Of course! Here is an article on the league’s next superstars.
The Rookies to Watch: Ranking the League’s Next Superstars
From generational phenoms to polished playmakers, the 2023-24 rookie class didn’t just join the league—it put it on notice. Here’s who is destined for greatness.
Every year, a new draft class brings an injection of talent and hope to the league. Fans dream of finding the next franchise cornerstone, the player who will define an era and hang banners in the rafters. But rarely does a class arrive with the immediate, paradigm-shifting impact of the 2023-24 rookies. This isn’t just a good class; it’s a group that features multiple players with legitimate superstar potential.
After a full season of jaw-dropping plays, surprising poise, and record-breaking performances, we have a clear picture of who is on the fast track to the top. Based on first-year production, long-term ceiling, and that unteachable “it” factor, here is our ranking of the rookies most likely to become the league’s next superstars.
1. Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs
Let’s be clear: this is the least surprising, most inevitable #1 ranking in recent memory. Victor Wembanyama didn’t just live up to the astronomical hype; he surpassed it. Dubbed an “alien” by LeBron James before he ever played a single game, Wembanyama proved to be a basketball cheat code in human form.
At 7’4″ with the mobility of a guard and the instincts of a defensive mastermind, he warped the geometry of the court on both ends. Offensively, he showcased a dizzying array of skills—fadeaway threes, powerful dunks, and a silky-smooth handle. Defensively, he was a one-man wrecking crew, leading the league with an astonishing 3.6 blocks per game and finishing as a finalist for Defensive Player of the Year. As a rookie.
The Superstar Ceiling: There is no ceiling. Wembanyama isn’t just on track to be a superstar; he’s on a trajectory to be a perennial MVP candidate and a player who could one day enter the G.O.A.T. conversation. He is, without a doubt, the future of the league.
2. Chet Holmgren, Oklahoma City Thunder
In almost any other year, Chet Holmgren would have been the runaway Rookie of the Year and the talk of the league. The 7’1″ big man returned from a foot injury that sidelined him for his original rookie season and immediately became a foundational piece for the #1 seed in a brutal Western Conference.
Holmgren is the prototypical modern big. He protects the rim with elite timing (2.3 blocks per game), switches onto smaller players on the perimeter, and anchors a top-five defense. Offensively, he’s a lethal floor spacer with a pure shooting stroke and the efficiency of a seasoned veteran. His seamless fit alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams has accelerated OKC’s timeline from rebuilding to contending.
The Superstar Ceiling: A multi-time All-Star and the defensive anchor of a championship team. The brewing rivalry between Holmgren and Wembanyama is poised to define the league for the next decade, a modern-day Russell vs. Wilt for the unicorn era.
3. Brandon Miller, Charlotte Hornets
After facing intense scrutiny as the #2 overall pick, Brandon Miller spent his rookie season silencing the doubters with every smooth jumper he took. While the Hornets struggled as a team, Miller proved he has the offensive firepower and go-to scoring mentality that franchises covet.
Miller is a natural three-level scorer. His greatest asset is his effortless shot-making ability from beyond the arc, but he also showed a knack for creating his own shot off the dribble and finishing with crafty layups. He averaged over 17 points per game and looked increasingly comfortable as the primary offensive option when LaMelo Ball was sidelined. He has the size, skill, and confidence of a future star wing.
The Superstar Ceiling: A 25-point-per-game scorer and a perennial All-Star. If he continues to develop his playmaking and defense, Miller has all the tools to become one of the most dangerous offensive weapons in the entire league.
4. Jaime Jaquez Jr., Miami Heat
Every draft has a diamond in the rough, and Jaime Jaquez Jr. was the most polished gem of the class. Selected 18th overall, the 22-year-old rookie immediately earned the trust of Erik Spoelstra and became a vital contributor for the Miami Heat—a feat few newcomers accomplish.
“Juan Wick” plays with the IQ and poise of a 10-year veteran. He’s a master of the mid-range, a crafty finisher at the rim, and a tough, versatile defender who embodies “Heat Culture.” Jaquez doesn’t have the explosive athleticism of the players ranked above him, but his fundamentals, footwork, and feel for the game are off the charts. He proved he can step up in big moments and contribute to winning at the highest level.
The Superstar Ceiling: While he might not become a team’s #1 option, Jaquez has the potential to be a crucial, high-level starter on a championship contender for years to come—an elite role player in the vein of a more offensively gifted Andre Iguodala or Shane Battier. That kind of winning player is a star in their own right.
Honorable Mentions
- Dereck Lively II (Dallas Mavericks): A game-changing defensive presence and lob threat who proved to be the perfect center to pair with Luka Dončić.
- Brandin Podziemski (Golden State Warriors): A high-energy, do-it-all guard whose hustle, rebounding, and playmaking made him an indispensable part of the Warriors’ rotation.
- Keyonte George (Utah Jazz): A dynamic scoring guard who showed flashes of brilliant shot creation and playmaking as Utah’s lead ball-handler for much of the season.
The torch is being passed, and this rookie class has eagerly grabbed it. While challenges and sophomore slumps are always a possibility, the future of the league has arrived. Get your popcorn ready—the show is just getting started.
