Top 10 Rising NBA Players to Watch in 2025
The NBA is in constant motion, with young stars stepping up every season to redefine the league’s future. From highlight-reel dunks to clutch shooting, the next generation of players is already making waves. In 2025, a fresh group of rising talents is set to break through and dominate headlines. These players are not only showcasing potential but also putting up numbers that hint at superstar ceilings.
Whether you’re a long-time basketball enthusiast or someone who follows the sport through the best NBA YouTube channels, keeping an eye on the rising generation is crucial. In this article, we’ll dive deep into the Top 10 Rising NBA Players to Watch in 2025, exploring their playing style, recent stats, and why they’re the ones to keep an eye on.
1. Victor Wembanyama – San Antonio Spurs
Victor Wembanyama, the French phenom, is rewriting the rulebook for big men. Standing at 7’4” with guard-like skills, he has already shown flashes of being a generational talent. His ability to stretch the floor, protect the rim, and handle the ball is unheard of for a player of his size.
Why Wembanyama is rising:
- Rookie season averages: 21.1 points, 10.2 rebounds, 3.4 blocks per game
- Highest block rate among all players under 22
- Shot 34% from beyond the arc, rare for a 7-footer
He is on pace to become the league’s next global superstar, drawing comparisons to legends while carving out his own unique path.
2. Scoot Henderson – Portland Trail Blazers
Scoot Henderson entered the league with sky-high expectations, and his rookie season proved he has the explosiveness and court vision to live up to the hype. As the face of Portland’s rebuild, he’s quickly becoming a fan favorite.
Why Henderson is rising:
- Averaging 18.7 points, 6.8 assists, 4.1 rebounds per game
- Shooting 47% from mid-range, showing growth beyond just rim attacks
- Among the top 5 rookies in assist-to-turnover ratio
His leadership qualities at just 20 years old suggest he’ll be a long-term franchise cornerstone.
3. Chet Holmgren – Oklahoma City Thunder
Chet Holmgren, after missing his first season due to injury, has stormed back with an elite two-way impact. His combination of rim protection and offensive versatility is a huge boost for OKC’s young core.
Why Holmgren is rising:
- Averaging 15.9 points, 9.8 rebounds, 2.7 blocks per game
- Top-10 in defensive rating league-wide
- Shooting 39% from three, proving he can space the floor
Holmgren is a defensive anchor with the potential to become one of the best two-way players of his generation.
4. Paolo Banchero – Orlando Magic
As the 2022 No. 1 pick, Paolo Banchero has already started proving himself as Orlando’s leader. His mix of scoring, playmaking, and physicality at 6’10” makes him one of the most versatile forwards in the league.
Why Banchero is rising:
- Averaging 22.8 points, 7.4 rebounds, 4.6 assists per game
- Top 15 in usage rate, showing Orlando’s reliance on him
- Improved three-point shooting to 36% this season
Banchero’s all-around impact ensures he’ll be a household name for years to come.
5. Jalen Green – Houston Rockets
Jalen Green has been steadily improving as a scorer, turning his raw athleticism into polished offensive skills. His ability to light up defenses with his shooting and drives makes him one of the league’s most exciting young guards.
Why Green is rising:
- Averaging 20.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists per game
- Improved field goal percentage to 45%
- Ranked in the top 20 for drives per game
Green’s growth is essential to Houston’s rebuild, and he’s becoming a dangerous perimeter weapon.
6. Tyrese Maxey – Philadelphia 76ers
Tyrese Maxey has been one of the league’s breakout guards, transforming from a role player into a star. With elite speed, scoring touch, and improved decision-making, Maxey has become a perfect complement to Joel Embiid.
Why Maxey is rising:
- Averaging 24.3 points, 5.6 assists, 3.7 rebounds per game
- Shooting 42% from three on high volume
- One of the top 10 fastest players by average speed in the NBA
He’s quickly cementing his place as one of the East’s most explosive guards.
7. Jalen Williams – Oklahoma City Thunder
Jalen Williams is a name that doesn’t always dominate headlines but is vital to OKC’s success. His versatility on both ends of the floor, paired with consistent growth, has him poised for stardom.
Why Williams is rising:
- Averaging 17.4 points, 5.1 rebounds, 4.2 assists per game
- Improved defensive rating to rank top 20 among wings
- Known for clutch fourth-quarter scoring
He is shaping up to be the perfect two-way wing alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Holmgren.
8. Franz Wagner – Orlando Magic
Franz Wagner has quietly become one of the most reliable young wings in the NBA. His smooth shooting, off-ball movement, and defense make him a crucial part of Orlando’s young core.
Why Wagner is rising:
- Averaging 18.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.5 assists per game
- 38% three-point shooter across his career so far
- Among the league leaders in cuts per game
Wagner’s all-around game fits perfectly in today’s NBA, where wings who can defend and shoot are invaluable.
9. Alperen Sengun – Houston Rockets
Alperen Sengun is quickly earning comparisons to Nikola Jokic for his unique skill set as a passing big man. His vision, footwork, and scoring touch make him one of the most entertaining young centers to watch.
Why Sengun is rising:
- Averaging 19.5 points, 9.1 rebounds, 5.7 assists per game
- Top 5 among centers in assist percentage
- Elite post-up efficiency at 1.12 points per possession
If he continues on this trajectory, Sengun could redefine how we look at modern centers.
10. Amen Thompson – Houston Rockets
Amen Thompson, one of the Rockets’ prized rookies, is already showcasing elite athleticism and defensive instincts. His ability to run the floor and guard multiple positions makes him stand out.
Why Thompson is rising:
- Averaging 12.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, 5.1 assists per game
- Top 10 among rookies in steals per game
- Ranked in the 95th percentile for transition scoring efficiency
With development, Thompson could become one of the most complete guards in the league.
Final Thoughts
The NBA’s future looks brighter than ever, with a wave of talent already making significant impacts across the league. From Victor Wembanyama’s dominance in San Antonio to Tyrese Maxey’s scoring explosion in Philadelphia, these rising stars are shaping the next era of basketball.
As you keep up with their growth, don’t forget to check out the best NBA podcasts for deeper analysis and NBA YouTube channels that showcase highlights and breakdowns. Together, they provide the perfect way to follow the journeys of these players as they ascend to stardom.
