Jaden Ivey, Jalen Duren, and Isaiah Stewart are all around him. Despite the fact that the Pistons are still a few years away from being a serious contender, Cunningham is an important piece of the puzzle.

During the 2023 season, if you’re an NBA fan, you must be watching Cade Cunningham. One of the league’s most intriguing young players, he has the ability to become a superstar.

2. Evan Mobley (Cleveland Cavaliers)

Evan Mobley, a forward with the Cleveland Cavaliers, is one of the most exciting young players in the NBA. He is 21 years old. Mobley, who is currently in his third season with the Cavaliers, is already an essential player and is anticipated to have a big year in 2023.

Mobley is a 7-footer with extraordinary strength, agility, and talent. In addition to being an excellent passer and rebounder, he can score from anywhere on the field. Mobley had a previous season scoring average of 15.0 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.7 blocks. He also made 38.3% of his three-point attempts and shot 50.8% from the field.

Mobley has the ability to guard a smaller, quicker player on the perimeter while switching to a bigger, stronger guy in the post all within the same play. He has two options for the following play: he may create a screen and roll to the hoop for a layup or he can run the fast break and finish with a dunk.

Mobley has the talent, adaptability, and leadership to rank among the NBA’s top players. In the 2023 season and beyond, he is a player to keep an eye on.

3. Scottie Barnes, 21 (Toronto Raptors)

Scottie Barnes. All-Pro Reels from District of Columbia, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

In the 2023 season, Scottie Barnes should be on your television if you’re an NBA fan. One of the league’s most intriguing young players, he has the ability to become a superstar.

Within the same play, Barnes has the ability to guard a smaller, quicker player on the perimeter before moving to a bigger, stronger man in the post. For the next play, he can run the fast break and finish with a dunk or set up a screen and roll to the basket for a layup. Alternatively, he can find an open teammate for a three-point shot or attempt a shot from beyond the arc.

He is incredibly challenging for rivals to defend because of his versatility. He can open up scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates because he mismatches the majority of the other players on the court.

4. Franz Wagner (Orlando Magic)

Franz Wagner, a forward for the Orlando Magic and 21 years old, is one of the NBA’s most promising up-and-coming players. Wagner is positioned to have a significant impact in the 2023 season thanks to his combination of size, talent, and quickness.

The young basketballer possesses the height and length to defend a variety of spots on the perimeter at 6’10” with a 7’1″ wingspan. He is also a very mobile player, which enables him to switch between screens and keep up with opponents who are moving more quickly.

He is also a talented offensive player in addition to being a strong defender. He can score from all three levels and has a fluid shooting motion. He can make plays for himself and his teammates because he can distribute the ball and handle it well.

Wagner still needs to work on his game, but he already possesses all the necessary talent. He has a high basketball IQ and is a great scorer, defender, and passer. He has a leadership element about him and is a highly mature player for his age.

Wagner has the ability, adaptability, and leadership to rank among the NBA’s top players. In the 2023 season and beyond, he is a player to keep an eye on.

5. Jalen Green (Houston Rockets)

Jalen Green. All-Pro Reels, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

GreeThe Houston Rockets’ Jalen Green, a 21-year-old shooting guard, is one of the league’s most fascinating young talents. Green, who is currently in his third season with the Rockets, is already a well-known player on the squad and is anticipated to play a major role in 2023.n, a guard who stands 6 feet 6 inches tall, has amazing quickness and scoring prowess. One of the league’s most dynamic players, he can score from anywhere on the court. Green can make plays for himself and his teammates since he is a skilled passer and ball handler.

He had 22.1 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 3.7 assists a game last year. He also made 33.8% of his three-point attempts and shot 42.0% from the field.

6. Paolo Banchero, 20 (Orlando Magic)

One of the fastest growing  young players in the NBA is the Orlando Magic’s Paolo Banchero, a 20-year-old power forward. Banchero, who is only in his second season, is already a crucial member of the Magic and is anticipated to have a significant influence in 2023.

The 6-foot-10 forward Banchero is a freak of size, athleticism, and talent. In addition to being an excellent passer and rebounder, he can score from anywhere on the field. Banchero had a season-high average of 20.0 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 3.2 assists. He also made 33.2% of his three-point attempts and shot 47.6% overall.

