Who is the youngest player in the NBA for the 2022-23 season? Closer look at his stats, contract details, and more
The title of youngest player in the NBA belongs to Detroit Pistons big man Jalen Duren. He was only 18-years-old when he was drafted this past offseason, and has recently turned 19.
Duren is a 6-foot-10 center who played college ball at Memphis. While the big man was fading into the background in the modern NBA, his athleticism for his size made him a lottery level talent. He was taken in the first round of the 2022 NBA draft with the 13th overall pick.
Despite being the youngest player in the NBA, Duren has put together a solid rookie campaign. Through 52 games, he is averaging 8.5 points, 8.7 rebounds and 0.9 blocks. His playing time recently took a hit after the Detroit Pistons traded for James Wiseman at the deadline.
Contract breakdown of the youngest player in the NBA
Since he was taken in the lottery, Jalen Duren signed a rather lucrative contract to begin his NBA career. After the draft, he and the Pistons came to terms on a four-year, $19.4 million deal.
This year, the youngest player in the NBA will make a total of 4.1 million dollars. His salary is set to increase slightly in each passing year of the deal. During the 2023-24 season, he is set to make just over $4.3 million.
Like all rookies, Duren's deal is only guaranteed for the first two years. The final two years are club options, leaving it up to the Pistons if they want to keep the young center. If the Pistons decide to keep him, he won't enter restricted free agency until after the 2025-26 campaign.
Who else is among the youngest players in the NBA currently
Outside of Duren, there are countless 19-year-olds in the league right now. Some are rookie standouts like Jabari Smith Jr. and Shaedon Sharpe, while others were later picks such as AJ Griffin and Nikola Jovic.
Smith Jr. was drafted third overall last year by the Houston Rockets. So far this season, he is averaging 11.9 points, 7.1 rebounds and 1.2 assists. Shapre was taken a few picks later by the Portland Trail Blazers and has shown nice flashes behind Damian Lillard and Anfernee Simons. In 60 games, he is posting averages of 8.0 points, 2.5 rebounds and 0.7 assists.