The Best NBA Player at Every Age Right Now
The last few years have given us plenty of discussion on where the NBA might turn for a face of the league when LeBron James and Stephen Curry retire.
But they've also seen an influx in massive new talents who look ready to take the mantle whenever it's vacated.
You'll see plenty below, as we look at the best players at each and every age* from 19 through 41.
And just to be clear, we're using player ages as of the day of publication (rather than their season age, which is where they are on February 1).
While the choice at each age will rely heavily on basic and advanced numbers from past performance, the idea is to pick who will be the best player in every group this season. That requires plenty of subjectivity.
You'll also see references to other contenders throughout the slideshow. And while that generally means there's some universe in which those players could end up on top, some are longer shots than others.
*There are no current players at age 39.
19: Cooper Flagg
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If we were going with season age, Cooper Flagg would be among the 20-year-olds, but he doesn't hit that mark until December. That means he'll play a significant chunk of his second season as a teenager.
And though the incoming rookie class includes several potential superstars (like the contenders listed below), Flagg's year of experience will give him a meaningful cushion between himself and the rest of the 19-year-olds.
His developmental arrow is already darn-near vertical.
As a rookie, he averaged 18.8 points and 4.1 assists in his first 43 games. And from that point to the end of the campaign, he was at 24.7 points and 5.1 assists.
Flagg may have to cede some touches to Kyrie Irving this season, but his return will also divert some defensive attention away from him too. And that could help Flagg maintain the kind of production he had at the end of 2025-26.
As promising as the trio below is, they won't consistently reach those heights as rookies.
Contenders: Cameron Boozer, Darryn Peterson, AJ Dybantsa
20: Dylan Harper
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Flagg got some seasoning in the regular season that the rest of the 19-year-olds didn't, but Dylan Harper wound up with an even better crash course.
As a rookie, he was a key contributor to the San Antonio Spurs' unexpected NBA Finals run. And that gave him an experience boost that almost no 20-year-old can boast.
In 23 playoff games, Harper averaged 14.1 points and 2.7 assists in just 26.7 minutes. He trailed only Victor Wembanyama and Julian Champagnie among Spurs rotation players in playoff box plus/minus. And in the Finals, his scoring average climbed to 18.0 points in 31.0 minutes.
Even in the highest-pressure moments, Harper looked poised. He manipulated defenders off the dribble like a 10-year vet. He wasn't shy about taking big shots. For long stretches, he looked like the obvious Robin to Wemby's Batman.
Harper isn't just the best 20-year-old in the NBA right now. He has a chance to be an All-Star and one of the best guards at any age in 2026-27.
Contenders: Caleb Wilson, Egor Dëmin
21: Kon Knueppel
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Kon Knueppel wasn't just one of the best shooters in the NBA last season. According to various catch-all metrics from around the internet, he was around a top-40(ish) player.
Now, a lot of that impact was driven by the shooting, for sure. He was third in the league in threes per game at 3.4. And there were only two qualified non-bigs with better effective field-goal percentages. But his game extends beyond that foundation.
Knueppel has solid playmaking and pick-and-roll instincts for a wing. He's probably not a plus defender yet, but he's also not a disaster.
And if he makes even marginal improvements in those areas while maintaining the shooting, he could be a borderline All-Star as early as this season.
Contenders: Stephon Castle, VJ Edgecombe, Collin Murray-Boyles
22: Victor Wembanyama
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This is the most obvious call of the exercise so far. The "contenders" below are really only listed for the sake of consistency.
Victor Wembanyama is far and away the best 22-year-old in the league. He might even be its MVP at this point next year.
After averaging 25.0 points, 11.5 rebounds, 3.1 blocks and 3.1 assists, Wemby became the first unanimous Defensive Player of the Year in league history and took his way-ahead-of-schedule San Antonio Spurs to the NBA Finals.
He's the kind of rim protector who can be a defense unto himself. And he's developed into a high-impact offensive player far quicker than he had any right to.
Contenders: Keyonte George, Cason Wallace, Reed Sheppard (but really no one)
23: Amen Thompson
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There's a real debate to be had between Amen Thompson and Paolo Banchero for this spot.