7. Anfernee Simons (Portland Trail Blazers)

Anfernee Simons. Frenchieinportland, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Simons may evade his defender on one play and dunk the ball decisively. He can pull up from three-point range and make an uncontested shot on the following play. Additionally, he has the ability to separate himself off the ball and score from midrange.

Simons is an extremely challenging player to guard since he can score from anywhere on the field. He can open up scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates because he mismatches the majority of the other players on the court.

Simons has the ability, the athleticism, and the leadership to rank among the NBA’s top players. In the 2023 season and beyond, he is a player to keep an eye on.

8. Tyrese Maxey (Philadelphia 76ers)

Maxey can grab the ball from his defender in a single play and complete the move with a fast-break layup. He can pull up from three-point range and make an uncontested shot on the following play. Additionally, he has the ability to separate himself off the ball and score from midrange.

Maxey is a highly challenging player to guard since he can score from any point on the court. He can open up scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates because he mismatches the majority of the other players on the court.

Maxey has the talent, the athleticism, and the leadership to rise to the top of the NBA. In the 2023 season and beyond, he is a player to keep an eye on.

9. Desmond Bane (Memphis Grizzlies)

Desmond Bane. Nathan Lowe, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

A 6-foot-6 guard with exceptional shooting skills, Bane. He is one of the league’s finest shooters and has a wide range of shooting options. Bane can produce for himself and his teammates because he is a skilled passer and ball handler.

He averaged 18.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game the previous season. He also made 41.4% of his three-point attempts and shot 43.6% overall.

Although Bane is still honing his skills, he already possesses all the necessary talent. He possesses a high basketball IQ and is a great scorer, passer, and ball handler. He has a leadership element about him and is a highly mature player for his age.

The young player is ready to further his game thanks to the Grizzlies’ offseason additions of several crucial pieces. Young and gifted players like Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Dillon Brooks are all around him. The Grizzlies are among the NBA’s most exciting teams, and Bane plays a significant role in that.

10. Darius Garland (Cleveland Cavaliers)

You must watch Darius Garland in the 2023 NBA season if you’re an NBA fan. One of the league’s most intriguing young players, he has the ability to become a superstar.

Garland averaged 21.7 points, 8.2 assists, and 3.3 rebounds per game during the previous campaign. He also made 38.3% of his three-point attempts and shot 46.2% from the field.

Garland is an extremely dangerous player because of his capacity to open up scoring opportunities for both himself and his teammates. The majority of the players on the court cannot equal him, and he is capable of leading his team to victory at any time.

Garland has the talent, the pace, and the leadership to rise to the top of the NBA. In the 2023 season and beyond, he is a player to keep an eye on.

11. De’Aaron Fox (Sacramento Kings)

De’Aaron Fox. TonyTheTiger, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

One of the most intriguing young players in the NBA, point guard De’Aaron Fox, 24, plays for the Sacramento Kings. Fox, who is currently in his sixth season, is already a crucial member of the Kings and is anticipated to have a significant effect in 2023.

Fox, a guard who stands 6-foot-3, has exceptional speed, quickness, and scoring prowess. He is one of the league’s fastest players and has a wide range of shooting options. Fox can make plays for himself and his teammates since he is a skilled passer and ball handler.

Fox had averages of 25.0 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game last season. He also had a field goal percentage of 51.2% and a three-point percentage of 32.2%.

The upcoming NBA superstar is particularly challenging to defend since he can score from any point on the court. He can open up scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates because he mismatches the majority of the other players on the court.

12. Evan Mobley (Cleveland Cavaliers)

Power forward van Mobley, a 22-year-old member of the Cleveland Cavaliers, is one of the most exciting young players in the NBA. Mobley, who is currently in his third season with the Cavaliers, is already an essential player and is anticipated to have a big year in 2023.

Mobley, a power forward who stands 7 feet tall, has exceptional mobility and talent. In addition to being an excellent passer and rebounder, he can score from anywhere on the field. Mobley had a season-high average of 15.0 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 2.9 assists. He also made 33.8% of his three-point attempts and shot 50.8% from the field. He has a leadership element about him and is a highly mature player for his age.

13. Zion Williamson (New Orleans Pelicans)

Zion Williamson, Keenan Hairston from Raleigh, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Williamson can evade his defender in one motion and dunk the ball with force. He can pull up from three-point range and make an uncontested shot on the following play. Additionally, he has the ability to separate himself off the ball and score from midrange.

Williamson is particularly challenging to defend because of his versatility and ability to score from everywhere on the court. He can open up scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates because he mismatches the majority of the other players on the court.

