Key takeaways:
- At only 18 years old, GG Jackson is the youngest player in the NBA right now, playing for the Memphis Grizzlies.
- Andrew Bynum holds the record as the youngest NBA player ever, having made his debut at just the age of 18 years and six days.
- Players must be at least 19 years old during the calendar year of the NBA draft to be eligible.
Being the youngest NBA player is about more than just age. It represents a player’s potential, emerging talent, and role in shaping the league’s future.
The NBA has long been a stage where young players have shone brightly. Whether high school standouts or college stars who quickly turned pro, these young players do more than just set records or grab headlines; they bring new energy and fresh talent to the game.
This article focuses on the youngest NBA stars, both currently and historically. We’ll look at who they are, their journey to the NBA, and their integration into their new teams.
Who is the Youngest NBA Player Right Now?
The title of the youngest NBA player in the current 2023-2024 season belongs to GG Jackson. GG, who is 18 years old, was chosen by the Memphis Grizzlies as the 45th overall pick in the second round of the 2023 NBA Draft.
On August 31, 2023, GG signed a two-way contract with the Grizzlies. This contract means he splits his time between the Grizzlies and their NBA G League affiliate, the Memphis Hustle.
Before joining the NBA, GG played for the South Carolina Gamecocks in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). In his single college season, he played in all 32 games, averaging 15.4 points per game and 5.9 rebounds. His scoring average was the fifth-highest in the nation among freshmen.
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The Current Youngest NBA Players
In the 2023-2024 NBA season, many young athletes are getting their start in professional basketball at an age before being able to drink legally. Here’s a list of the youngest NBA players this season.
Table 1: Youngest NBA Players, 2023-2024 Season
| RANK | NAME | AGE | BIRTHDAY | TEAM |
| 1 | GG Jackson | 18 | December 17, 2004 | Memphis Grizzlies |
| 2 | Dariq Whitehead | 19 | August 1, 2004 | Brooklyn Nets |
| 3 | Bilal Coulibaly | 19 | July 26, 2004 | Washington Wizards |
| 4 | Noah Clowney | 19 | July 14, 2004 | Brooklyn Nets |
| 5 | Cam Whitmore | 19 | July 8, 2004 | Houston Rockets |
| 6 | Rayan Rupert | 19 | May 31, 2004 | Portland Trail Blazers |
| 7 | Nick Smith Jr. | 19 | April 18, 2004 | Charlotte Hornets |
| 8 | Sidy Cissoko | 19 | April 2, 2004 | San Antonio Spurs |
| 9 | Jordan Walsh | 19 | March 3, 2004 | Boston Celtics |
| 10 | Amari Bailey | 19 | February 17, 2004 | Charlotte Hornets |
| 11 | Dereck Lively II | 19 | February 12, 2004 | Dallas Mavericks |
| 12 | Scoot Henderson | 19 | February 3, 2004 | Portland Trail Blazers |
| 13 | Emoni Bates | 19 | January 28, 2004 | Cleveland Cavaliers |
| 14 | Anthony Black | 19 | January 20, 2004 | Orlando Magic |
| 15 | Victor Wembanyama | 19 | January 4, 2004 | San Antonio Spurs |
| 16 | Leonard Miller | 19 | November 26, 2003 | Minnesota Timberwolves |
| 17 | Taylor Hendricks | 19 | November 22, 2003 | Utah Jazz |
| 18 | Gradey Dick | 19 | November 20, 2003 | Toronto Raptors |
| 19 | Jalen Duren | 19 | November 18, 2003 | Detroit Pistons |
| 20 | Keyonte George | 20 | November 8, 2003 | Utah Jazz |
| 21 | Cason Wallace | 20 | November 7, 2003 | Oklahoma City Thunder |
| 22 | Julian Phillips | 20 | November 5, 2003 | Chicago Bulls |
| 23 | Brice Sensabaugh | 20 | October 30, 2003 | Utah Jazz |
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The Youngest NBA Player Ever
Andrew Bynum holds the record as the youngest NBA player ever. He was 18 years and six days old when he began his professional basketball career. The Los Angeles Lakers selected him with the 10th overall pick in the first round of the 2005 NBA Draft.