Banchero certainly scores at higher volume. And though he's yet to come anywhere near a league-average effective field-goal percentage, his outside shot commands more respect from opposing defenses.
But his advantages over Thompson may end there.
Amen is already one of the best and most dynamic perimeter defenders in the NBA. Relative to his size and position, he's at least as good a rebounder. He's a more self-aware offensive player (hence, his superior scoring efficiency). And despite having fewer opportunities to isolate or run pick-and-roll, Thompson had about the same assist rate as Banchero.
Even if Amen's jumper never becomes a real weapon, he probably checks enough other boxes to warrant this selection. If the shot does come along, he could become a perennial All-Star.
Contenders: Paolo Banchero, Brandon Miller, Ausar Thompson
24: Cade Cunningham
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This is where the decision to use current age instead of season age becomes a little dicey, because Cade Cunningham turns 25 in September, around a month before the regular season starts.
But as you'll see in a moment, the next category is already loaded. So, we'll take this opportunity to squeeze Cade in with the 24-year-olds while we can.
And though there are good arguments for Alperen Şengün (with his point center skills), Jalen Johnson (with his point forward skills) and Chet Holmgren (with his defensive impact), none of them are quite as far along as Cade.
Cunningham, like Banchero, has struggled with scoring efficiency throughout his career, but he more than makes up for it with his volume playmaking.
Over the last two seasons, Cunningham has averaged 9.5 assists. And he finished top seven in MVP voting in both of those campaigns.
Regardless of whether his jump shot is falling, Cade's ability to engineer individual offensive possessions has quickly made him among the best creators in the NBA.
And one thing we've learned in recent seasons is that scoring from an individual player is nice, but it's even better to have someone capable of being an engine. Cunningham is an engine.
Contenders: Alperen Şengün, Jalen Johnson, Chet Holmgren
25: Anthony Edwards
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As promised, this group is jam-packed with talent. And while some of the "contenders" listed throughout this slideshow may only be here nominally, there are worlds in which anyone below could emerge as the best of this bunch.
But for now, Anthony Edwards feels like a pretty safe call.
When he was the No. 1 overall pick in 2020, he looked like a freak athlete who might achieve superstardom if he just became an average jump shooter.
Six years later, he still has the bounce, and that jumper has become far more dangerous than even the most optimistic fans could've imagined. Over the last two seasons, Edwards has averaged 28.1 points and hit 39.6 percent of a whopping 9.5 three-point attempts per game.
He's quickly developed into one of the best scorers the NBA has ever seen (he's top 20 all time in career playoff scoring average). And there's still some room to grow as a playmaker and defender.
Contenders: Tyrese Maxey, Scottie Barnes, LaMelo Ball, Evan Mobley, Jalen Williams, Deni Avdija, Franz Wagner
26: Tyrese Haliburton
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Last time we saw Tyrese Haliburton in action, he had his underdog Indiana Pacers leading Game 7 of the NBA Finals on the road.
And though one of the most devastating injuries in sports ended his pursuit of the title, there's reason to believe Haliburton will have his Pacers right back in the hunt.
Even if the ruptured Achilles took a hint of his athleticism away, Haliburton's craft, vision and passing ability should be every bit as dangerous as it was pre-injury. Those were more important ingredients for his production than athleticism anyway.
And that production has been pretty absurd since he joined the Pacers. In his three full seasons in Indiana, Haliburton has averaged 10.2 assists, 2.9 threes and 2.1 turnovers, while shooting 38.3 percent from deep.
Contenders: Zion Williamson, Darius Garland, Jaren Jackson Jr.
27: Luka Dončić
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This is another one where there's really no debate, unless Trae Young or (even less likely) Ja Morant has an epic resurgence with a new team in 2026-27. Even then, it'd be tough for either to reach the heights where Luka Dončić consistently operates.
Luka is, without question, one of the best and most prolific offensive engines the NBA has ever produced. He's won two of the last three scoring titles. He's averaged at least 30 points in three of the last four seasons. In that four-year stretch, he's put up 32.2 points, 8.5 rebounds, 8.5 assists and 3.6 threes, with an above-average three-point percentage.
