Figuring out where to rank players is difficult enough in any particular season. But how about doing it with an eye towards what the NBA may look like in five years? That’s the point of this exercise, with Rotoworld basketball writers Raphielle Johnson and Noah Rubin combining to put together their top-25 fantasy list for 2030. While the list is primarily populated with players currently in the NBA, there are a few who have yet to play an official NBA game.
Some players, whether in the NBA now or yet to reach that point, will break through by 2030. Here’s our top 25, and it should not be surprising who leads the way.
Your one-stop-shop for Rotoworld’s fantasy basketball draft coverage.
1. C Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs
Age (as of October 10): 21
After taking the NBA by storm as a rookie, Wembanyama’s impact was muted last season due to a blood clot that sidelined him from the All-Star break onward. The 7-foot-3 phenom has been given a clean bill of health and is poised to usher in a new era in the NBA. Before his season-ending injury in February, Wembanyama averaged 24.3 points, 11.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.1 steals, 3.8 blocks and 3.1 three-pointers per game with 47.6/35.2/83.6 shooting splits.
2. F Cooper Flagg, Dallas Mavericks
Age: 18
Flagg has yet to play in an official NBA game, but the incoming rookie is deserving of being high on any list that’s looking ahead to five years from now. He won’t turn 19 until just before Christmas, making it possible (likely, even) that the Mavericks forward still will not have reached his prime by 2030. He’s got all the skills a franchise could want in a cornerstone, which is a void the Mavericks need to fill after trading Luka Dončić to the Lakers.
3. G…
..
