NBA: Playoffs-Minnesota Timberwolves at Oklahoma City Thunder
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These five NBA teams have built foundations that could put them in title contention for years to come. Here’s a look at the 5 most exciting and promising young cores set up to dominate the future of the NBA.
Honorable Mention: Indiana Pacers
NBA: Indiana Pacers at New York Knicks
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Notable young talent:Tyrese Haliburton (25), Andrew Nembhard (25), Aaron Nesmith (25)
Given the Pacers’ impressive run to this year’s NBA Finals, they had to be mentioned. With their superstar in Tyrese Haliburton being only 25 years old, this team has an immensely bright future. With a young core as a supporting cast, we likely haven’t seen the Pacers’ best basketball yet. But with significant contributions from NBA vets Pascal Siakam (31) and Myles Turner (29), the Pacers fall just outside the list.
Also Read: NBA insider explains why Sacramento Kings traded Tyrese Haliburton to Indiana Pacers instead of De’Aaron Fox
5. Orlando Magic
nba power rankings
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Notable young talent: Paolo Banchero (22), Franz Wagner (23), Anthony Black (22)
With back-to-back playoff appearances, the Magic are set up for future success. Led by a future All-NBA talent in Paolo Banchero, the Magic have a talented surrounding young core that will only get better with time. The upcoming season will be a huge test for the Magic as they will look to advance further than the first round of the playoffs for the first time since the 2010 season.
4. Detroit Pistons
NBA: Playoffs-Detroit Pistons at New York Knicks
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Notable young talent: Cade Cunningham (23), Jalen Duren (21), Ausar Thompson (22), Jaden Ivy (23),
After a league-worst 14-68 record last year, Pistons star Cade Cunningham led the team to the 6-seed in the Eastern Conference and gave the New York Knicks a great battle in the first round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs. With four legitimate foundational players in Cunningham, Jalen Duren, Ausar Thompson, and Jaden Ivy all being 23 or younger, this roster has the potential to be scary good. The future is bright in Detroit.
3. Houston Rockets
NBA: Playoffs-Houston Rockets at Golden State Warriors
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Notable young talent: Jalen Green (23), Amen Thompson (22), Alperen Şengün (22), Jabari Smith Jr. (22)
Despite a disappointing playoff showing, the Houston Rockets finished as the 2 seed in the tight Western Conference race. This team is a deep, athletic scoring threat that has immense young talent on the defensive side of the ball as well. Şengün has drawn comparisons to Nikola Jokić, proving that the upside for him and this team could be at a championship level. It will be interesting to see how they bounce back after being upset in the first round of the playoffs by Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors.
2. San Antonio Spurs
NBA: San Antonio Spurs at Washington Wizards
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Notable young talent:Victor Wembanyama (21), Stephon Castle (20), Devin Vassell (24), De’Aaron Fox (27)
The Spurs are nearly number one on the list based on Victor Wembanyama alone. He is a generational talent with future MVP upside. As he develops, there is no limit to the ceiling of this team’s success. The Spurs also have this year’s Rookie of the Year in Stephon Castle. With back-to-back Rookie of the Year’s in San Antonio, a strong supporting young cast, and this year’s number 2 pick in the NBA draft, the Spurs’ future will be exciting to watch.
Related: Philadelphia 76ers rumors suggest big move coming in 2025 NBA Draft
1. Oklahoma City Thunder
NBA: Playoffs-Minnesota Timberwolves at Oklahoma City Thunder
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Notable young talent: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (26), Jalen Williams (24), Chet Holmgren (23), Cason Wallace (21)
The heavy favorites to win this year’s NBA Finals, the Oklahoma City Thunder, are arguably the most talented team in the league, regardless of age. With SGA winning the MVP at only 26 years old, and Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren being 24 and 23 years old, respectively, the Thunder have a legit big three that isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.
Not to mention, they have one of the deepest benches in the league. And are tied for the youngest average player age in the league at 24 years old. The Thunder will be a premier championship contender for years to come.
Also Read: 50 Best NBA players right now: Where do Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Tyrese Haliburton land?