Predicting the Top 50 NBA Players in the Year 2030
Predicting the NBA's top 50 guys in half a decade
Top 50 NBA Players in 2030
In 10 years, LeBron is long gone. So are other superstars like Stephen Curry, Damian Lillard, Kevin Durant, you get it. The league will look very different. By then, a new generation will dominate the league. There will be some 24-year-old breaking every record, and my predictions here will probably look ridiculous — just like everyone hyping Ben Simmons in 2020. Back then, people thought he’d be a top-5 player by now. Yeah… not even close. Injuries, a terrible work ethic, made him become not even a key piece for his own team anymore. I could see many players becoming him if they don’t improve.
With that being said, here are my thoughts on who will be dominating the NBA in 2030.
Honroable Mentions
Jalen Suggs
Trey Murphy III
Coby White
Onyeka Okongwu
RJ Barrett
Dereck Lively
Gradey Dick
Zach Edey
Scoot Henderson
Khaman Malauch
Kon Knueppel
VJ Edgecombe
Jaden McDaniels
#50. Ausar Thompson
One of the most disruptive wings in the NBA — a 6'6" athletic freak who guards 1–4. The offense has caught up a little, but I’m positive Thompson will be at least a 14-15 point per game scorer by then. He won’t be better than his twin, but he still makes the list.
Averages: 15.5 points, 6 rebounds, 4.3 assists
#49. Keyonte George
Keyonte George had a breakout season with the Jazz and I think it has propelled him to a new height. He averaged about 17 pounts, 4 rebounds, and 6 assists, and impressed many. In 5 years, you bet George will be one of the NBA’s premiere scorers.
Averages: 20.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, 5.2 assists
#48. Dyson Daniels
He won the Most Improved Player of the Year award, and was a defensive menace every game. He’ll never be a top scorer, but he’ll be spectacular defensively.
Averages: 15.3 points, 6.1 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 1.2 blocks, 2.6 steals
#47. Kyrie Irving
Sure he’s older and probably won’t play until 2026 after recovered from his ACL injury, but Kyrie Irving is the type of player to still find a way to ball out at an older age. Even though, he’s 33, Irving is still playing like he just turned 28. He’ll have a smaller role with the Mavericks, but don’t get me wrong, Kyrie Irving still be a bucket.
Averages: 16.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, 5 assists
#46. Jalen Green
Jalen Green…is good? Yeah. Jalen Green…is spectacular? No. I think his athleticism will still be there at the age of 28, but Green needs to become a better shooter and more efficient really from everywhere on the court. I can’t imagine him in a Houston Rockets jersey after 1-2 more years most.
Averages: 18.7 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists
#45. Matas Buzelis
Matas Buzelis had a nice rookie season showing his potential and what’s already there. Give him a few more offseasons, and he’ll get more built, stronger, and a better player. He has so much potential.
Averages: 18.2 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.3 assists
#44. Zaccharie Risacher
The former #1 overall pick, Risacher has a ton of potential. He could easily be higher on this list.
Averages: 17.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.2 assists
#43. Bilal Coulibaly
The defense is elite, and the offense is not the worst. He needs to get better offensively, but if he does that, we’re talking about a top, top player in this league. All-Defensive teams every year.
Averages: 19.7 points, 6.2 rebounds, 5.4 assists
#42. Stephon Castle
The reigning Rookie of the Year award winner, Castle will perform every night, and will complement his team in many ways.
Averages: 20.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3 assists
#41. Cam Thomas
Cam Thomas is one of the best scorers in the league today. Imagine at the age of 29, entering the end of his prime, how much he’ll improve. Coming off a 24 point per game season, he showed how the year before (23 points per game) was no fluke. Some may say that he’s only doing it because well, he’s on the Brooklyn Nets - arguably one of the worst NBA franchises, but I think he would do it on a team like the Grizzlies as well.
Averages: 25.2 points, 3 rebounds, 3.4 assists
#40. Anthony Davis
No longer a franchise guy, however Anthony Davis will still be a top player in the year 2030. Sure, the Maverick will be 37 years old, except age is just a number in basketball for some players. Even at the age of 32, Davis averaged over 24 points and was Dallas’ best player. Even with the Lakers, AD was arguably the best player before he was traded.
Averages: 18.6 points, 11 rebounds, 3.2 assists
#39. Jalen Johnson
Jalen Johnson looked like a bust in his first few years in the NBA. Except, he’s now averaging 19 points per game, 10 boards, 5 assists, and almost 2 steals a night. Sure, his season ended early as a shoulder injury sidelined him for 46 games, but he really blossomed into a star after an impressive year the season before. If he continues on this path, things will be looking very nice for him in the future.
Averages: 21.3 points, 7.4 rebounds, 6.1 assists, 2.2 steals
#38. Tyler Herro
Still a top shooter from behind the arc, and tough shot-maker, giving you 20–25 a night. Tyler Herro (30 years old in five years) will still be balling, showing how he is one of the most consistent players in today’s game.
