Toronto Raptors rise to the top with a dynamic young core in the Atlantic Division
The NBA’s Atlantic Division is renowned for its fierce competition, home to teams that are not just battling for playoff positioning but also showcasing a future filled with promise. As four teams currently sit among the top six seeds in the Eastern Conference, the Brooklyn Nets are quietly making strides in their rebuilding phase. While veteran talent often takes center stage in discussions about success, it’s the Toronto Raptors and Nets that stand out for their youthful lineups, ranking among the ten youngest teams in the league.
Defining a young core
Before delving into the rankings of the Atlantic Division teams, it’s crucial to clarify what constitutes a young core. For this analysis, we will focus on each franchise’s players aged 25 and under, assessing both their current and projected contributions. Importantly, players on two-way contracts will not be included in the assessments.
5. Boston Celtics
Notable Players: Hugo González – 19, Jordan Walsh – 21, Josh Minott – 23
The Celtics have only retained two of their draft picks over the last five years, a decision that reflects a broader strategy of building through trades and free agency. This season, however, young talents like Minott and Walsh have stepped up significantly, especially with Jayson Tatum sidelined during his recovery from Achilles surgery. While González’s role has been limited, his impressive shooting stats—51.4% from the field and 47.4% from three-point range—signal potential for the future.
4. New York Knicks
Notable Players: Mohamed Diawara – 20, Ariel Hukporti – 23, Tyler Kolek – 24, Miles McBride – 25
The Knicks boast a roster with five players aged 25 or younger, surpassing the Celtics in terms of youthful presence. Miles McBride has emerged as a key contributor, having started nine games this season and achieving career highs in points, rebounds, and three-point shooting. Despite the Knicks ranking as the seventh-oldest team in the NBA, Kolek’s youthful energy off the bench hints at a possible shift toward a more youthful lineup, especially as salary cap considerations loom.
3. Brooklyn Nets
Notable Players: Egor Demin – 19, Drake Powell – 20, Noah Clowney – 21, Day’Ron Sharpe – 24, Ziaire Williams – 24, Cam Thomas – 24
The Nets have sculpted one of the youngest rosters in the NBA, featuring ten players aged 25 and under. While they may not possess a clear-cut star among their young talent, the balance of quantity and quality within their lineup is promising. Cam Thomas has shown flashes of brilliance as a scorer, but questions remain about his overall impact. On the younger side, Clowney, Powell, and Demin are integral players still developing their skills, suggesting a bright future as they continue to mature.
2. Philadelphia 76ers
Notable Players: VJ Edgecombe – 20, Justin Edwards – 21, Jared McCain – 21, Tyrese Maxey – 25, Quentin Grimes – 25
Despite being on the older side in terms of average player age, the 76ers have eight players under the age of 25, highlighting their blend of experience and youth. Tyrese Maxey stands out as perhaps the most prominent player in this mix, already boasting an All-Star selection and averaging an impressive 31.5 points per game early in the season. Philadelphia’s scouting department deserves credit for identifying emerging talents like Edgecombe and McCain, who add depth to their roster.
1. Toronto Raptors
Notable Players: Collin Murray-Boyles – 20, Ja’Kobe Walter – 21, Gradey Dick – 22, Scottie Barnes – 24, RJ Barrett – 25
Claiming the top spot in the Atlantic Division rankings is the Toronto Raptors, thanks to their impressive depth of young talent. With All-Star caliber players like Barrett and Barnes leading the charge, the Raptors have crafted a formidable roster. Despite being the second-youngest team in the division, they currently hold the No. 5 seed in the Eastern Conference, underscoring their ability to compete while developing their youthful core.
The evolving landscape of the Atlantic Division not only showcases the present strengths of these franchises but also hints at the exciting potential that lies ahead as these young players continue to grow and mature.
