The USA Basketball Men's National Team has been putting on quite the show at the Paris Olympics. But there's one notable thing about their roster: their age. LeBron James, also known as "LeCaptain America," is leading the way at 39 years old, while the other Team USA Avengers, Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry, are 35 and 36, respectively. It's incredible to watch three basketball legends take the floor together, but it's also bittersweet knowing that their looming retirements are only years away.
A new generation of ascending superstars—Anthony Edwards, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Victor Wembanyama, and Luka Doncic—are poised to take over as the NBA's collective face. However, the question remains: Do these young talents have the supporting cast they need to succeed in the NBA in the coming years?
5. Portland Trail Blazers
Notable up-and-coming players:
- Donovan Clingan, 20
- Scoot Henderson, 20
- Shaedon Sharpe, 20
- Deni Avdija, 23
- Toumani Camara, 24
- Anfernee Simons, 25
The Blazers have done a great job of stockpiling young talent and are in a promising position as they enter the second season of their post-Lillard era. Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe possess All-Star potential with their elite athleticism and offensive skill sets. Deni Avdija is a versatile, do-it-all forward who can be an excellent third or fourth piece on a playoff-caliber team. Toumani Camara has a niche but extremely valuable role as a 3-and-D forward. And Donovan Clingan is a 7-foot-2 paint presence coming off of an unprecedented Summer League performance.
The Blazers could improve their ranking as they continue to develop together, but the main thing keeping them from being higher is their need for a clear-cut superstar. Hopefully, that changes soon, either through internal improvement or the 2025 NBA Draft.