And now that LeBron James has moved on to the Philadelphia 76ers, the Los Angeles Lakers might need even more from Luka in 2026-27.
Even with Austin Reaves still around, Luka's shooting and pick-and-roll volume could tick up a bit. And if the Lakers finish in the top three or four of the West, there will be a very real push for Dončić's first MVP.
Contenders: Trae Young, Ja Morant (but really no one)
28: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
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The "but really no one" tag below may feel a little disrespectful to four-time First Team All-NBA forward Jayson Tatum, but he's coming off a ruptured Achilles and never quite hit the MVP level Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's played at the last two years.
And considering the fact that SGA just had his 28th birthday this summer, there's no reason to expect any kind of step back in 2026-27.
He's right in the middle of his prime, has averaged at least 30 points in each of his last four campaigns and scored with almost Nikola Jokić-like efficiency in 2025-26.
With his ability to control pace, consistently get to his spots, draw shooting fouls and knock down shots from all three levels, SGA figures to be one of the most dominant offensive players in the NBA again this season.
Contenders: Jayson Tatum, Michael Porter Jr., Austin Reaves (but really no one)
29: Donovan Mitchell
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It feels like Donovan Mitchell's stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers has been nitpicked as much as it's been celebrated. For NBA players, analysis often degrades to little more than "what have you done for me lately?", even for those with championships.
When you're like Mitchell, and you don't have the title, that line of thinking is harder to shake.
But Mitchell, despite standing just 6'2" as a shooting guard, has made the All-Star team in each of his last seven campaigns. He's finished top seven in MVP voting in three of his four Cleveland campaigns. And as a Cav, he's put up 26.7 points, 5.3 assists and 3.3 threes.
Mitchell is one of the most consistently productive combo guards in the NBA and will once again headline one of the league's best starting lineups in 2026-27.
Contenders: Jamal Murray, Bam Adebayo, Jaylen Brown, Devin Booker
30: Jalen Brunson
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Undoubtedly one of the best playoff guards in NBA history, Jalen Brunson just stamped his legacy with an NBA championship and Finals MVP in June.
The most recent run brought his career postseason numbers up to 26.0 points (17th all time), 5.5 assists and 2.4 threes. And since he's been with the Knicks, his teams' playoff net rating is 4.1 points better when he's on the floor.
After being drafted in the second round and previously cast as a career backup, Brunson has improbably developed into one of the best scorers in the league, a master manipulator out of the pick-and-roll and one of the most clutch offensive players ever.
Contenders: Karl-Anthony Towns, Domantas Sabonis
31: Nikola Jokić
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Nikola Jokić has finished top two in MVP voting in each of the last six seasons, a feat only matched by Larry Bird and Bill Russell.
And though Giannis Antetokounmpo may find some new life in his first season with the Miami Heat, the gap between him and Jokić on offense may be too big to overcome.
Jokić has legitimate arguments to be considered both a top-five passer of all time and one of the 5-10 best we've ever seen in terms of shooting touch in and around the paint.
Those things combined with his offensive feel make him one of the absolute best engines the league has ever seen and a likely contender for his fourth MVP.
Contenders: Giannis Antetokounmpo
32: Joel Embiid
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If Joel Embiid can stay even remotely healthy, this group is almost certainly his in a runaway. Of course, at his age and with his injury history, it's not likely he'll play anywhere near enough games to qualify for individual awards.
Still, when he is available, and in lineups where defenders have to be aware of Tyrese Maxey, Jaylen Brown, VJ Edgecombe and LeBron James, Embiid is going to feast on the offensive end.
Over the last two years, Embiid has appeared in a total of 57 games, but he's averaged 25.8 points in 31.1 minutes.
Few things in the league are as reliable as Embiid's elbow jumpers after a jab step or two. And with so many weapons around him, his assist numbers could tick up too.
Contenders: Derrick White, Pascal Siakam
33: Anthony Davis
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Another perennial injury risk, Anthony Davis is almost like a more defensive-minded version of Embiid.
He doesn't drive offense in quite the same way, but he's also a far more effective and impactful defender.
But again, he comes with a bright, flashing "when available" qualifier.