Averages: 24.5 points, 6 rebounds, 4.7 assists
#37. Jaren Jackson Jr.
I’m confident Jaren Jackson Jr. will still be a star in five years. A valuable big man when healthy, Jackson Jr. can provide on both ends of the floor.
Averages: 21.6 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.7 assists
#36. Scottie Barnes
2022’s NBA Rookie of the Year, Barnes has taken that next step. Already a star, imagine his game in 2030, still productive, at the near-end of his prime.
Averages: 21.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, 5.4 assists
Top 35
#35. Cameron Boozer
By 2030, Boozer will be 22 and probably already making noise in the league. The Duke commit won’t be in the league for sometime, but by this time, he’ll be hooping. Projected: 18 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.7 assists.
#34. Derik Queen
A 2025 NBA draft prospect, Queen will be 23, and very skilled. Expect 17.8 points, 8.5 rebounds, 3.4 assists.
#33. Tre Johnson
A player from the 2025 NBA draft class, we don’t know where Johnson will end up. Some say Utah, Philadelphia, New Orleans, or even Washington, I think the Jazz will select him at #5. Wherever he goes, he’ll be a stud. Expect averages of 19 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists per contest.
#32. Darius Garland
Garland’s quick handle and vision will keep him productive deep into his 30s. In 2030: 20.6 points, 6.8 assists, 2.9 rebounds.
#31. Zion Williamson
Very low for a player like Williamson, I’m sure he’d be higher on a list like this. You just don’t know with his injruy history, he can suffer one at any moment, he’s great, but similar in ways to Ben Simmons. Expect averages (if healthy,) of 25.3 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 5.4 assists.
#30. Dylan Harper
Another guy from the 2025 NBA draft class, Harper is projected to be the #2 overall pick to San Antonio. Expect him to be averaging 20 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 6.1 assists.
#29. Shaedon Sharpe
Too high? Maybe. Sharpe has progressed so much over the years and imagine how well he’ll be playing at 26 in the year 2030. He’s going to be great then. Averages: 23.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.1 assists.
#28. Brandon Miller
Miller is developing into a complete wing. Showing flashes of Paul George and even Carmelo Anthony. Projected: 23.1 points, 6.7 rebounds, 3.2 assists, plus strong defense.
#27. De’Aaron Fox
Fox will be 32 in 2030 and maybe a step slower, but still blazing fast by normal standards. Projected: 21.3 points, 4 rebounds, and 5.9 assists, as a second or third option.
#26. Tyrese Haliburton
Haliburton is a brilliant passer and a sneaky-efficient scorer. At 30, he should be in his prime, running an elite offense with 19.8 points, 11 assists, and 4.3 rebounds per game. Floor general.
#25. Donovan Mitchell
At 34, Mitchell will likely be entering the end of his career, but he’ll still be a major scoring option. As long as the athleticism holds, he can be a strong 22.1 PPG player.
#24. Evan Mobley
The third Cavalier making an appearance on this list, Mobley will be great as the years progress. The reigning Defensive Player of the Year, expect 18.7 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game.
#23. Jalen Brunson
Jalen Brunson will still likely be the smart scorer we know in 5 years. In 2030, he’ll still be clutch, averaging 22.4 points, 5.7 assists, 3.6 rebounds.
#22. Jared McCain
Don’t underestimate McCain. He’s more than just that TikToker. His rookie season showed his potential, and he, if played 65 games, would have absolutely won the Rookie of the Year award. By 2030, he’ll be averaging 21.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 5.6 assists.
#21. Jaylen Brown
Jaylen Brown will be 33 by 2030 and likely playing a different role. Still a scorer, still solid defensively, but not the lead guy anymore. Expect 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists per game.
#20. Ace Bailey
Bailey is going to be scary. Already projected as a top draft pick, the 6'9" wing has elite upside. By 2030, he’ll be 23 and averaging 22.2 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 2.7 assists, with jaw-dropping athletic plays.
#19. Franz Wagner
Franz has quietly become one of the most versatile wings in basketball. By 2030, he’ll be the definition of a “winning player,” giving you 23.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, 4.4 assists, with elite defense and high IQ play.
#18. Alperen Şengün
Şengün could a Nikola Jokić type of player by 2030. If he adds a consistent jumper and holds up defensively, look for 22.7 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game.
#17. Jalen Williams
J-Dub is a perfect modern NBA wing. By 2030, he’ll be a 2-way All-Star averaging 22.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and guarding your favorite player.
#16. LaMelo Ball
Assuming he stays healthy, LaMelo is still one of the best pure playmakers in basketball. He’ll be 28 in 2030 and should be in his prime. Expect 28.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 9.3 assists.