Williamson is positioned to become one of the top players in the NBA thanks to his talent, athleticism, and leadership. In the 2023 season and beyond, he is a player to keep an eye on.

14. LaMelo Ball (Charlotte Hornets)

One of the most intriguing young players in the NBA is the 22-year-old point guard for the Charlotte Hornets, LaMelo Ball. Ball, who is in his third season with the Hornets, is already a prominent member of the team and is expected to have a significant effect in 2023.

Ball is an outstanding passer and shooter who stands 6 feet 6 inches tall. He is one of the league’s top passers, and he can easily open up scoring chances for himself and his teammates. Ball can shoot from any spot on the court and is a proficient scorer.

Ball averaged 20.1 points, 7.6 assists, and 6.7 rebounds per game in the previous campaign. He also made 38.6% of his three-point attempts and shot 43.5% overall.

15. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City Thunder)

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. All-Pro Reels, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, also known as SGA, is an Oklahoma City Thunder point guard and shooting guard who is 24 years old. He is one of the most intriguing young players in the NBA and he has a great chance to have a big season in 2023.

SGA is a guard that is 6’6″ and possesses exceptional quickness, ball-handling prowess, and shooting ability. He can score from all three levels, making him one of the league’s most explosive players.

SGA averaged 24.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game during the previous campaign. He also had field-goal percentages of 45.3% and three-point percentages of 39.1%. SGA was selected for the All-NBA Second Team after leading the Thunder into the playoffs for the first time since 2016.

16. Ja Morant, 23 (Memphis Grizzlies)

One of the most intriguing young players in the NBA is the 23-year-old point guard for the Memphis Grizzlies, Ja Morant. Morant, who is in his fourth season, is already a crucial member of the Grizzlies and is anticipated to have a significant influence in 2023.

The 6-foot-3 guard Morant is incredibly quick, athletic, and court-savvy. He is among the league’s swiftest players.

Morant averaged 27.4 points, 6.7 assists, and 5.7 rebounds per game in his previous campaign. He also made 34.4% of his three-point attempts and shot 49.3% overall. For the first time since 2015, Morant guided the Grizzlies into the second round of the playoffs, and he was selected to the All-NBA Second Team.

17. Trae Young, 24 (Atlanta Hawks)

Trae Young. TonyTheTiger, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The 24-year-old point guard Trae Young of the Atlanta Hawks is one of the NBA’s most fascinating young players. In his fifth season with the Hawks, Young is already a well-known player and is anticipated to have a big impact in 2023.

Young is a guard who is 6 feet 1 inches tall and has excellent shooting and court vision. He is one of the league’s finest shooters and has a wide range of shooting options.

Young averaged 28.4 points, 9.7 assists, and 3.7 rebounds per game the previous season. He also had field-goal percentages of 45.6% and three-point percentages of 38.2%. Young was selected to the All-NBA Second Team and led the Hawks to their first Eastern Conference Finals since 2015.

18. Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics)

One of the most interesting  young players in the NBA is the 24-year-old small forward for the Boston Celtics, Jayson Tatum. Tatum, who is in his sixth season with the Celtics, is already a prominent member of the team and is expected to have a significant effect in 2023.

Tatum is a 6-foot-8 forward with outstanding flexibility and scoring prowess. One of the league’s top scorers, he can score from all three levels. Tatum can help the club in a number of ways because he is also an effective rebounder and passer.

Tatum averaged 27.2 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game the previous year. In addition, he made 35.3% of his three-point attempts and shot 45.3% overall. Tatum was selected to the All-NBA Second Team and led the Celtics to their first Eastern Conference Finals since 2018.

19. Luka Doncic (Dallas Mavericks)

Luka Doncic. Erik Drost, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Luka Doncic, a 23-year-old point guard/small forward for the Dallas Mavericks, is one of the NBA’s most exciting up-and-coming players. The fifth-year veteran Doncic, who is now a superstar, will undoubtedly have a big impact on the 2023 campaign.

Doncic is a 6-foot-7 guard with exceptional court vision, ball handling skills, and scoring prowess. He is one of the league’s top passers, and he can easily open up scoring chances for himself and his teammates. Doncic can shoot from all three levels and is a proficient scorer as well.

Doncic averaged 28.4 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 8.7 assists per game during the previous campaign. He also made 35.3% of his three-point attempts and shot 45.7% from the field. For the first time since 2011, Doncic guided the Mavericks to the Western Conference Semifinals, and he was selected to the All-NBA First Team.

