NBA Power Rankings: Identifying the Most Exciting Young Player on All 30 Teams

Young Riser: Ajay Mitchell

Despite Jalen Williams` return potentially reducing his minutes, Mitchell has solidified his spot in the rotation. He is averaging 11.3 points on efficient shooting in December. Now in his second season, Mitchell has proven himself as one of the most reliable young bench playmakers for the league`s top-ranked team, regardless of the lineup circumstances.

Young Riser: Jalen Duren

Duren, who recently turned 22, has shown significant natural growth, making a major leap this season. Beyond being the vertical spacing threat Cade Cunningham needs, Duren has dramatically improved his defense both in space and in the interior. Ranking third in offensive rebounding per game, his presence will be crucial in the playoffs where second-chance possessions are paramount.

Young Riser: Tyler Kolek

Kolek represents the closest thing to true youth on the Knicks` roster, and he is steadily earning increased playing time. His versatility was evident during the NBA Cup, culminating in a season-high 26 minutes, 16 points, and 11 assists in a comeback victory over the Pacers. With the Knicks previously looking for backup point guard help, Kolek may be proving he can fill that role internally.

Young Riser: Peyton Watson

The 23-year-old Watson has capitalized on his opportunity to start due to team injuries. He has averaged 14.6 points and 5.6 rebounds while shooting highly efficiently (54.3% FG, 45.0% 3P) across 16 starts. Watson`s value as a lengthy, rim-protecting wing is undeniable, raising the critical long-term question of whether Denver can afford to retain him when he hits restricted free agency this summer.

Young Riser: Dylan Harper

Harper, playing alongside back-to-back Rookies of the Year Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle, has a genuine chance to make the Spurs the first franchise with three consecutive winners of the award. The smooth, 19-year-old lefty exhibits a poise uncommon for his age. While his three-point percentage is still low (27.7%), he is steadily building confidence, especially from the left wing, and clearly figures prominently in San Antonio’s future.

Young Riser: Reed Sheppard

The second-year guard became the first Rocket since Lou Williams in 2017 to post 25 points and five assists off the bench after he hit six three-pointers in a key road victory against Denver. Sheppard has consistently demonstrated a dedication to improving his weaknesses, notably spending three weeks over the summer focused solely on improving his defense, not even touching a basketball during that period.

Young Riser: Adou Thiero

The Lakers invested heavily in moving up in the draft to secure Thiero in the second round. While his current box score stats are minimal, the 6-foot-8 forward, still just 21, has thoroughly impressed the organization with his work ethic, particularly in recovering from knee surgery. L.A. views Thiero as a long-term project with significant defensive potential.

Young Risers: Jaylen Clark and Terrence Shannon Jr.

The focus is split between Clark and Shannon, both of whom are vying for consistent rotation minutes on the wing. They are seen as potential long-term replacements for the production lost by Nickeil Alexander-Walker`s departure, and both will continue to receive opportunities to earn a defined role in the team`s system.

Young Riser: Jordan Walsh

Jordan Walsh, a 2023 second-round pick, has become a surprising but consistent starter for the Celtics. His blend of length, athleticism, and energy makes him an ideal complement to players like Jaylen Brown and Derrick White. Shooting efficiently from three-point range, Walsh has a strong chance to establish a long-term role in Boston if his current level of play is sustained.

Young Riser: Anthony Black

While Banchero and Wagner are established talents, Anthony Black is rising rapidly due to increased minutes, especially when other core players have been sidelined. Black`s versatility—defending, scoring, passing, and rebounding—has been crucial. Averaging 13.8 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.3 assists, he should remain a valuable contributor even when the Magic reach full health.

Young Riser: VJ Edgecombe

A year ago, the 76ers unexpectedly retained their first-round pick, which resulted in VJ Edgecombe, now forming a crucial part of the backcourt alongside Tyrese Maxey. Edgecombe has recently handled increased playmaking responsibilities when Maxey was out, and his high team plus-minus aligns with Coach Nick Nurse`s willingness to trust the rookie guard in high-leverage situations for a team with playoff ambitions.

Young Riser: Jamal Shead

Jamal Shead, a backup guard, ranks second among all qualified players in assists per 36 minutes (9.6), right behind Nikola Jokic. Despite a still-developing jump shot (35.5% FG), the 2024 second-round selection is a solid rotation player, providing strong playmaking, low turnovers, and hard-nosed defense despite his smaller stature.

Young Riser: Mark Williams

After acquiring Mark Williams via trade, the 7-foot-1 center (who turned 24 this month) has been a reliable presence for Phoenix. Averaging 12.6 points on 66.5% shooting, 8.0 rebounds, and 1.3 steals, Williams has consistently appeared in 24 of the Suns` 29 games, providing much-needed stability in the frontcourt.

Young Riser: Jaylon Tyson

Jaylon Tyson, the No. 20 pick in the 2024 draft, has quietly established himself as a legitimate starting-caliber forward after a subdued rookie campaign. He is averaging 12.8 points and 5.4 rebounds on highly efficient shooting (51.9% FG, 44.9% 3P). Despite the team`s struggles, Tyson has seized his opportunity to carve out a permanent role.

Young Riser: Kel’el Ware

The 21-year-old Ware has shown massive potential, highlighted by a recent three-game tear where he averaged a double-double, including a 28-point, 19-rebound performance. He also showcased his outside shot, hitting 12-of-16 from beyond the arc during that span. However, consistency remains the main issue; the slumping Heat desperately need a reliably impactful Ware to find steady success.

