*Players who will turn 25 before the start of the season are not included on this list

‍

There is a glut of young talent who all believe they are ready to dominate the NBA over the next decade but not everyone can be the best.

‍

This is Coast to Coast's Top 5 Players Under 25.

‍

5. Zion Williamson - Forward - New Orleans Pelicans - 23 Years Old

22/23 Stats: 26.0/7.0/4.6/1.1 STL - 61% FG - 29 games

Zion should be top of this list but unfortunately his inability to take to the court consistently made it a difficult decision to even include him at all but the facts are simple. When Zion Williamson is on the floor he takes the Pelicans from a play-in team to a contender with his unique combination of athleticism and finishing combined with his improving passing & facilitating.

His limited shooting ability could hurt him but the rest of his game is capable of getting to a level where that won't matter, however in Zion's case at this moment his health is holding him back and if he can't commit to getting in better shape and start playing consistently he will most likely become an after thought rather than a superstar.

‍

4. Tyrese Haliburton - Guard - Indiana Pacers - 23 Years Old

22/23 Stats: 20.7/10.4/1.6 STL - 57/40/87 shooting splits - 56 games

Tyrese Haliburton had a breakout year in his first full season in Indiana and looks to be the perfect modern day point guard. He is an efficient scorer from deep, with great passing and court vision. His length makes him a menace for steals but his all round defensive game remains to be seen.

He has only shown it for one year but if he sustains these levels of production, he can lead the Pacers to the same heights Reggie Miller & Paul George did. And if his defense & leadership come anywhere close to his offensive production, watch out!

3. Ja Morant - Guard - Memphis Grizzlies - 24 Years Old

22/23 Stats: 26.2/5.9/8.1 AST - 61 games

Ja Morant would be higher on this list were it not for his off-court issues (serving 25 games suspension for flashing a gun on Instagram Live) because since entering the league in 2019 he has been electric. Already winning rookie of the year and most improved player in his young career. At this moment off-court decision making is the only thing stopping him from both individual & team success.

He is one of the best athlete's in the NBA with insane finishing and a high level of IQ & passing. However, his all action, high flying game has led to him missing significant game time. However, if he can now get back on the right track off the court and learn to protect himself more on the court then he still has a great career ahead.

‍

2. Anthony Edwards - Guard - Minnesota Timberwolves - 22 Years Old

22/23 Stats: 24.6/5.8/4.4 AST - 37% 3pt (Career High) - 79 games

Anthony Edwards may not have achieved as much as some of the players he is ahead of on this list but he is a future superstar. He has steadily improved every season he has been in the league and looks primed for a breakout in 2024 following some outstanding performances in the playoffs against the Denver Nuggets.

His unrivaled athleticism and scoring ability make him a star but his leadership and fearless shooting make him a superstar. He is the youngest player on this list and while potential is key for all of these players it is especially key for Ant. The defense still isn't quite there but he has shown flashes and if he becomes the two-way star he is capable of, he will be a top five player in the NBA within three years and will lead Minnesota to the top of the Western Conference and beyond.

‍

1. Luka Doncic - Guard - Dallas Mavericks - 24 Years Old

22/23 Stats: 32.4/8.6/8.0 AST - 50% FG - 66 games

There was never any doubt about who was going to fill the number one spot, with Luka Doncic being the only member of this list you could argue is already top five in the entire NBA. The 24 year old has been an All-Star and named to the All NBA First team in every season he has been in the league since his sophomore season.

Doncic has it all when it comes to offense with three level scoring ability paired with elite level IQ and playmaking. If he can improve his conditioning and become even a mid-level defender then he will be the best player in the NBA, without those qualities he may not achieve everything he should in the NBA but there is no doubting that when it comes to players under 25 in the NBA, Luka is the best of the best!

‍

( PHOTO CREDIT - Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports)