As the NBA evolves, the spotlight shifts to the rising stars under 25, showcasing phenomenal talent and immense potential. With the legendary Luka Doncic aging out of contention, a new name has seized the top spot for the first time in five years. Will Victor Wembanyama, who impressed as a rookie, maintain his supremacy? Or will he face fierce competition from athletes like Anthony Edwards and Paolo Banchero? With several players battling injuries yet showcasing extraordinary skills, the future of the league looks bright.

ESPN’s elite panel of NBA insiders, including Tim Bontemps, Bobby Marks, Kevin Pelton, and Jeremy Woo, have evaluated the top 25 under-25 players based on their future potential. Here’s a closer look at these future NBA stars and what makes each player unique:

The Stars Under 25: Rankings and Insights

25. Bilal Coulibaly, SG, Washington Wizards

- Age: 20 years - 2024-25 Stats: 12.6 PPG | 5.4 RPG | 2.8 APG Coulibaly’s journey began alongside Wembanyama as a draft prospect. Despite starting his NBA career at just 19, he has showcased significant offensive growth.

24. Tari Eason, PF, Houston Rockets

- Age: 23 years - 2024-25 Stats: 11.4 PPG | 6.3 RPG | 2.1 SPG Eason's defensive prowess makes him indispensable to the Rockets this season, proving his worth as one of the standout reserves.

23. Dyson Daniels, PG, Atlanta Hawks

- Age: 21 years - 2024-25 Stats: 13.5 PPG | 3.1 APG | 3.0 SPG Daniels is carving a niche as one of the league's top perimeter defenders while seeking to enhance his offensive efficiency.

22. Amen Thompson, SF, Houston Rockets

- Age: 21 years - 2024-25 Stats: 11.9 PPG | 7.0 RPG | 1.3 SPG Thompson’s versatility makes him a valuable asset crucial to Houston's closing lineups.

21. Tyler Herro, PG, Miami Heat

- Age: 24 years - 2024-25 Stats: 24.0 PPG | 5.2 RPG | 4.9 APG Herro's scoring ability remains exceptional, but his ongoing battle with injuries has kept him on the lower end of this ranking.

20. Jalen Green, SG, Houston Rockets

- Age: 22 years - 2024-25 Stats: 19.4 PPG | 4.8 RPG | 2.7 APG Green's offensive skills are contrasted by his inconsistency, making balancing shot selection vital for his growth.

19. Dereck Lively II, C, Dallas Mavericks

- Age: 20 years - 2024-25 Stats: 8.8 PPG | 7.1 RPG | 74.7 FG% Promising as a rookie, Lively's defensive instincts and agility could make him one of the league's top rim protectors.

18. Jalen Suggs, SG, Orlando Magic

- Age: 23 years - 2024-25 Stats: 15.4 PPG | 3.9 APG | 1.3 SPG Fresh off a lucrative contract extension, Suggs is still searching for shooting consistency while anchoring one of the league's best defenses.

17. Jalen Johnson, SF, Atlanta Hawks

- Age: 22 years - 2024-25 Stats: 20.1 PPG | 9.9 RPG | 5.5 APG Johnson is emerging as a primary offensive threat, showcasing significant stat improvements in his second year as a starter.

16. Zion Williamson, PF, New Orleans Pelicans

- Age: 24 years - 2024-25 Stats: 22.7 PPG | 8.0 RPG | 5.3 APG Injury struggles have hindered Williamson's potential, raising questions about whether his athleticism can withstand physical demands.

15. Brandon Miller, SF, Charlotte Hornets

- Age: 22 years - 2024-25 Stats: 20.6 PPG | 5.3 RPG | 3.7 APG Even amid fierce competition, Miller's shooting proficiency and versatility hint at a bright future.

14. Darius Garland, PG, Cleveland Cavaliers

- Age: 24 years - 2024-25 Stats: 20.7 PPG | 6.8 APG | 49.5 FG% Garland's production has rebounded following injury challenges, and he's primed for a pivotal role in postseason endeavors.