Standing 7 feet tall, Andrew played center and was among the tallest NBA players. He was instrumental in the Lakers winning two NBA championships in 2009 and 2010. In 2012, he was named an All-Star and selected to the All-NBA Team.
Andrew’s career faced challenges due to knee injuries. These injuries were a significant setback and eventually led to the end of his time in the NBA after nine seasons.
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Table 2: 10 Youngest NBA Players of All-Time
| RANK | NAME | YOUNGEST AGE WHILE PLAYING IN THE NBA | |
| 1 | Andrew Bynum | 18 years, 6 days | |
| 2 | Jermaine O’Neal | 18 years, 53 days | |
| 3 | Jim Browne | 18 years, 58 days | |
| 4 | Kobe Bryant | 18 years, 72 days | |
| 5 | Darko Miličić | 18 years, 133 days | |
| 6 | Stan Brown | 18 years, 139 days | |
| 7 | Bill Willoughby | 18 years, 156 days | |
| 8 | Tracy McGrady | 18 years, 169 days | |
| 9 | Yaroslav Korolev | 18 years, 181 days | |
| 10 | Andris Biedriņš | 18 years, 217 days | |
Understanding the NBA’s Age Requirement
The NBA has specific age requirements for players entering the league. These rules are key to the league’s structure and influence who can join the NBA draft and when.
Here’s a simple breakdown:
- Age Limit: Players must be at least 19 during the draft year to be eligible for the NBA draft.
- Post-High School Requirement: Players in the United States must wait at least one year after their high school class graduates before they can enter the draft.
These NBA age limit rules, in place since 2006, influence the age and experience of players entering the league. The requirement that players be one year removed from high school has led to the “one-and-done” trend in college basketball, where players attend college for just one year before going pro.
There has been talk about lowering the NBA draft’s minimum age back to 18. If this change happens, it could decrease the number of “one-and-done” players. We’re already seeing some high school graduates choosing to play professionally overseas or join the NBA’s G League Ignite rather than attend college. The G League Ignite provides a different path for young players, preparing them directly for the NBA Draft.
![A quote graphic that reads: "I think if I had one year of college, I'd have done better with the mental part [of the NBA] - Jermaine O'Neal"](https://homeschoolhoop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/YoungestNBAPlayer_Quote_JermaineONeal-2-1024x768.png)
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The Impact of Young Players on Team Dynamics
Incorporating young talent into an NBA team is a strategic process for General Managers. It’s about finding the right balance between the fresh potential of the youngest NBA players and their initial lack of experience. Here’s a look at how this integration affects team dynamics:
- Mentorship: Veteran players play a crucial role in guiding young players. They share insights from their years in the league, helping rookies navigate the professional and personal challenges of being an NBA player. This mentorship is crucial for nurturing young players’ skills and confidence.
- Learning Curve: The transition to the NBA can be challenging for young players, particularly the youngest on the team. They need to adjust to a faster game pace and a higher level of competition than they experienced in college or high school. This adjustment period is essential for their development and future success in the league.
- Physical and Maturity Considerations: Younger players are still developing physically and mentally. They might not yet possess their older counterparts’ strength, stamina, or decision-making skills. Teams must consider these factors when integrating young players into their lineup and strategy.
- Team Role: Except in rare cases, young players often start with smaller roles, gradually taking on more responsibility as they gain experience and confidence. This gradual integration helps them build their skills without overwhelming them with too much pressure too soon.
The presence of young players, including the youngest NBA player on the team, brings a fresh perspective and new energy to the team. Their development is dynamic, influenced by the team’s structure, the guidance of veteran players, and their adaptability and growth. These young players can significantly impact their teams and the league as they mature.
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FAQ
Who is the youngest player in the NBA right now?
GG Jackson of the Memphis Grizzlies is currently the youngest player in the NBA. He’s 18 now and will turn 19 on December 17, 2023.
Can a 17-year-old play in the NBA?
No, players must turn at least 19 the year they’re drafted into the NBA.
How old is the youngest NBA player in 2023?
The youngest NBA player in 2023 is GG Jackson, who is 18. He doesn’t turn 19 until December 17, 2023.
Who’s the oldest NBA player right now?
The oldest NBA player right now is LeBron James, who is 38. He will turn 39 on December 30, 2023.