Young Riser: Quinten Post

Coach Steve Kerr has settled on a starting lineup that includes second-year center Quinten Post next to Draymond Green. The 7-foot stretch option is taking shots at a high volume (second most among NBA centers in attempted 3s per 36 minutes). The strategy is clear: provide offensive space next to Green and ease his defensive load. Post also boasts the team`s best defensive rating (103.4) when he is on the floor.

Young Riser: Jalen Johnson

Jalen Johnson, who recently turned 24, is arguably one of the league`s fastest-rising young talents. After his breakout last year was cut short by injury, he took another massive leap, averaging 23.8 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 8.2 assists. When Trae Young was out, Johnson stepped into the lead role and registered six triple-doubles. His stellar play now warrants consideration for All-NBA honors.

Young Riser: Cedric Coward

The 22-year-old rookie has been a fixture in the starting lineup, scoring in double figures in 16 consecutive games. Memphis traded up to select Coward, valuing his size and defensive tenacity at the shooting guard position. Despite limited collegiate experience, he is showing promise, including shooting 32.1% from deep on respectable volume.

Young Riser: Matas Buzelis

The Bulls’ second-year forward has been central to their recent surge, including a four-game winning streak. His offensive ascension has been a major bright spot, averaging 19.0 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks over the past four games. This aggressive style of play is helping Chicago return to the fast pace and strong ball movement that suits Buzelis`s game.

Young Riser: Shaedon Sharpe

Following a slow start, the 22-year-old guard has delivered the substantial step forward Portland hoped for after signing his contract extension. Sharpe is averaging 23.5 points per game since November 1st, shooting an effective 55% from the field. Coupled with reliable defense, Sharpe is quickly cementing his place as a cornerstone player for the Blazers.

Young Riser: Cooper Flagg

No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg is fully living up to the massive hype. Since moving from an unnatural point guard role to his natural forward position, Flagg (who just turned 19) has averaged 20.3 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 4.0 assists while shooting 50.5% from the floor. He is the only rookie to rank in the top three of his class in scoring, rebounding, assists, blocks, and steals, drawing comparisons to LeBron James`s early production.

Young Riser: Ryan Rollins

The emergence of guard Rollins has been one of the few bright spots for the struggling Bucks, who have fallen since Giannis Antetokounmpo’s recent injury. Rollins is averaging 17 points and 5.9 assists on efficient shooting (38.7% from 3). However, his minutes have recently dwindled as Coach Doc Rivers attempts to split up his primary point guards. Rollins has been one of the team`s most consistent performers all season and needs his role protected if Milwaukee hopes to stabilize its season.

Young Riser: Kon Knueppel

No. 4 pick Kon Knueppel recently shattered the NBA record for the fastest player to reach 100 career three-pointers, doing so in 29 games—12 games fewer than the previous record holder, Lauri Markkanen. Knueppel combines high volume (8.7 attempts per game) with 41.4% accuracy. Although teammate Cooper Flagg has taken the Rookie of the Year lead, Knueppel remains a vital foundational piece for a franchise in dire need of building blocks.

Young Riser: Keyonte George

The third-year guard, Keyonte George, should be a strong candidate for Most Improved Player. Despite losing his starting job last season, he has dramatically boosted his scoring average from 7.1 to 23.9 points per game, along with significant leaps in efficiency and assists (6.9). The Jazz are highly optimistic that the 22-year-old George, along with 19-year-old rookie Ace Bailey, can form the core pieces to turn the franchise competitive soon.

Young Riser: Derik Queen

Queen has been pivotal to the Pelicans’ unlikely five-game winning streak following a terrible start. He is averaging 15.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 5.0 assists on 59.1% shooting during this span. While fellow lottery pick Jeremiah Fears has also been impressive, Queen has emerged as the stronger overall prospect, and this recent winning streak has helped New Orleans reduce the risk of losing a valuable draft pick from a previous trade.

Young Riser: Noah Clowney

Noah Clowney is a clear bright spot for the struggling Nets. Mirroring the team`s recent slightly improved play, Clowney has stepped into a leading role in the absence of Cam Thomas and Michael Porter Jr., averaging 17.3 points and shooting 37% from three-point range over the last month. As the Nets retained all five of their first-round picks from last June, Clowney, in Year 3, looks poised to be the best immediate result of that draft haul.

Young Riser: Kobe Sanders

While the Clippers are known for relying on veteran talent, 23-year-old Kobe Sanders has been a welcome surprise despite the team`s early difficulties. The 6-foot-8 guard, drafted with the 50th pick, is averaging 6.2 points in 19.4 minutes and delivered a key 17-point performance in a road win in Atlanta, showcasing his potential.

Young Riser: Maxime Raynaud

With Domantas Sabonis sidelined by injury, the Kings have prioritized youth by giving the starting center role to second-round rookie Maxime Raynaud. Raynaud has started eight consecutive games, averaging a steady 14.3 points and 9.6 rebounds during that period. He has become a favorite dump-off target for Russell Westbrook. Organization insiders have been enthusiastically praising Raynaud`s rapid growth over the last month.

Young Riser: Bennedict Mathurin

Mathurin, the former No. 6 pick, is in an interesting contractual position, as the Pacers opted not to give him an extension before the season. He remains an explosive scorer, posting a career-high 18.7 points per game this season. However, his overall court contribution is limited, with more career turnovers than assists. The team must decide whether to negotiate a long-term deal next summer or explore a potential trade given his inconsistent fit.

Young Riser: Alex Sarr

Alex Sarr, the No. 2 pick, was noticeably raw during his rookie season. However, he has made tremendous strides in his sophomore year. Sarr is now averaging 18.9 points per game on league-average shooting efficiency (54.9% eFG), and his 1.9 blocks per game rank among the best in the NBA, showcasing his rapidly evolving defensive prowess.