The NBA is widely considered the top professional basketball league in the world, featuring exceptionally talented athletes from all over the globe. To make it to this level at any age is an incredible accomplishment. However, some young phenoms have managed to step onto an NBA court at an astonishingly early age, and compete against players nearly twice their age.
When teenagers enter the NBA straight from high school or after college, they embark on a path far different than that of their peers. While most teenagers are focused on their studies or starting first jobs, these young basketball prodigies are thrown into the spotlight of a major pro sports league. They go from playing in school gyms to selling out huge arenas every night. Their incredible skills at such a young age propel them into the limelight and public consciousness.
The level of competition in the NBA is unparalleled. For a teenager to earn regular minutes and contribute for an NBA team is remarkable. In this article we will explore who is the youngest player in the NBA.
NBA Youngest Player
In 2005, the Los Angeles Lakers made history by drafting high school phenom Andrew Bynum. At only 17 years and 244 days old at the time of draft night, Bynum became the youngest player ever to play in the NBA.
Standing at 7 feet tall, Bynum immediately brought his shot-blocking and rebounding presence to the Lakers' frontcourt. He provided much-needed size and skill to complement superstars Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol. Still a teenager, Bynum quickly established himself as the Lakers' starting center.
Bynum was a key contributor on Lakers championship teams in 2009 and 2010. His enormous potential was realized in 2012 when he became an NBA All-Star and was named to the All-NBA Second Team after averaging 16.7 points and 11.1 rebounds per game.
Unfortunately for him, Andrew Bynum’s blossoming career was derailed by recurring knee injuries which required multiple surgeries. After short stints with the Indiana Pacers and the Cleveland Cavaliers, his injuries ultimately forced him to retire at just 26 years old.
NBA Youngest Team
The San Antonio Spurs have fully embraced a youth movement. Entering the 2023-2024 season, they possess the youngest roster in the NBA at an average age of just 23.52 years old.
The Oklahoma City Thunder have the second youngest team at 24.12 years old on average, followed closely by the Charlotte Hornets (24.28). These franchises have all turned to acquiring and developing young prospects rather than relying on aging veterans, prioritizing athleticism, speed and upside. Their rosters will be put to the test over an 82-game campaign.
FAQs
A. Andrew Bynum is the youngest player to play in the NBA.
A. Gregory “GG” Jackson II is the current youngest player in the NBA. He is 19 years old as of January 2024.
A. Darko Milicic is the youngest player to win the NBA Finals.
A. Kobe Bryant is the youngest NBA All-Star of all time.