20. Jonathan Kuminga (Golden State Warriors)

The Golden State Warriors’ 20-year-old small forward Jonathan Kuminga plays for them. He is one of the most intriguing young players in the NBA and he has a great chance to have a big season in 2023.

The 6-foot-8 attacker Kuminga is incredibly athletic and has a knack for scoring goals. He can score from all three levels, making him one of the league’s most explosive players. Additionally, Kuminga excels as a defender and rebounder.

Kuminga averaged 9.3 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.0 assists per game the previous season. He also made 33.6% of his three-point attempts and shot 43.3% overall. The Warriors’ championship run saw little action from Kuminga, although he occasionally displayed flashes of his talent.

Kuminga will likely play a significant part for the Warriors in 2023 as a result of the loss of some important players in the offseason. For the reigning champs, it will be expected of him to step up and make a significant contribution.

21. Cameron Thomas (Brooklyn Nets)

Cameron Thomas. CCS Pictures, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Brooklyn Nets’ 21-year-old shooting guard Cameron Thomas plays for them. He is one of the most intriguing young players in the NBA and he has a great chance to have a big season in 2023.

Thomas is an outstanding scorer who stands 6 feet 4 inches tall. He can score from all three levels, making him one of the league’s most productive scorers. Thomas can open up scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates since he is a skilled ball handler and passer.

Thomas had a yearly scoring average of 8.5 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.2 assists. He also made 33.0% of his three-point attempts and shot 42.8% from the field. Thomas’ season with the Nets was brief, but he displayed flashes of his talent.

22. Ayo Dosunmu (Chicago Bulls)

Point guard Ayo Dosunmu, 22, plays for the Chicago Bulls. He is one of the most intriguing young players in the NBA and he has a great chance to have a big season in 2023.

Dosunmu is a 6-foot-5 guard with outstanding court vision, passing abilities, and ball-handling skills. He is one of the league’s top passers, and he can easily open up scoring chances for himself and his teammates. Dosunmu can shoot from all three levels and is a proficient scorer as well.

Dosunmu averaged 8.8 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game the previous season. He also made 38.1% of his three-point attempts and shot 45.8% from the field. Dosunmu’s time with the Bulls was limited, although he had some promise.

23. Kevin Porter Jr. (22, Houston Rockets)

Kevin Porter Jr. Erik Drost, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Houston Rockets’ 22-year-old point guard Kevin Porter Jr. He is one of the most intriguing young players in the NBA and he has a great chance to have a big season in 2023.

Porter is a 6-foot-4 guard with outstanding quickness and scoring prowess. He can score from all three levels, making him one of the league’s most explosive players. Porter is a skilled ball handler and passer.

Porter had averages of 15.1 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game last year. He also made 35.1% of his three-point attempts and shot 41.5% overall. Porter demonstrated glimpses of his talent while playing a significant part in the Rockets’ rebirth.

24. Bones Hyland (Denver Nuggets)

The Denver Nuggets’ 22-year-old shooting guard Bones Hyland plays for them. He is one of the most intriguing young players in the NBA and he has a great chance to have a big season in 2023.

Hyland is a 6-foot-3 guard with exceptional ball-handling and shooting skills. He can score from all three levels and is among the league’s top shooters. Hyland can open up scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates because he is a skilled distributor and ball handler.

Hyland had a season-high 10.1 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per contest. He also had field-goal percentages of 41.3% and three-point percentages of 36.8%. Hyland demonstrated some promise during the Nuggets’ playoff run.

25. Josh Giddey (Oklahoma City Thunder)

Josh Giddey. Erik Drost, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Josh Giddey, a point guard for the Oklahoma City Thunder, is 20 years old. He is one of the most intriguing young players in the NBA and he has a great chance to have a big season in 2023.

Giddey is a 6-foot-8 guard with exceptional court vision and passing prowess. He is one of the league’s top passers, and he can easily open up scoring chances for himself and his teammates.

Giddey averaged 12.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 6.4 assists per game the previous season. He also had field-goal percentages of 41.9% and three-point percentages of 30.1%. In March, Giddey was chosen to the NBA All-Rookie First Team and received the NBA Rookie of the Month title.

The NBA’s future could be shaped by the bright individuals that make up the 25 youngest players to watch in 2023.