Hey Lykkers! The NBA is always a stage for rising stars, and the youngest players to ever step foot on it often leave a lasting impression.

From record-breaking debuts to unexpected rises, we've seen some truly incredible moments from these young athletes.

In this article, we'll walk you through the 10 youngest players in NBA history, focusing on their early careers, their impact on the league, and how they made their marks in the basketball world.

Victor Wembanyama: The Young Phenomenon

One name that quickly comes to mind is Victor Wembanyama, the San Antonio Spurs player who was drafted first overall in the 2023 NBA Draft. At just 19 years old, Wembanyama already had impressive experience in the French league, which made it no surprise when he performed at an elite level in his debut season.

The basketball world was eager to see if the hype would live up to reality, and he delivered by being named NBA's Rookie of the Year in May of the same year. But Wembanyama is not the only young player to make waves in the NBA.

C.J. Miles: A Promising Start

One of the youngest players to ever step into the NBA was C.J. Miles, who made his debut at just 18 years and 241 days old with the Utah Jazz. Miles was drafted in the second round of the 2005 NBA Draft and was signed to a two-year deal by the Jazz, making him the youngest player in franchise history. His early days didn't go as planned, though, as he spent much of his first few seasons in the NBA's developmental leagues.

Despite not becoming a star, Miles continued playing professionally until 2022, representing multiple teams and the G-League Ignite.

Andris Biedriņš: From Latvia to the NBA

At 18 years and 217 days old, Andris Biedriņš was another early debutant in the NBA, joining the Golden State Warriors after being drafted 11th overall in 2004. The Latvian center didn't make an immediate impact, but by the 2007-08 season, he was contributing significantly to the team's success, especially during the Warriors' historic upset of the Dallas Mavericks.

Biedriņš played in the league until 2013, finishing his career with the Utah Jazz. His time in the NBA was marked by strong defensive and rebounding performances.

Yaroslav Korolev: A Questionable Pick

Yaroslav Korolev, drafted 12th overall by the Los Angeles Clippers in 2005, was a perplexing pick that never lived up to expectations. He had professional experience in his home country, but barely saw the floor in the NBA. Korolev played just 127 minutes during his rookie year and was waived by the Clippers in 2007. His lack of impact led to his retirement from the NBA in 2016, though he continued to play in European leagues for some time.

Tracy McGrady: A Star is Born

Drafted 9th overall in 1997 by the Toronto Raptors, Tracy McGrady was just 18 years and 160 days old when he made his NBA debut. Though his time with the Raptors was short and unremarkable, McGrady's talent quickly became evident. After moving to the Orlando Magic, he blossomed into one of the league's top stars, making seven All-Star teams and leading his teams to great success.

McGrady's 16-year career was full of impressive stats, including an average of 19.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game.

Bill Willoughby: The Early Pioneer

Bill Willoughby is one of the most interesting stories among the youngest NBA players. He was drafted 19th overall in 1975, becoming only the third player in history to skip college and go straight to the NBA. While his career was far from stellar, Willoughby's athleticism stood out, with a remarkable 47-inch vertical leap.

His NBA career saw him play for six teams over eight years, but his struggles with adapting to the pro game kept him from reaching his full potential.

Stan Brown: Breaking Barriers

Stan Brown was the first player to make the leap directly from high school to the pros. In 1946, he started his professional basketball journey with the Philadelphia Sphas of the American Basketball League before joining the Philadelphia Warriors in the BAA (Basketball Association of America). Brown's career in the league was brief, but his place in history as the first high school-to-pro player is secure.

Darko Miličić: A Cautionary Tale

Selected 2nd overall in the 2003 draft, Darko Miličić's story is one of unrealized potential. The Serbian big man was part of the championship-winning Detroit Pistons team in 2004, though he rarely saw playing time during the season. Miličić's career was marked by disappointment, and he is often considered one of the biggest busts in NBA history. Still, he played for 10 years in the league before retiring, bouncing between several teams.

Kobe Bryant: A Legacy Built on Youth

Kobe Bryant is undoubtedly one of the greatest NBA players of all time, and he made his debut at just 18 years and 72 days old. Bryant was drafted by the Charlotte Hornets but was quickly traded to the Lakers, where he spent his entire career. In his second season, he was already an NBA All-Star, and he went on to win five championships with the Lakers.

Kobe's legendary career was filled with accolades, including 18 All-Star appearances.

Jermaine O'Neal: Rising from the Bench

Jermaine O'Neal, drafted 17th overall in 1996 by the Portland Trail Blazers, made his debut at the age of 18 years and 53 days. After spending some time on the bench, O'Neal was traded to the Indiana Pacers, where he became a star. He was named an All-Star six times and played an integral role in the Pacers' success during his time with the team.

Young and Talented, but Fragile

These players may have been among the youngest to ever play in the NBA, but their journeys were filled with highs and lows. While some achieved greatness, others struggled to live up to expectations. The lesson here is that youth in the NBA can be both a blessing and a curse. But no matter their fate, each of these players left their mark on the league.

Thanks for joining us, Lykkers! Which of these young players do you think had the most potential? Let us know in the comments below!