Predicting the NBA's Top 5 Players Five Years From Now

The NBA's landscape can change immensely in just the span of a few years. Just two years ago, it was known that the NBA Finals would inevitably end up as another Golden State Warriors vs. Cleveland Cavaliers matchup, and now they are both the last seed in their respective conferences. Yet, fans love attempting to predict the future of the league, such as top players. These will be the top five players in the NBA five years from now.

5. Anthony Davis

Anthony Davis will be a top player in this league for a long time. Still only 26, AD has already played eight years in the league, and figures to maintain his dominant level of play into his early 30s. With seven All-Star appearances already under his belt, Davis is averaging 26.6 points, 9.2 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game. Now sharing the floor with LeBron James, Davis could finally get a taste of NBA championship glory this year. Health will be a determining factor in whether or not AD is still a true top-five player in the league when he's 31, but he looks well on his way.

4. Trae Young

Second-year superstar Trae Young can flat-out shoot the rock. he pulls up from deep like its a layup, shooting his way to 30.1 points per game. His passing ability is incredible as well, averaging 9.2 assists per game, good for second in the league. However, for all the talent he possesses offensively, his defense clearly needs work. In five years, Young will be 26, which is more than enough time for him to make some strides on that end, while also continuing to dominate offensively.

3. Zion Williamson

Williamson is a true freak of nature. The only other NBA player comparable to Williamson's strength and athleticism is LeBron James, but even that comparison isn't perfect. With only 10 NBA games under his belt, Williamson is already showing how big of a force he can be, putting up 22.1 points, 7.5 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game while averaging just 27 minutes. If Williamson is able to further develop his jump shot and can stay healthy throughout the next few seasons, there should be no reason he will not tear through the NBA like he did other circuits.

2. Luka Doncic

As a 20-year-old second-year player, Doncic has taken the league by storm, and fast. Doncic made his first trip to the All-Star Game this year while averaging 28.9 points, 9.5 rebounds, 8.7 assists and 2.9 3s per game. By the time he's 25, he'll be battling for MVP trophies and possibly championships as well. Doncic's rise to stardom came quick, and we're hoping it lasts for a long time.

1. Giannis Antetokounmpo

The reining NBA MVP is just 25 years old and has somehow gotten significantly better every season. He is a matchup nightmare due to his strength, length and athleticism, making him practically unguardable no matter who you put in front of him. This season, the Greek Freak is averaging 30.0 points, 13.5 rebounds, 5.8 assists, and over a steal and a block each, numbers which are matched by exactly zero players in league history. After watching how good he has gotten these last few years, it's scary to think how good he will be when he's 30.