The top-five NBA players under 25: Who will replace Jayson Tatum?

1. Luka Doncic, Guard, Dallas Mavericks

I mean, who else would hold the top spot? “Luka Magic”  has been everything the Mavericks could’ve ever imagined and more when they traded for the Slovenian superstar in the 2018 NBA Draft with the Atlanta Hawks for Trae Young in what was one of the biggest trades in NBA Draft history.

Doncic has been nothing but incredible once again this season by having the best individual statistical season of his young historic career, averaging 33.0 points (2nd), 8.6 rebounds (24th), 8.0 assists (6th), and 1.5 steals (15th) per game, all while shooting 50% from the field and 35% from downtown.

Doncic accounts for 9.3 win shares (6th) and 6.8 offensive win shares (6th), while also having a box score plus-minus of 9.5 (2nd). He is one of the most valuable players in the league with a VORP (value over replacement player) of 6.0, good for second in the league according to Basketball Reference.

The Slovenian Slugger is still one of the highest usage rate players in the league with a 38.2 usage percent (2nd) behind only the “Greek Freak” out in Milwaukee. With the acquisition of star guard Kyrie Irving in February, the Mavericks have the star second option they needed since the departure of Jalen Brunson in free agency last offseason, who has been playing inspiring All-Star level basketball himself this season for the New York Knicks.

Doncic is only 24 years old in his fifth season and looks to be on pace to make his fourth consecutive All-NBA First Team selection. If the Mavericks can continue to put the right pieces around him in the coming years to win championships, we could be looking at a pantheon great in the making if all falls right.

Doncic continues to dominate the league and put up historical numbers, and until he turns 25 next February, the top-dog spot looks to be his until then.