The 2025 NBA playoffs are moments away. Like always, we are going to see the stars come to play. With NBA legends like LeBron James and Stephen Curry winding down their careers, all eyes will be on this year’s youth movement as players begin to make a name for themselves this postseason.
Here’s a breakdown of the top-10 players 25 and under headed into the playoffs.
10. Dalton Knecht (24), Los Angeles Lakers
As the Los Angeles Lakers gear up for their first-round playoff clash against the Minnesota Timberwolves, a key question surrounds the potential role of rookie wing Dalton Knecht. Known for his ability to knock down shots, Knecht provided sparks off the bench throughout the season, including a 37-point performance against the Utah Jazz back on Nov. 19.
Knecht is averaging 9.1 points per game on a decent 37.6% from deep. He remains a potential X-factor off the bench should head coach JJ Redick look for an offensive boost during the series.
9. Jalen Duren (21), Detroit Pistons
With the Detroit Pistons taking on the New York Knicks in the first round, the performance of Jalen Duren will be critical to the team’s success. Duren has solidified his role as a pivotal force for the Pistons, showcasing his immense potential as a dominant presence in the paint.
Throughout the season, Duren has consistently impacted games on both ends of the floor with his efficient rebounding and an improving offensive game, averaging 11.8 points and 10.3 rebounds per game. His athleticism and two-way skillset make him a nightly double-double threat, providing Detroit with crucial second-chance opportunities and a strong interior presence.
His continued development as a rim-protector, averaging 1.1 blocks this season, further bolsters the Pistons’ “Bad Boys” image.
8. Ausar Thompson (22), Detroit Pistons
Ausar Thompson has solidified his role as a key contributor for Detroit throughout his sophomore season. While the athletic wing only appeared in 59 games, he was able to showcase his versatility on both ends of the court.
Thompson averaged a solid 10.1 points per game, demonstrating an improved offensive efficiency with a 53.5% field goal percentage. His ability to grab 5.1 rebounds and swipe 1.7 steals highlights his defensive ability that pairs him well in the backcourt with Cade Cunningham.
7. Jalen Green (23), Houston Rockets
Jalen Green has maintained his status as the primary offensive option for the Houston Rockets this season. The fourth-year guard appeared in all 82 games for Houston and led the team in scoring with 21 points per game. Demonstrating his ability to create space for himself, Green connected on 42.3% of his shots and 35.4% from deep.
He is going to have his hands full keeping up with Curry and the Golden State Warriors in the first round, but Green’s all-around game will certainly keep the Rockets in every game.
6. Amen Thompson (22), Houston Rockets
Rounding out the backcourt for Houston, Amen Thompson showed significant development in his second season. Appearing in 69 games this season, the sophomore guard expanded his impact across the stat sheet. Thompson is averaging 14.1 points per game with an efficient 55.7% shooting from the field. His rebounding has been vastly underrated, evident by his 8.2 boards per contest.
Defensively, Thompson has been active, racking up 1.4 steals and 1.3 blocks per game. His two-way versatility will be a major asset in the Rockets and the first-round matchup with the Warriors.
5. Darius Garland (25), Cleveland Cavaliers
Darius Garland continues to be the straw that stirs the drink for Cleveland’s offense in his sixth year with the team. The dynamic point guard played in 75 games this year, averaging 20.6 points and 6.7 assists per game.
Garland’s efficiency has been notable, shooting 47.2% from the field and a solid 40.1% from deep. His defense is particularly underrated, as he averages 1.2 steals per game. Garland has been an unsung hero for the No. 1 seed, and his play is crucial to a deep playoff run.
4. Tyrese Haliburton (25), Indiana Pacers
As one of the premier point guards in the league, Tyrese Haliburton once again solidified himself as the orchestrator of the dynamic Indiana Pacers offense. Playing in 73 games this season, Haliburton was a near double-double machine with 18.6 points and 9.2 assists per contest.
Shooting 38.8% from 3-point range, he was also able to find his shooting stroke and help Indiana be a top-10 offense. He will look to rev up the pace against the Milwaukee Bucks in the first round and hopefully return to the conference finals for a second straight season.
3. Evan Mobley (23), Cleveland Cavaliers
Evan Mobley is the X-factor for the Cleveland Cavaliers and potentially the entire NBA playoffs. Averaging 18.5 points and 9.3 rebounds in 71 games this season, he is a two-way force that has gone largely unnoticed during Cleveland’s run to the top seed. While he is shooting an efficient 55.7% from the field and a reasonable 37% from deep, Mobley’s defense makes him stand out as an All-NBA talent.
With 1.6 blocks per game, he has cemented himself as one of the premier rim protectors in the league. He will look to continue his two-way dominance against either the Miami Heat or Atlanta Hawks in the first round.
2. Cade Cunningham (23), Detroit Pistons
The final Piston on this list, Cade Cunningham, made the jump from all-star to superstar this season and helped Detroit triple its win total. Playing 35 minutes a night, Cunningham averaged 26.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 9.1 assists.
He solidified himself as an elite playmaker and as one of the top point guards in the league. He is a candidate for Most Improved Player of the year and is, without question, the best player on Detroit. Look for Cunningham to make his presence felt in the first round against the Knicks and potentially put up marquee numbers at Madison Square Garden.
1. Anthony Edwards (23), Minnesota Timberwolves
There is no one else who could be No. 1 on this list. Despite not wanting to be the face of the NBA, Anthony Edwards continues to put up MVP-like numbers. The fifth-year guard averaged 27.6 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4.5 assists. He led the league in 3-pointers made with 320 and shot an efficient 39.5% from deep.
Edwards was named an NBA All-Star for the third consecutive season and is likely on his way to an All-NBA team. He could single-handedly take over Minnesota’s first-round matchup against the Lakers and guide his team to yet another deep playoff run.