HoopsHype writer Michael Scotto conducted a survey with 15 NBA executives and asked them to rank their five best under-25-years-old players in the league.
The results showed 14 players received a vote. Scoring totals were added and the 14 players were ranked accordingly.
The scoring system was defined as follows: the top player received five points, the second received four points, the third received three points, the fourth received two points, and the fifth player received one point for each ballot.
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was tied for 13th in the rankings with Indiana Pacer guard Tyrese Hailburton.
“Share of the vote: 1.3 percent of maximum amount possible
Previous ranking: No. 8
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is entering the first of his five-year maximum extension with Oklahoma City. In March, Gilgeous-Alexander showed All-Star potential by averaging 29 points on 52 percent shooting overall and 40 percent from three-point range, with 7.5 assists and 5.8 rebounds per game.
After playing in only 91 combined games the past two seasons, it appears his lack of availability hurt his stock in the eyes of executives in this edition of our poll.”
As explained in the summary, Gilgeous-Alexander dropped five spots from last season’s rankings with the working theory that his lack of availability could be a big reason.
Notable players ahead of Gilgeous-Alexander include Jalen Green, Cade Cunningham, Darius Garland, LaMelo Ball and Scottie Barnes.
This is the last time Gilgeous-Alexander qualifies for this list. He turns 25 in July.
