Determining the place to rank gamers is troublesome sufficient in any specific season. However how about doing it with a watch in direction of what the NBA might appear to be in 5 years? That’s the purpose of this train, with Rotoworld basketball writers Raphielle Johnson and Noah Rubin combining to place collectively their top-25 fantasy record for 2030. Whereas the record is primarily populated with gamers at the moment within the NBA, there are a number of who’ve but to play an official NBA recreation.
Some gamers, whether or not within the NBA now or but to succeed in that time, will break by means of by 2030. Right here’s our prime 25, and it shouldn’t be stunning who leads the best way.
Your one-stop-shop for Rotoworld’s fantasy basketball draft protection.
1. C Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs
Age (as of October 10): 21
After taking the NBA by storm as a rookie, Wembanyama’s affect was muted final season resulting from a blood clot that sidelined him from the All-Star break onward. The 7-foot-3 phenom has been given a clear invoice of well being and is poised to usher in a brand new period within the NBA. Earlier than his season-ending harm in February, Wembanyama averaged 24.3 factors, 11.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.1 steals, 3.8 blocks and three.1 three-pointers per recreation with 47.6/35.2/83.6 taking pictures splits.
2. F Cooper Flagg, Dallas Mavericks
Age: 18
Flagg has but to play in an official NBA recreation, however the incoming rookie is deserving of being excessive on any record that’s looking forward to 5 years from now. He received’t flip 19 till simply earlier than Christmas, making it attainable (doubtless, even) that the Mavericks ahead nonetheless is not going to have reached his prime by 2030. He’s obtained all the abilities a franchise might need in a cornerstone, which is a void the Mavericks have to fill after buying and selling Luka Dončić to the Lakers.
3. G Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder
Age: 27
Gilgeous-Alexander, who received NBA Most Worthwhile Participant and NBA Finals MVP honors whereas main the Thunder to their first title final season, continues to be not 30 years outdated. But it looks like he’s been round for much longer than that, with the Canadian level guard being the eleventh total decide within the 2018 draft. Who is aware of what number of titles and particular person accolades he’ll have on his résumé by the point 2030 rolls round, however SGA ought to stay among the finest property in fantasy basketball.
4. G Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons
Age: 24
Cunningham’s manufacturing has elevated in every of his 4 NBA seasons, with the 2024-25 marketing campaign being the one by which his progress coincided with that of the franchise he leads. Showing a career-best 70 video games, Cunningham averaged 26.1 factors, 6.1 rebounds, 9.1 assists, 1.0 steals, 0.8 blocks and a couple of.1 three-pointers. The Pistons level guard recorded career-high averages in factors, assists, blocks and three-pointers with a 46.9/35.6/84.6 taking pictures break up. If Cunningham can maintain the turnovers in test, as he averaged 4.4 per recreation final season, he’ll be a good higher participant to have rostered in fantasy leagues.
5. G Luka Dončić, Los Angeles Lakers
Age: 26
Like many who observe basketball, Dončić was surprised when the Mavericks traded him to the Lakers in late January. He appeared in a career-low 50 video games in 2024-25, showing in 60 or extra in every of his first six seasons. Whereas LeBron James stays energetic at the moment, the Lakers have already made it clear that the franchise has begun the “Dončić Period,” and this summer season, he signed an extension that runs by means of the 2028-29 marketing campaign. So long as Luka is wholesome, he’ll be among the finest gamers in fantasy basketball in 2030.
6. F/C Evan Mobley, Cleveland Cavaliers
Age: 24
Mobley’s fourth NBA season was his finest, with the Cavaliers ahead/middle averaging 18.5 factors, 9.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 0.9 steals, 1.6 blocks and 1.2 three-pointers per recreation. His position on the offensive finish of the ground expanded within the first season of Kenny Atkinson’s tenure as head coach, and there’s nonetheless loads of room for progress. The one query is what’s going to Cleveland’s frontcourt appear to be in 2030. Will Mobley proceed to share the court docket with one other massive man, as he at the moment does with Jarrett Allen? Or will he shift to middle full-time?
7. G Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves
Age: 24
Like Mobley, Edwards’ place might change by the point the yr 2030 rolls round. Present Timberwolves start line guard Mike Conley turns 38 on October 11, which means there might come a degree within the close to future the place Edwards is both sharing the backcourt with Rob Dillingham or being utilized as an uber-athletic scoring level guard. No matter is set, Ant-Man has the talent wanted to be a cornerstone for his franchise and fantasy rosters.
