ESPN on Dec. 12 released its annual “25 Under 25” list, and for the second straight season San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama holds the No. 1 spot. A panel of writers Tim Bontemps, Zach Kram, Bobby Marks, Kevin Pelton and Jeremy Woo evaluated long-term potential to determine the order.
Top five unchanged at the summit
1. Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs, 21 – The 7-foot-5 star is averaging 26.2 points, 12.9 rebounds and an NBA-best 3.6 blocks. ESPN notes that improved shot selection and interior play keep him in front, with health listed as the lone concern.
2. Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves, 24 – Edwards remains second after boosting his averages to 28.7 points while hitting 41.6 percent from three. The panel cited playmaking (3.8 assists) as the next area for growth.
3. Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons, 24 – Now third, Cunningham is putting up 27.5 points, 9.3 assists and 6.4 rebounds but averages 3.9 turnovers, the area ESPN says he must address.
4. Jalen Williams, Oklahoma City Thunder, 24 – Despite missing most of the early season after wrist surgery, Williams returns at No. 4 on the strength of last spring’s Finals run and current 17.3-point, 6.2-assist line.
5. Alperen Şengün, Houston Rockets, 23 – Şengün jumps into the top five with career highs of 23.0 points, 9.4 rebounds and 7.0 assists while shooting 36.4 percent from deep.
Rest of the top 10
6. Amen Thompson, Rockets, 22 – 17.4 points, 7.0 rebounds, 5.1 assists; outside shooting (22 percent career) remains the focus.
7. Evan Mobley, Cavaliers, 24 – Last season’s Defensive Player of the Year posts 18.9 points and 9.1 rebounds but is shooting a career-low 50 percent from the field.
8. Cooper Flagg, Mavericks, 18 – The rookie averages 17.3 points, 6.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists; improving a 25 percent three-point mark is highlighted.
9. Chet Holmgren, Thunder, 23 – With 18.8 points and 8.0 rebounds on 39.5 percent from three, durability is the key question after appearing in just over half of OKC’s games since being drafted.
10. Jalen Johnson, Hawks, 23 – Career-best production at 23.4 points and 10.5 rebounds places him 10th; turnovers (3.3 per 36 minutes) are cited for refinement.
Notable movers and newcomers
Portland’s Deni Avdija (25.8 points) sits 15th after a trade-market gamble paid off for the Trail Blazers. Three Spurs guards made the list: Stephon Castle (16th), rookie Dylan Harper (18th) and Reed Sheppard (25th). Charlotte rookie Kon Knueppel ranks 17th while leading all first-year players in scoring and three-point makes.
Players who dropped off
Aging out or sliding off the list were Tyrese Haliburton, Tyrese Maxey, Darius Garland, Zion Williamson, Brandon Miller, LaMelo Ball, Dereck Lively II, Jalen Green, Tyler Herro, Tari Eason and Bilal Coulibaly.
The full ranking spans 25 players under age 25 and evaluates how each can continue progressing as the 2025-26 NBA season unfolds.
Source: ESPN
