Dynamic dozen: Ranking NBA's best 25-and-under cores

The NBA is filled with young groups that already play with the poise and command of veteran units. These are the teams whose 25-and-under cores show real chemistry, positional clarity and the kind of talent that can dictate playoff series for years.

Their identities are forming early, and each group reflects a modern approach built on versatility, smart decision-making and players who understand how to share responsibilities.

Together, they represent the next wave.

(Team records and ages of players are noted in parentheses. Teams are ranked in inverse order of strength of their 25-and-under core.)

12. Memphis Grizzlies (11-13)

GG Jackson, who will turn 21 on Dec. 17, brings a confident scoring approach, working off the dribble and capitalizing on mismatches. Santi Aldama (24) reads the floor well and gives Memphis a forward who can stretch defenses. Zach Edey (23) stabilizes lineups by providing a playmaking hub and scoring in the paint with physicality. Scottie Pippen Jr. (25) is a feisty point-of-attack defender, working out of ball screens or attacking broken plays. Jaylen Wells (22) and Cedric Coward (22) offer volume shooting and length that complement Memphis’ interior strength well. 

Bottom line: This young core has the makings of a patient, well-balanced rotation that can control pace. Once Memphis figures out what to do with Ja Morant, it should target a playmaking guard who makes teammates better. 

11. Charlotte Hornets (7-17)

LaMelo Ball (24) quarterbacks possessions through inventive passing and confident pull-up shooting, but he doesn’t impact winning or make his teammates better. Brandon Miller (23) has taken a leap toward star status as a tall wing who can shoot over contests and slide into help defense. Tidjane Salaun (20) and Liam McNeeley (20) bring size, touch and instinctive off-ball reads that give Charlotte room to experiment with different lineups. Tre Mann (24) brings controlled chaos through midrange scoring. Moussa Diabaté (23) sharpens the team's interior presence by sprinting the floor and making strong rotational plays. 

Bottom line: This is a core that leans on creativity, long strides and fluid spacing. They lack a 1A and must move off Ball ASAP. But the rest of the roster is a dollar-store version of the OKC Thunder. That's a compliment. 

10. Utah Jazz (8-15)

Ace Bailey (19) gives the Jazz a future go-to option with an instinctive scoring touch. Isaiah Collier (21) brings toughness as a downhill guard who can shift defenses with his strength. He still must gain consistency in all the qualities a lead guard demands. Kyle Filipowski (22) and Taylor Hendricks (22) offer shooting from the frontcourt and the ability to defend different actions with switchable size. Walter Clayton Jr. (22) and Brice Sensabaugh (22) give Utah upside guards who can create space and score in rhythm.

Bottom line: This is a developmental group that must develop a stronger competitive spirit. The roster will remain in flux until a definitive decision is made on whether Lauri Markkanen is a long-term piece or not. 

9. Washington Wizards (3-19)

Alex Sarr (20) is the future of the team’s frontcourt, providing rare length and timing around the rim. However, Cam Whitmore (21) is a poor shooter and defender and likely a trade piece. Bilal Coulibaly (21) moves with purpose on both ends, often turning defensive stops into quick offense in transition. Bub Carrington (20) and Tre Johnson (19) bring confident shot creation and a willingness to initiate late-clock situations. Johnson has 1A potential as a pure scorer. Malaki Branham (22) provides steady scoring on the wing, and Justin Champagnie (24) and Kyshawn George (21) fit as wings who make simple, disciplined plays. George, while streaky, can be more than a role player. 

Bottom line: Washington is building a rotation full of rangy athletes who compete and cover a lot of ground.

8. Portland Trail Blazers (9-15)

Scoot Henderson (21) approaches the game with a fearless mindset, pushing the ball, attacking gaps and playing through contact. However, injuries have prevented him from reaching his full potential. Shaedon Sharpe (22) is a dunker's dunker, giving Portland a natural scorer on the wing. Deni Avdija (24) excels as an initiator who anticipates movement before it occurs and is a front-runner for the Most Improved Player Award. Donovan Clingan (21) adds a massive interior presence as a screen setter and rim protector. Toumani Camara (25) is a defensive demon, and Yang Henson (20) gives clever off-ball positioning and highlight-reel playmaking. 

Bottom line: To take the next step, Portland must answer the conundrum at lead guard and find out who is the first option in a deep hierarchy.