Assuming he can play 50-plus games, and considering the fact he'll likely share the floor with Trae Young, Davis is still talented enough to average around 25 and 10, while anchoring a defense.
Contenders: Steven Adams, Bradley Beal
34: Kyrie Irving
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Like Haliburton, Kyrie Irving is coming back after missing all of 2025-26. But unlike Haliburton, he's doing so well into his 30s.
At Kyrie's age, bouncing back from something like a torn ACL comes with a lot less predictability. A slightly slower first step could have a significant impact on his game.
But Kyrie also relies pretty heavily on his high-end offensive skills. The ball-handling and jump shot certainly haven't abandoned him. And he should be pretty motivated to prove those are still there with a chance to enter free agency next season.
Contenders: Rudy Gobert
35: Kawhi Leonard
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Even as he approaches his late 30s, Kawhi Leonard remains one of the absolute best wing/forwards in the NBA.
Last season, he averaged a career-high 27.9 points, to go along with 3.6 assists and 1.9 steals (his highest mark since 2017-18).
He's not the total lockdown defender he was in his prime, but he's still a clear plus on that end too.
At some point, age and injuries are going to catch up enough to slow him to the point it shows up in the numbers. That might even happen this season. But there's truly no one else even close to him among the league's 35-year-olds.
Contenders: No one
36: Jrue Holiday
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It may feel unfair to Damian Lillard not to give him the same benefit of the doubt given to Haliburton and Irving, but coming back from a ruptured Achilles at 36 is a monumental feat.
And though he may still be more impactful than Jrue Holiday on the offensive end, Holiday still being a clear plus on the defensive end gives him a slight edge overall.
Last season, Holiday helped the Portland Trail Blazers get back to the playoffs, averaged 16.3 points and 6.1 assists in 29.4 minutes and shot 37.8 percent from deep.
Contenders: Damian Lillard, Paul George, Draymond Green
37: Kevin Durant
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Like Cunningham, Kevin Durant is sneaking in just before the buzzer here. He turns 38 in September, but our (admittedly arbitrary) rules have him among the 37-year-olds for this exercise.
And though James Harden (who just turned 37 this month) is still one of the best creators and distributors in the NBA, Kevin Durant's size and pure scoring are still enough to put him over the top.
Last season, KD averaged 26.0 points with a 64.1 true shooting percentage. Jokić, SGA and Giannis were the only other players in the league who matched or exceeded both marks.
Contenders: James Harden
38: Stephen Curry
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Even as Stephen Curry ages well into his late 30s, he's still among the very most dangerous and defense-altering offensive players in the NBA.
His instincts and relentlessness as an off-ball mover drags opponents all over the floor. That creates or widens openings for his teammates and is still the most important ingredient in the Golden State Warriors' attack.
And of course, plenty of that movement still results in catch-and-shoot opportunities. And Curry remains one of the most dynamic players in the world on that front.
Last season, he put up 26.6 points and 4.4 threes, while shooting 39.3 percent from deep.
Contenders: No one
40: Al Horford
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Al Horford's numbers don't leap off the screen, but his experience, shooting and passing should still make him a useful bench player as he enters his age-40 season.
In his first season with the Golden State Warriors, Horford put up 8.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.1 blocks in 21.5 minutes, while shooting 36.1 percent from deep.
And even if he's a little slower than he was last season, the Warriors are almost certainly going to need him to play some real minutes again in 2026-27.
Contenders: No one
41: LeBron James
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As he nears his 42nd birthday in December, LeBron James is already the NBA's all-time leader in points, assists and steals logged at the age of 41. By the time December 30 rolls around, he'll likely top that list in rebounds too.
LeBron isn't just the best 41-plus player in the NBA right now. He's the best we've ever seen.
And every game he plays at this age and beyond only adds to his strongest argument in the GOAT debate with Michael Jordan: his unbelievable longevity.
LeBron obviously isn't quite the athlete he was in his prime, but he's made up for a lot of that loss of pop with an increase in wisdom.
And just last season, in his age-41 campaign and coming off a bout with sciatica, he averaged 20.9 points, 7.2 assists and 6.1 rebounds.
Contenders: No one
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