8. C Alperen Şengün, Houston Rockets
Age: 23
Şengün, who led Türkiye to a silver medal at EuroBasket this previous summer season, turned 23 in late July. Whereas his scoring common decreased by two factors in comparison with his 2023-24 quantity, the Rockets middle earned his first All-Star Recreation look final season and averaged a double-double for the primary time in 4 NBA seasons. Şengün’s all-around talent set makes him a middle who needs to be extremely priceless in fantasy leagues 5 years from now, particularly if he have been to develop a extra dependable perimeter shot.
9. G/F Amen Thompson, Houston Rockets
Age: 22
After taking up a supplementary position as a rookie, the versatile Thompson figured extra prominently within the Rockets’ rotation final season. And with Fred VanVleet sidelined by a torn ACL, the 2025-26 season could possibly be a preview of what’s to come back for Thompson. In comparison with his rookie season, the 6-foot-7 wing’s averages improved in all main classes whereas taking pictures almost 56 p.c from the sphere. Like Şengün, Thompson is ready the place issues might get really scary if he’s capable of develop a constant perimeter shot over the subsequent 5 years.
10. F/C Chet Holmgren, Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder
Age: 23
The most important concern for Holmgren is the accidents. After sitting out your entire 2022-23 season with a foot harm, he was restricted to 32 video games final season by a damaged hip. Sandwiched in between these two seasons was a 2023-24 marketing campaign by which Holmgren didn’t miss a recreation. When on the ground, he’s a gifted frontcourt participant who can be utilized at energy ahead or middle, and that versatility will serve Holmgren properly over the subsequent 5 years.
Victor Wembanyama is clearly probably the most priceless participant in dynasty leagues.
11. F Jalen Johnson, Atlanta Hawks
Age: 23
Like Holmgren, availability has been a difficulty for Johnson in the course of the early phases of his NBA profession. He’s appeared in additional than 60 video games simply as soon as and is coming off a 2024-25 marketing campaign by which he was restricted to 36 appearances. Nevertheless, Johnson did end final season with career-high averages in factors, rebounds, assists, steals and blocked photographs whereas taking pictures 50 p.c from the sphere. So long as he stays comparatively wholesome, the instruments are there for Johnson to be a extremely impactful fantasy participant in 2030.
12. G Darryn Peterson, Kansas Jayhawks
Age: 18
Peterson is the primary of three gamers on this record who’ve but to play a university recreation, a lot much less enter the NBA. However the Kansas freshman is that good. A combo guard who can play on or off the ball, the 6-foot-5 Peterson is on the brief record of many relating to the highest draft-eligible prospects for 2026. Winner of the 2025 Naismith Trophy Boys College Participant of the Yr award, Peterson was additionally a McDonald’s All-American this previous season.
13. G Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers
Age: 24
Maxey, who will flip 25 in early November, has averaged 25.9 and 26.3 factors per recreation over the past two seasons. Whereas there are vital questions relating to teammate Joel Embiid’s harm historical past, the 2024-25 marketing campaign was the primary by which Maxey did not play a minimum of 60 video games. In 5 years’ time, he needs to be the cornerstone in Philadelphia and an elite participant worthy of first-round consideration, no matter league format.
14. F Cameron Boozer, Duke Blue Devils
Age: 18
The 6-foot-9 Boozer, whose father Carlos loved a 13-year NBA profession, was a two-time winner of the Gatorade Nationwide Participant of the Yr award whereas in highschool. The mixture of construct, athleticism and talent set makes the youthful Boozer a participant able to enjoying anyplace within the frontcourt, and that versatility tends to make for a wonderful fantasy choice. Like Peterson and one other participant a bit additional down on this record, Boozer is projected to be among the many prime draft-eligible skills for 2026.
15. G Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana Pacers
Age: 25
Whereas it stays to be seen how Haliburton’s restoration from a ruptured Achilles tendon will go, he’s already among the finest gamers in fantasy basketball when wholesome. Final season, he averaged 18.6 factors, 3.5 rebounds, 9.2 assists, 1.4 steals, 0.7 blocks and three.0 three-pointers per recreation whereas main the Pacers to their first NBA Finals look since 2000. He’ll miss your entire 2025-26 marketing campaign, however Haliburton ought to stay among the finest gamers in fantasy basketball in 2030.
16. F Franz Wagner, Orlando Magic
Age: 24
After three seasons by which he performed a minimum of 70 video games, Wagner suffered an indirect harm that restricted him to 60 appearances final season. Nevertheless, he was glorious when on the ground, offering fourth-round worth in eight- and nine-cat codecs. A wholesome Wagner might be a good larger asset, no matter league format, due to his effectivity and versatile recreation. Like a number of of the gamers above him on this record, Wagner wants to enhance his perimeter shot, as he’s shot 28.1 and 29.5 p.c from three over the previous two seasons.
Rotoworld basketball analysts Cole Huff, Noah Rubin, Raphielle Johnson and Zak Hanshew decide their “guys” for the upcoming fantasy season.
