Top Ten NBA Players with the Most Potential in 2020

Potential is something every NBA player has. Some maximize their potential, others falter and never achieve it.

These are the NBA players with the most potential in 2020. Remember, this list is not about how good they are right now, and it is not about their accomplishments. This is purely about potential.

The voting period for this list has ended.
The Top Ten

  1. Zion Williamson

    Zion Lateef Williamson, born July 6, 2000, is an American professional basketball player for the New Orleans Pelicans in the NBA. He plays as a power forward and is widely known for his athleticism, strength, and explosive playing style. He was selected first overall in the 2019 NBA Draft after a standout... read more

    Zion has the most potential in the entire league. Is it fair to say he can be a top-3 player if he reaches his potential? He is an explosive athlete and has shown promise with his jump shot. He is a good passer and plays hard defensively.

    He just needs to get his health under control and make sure he keeps his weight in a good area. He could be a great player in the future.

  2. Michael Porter Jr

    I cannot tell you how much I like MPJ. This kid has so much potential if you let him play. He can score in bunches and is very smart. I'm saying he could be an All-NBA player.

  3. Ben Simmons

    Benjamin David Simmons is an Australian professional basketball player. As of 2025, he plays for the Los Angeles Clippers in the National Basketball Association. He was selected first overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2016 NBA Draft and has earned multiple All-Star selections, as well as the NBA... read more

    Just imagine Ben Simmons surrounded by shooters, defenders, and a lob threat. That would be insane. I think Simmons could be a top-five player if he had that kind of space. Then, obviously, if he develops any kind of three-pointer, he will be unstoppable.

  4. Ja Morant

    Temetrius Jamel "Ja" Morant is an American professional basketball player for the Memphis Grizzlies of the National Basketball Association. He was selected with the second overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. Morant won the NBA Rookie of the Year award in 2020.

    Ja Morant is insane, and I think he can get even better. Imagine Ja Morant surrounded by shooters, which is what the Grizzlies need to acquire. Ja could also develop a more consistent jumper. With that, he would be amazing.

  5. Devin Booker

    Devin Armani Booker, born on October 30, 1996, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is an American professional basketball player. He plays as a shooting guard for the Phoenix Suns in the NBA. At age 20 in March 2017, he became the youngest player in NBA history to score 70 points in a single game when he scored... read more

    Devin Booker has yet to be on a good team. Let's talk about Booker himself first. He needs to improve his playmaking and defense. The team should surround him with defenders, shooters, and playmakers.

  6. RJ Barrett

    Now, RJ has a lot to work on: his playmaking, his shooting, his dribbling, his decision-making, and more. The Knicks really aren't doing him any favors, though. Surround Barrett with shooters and defense, and you will unlock his potential.

  7. Trae Young

    Rayford Trae Young is an American professional basketball player. He plays for the Atlanta Hawks of the National Basketball Association. Young is known for his exceptional shooting and playmaking abilities and was selected as an NBA All-Star in 2020.

    Here's the thing. The Hawks have to do more than this to unlock Trae. Capela is a good start, but they need a lot more shooting and definitely more defense. Trae needs to improve his efficiency, and while he'll never be a good defender, he could at least show effort.

  8. Jayson Tatum

    Jayson Christopher Tatum Sr. (born March 3, 1998) is an American professional basketball player for the Boston Celtics of the National Basketball Association (NBA).

    He was a McDonald's All-American in high school in Missouri and played college basketball for the Duke Blue Devils. Tatum was selected... read more

    Jayson Tatum is a weird one. I think a team built around Tatum has more potential than what they have now.

  9. Bol Bol

    Listen here. When you are someone of Bol's height and skill set, you have potential. He will obviously have to manage his body and gain weight. He will also have to get quicker. If he can do these things, he could be a very good center.

  10. Luka Doncic

    Luka Doncic (born February 28, 1999) is a Slovenian professional basketball player for the Dallas Mavericks of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Since his rookie season, he's been selected to five NBA All-Star games and five All-NBA First Team selections. He also represents the Slovenian national... read more

    11. The Newcomers
  11. ?

    Derrick Rose

    Derrick Martell Rose is an American professional basketball player for the Minnesota Timberwolves in the NBA. He became the youngest MVP in NBA history in 2011 while playing for the Chicago Bulls. He has also had successful stints with the New York Knicks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Detroit Pistons, and Minneapolis... read more

  12. ?

    Joel Embiid

    Joel Hans Embiid is a Cameroonian professional basketball player for the Philadelphia 76ers of the National Basketball Association. He was born on March 16, 1994, and played college basketball for the Kansas Jayhawks before being drafted third overall in the 2014 NBA Draft. Embiid was named the NBA... read more

    13. The Contenders

  13. Brandon Ingram

    Brandon Xavier Ingram, born September 2, 1997, is an American professional basketball player for the Toronto Raptors of the NBA. He was drafted second overall by the Los Angeles Lakers in 2016 and later traded to the New Orleans Pelicans in 2019. In February 2025, Ingram was traded to the Raptors and... read more

    Ingram is not on a team that is structured to conform to him. Giving him his own team would increase his scoring output, further maximizing Ingram.

  14. Bam Adebayo

  15. LeBron James

    LeBron Raymone James is an American professional basketball player for the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Over his career, LeBron has played for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, and the Lakers. He has won four NBA championships.

  16. Giannis Antetokounmpo

    Giannis Antetokounmpo is a Greek professional basketball player for the Milwaukee Bucks of the National Basketball Association. He was drafted 15th overall in the 2013 NBA Draft. He is a two-time NBA MVP and led the Bucks to an NBA Championship in 2021.

  17. Lonzo Ball

  18. LaMelo Ball

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