NBA Power Rankings: The Most Exciting Young Rising Player for All 30 Teams

Young Riser: Ajay Mitchell

Despite the return of Jalen Williams, Mitchell`s role has not diminished. In his second season, he has solidified his place as a nightly rotation staple and one of the most reliable young bench playmakers in the NBA, averaging 11.3 points on efficient shooting in December.

Young Riser: Jalen Duren

Duren, who recently turned 22, has shown significant natural growth. More than just the vertical spacing partner Cade Cunningham needs, Duren has made major strides defensively, particularly in the interior. His third-in-the-league offensive rebounding rate makes him a critical factor, especially as he performs in a contract year.

Young Riser: Tyler Kolek

Kolek represents the roster`s freshest youth and has been earning increasing minutes. Coach Tom Thibodeau even experimented with playing him alongside Jalen Brunson during the NBA Cup. Kolek delivered a season-high 16 points and 11 assists in a recent comeback win, suggesting he may be the backup point guard solution the Knicks were seeking.

Young Riser: Peyton Watson

The 23-year-old Watson has capitalized on his starting role necessitated by injuries, averaging 14.6 points and 5.6 rebounds while shooting highly efficiently from the floor. The rangy wing provides crucial rim protection, though his future budget status is uncertain as he heads toward restricted free agency.

Young Riser: Dylan Harper

Harper is forming a new young “Big 3” alongside previous Rookie of the Year winners Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle. The smooth, 19-year-old lefty plays with uncommon craftiness and poise. While his 3-point percentage is still low (27.7%), he is gaining confidence and clearly figures prominently in San Antonio`s future plans.

Young Riser: Reed Sheppard

The second-year veteran recently became the first Rocket since 2017 (Lou Williams) to post 25 points and five assists off the bench. Sheppard knocked down six 3-pointers in a key road win against Denver. His progress is notable, especially his offseason commitment to improving his defense, where he spent three weeks focusing exclusively on that aspect of his game.

Young Riser: Adou Thiero

The Lakers traded up multiple times in the draft to secure Thiero with the 36th pick. While his current stats are modest, the chiseled 6-foot-8 forward has already impressed the organization with his work ethic in recovering from knee surgery. At just 21, L.A. views Thiero as a long-term project with significant defensive potential.

Young Risers: Jaylen Clark and Terrence Shannon Jr.

The immediate concern is the exclusion of former top-10 pick Rob Dillingham from the rotation. However, Jaylen Clark and Terrence Shannon Jr. are getting opportunities on the wing and will continue to compete for a consistent rotation spot as potential long-term replacements for the recently departed Nickeil Alexander-Walker.

Young Riser: Jordan Walsh

The 2023 second-round selection was not guaranteed a role, but he has become a consistent starter for the surprising Celtics. Walsh’s combination of length, athleticism, and high energy makes him a perfect complementary player. With solid 3-point shooting (albeit on low volume), he has a chance to solidify a long-term role in Boston.

Young Riser: Anthony Black

While Banchero and Wagner are established, Black`s rise has been impressive, especially when stepping up during injuries to Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs. His minutes and role coincided with Paolo Banchero`s earlier injury absence. Black’s versatility in defending, scoring, passing, and rebounding ensures he will be a valuable contributor even when the Magic are fully healthy.

Young Riser: VJ Edgecombe

The 76ers successfully managed to retain their top-six protected first-round pick, allowing them to secure Edgecombe, who now forms the future backcourt with Tyrese Maxey. Edgecombe has shown increased playmaking capacity when Maxey was sidelined, and his willingness to take on a major role aligns with Coach Nick Nurse’s trust in the rookie.

Young Riser: Jamal Shead

Shead, a backup in Toronto, ranks second among qualified players in assists per 36 minutes (9.6), behind only Nikola Jokic. Despite a struggling jump shot (35.5% FG), the 2024 second-round pick is a solid rotation player known for making plays, avoiding turnovers, and providing hard-nosed defense.

Young Riser: Mark Williams

After the Lakers rescinded their deal for Williams due to a failed physical, the Suns traded for the 7-foot-1 big man. Williams, who turned 24 this month, has provided a steady presence for Phoenix, averaging 12.6 points on 66.5% shooting and 8.0 rebounds, appearing consistently in 24 of the team`s 29 games.

Young Riser: Jaylon Tyson

The 20th pick in the 2024 draft, Tyson has emerged as a starting-caliber forward following a quiet rookie season. He is averaging 12.8 points and 5.4 rebounds on highly efficient shooting (51.9% FG, 44.9% 3P). Despite Cleveland`s overall struggles, Tyson has seized his opportunity to carve out a permanent role.

Young Riser: Kel’el Ware

Still only 21, Ware has flashed massive, albeit inconsistent, potential. He recently had a three-game stretch of double-doubles, including 28 points and 19 rebounds against the Knicks. During that span, the 7-footer shot 12-of-16 from beyond the arc. For the slumping Heat to regain momentum, they desperately need the consistently impactful version of Ware.