17. F Jalen Williams, Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder
Age: 24
The reigning champion Thunder have three gamers on this record, and none are over 27 years outdated. Williams might be plugged in nearly anyplace inside a lineup; that’s how versatile his recreation is. As a result of accidents, he even spent a while on the middle place final season. Williams’ averages have elevated in every of his three NBA seasons, and he earned third-team All-NBA and second-team All-Protection honors in 2024-25. He received’t be 30 years outdated till the latter phases of the 2030-31 common season and nonetheless has not begun his athletic prime.
18. F Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics
Age: 27
Like Haliburton, Tatum is recovering from a ruptured Achilles tendon suffered throughout final season’s playoffs. Nevertheless, the Celtics star’s restoration will probably be fascinating to look at, as he has not been formally dominated out for the 2025-26 season. Will Tatum try to return? And the way would that affect the subsequent 5 years of his NBA profession? Tatum already has eight NBA seasons beneath his belt, however he has the talent set that may make him a critical think about fantasy basketball when 2030 rolls round.
19. F AJ Dybantsa, BYU Cougars
Age: 18
The third and closing present collegian on this record, Dybantsa may even be in competition to go first total in subsequent summer season’s draft if he declares. The 6-foot-10 ahead would be the greatest story within the state of Utah this season, particularly with the Jazz within the midst of a rebuild. Dybantsa was the top-ranked prospect within the Class of 2025 and is a three-time FIBA gold medalist. Dybantsa’s explosive athleticism and diversified talent set make him a participant who can have a big affect in fantasy basketball by the point 2030 rolls round.
20. G Dylan Harper, San Antonio Spurs
Age: 19
The second total decide within the 2025 draft, the 6-foot-6 Harper can be utilized anyplace on the perimeter. Throughout his lone season at Rutgers, he spent most of his time on the ball however may also tackle an off-ball position. On a Spurs roster that features Wembanyama, De’Aaron Fox and Stephon Fortress, which may be one thing Harper has to do early on, however he’s able to progressing right into a lead playmaker position over the subsequent 5 seasons.
21. F Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic
Age: 22
The 6-foot-10 Banchero has recorded elevated factors and rebounds averages in every of his three NBA seasons, however turnovers have restricted his affect in fantasy basketball, particularly in class leagues. Nevertheless, that shouldn’t be the case in 2030, when Banchero could also be starting his athletic prime. 5 years from now, this spot on the record might show to be egregiously low for Banchero.
22. G LaMelo Ball, Charlotte Hornets
Age: 24
Regardless of his age, Ball has already performed 5 NBA seasons. Nevertheless, whereas manufacturing has not been a difficulty for the Hornets’ level guard, staying on the court docket has. The 2021-22 season is the one one by which Ball has performed a minimum of 60 video games; he’s appeared in 47 or fewer in every of the final three. The harm issues have knocked Ball down many fantasy draft boards; hopefully, that received’t be a difficulty 5 years from now.
23. C Nikola Jokić, Denver Nuggets
Age: 30
Jokić is the one participant on this record aged 30 years or older. Nevertheless, the talent set and elite manufacturing can’t be ignored, particularly for a participant whose recreation is just not reliant on “soar out of the fitness center” athleticism. The Joker has been the top-ranked participant in fantasy basketball in per-game worth in 4 of the final 5 seasons, and no decrease than second in totals in six straight. Will Jokić nonetheless be within the NBA in 5 years’ time? We’ll see, however the monitor file of excellence is why he must be on this record.
Nikola Jokić headlines Rotoworld’s Preseason Prime 200, however key accidents throughout the league make this some of the unpredictable fantasy seasons in years.
24. F Scottie Barnes, Toronto Raptors
Age: 24
After incomes his first All-Star Recreation look in 2023-24, Barnes recorded comparable numbers final season. And he’s able to doing extra, supplied he turns into a extra constant shooter. Barnes shot 27.1 p.c from three final season and is a profession 30 p.c shooter from deep on 3.6 makes an attempt per recreation. He doesn’t have to show into the subsequent Stephen Curry, however constant taking pictures would enhance Barnes’ fantasy profile, given what he can already do as a playmaker and defender.
25. G Trae Younger, Atlanta Hawks
Age: 27
Younger has performed 73 video games or extra in three of the final 4 seasons, and most just lately, he led the NBA in assists. Having averaged a factors/assists double-double every of the final three seasons, the Hawks’ level guard can stay a fantasy drive for years to come back. One thing to look at is how younger gamers like Jalen Johnson and Dyson Daniels progress, as their improvement might profit Younger within the turnover class. He’s averaged a minimum of 4 per recreation every of the final six seasons, decreasing Younger’s worth in nine-cat codecs.
