Collin Chandler is Mark Pope’s first recruiting win at Kentucky
Kentucky has some of the best young, established and old talent in the NBA, the oldest being Anthony Davis at 31 years old and Cason Wallace the youngest at 20. Rob Dillingham and Reed Sheppard will join that list in a matter of weeks when they hear their names called at the 2024 NBA Draft, likely in the top five on June 27 in Brooklyn.
As we wait to see the next generation of up-and-coming stars who once came through Lexington walk across the stage and shake Adam Silver’s hand, two previous ones have been included in The Ringer’s list of the best 25 players in the NBA age 25 or under — both in the top 10.
Well, top six to be specific, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander near the very top of the list at No. 3 followed by Tyrese Maxey at No. 6.
“Gilgeous-Alexander, in just his sixth NBA season, was runner-up for this season’s MVP award,” The Ringer said of the Oklahoma City Thunder superstar. “He can average a hyper-efficient 30 points in his sleep, cares about defense, and couldn’t care less about his individual celebrity. A faultless franchise player.”
In terms of question marks about his future, they couldn’t come up with any.
“Um, aside from being the worst actor-singer in an inescapable, extremely confusing commercial that has tortured millions on a daily basis for several months, there aren’t any (doubts),” the outlet joked.
As for the Philadelphia 76ers standout, there isn’t much to hate about the former Wildcat who has emerged as one of the top young guards in the league.
“In the most basic terms, the ideal point guard can shoot, score, and pass without turning the ball over, and Maxey checks every one of those boxes,” they said. “His speed is exciting, he has a magnetic personality, and he’s not afraid to attempt audacious shots in the clutch. What more could you want from a young guard on the rise?”
Any concerns? The Sixers tumbled in the East standings without Joel Embiid while Maxey led the charge, leading to some thought that “his ceiling is as a sidekick rather than a main act.” They followed that up, though, saying “Maxey will finish his 76ers career with more 50-point games than Allen Iverson” when his time with the franchise comes to a close. That mark is 10 total, with the former Cat racking up three this past season alone.
Not too shabby for a 23-year-old.
Take a look at the top 10.