Young Riser: Quinten Post

Coach Steve Kerr has settled on a starting lineup that includes second-year center Quinten Post next to Draymond Green. Post is a 7-foot stretch option attempting the second-highest volume of 3-pointers among NBA centers. While his accuracy (33.1%) needs improvement, his primary role is providing offensive space and easing Green`s defensive burden, evidenced by the Warriors` best defensive rating when he`s on the floor (103.4).

Young Riser: Jalen Johnson

The 24-year-old Johnson might be one of the league`s fastest-rising talents, building on a prior injury-shortened breakout season. When Trae Young was out, Johnson stepped into the lead role, posting six triple-doubles. He has massive averages (23.8 points, 10.5 rebounds, 8.2 assists) and is making a solid argument for All-NBA contention.

Young Riser: Cedric Coward

The Grizzlies traded up to select the 22-year-old rookie. Coward, who brings size and defensive tenacity to the shooting guard position, has started 16 consecutive games and scored in double figures in every one of them, proving his worth despite limited college experience.

Young Riser: Matas Buzelis

Buzelis, the Bulls` second-year forward, has been integral to their recent winning streak. His offensive ascension, averaging 19.0 points and 1.8 blocks over the past four games, has helped Chicago return to its optimal style of play, which emphasizes ball movement and fast pace.

Young Riser: Shaedon Sharpe

After signing a four-year extension, Sharpe has delivered the anticipated step forward following a slow start. The 22-year-old guard is averaging 23.5 points per game since November 1st with an effective field goal percentage of 55%. With reliable defense, Sharpe is cementing his status as a core player for the Blazers.

Young Riser: Cooper Flagg

No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg, who recently turned 19, is fully justifying the hype—with production at this age comparable only to LeBron James. Since moving to his natural forward position, Flagg has excelled, averaging 20.3 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 4.0 assists while ranking in the top three among rookies in all five major statistical categories.

Young Riser: Ryan Rollins

Rollins has been a rare bright spot for the struggling Bucks, averaging 17 points and 5.9 assists on efficient shooting (38.7% from 3) after being waived by the Wizards two years ago. However, his minutes have recently dwindled as Coach Doc Rivers attempts to split his guards. If the Bucks hope to save their season, Rollins` role should not be reduced.

Young Riser: Kon Knueppel

The No. 4 pick Kon Knueppel shattered the record for the fastest player to reach 100 career 3-pointers, accomplishing the feat in just 29 games. Knueppel combines high volume (8.7 attempts per game) with 41.4% accuracy, making him a crucial building block for the franchise, even with Cooper Flagg gaining momentum for Rookie of the Year.

Young Riser: Keyonte George

The third-year guard should be a prime Most Improved Player candidate. After losing his starting job last season, he has dramatically boosted his scoring average from 7.1 to 23.9 points per game, alongside major leaps in efficiency and assists (6.9 per game). The Jazz see George, 22, and rookie Ace Bailey as their foundational pieces moving forward.

Young Riser: Derik Queen

Queen has been central to the Pelicans` improbable five-game winning streak following a terrible start, averaging 15.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 5.0 assists during that run. He has emerged as a stronger prospect than fellow lottery pick Jeremiah Fears, and the recent winning streak reduces the risk of the team losing its top-four protected draft pick.

Young Riser: Noah Clowney

Clowney is a bright spot for the struggling Nets. His performance has improved recently, stepping into a leading role in the absence of Cam Thomas and Michael Porter Jr., averaging 17.3 points over the last month. Clowney, in his third year, appears to be making the most of the opportunities provided by the team’s abundant draft capital.

Young Riser: Kobe Sanders

Despite the Clippers generally favoring veteran players, the 23-year-old Sanders, taken with the 50th pick, has been a positive surprise. The 6-foot-8 guard is averaging 6.2 points in 19.4 minutes per game, and provided a key 17-point, 4-assist performance in a recent road win over Atlanta.

Young Riser: Maxime Raynaud

With Domantas Sabonis sidelined by a partially torn meniscus, the Kings opted to prioritize youth, giving the starting center job to second-round rookie Raynaud. In his eight consecutive starts, he has averaged a consistent 14.3 points and 9.6 rebounds, frequently converting dump-off passes from Russell Westbrook. His growth has been highly praised by the organization.

Young Riser: Bennedict Mathurin

Mathurin, the franchise`s highest-drafted player since the 1980s, faces a fascinating contract situation as he approaches restricted free agency next summer without an extension. He remains an explosive scorer (career-high 18.7 points per game) but struggles to contribute in other areas, currently owning more career turnovers than assists.

Young Riser: Alex Sarr

As a sophomore, the former No. 2 pick has made massive developmental strides. After struggling with efficiency as a rookie, Sarr is now averaging 18.9 points per game on league-average shooting efficiency (54.9% eFG). Furthermore, his 1.9 blocks per game rank near the top of the NBA leaderboard, showcasing his potential as an elite defender.