Ranking NBA's Best Young Cores Ahead of 2020 Trade Deadline

New York KnicksStar Prospects: RJ BarrettOther Notable Players: Mitchell Robinson, Dennis Smith Jr., Kevin Knox II, Frank Ntilikina, Allonzo TrierThird overall pick RJ Barrett may grow into a star, but he ranks in the 10th percentile in points per shot attempt. But free-agent pickup Terry Rozier hasn't disappointed with 18.0 points, 4.5 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game as well as the NBA's second-best catch and shoot numbers.Sophomore and second-round pick Devonte' Graham was a bright spot to begin the season, posting 18.8 points, 3.5 rebounds and 7.1 assists per game while helping the Hornets to a 6-7 start. But P.J. Washington has been the standout with 14.6 points and 6.4 rebounds per 36 minutes plus 40.1 percent shooting from three.Miles Bridges continues to show flashes as a perimeter threat but ranks in the 6th percentile in net rating. 7. Boston CelticsStar: Jayson TatumStar Prospects: Jaylen BrownOther Notable Players: Robert Williams III, Grant Williams, Carsen Edwards, Romeo Langford, Tacko FallThe game's brightest future star has emerged in Boston, averaging 29.7 points and 15.7 rebounds with 75.0 percent shooting.Casting aside Tacko Fall's per-36-minutes numbers, the Celtics are well equipped to contend now and in the future with All-Star Jayson Tatum as their key. Tatum has not only become one of the NBA's best scorers (21.5 points per game), but he's also one of its most versatile, ranking in the 94th and 91st percentiles at the 3 and 4.Joining him is swingman Jalen Brown. He's been remarkably efficient, placing in the 96th percentile in points per attempt, 92nd at the rim and 91st in mid-range.Booker joins Stephen Curry and Larry Bird as the only players to meet those averages while shooting 50 percent from the field and 90 percent from the free-throw line.Deandre Ayton's numbers have been impressive. An elite defender who can slide to all five positions, Simmons is one of two players under 24 to post 16.7 points, 8.2 assists, 7.8 rebounds and 2.2 steals per game (Magic Johnson, thrice).Speaking of elite defenders, the 76ers hit the jackpot with the 20th overall pick, Matisse Thybulle. Murray has experienced dips in efficiency on the offensive end but still posts a plus-6.1 differential per 100 possessions while shooting in the 92nd percentile from mid-range.The biggest surprise of the group has been Michael Porter Jr. After falling to 14th in the 2018 draft after he missed almost his entire lone season at Missouri, Porter has emerged with all the attributes that led him to be the No. 1 recruit in the country.In his first 39 games, Porter shot 50.8 percent from the corner while grading in the 86th percentile from three overall. A versatile and springy big who can also defend, Porter ranks in the 98th percentile in block percentage and 100th in offensive and defensive rebounding percentages.Star Prospects: Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., Brandon ClarkeOther Notable Players: Dillon Brooks, Tyus Jones, De'Anthony Melton, Grayson Allen, Josh JacksonA League Pass pleasure cruise, the Memphis Grizzlies are loaded with blue-chip athletic playmakers at every position.Rookie of the Year runaway Ja Morant isn't just the most watchable young point guard in the NBA because of his pizzazz and wizardry, but he is also posting mind-bending numbers. Since Williamson debuted, Ball has averaged 11.0 points, 9.6 assists and 7.2 rebounds per 36 minutes with 40.0 percent shooting from three.Josh Hart has given the Pelicans versatility at the 2, 3 and even 4, as they score 119.1 points per 100 possessions (96th percentile) when he plays power forward.