NBA execs poll: Where Rockets rank among top young players to build around

In a poll of NBA execs, Houston’s Amen Thompson and Jabari Smith Jr. were viewed among the league’s top 10 players to build around who are under 25 years old.

With the start of the 2023-24 season here, HoopsHype polled 20 NBA executives for their top five players under 25 years old.

After dominating this executives poll for the past three years, Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic battled with San Antonio Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama for the top spot in a tight race.

Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards, Indiana Pacers All-Star Tyrese Haliburton, and Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey were among the top risers in the poll, while LaMelo Ball and Zion Williamson were among players whose stock slipped. In addition, 11 players earned votes for the first time.

Under this scoring system, the top player received 10 points, the second received seven points, the third received five points, the fourth received three points, and the fifth player received one point for each ballot. The results of the poll, which featured four young prospects on the 2023-24 Houston Rockets roster, are listed below.

Further analysis is available from Michael Scotto at HoopsHype.