7. Toronto Raptors (15-11)

Scottie Barnes (24) guards all five positions and is the likely Defensive Player of the Year. RJ Barrett (25) is at his best when he attacks downhill or works as a secondary creator against tilted defenses. Gradey Dick (22) and Ja’Kobe Walter (21) provide committed off-ball movement and occasional shooting. Ochai Agbaji (25) guards with discipline and is a fluid athlete. Jonathan Mogbo (24) and Collin Murray-Boyles (20) give Toronto strong interior athletes who thrive on second efforts and give relentless motor. Jamal Shead (23) stabilizes possessions as a composed backup guard who keeps the ball moving. 

Bottom line: This group presents itself as a cohesive team with multiple decision-makers. But Toronto seems eternally stuck between a rebuild and the play-in. 

6. Philadelphia 76ers (13-10)

Tyrese Maxey (25) is a sharp, relentless driver who pressures defenses by getting two feet in the paint. Quentin Grimes (25) plays with balance on both ends, supplying connective passing and dependable perimeter defense. VJ Edgecombe (20) and Jared McCain (21) add youth and creativity to the guard rotation, each comfortable initiating or relocating for clean looks. Edgecombe looks like the second coming of Dwyane Wade with his rim pressure, and Adem Bona (22) brings purposeful screening and disciplined rim protection. Trendon Watford (25), Dominick Barlow (22) and Jabari Walker (23) complement the group with switchable defense and clever cutting.

Bottom line: Philadelphia’s young core plays with a clean structure and a clear understanding of spacing.

5. Oklahoma City Thunder (23-1)

Chet Holmgren (23) gives Oklahoma City a perfectly modern anchor who protects the rim without losing mobility. Jalen Williams (24) is a poised creator who excels in tight spaces and capitalizes on mismatches. Ajay Mitchell (23) and Nikola Topic (20) bring patient, controlled pick-and-roll craft, while Cason Wallace (22) supplies toughness at the point of attack. This core fits together cleanly because each player understands how to play off movement and pressure the ball without breaking the overall shape of the defense. 

Bottom line: Its blend of size, feel and half-court precision makes Oklahoma City one of the few young groups that can dictate tempo against any style.

4. Houston Rockets (15-6)

Alperen Sengün (23) plays with the timing of a seasoned interior creator, using sturdy footwork and sharp passing to exploit weaknesses in the defense. Amen Thompson (22) brings relentless pressure in transition and reads the floor instinctively on drives. Jabari Smith Jr. (22) offers high-release shooting and disciplined positional defense. Tari Eason (24) scrambles plays with nonstop energy, turning loose balls into chances to run. Reed Sheppard (21) is growing into a confident perimeter shooter who rarely wastes possessions. 

Bottom line: Together they play with a steady rhythm that mixes methodical half-court actions with bursts of open-floor athleticism.

3. Orlando Magic (15-10)

Paolo Banchero (23) controls a game through patience, strength and strong decision-making, giving Orlando a centerpiece who can work from the elbows or the top of the floor. Franz Wagner (24) reads defenders with unusual balance for his size and attacks gaps without forcing the action. Anthony Black (21) and Jalen Suggs (24) form a perimeter tandem that crowds the ball and makes dribble creation uncomfortable. The addition of Jase Richardson (20), Jett Howard (22) and Tristan Da Silva (24) strengthens the rotation of rangy wings who cut decisively and shoot with confidence. 

Bottom line: This group already understands how to win through physicality, smart rotations and steady ball movement.

2. Detroit Pistons (19-5)

Cade Cunningham (24) sets the tone with patient orchestration, reading screens and using his frame to create advantages without rushing possessions. Jalen Duren (22) is a force around the basket who screens with purpose, resets angles and finishes with power. Ausar Thompson (22) and Ron Holland (20) give Detroit two wings who attack closeouts and challenge shooters with long strides and strong instincts. Both also possess high ceilings as potential three-level scorers. Jaden Ivey (23) adds a more explosive guard element, punishing defenses that fall asleep on the weak side. The physicality of Isaiah Stewart (24) ties the rotation together. 

Bottom line: Detroit finally has a group that complements Cunningham’s measured, manipulative style with speed and vertical play.

1. San Antonio Spurs (16-7)

Victor Wembanyama (21) forces opponents to rethink their spacing and shot selection from the moment he steps on the floor. He leads the NBA's best young core. Jeremy Sochan (22) and Stephon Castle (21) bring edge and versatility to the perimeter, switching on screens and initiating offense when Wembanyama draws extra defenders. Devin Vassell (25) provides a steady off-ball scoring presence that keeps the floor spread. Julian Champagnie (24) and Dylan Harper (19) round out a core that knows how to cut, rotate and keep plays alive. Harper's ceiling is limitless as a lead guard.

Bottom line: The group’s collective length gives San Antonio a chance to control defensive possessions before the ball is even dribbled.