13. Cade Cunningham, PG, Detroit Pistons

- Age: 23 years - 2024-25 Stats: 23.5 PPG | 7.2 RPG | 9.0 APG Revitalized with a strengthened roster, Cunningham's playmaking ability comes into focus as he navigates turnovers.

12. LaMelo Ball, PG, Charlotte Hornets

- Age: 23 years - 2024-25 Stats: 31.1 PPG | 6.9 APG | 35.6 3P% Ball's scoring talents shine, but his dual role as a playmaker and volume scorer raises team success questions.

11. Scottie Barnes, SF, Toronto Raptors

- Age: 23 years - 2024-25 Stats: 20.4 PPG | 8.6 RPG | 6.8 APG Barnes' defensive ability shines alongside his scoring, making him a cornerstone for Toronto's future.

10. Alperen Sengun, C, Houston Rockets

- Age: 22 years - 2024-25 Stats: 18.7 PPG | 10.7 RPG | 1.3 BPG Regarded as an offensive centerpiece, Sengun's defensive efforts complement his rebounding prowess.

9. Jalen Williams, SF, Oklahoma City Thunder

- Age: 23 years - 2024-25 Stats: 21.5 PPG | 6.3 RPG | 2.2 SPG Williams has carved out a significant role with efficiency and defensive tenacity, hinting at All-Star potential.

8. Evan Mobley, PF, Cleveland Cavaliers

- Age: 23 years - 2024-25 Stats: 18.2 PPG | 9.3 RPG | 1.5 BPG Mobley’s solid defensive presence blends with rising offensive skill, promising future stardom.

7. Tyrese Maxey, PG, Philadelphia 76ers

- Age: 24 years - 2024-25 Stats: 25.9 PPG | 4.5 APG | 33.3 3P% After a breakout season, Maxey faces a challenging start, but his scoring capabilities remain key for Philadelphia.

6. Tyrese Haliburton, PG, Indiana Pacers

- Age: 24 years - 2024-25 Stats: 17.5 PPG | 8.7 APG | 40.9 FG% Once an MVP contender, Haliburton needs to regain his form after battling injuries and shooting struggles.

5. Chet Holmgren, PF, Oklahoma City Thunder

- Age: 22 years - 2024-25 Stats: 16.4 PPG | 8.7 RPG | 2.3 BPG Holmgren's potential is tied to his resilience, with a versatile skill set that could elevate him among the best bigs.

4. Franz Wagner, PF, Orlando Magic

- Age: 23 years - 2024-25 Stats: 23.6 PPG | 5.5 RPG | 5.8 APG Recognized with a substantial contract extension, Wagner's play solidifies him as one of the league's promising players.

3. Paolo Banchero, PF, Orlando Magic

- Age: 22 years - 2024-25 Stats: 29.0 PPG | 8.8 RPG | 5.6 APG Though sidelined with an injury, Banchero's early-season performance proves his star quality.

2. Anthony Edwards, PG, Minnesota Timberwolves

- Age: 23 years - 2024-25 Stats: 27.7 PPG | 5.4 RPG | 42.8 3P% A rising star and All-NBA contender, Edwards' stats support his ascension in the league's echelon.

1. Victor Wembanyama, C, San Antonio Spurs

- Age: 20 years - 2024-25 Stats: 24.0 PPG | 10.2 RPG | 3.6 BPG Living up to the hype, Wembanyama dazzles with his scoring and defensive capabilities, cementing his place as a generational talent.

Notable Mentions

- Jaden Ivey, PG, Detroit Pistons - Bennedict Mathurin, SG, Indiana Pacers - Trey Murphy III, F, New Orleans Pelicans - Cam Thomas, SG, Brooklyn Nets

As the NBA continues to shift towards a youth-driven dynamic, these players are more than just hopeful talents; they're the future of professional basketball. The coming years will be critical for their development and the leagues' offers of exciting gameplay. The stage is set for a thrilling season. Stay tuned!