NBA: Ranking the 10 best players under the age of 23 in 2022

NBA Anthony Edwards (Nick Wosika-USA TODAY Sports)
NBA Anthony Edwards (Nick Wosika-USA TODAY Sports)
6 of 12
Charlotte Hornets
Charlotte Hornets (Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports)

7. LaMelo Ball, Charlotte Hornets

Turns out, LaVar Ball was right. Two of his boys are in the NBA and thriving. One of them is on the verge of being “NEXT” in the league. Lonzo Ball is a really good player but LaMelo Ball may be on a trajectory that lands him as one of the best point guards in the league.

And he’s proven that through the first two years of his career. Ball is coming off a season in which he averaged 20 points, eight assists, and seven rebounds per game on 43 percent shooting from the field and 39 percent shooting from 3-point range.

The next step for Ball is consistency and stardom. He has it all. He has the look, the scoring, and the playmaking ability. If he makes any strides on the defensive end, there’s no question he’ll have the chance to be a really good player for a very long time.