Top 15
15. Ja Morant
If Ja Morant can stay healthy — and stay out of off-court trouble — he’ll still be one of the most exciting players in the league. His athleticism may dip a bit by 2030, but his scoring and playmaking should remain elite. I project 25.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 8.1 assists in that year.
14. Amen Thompson
Amen Thompson is one of the best young two-way guards in the game. By 2030, his defense, speed, and all-around game will make him a matchup nightmare. With his IQ and unselfishness, he’ll average around 21.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 4.3 assists, while possibly being an All-Defense caliber player every year.
13. Devin Booker
By 2030, Devin Booker will be 34. That might seem old for a top player, but I believe he’ll still be a bucket. He’s incredibly skilled, and as long as his game ages gracefully, he’ll remain elite. Probably not with Phoenix anymore, but maybe a champion by then. I predict 27.3 points, 4 rebounds, and 6 assists per game in 2030.
#12. Giannis Antetokounmpo
At 35, Giannis will still be one of the most dominant forces in the game. His athleticism may taper off slightly, but his skill and basketball IQ will keep him elite. I project 24.4 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 5.8 assists — still top-10…ish level.
#11. AJ Dybantsa
The 6’8” wing is already a household name among high school prospects. By 2030, the BYU recruit will be 23 years old — and likely one of the NBA’s brightest stars. A freak athlete with a developing offensive game, I think Dybantsa will average 22.1 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 3.9 assists while climbing his way into the top 10.
Top 10 Players in 2030
#10. Tyrese Maxey
Maxey has flown under the radar compared to other young stars, but his growth is undeniable. At 24, he’s already putting up big numbers — and by 2030, I see him as one of the league’s premier guards. Projected averages: 28.7 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 7.8 assists, plus 1–3 steals per game. Don’t sleep on his game. Most will say way too high, but I really truly think he can become a top 10 player.
#9. Cade Cunningham
Cade has had to carry a struggling Pistons team before. This season, Detroit made the playoffs (somehow.) Just one year after their disastrous 15 win season. Cade responded with incredible production this past year showing why he can become a top 10 player one day. If Detroit can finally give him more help in the future, he’ll thrive. In 2030, I see Cade leading a playoff Detroit team with 28.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 7.6 assists per game. Who knows, maybe he can win a ring in the 313.
#8. Cooper Flagg
Flagg is going to take the league by storm. He’ll be just 22 in 2030, but I’m calling it now — he’ll already be a top-10 player. Elite defensively, offensively, Flagg will help out Dallas a lot. Well, he might get traded because you never know with Nico. Expect 24.3 points, 9.1 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 2.2 blocks a night. The hype is real, this guy will be a stud.
#7. Paolo Banchero
Some say he’ll be top-5 by 2030, but I’m not quite there yet. Still, Paolo is a beast. He’s already averaging 26, 8, and 5, and he’s only getting better. By 2030, he should be a perennial All-Star, putting up 28.1 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game.
#6. Jayson Tatum
Tatum’s Achilles injury may impact his long-term ceiling, but in 2030, at age 32, he’ll still be putting up numbers. His smooth scoring and improved passing will keep him in the conversation. Expect 26.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game.
#5. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
The reigning MVP and one of the most efficient scorers in the league, Shai’s game will age beautifully. He doesn’t rely on athleticism; it’s all skill, poise, and pace. I see him averaging 29.6 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 5.1 assists in 2030, still a nightmare for defenses.
#4. Luka Dončić
By 2030, LeBron James is gone. Luka will still hopefully be a Laker leading my favorite team to at least one championship. He’s already one of the most complete offensive players ever, and at 31, he’ll still be balling. Look for 30.2 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 8.3 assists — another MVP-caliber season even at an older age.
#3. Nikola Jokić
The most dominant big man of his generation. Even at 35, Jokić’s IQ and skillset will keep him ahead of the curve. By 2030, he’ll likely be a 5x MVP and one of the greatest to ever do it. Stats prediction: 28.3 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 10.7 assists per game.
#1B. Anthony Edwards
Ant is that guy. By 2030, he’ll be 28, right in his prime, and likely the face of the league (with Wemby). His mix of explosiveness, swagger, and scoring ability makes him the perfect heir to the throne. I’m projecting 31.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game.
#1A. Victor Wembanyama
There’s no doubt in my mind that Wemby will be the best player in the NBA by 2030. He’s doing things we’ve never seen from a 7’4” player. He’s an alien. With his skill, defense, and versatility, he’s already shown promise in two years. By 2030: 29.9 points, 11.2 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 3.4 blocks, and 1.5 steals per game. He’s going to be special.
Yeah, that’s right. There’s no face of the league. There’s two faces. Haha!
(Sorry if you sat through this entire long article to see who I predicted as the future of the league, and realized I got multiple!)
Let’s check back in 2030 and see how wrong (or right) I was. By then, hopefully I’m a top creator on Substack too.
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