The new generation is rising! ESPN ranks the top 25 NBA players under 25: Wembanyama leads, Rockets have 3 players on the list

On December 13 Beijing time, ESPN announced the top 25 NBA players under the age of 25,with the selection criteria focusing on players’ long-term potential.Wembanyama of the Spurs tops the list, Edwards from the Timberwolves ranks second, and Cunningham from the Pistons is third. The Rockets have three players included: Sengun at fifth, Amen at sixth, and Shepard at twenty-fifth.

Here are the detailed rankings and analysis of the top 5 players——

Positions 1-5: 1. Wembanyama (21 years old), 2. Edwards (24 years old), 3. Cunningham (24 years old), 4. Jalen Williams (24 years old), 5. Sengun (23 years old);

Positions 6-10: 6. Amen Thompson (22 years old), 7. Mobley (24 years old), 8. Flagler (18 years old), 9. Holmgren (23 years old), 10. Jalen Johnson (23 years old);

Positions 11-15: 11. Barnes (24 years old), 12. Wagner Jr. (24 years old), 13. Banchero (23 years old), 14. Duren (22 years old), 15. Avdija (24 years old);

Positions 16-20: 16. Castle (21 years old), 17. Knupel (20 years old), 18. Dylan Harper (19 years old), 19. Achiuwa (20 years old), 20. Daniels (22 years old);

Positions 21-25: 21. Saggs (24 years old), 22. Saar (20 years old), 23. Giddey (23 years old), 24. Osar Thompson (22 years old), 25. Shepard (21 years old)

1. Wembanyama

2025-26 season stats: averaging 26.2 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 3.6 blocks per game

The reasons behind this ranking need little explanation: Wembanyama represents the future of the NBA. In fact, in many ways, he might already be the present — in the first 12 games of the season, his stunning performances generated massive MVP buzz until a calf injury temporarily sidelined him. Now in his third season, his style continues to evolve, with smarter shot selection, reducing his average three-point attempts by four per game, focusing more on efficient scoring near the basket. Don’t forget, he remains one of the league’s elite rim protectors. Wembanyama’s play fully justifies all the hype, and health seems to be the only barrier to his ongoing dominance. It’s easy to overlook that he is only 21 years old this year.

Future development path: For a player with almost no weaknesses, how can he improve further? This season’s performance shows he’s mastering the “simple way” of playing: using his height advantage more reliably in the paint and avoiding difficult shots. Standing 7 feet 5 inches tall with exceptional coordination and refined skills, it’s hard to imagine how terrifying his game will become once he further develops his ball-handling and mid-range post-up moves. He has always admired Durant and aims to develop a “Durant-like” mid-range game, which should come naturally to him.

2. Edwards

2025-26 season stats: averaging 28.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, with a three-point shooting percentage of 41.6%

This is Edwards’ last season before turning 25, and he remains solidly in second place. With career-best offensive efficiency and one of the league’s deadliest three-point shots, Edwards continues to enhance his scoring ability. His playoff history speaks volumes — leading the Timberwolves to consecutive conference finals appearances. This explosive guard is steadily moving toward his third straight All-NBA team selection. Given the high-level stats of other stars, making the first team is challenging, but as he enters his prime, the chances are very high.

Future development path: Edwards must improve his playmaking. There’s a curious fact: although he has taken on more quasi-point guard duties this season and logged career-high minutes, his assists per game have dropped to 3.8, the lowest since 2021-22. Among the top ten scorers this season, Edwards has the fewest assists. His inability to consistently create scoring chances for teammates is a major gap between him and the MVP-tier players.

3. Cunningham

2025-26 season stats: averaging 27.5 points, 9.3 assists, and 6.4 rebounds per game

Cunningham has delivered All-NBA caliber performances for the second consecutive season. He leads the league in fourth-quarter scoring and ranks second in clutch points, just behind last season’s MVP Alexander. This season, he has recorded at least 20 points and 10 assists in 11 games.

Future development path: Cunningham needs to cut down on turnovers. He currently averages 3.9 turnovers per game, ranking fourth in the league, with seven games this season having five or more turnovers.

4. Jalen Williams

2025-26 season stats: averaging 17.3 points, 6.2 assists, and 5.2 rebounds per game

One standout aspect of the Thunder’s strong season is 24-year-old Jalen Williams, who averaged 23 points in the Finals but has played only six games this season due to offseason wrist surgery. As a wing who can create quality shots and defend nearly every perimeter player, he is one of the most valuable player types in the NBA and has already proven himself on the sport’s biggest stage.

Future development path: Looking back at Williams’ last season — making an All-NBA team and scoring 40 points in a Finals game — it’s hard to find fault. You might expect him to refine his playmaking and shooting, but in reality, he has already become a cornerstone for a team poised to build the NBA’s next dynasty.

5. Sengun

2025-26 season stats: averaging 23.0 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 7.0 assists per game

Some believe that aside from Wembanyama, Sengun has the greatest potential on this list. His scoring average rose from 19.1 to 23.0 points, but what truly stands out is his playmaking and significantly improved three-point shooting efficiency. This season, he averages 7.0 assists, a career high (previously 4.9), with a three-point shooting percentage of 36.4%.

Future development path: Sengun needs to improve his mid-range shooting consistency. His shooting percentage between 10 feet and the three-point line is below 40%; even in the close-range area within 4 feet of the basket, his accuracy ranks among the lower tier of interior players in the league.