# List of oldest and youngest NBA players

This is a list of oldest and youngest National Basketball Association players. The National Basketball Association (NBA) is a men's professional basketball league in North America. The NBA was founded in 1946 as the Basketball Association of America (BAA). The league adopted its current name at the start of the 1949–50 season when it merged with the National Basketball League (NBL). The oldest person ever to play in the NBA was Nat Hickey, a coach who activated himself as a player for a game two days before his 46th birthday. The youngest player ever to play in the NBA was Andrew Bynum, who played his first game only six days after his 18th birthday. The oldest active player is LeBron James, who is currently 40 years, 69 days old. He is the only active player who was born before 1985, as well as the only player to be both on the NBA's list of youngest and oldest players in league history. The youngest active player in the NBA is Toronto Raptors center Ulrich Chomche, the 57th overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft, who was born on December 30, 2005.

## Key

| Pos | G | F | C |
| Position | Guard | Forward | Center |

## Oldest players

The oldest player ever to play in the NBA was Nat Hickey who played one game in the 1947–48 season when he was 45 years and 363 days old. Hickey, who was coaching the Providence Steamrollers at the time, decided to activate himself and played in a game for the Steamrollers. In his first game as a player for the Steamrollers, he missed all six of his shot attempts and only scored two points from three free throw attempts; he only played in one more game before retiring as a player two days shy of his 46th birthday. The second-oldest player is Kevin Willis, who played 20 seasons (excluding the 1988–89 season he missed due to injury) in the league before he sat out the 2005–06 season and earned a contract with the Dallas Mavericks on April 2, 2007. Willis then played five games for the Mavericks at the age of 44. The third-oldest player is Hall of Famer Robert Parish. Parish, who played with the Boston Celtics in the 1980s, played his last season with the Chicago Bulls at the age of 43. He played in 1,611 regular season games during his 21-year career, more than any other player in NBA history. When the Bulls won the 1997 Finals, Parish became the oldest player ever to win the NBA championship. There are 32 players who played in the NBA after they turned 40. Following the retirements of Udonis Haslem and Andre Iguodala shortly after the 2022–23 season, the oldest active player is LeBron James.

### All-time

| ^ | Denotes player who is still active in the NBA as of the 2024–25 season |
| * | Denotes player who has been inducted to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame |
| $^†$ | Denotes player who is not yet eligible for Hall of Fame consideration |
| Player | Pos | Birth date | Last game | Age | Team(s) played (years) | Draft (pick) |
| Nat Hickey | G/F | January 30, 1902 | January 28, 1948 | 45 years, 363 days | Providence Steamrollers (1948) | Undrafted |
| Kevin Willis | F/C | September 6, 1962 | April 18, 2007 | 44 years, 224 days | 8 teams Atlanta Hawks (1984–1994) Miami Heat (1994–1996) Golden State Warriors (1996) Houston Rockets (1996–1998) Toronto Raptors (1998–2001) Denver Nuggets (2001) Houston Rockets (2001–2002) San Antonio Spurs (2002–2004) Atlanta Hawks (2004–2005) Dallas Mavericks (2007) | 1984 (11th) |
| Robert Parish* | C | August 30, 1953 | May 11, 1997 | 43 years, 254 days | 4 teams Golden State Warriors (1976–1980) Boston Celtics (1980–1994) Charlotte Hornets (1994–1996) Chicago Bulls (1996–1997) | 1976 (8th) |
| Vince Carter* | G/F | January 26, 1977 | March 11, 2020 | 43 years, 45 days | 8 teams Toronto Raptors (1998–2004) New Jersey Nets (2004–2009) Orlando Magic (2009–2010) Phoenix Suns (2010–2011) Dallas Mavericks (2011–2014) Memphis Grizzlies (2014–2017) Sacramento Kings (2017–2018) Atlanta Hawks (2018–2020) | 1998 (5th) |
| Udonis Haslem$^†$ | F/C | June 9, 1980 | June 7, 2023 | 42 years, 363 days | Miami Heat (2003–2023) | 2002 (Undrafted) |
| Dikembe Mutombo* | C | June 25, 1966 | April 21, 2009 | 42 years, 300 days | 6 teams Denver Nuggets (1991–1996) Atlanta Hawks (1996–2001) Philadelphia 76ers (2001–2002) New Jersey Nets (2002–2003) New York Knicks (2003–2004) Houston Rockets (2004–2009) | 1991 (4th) |
| Kareem Abdul-Jabbar* | C | April 16, 1947 | June 13, 1989 | 42 years, 58 days | 2 teams Milwaukee Bucks (1969–1975) Los Angeles Lakers (1975–1989) | 1969 (1st) |
| Bob Cousy* | G | August 9, 1928 | January 6, 1970 | 41 years, 150 days | 2 teams Boston Celtics (1950–1963) Cincinnati Royals (1969–1970) | 1950 (3rd) |
| Herb Williams | C/F | February 16, 1958 | June 25, 1999 | 41 years, 129 days | 4 teams Indiana Pacers (1981–1989) Dallas Mavericks (1989–1992) New York Knicks (1992–1996) Toronto Raptors (1996) New York Knicks (1996–1999) | 1981 (14th) |
| John Stockton* | G | March 26, 1962 | April 30, 2003 | 41 years, 35 days | Utah Jazz (1984–2003) | 1984 (16th) |
| Charles Jones | F/C | April 3, 1957 | May 3, 1998 | 41 years, 30 days | 5 teams Philadelphia 76ers (1984) Chicago Bulls (1984) Washington Bullets (1985–1993) Detroit Pistons (1994) Houston Rockets (1995–1998) | 1979 (165th) |
| Karl Malone* | F | July 24, 1963 | June 13, 2004 | 40 years, 325 days | 2 teams Utah Jazz (1985–2003) Los Angeles Lakers (2003–2004) | 1985 (13th) |
| Dirk Nowitzki* | F/C | June 19, 1978 | April 10, 2019 | 40 years, 295 days | Dallas Mavericks (1998–2019) | 1998 (9th) |
| Manu Ginóbili* | G | July 28, 1977 | April 24, 2018 | 40 years, 270 days | San Antonio Spurs (2002–2018) | 1999 (57th) |
| Rick Mahorn | C/F | September 21, 1958 | May 23, 1999 | 40 years, 244 days | 4 teams Washington Bullets (1980–1985) Detroit Pistons (1985–1989) Philadelphia 76ers (1989–1991) New Jersey Nets (1992–1996) Detroit Pistons (1996–1998) Philadelphia 76ers (1999) | 1980 (35th) |
| John Long | G/F | August 28, 1956 | April 20, 1997 | 40 years, 235 days | 4 teams Detroit Pistons (1978–1986) Indiana Pacers (1986–1989) Detroit Pistons (1989) Atlanta Hawks (1990) Detroit Pistons (1991) Toronto Raptors (1996–1997) | 1978 (29th) |
| Jason Terry | G | September 15, 1977 | April 28, 2018 | 40 years, 225 days | 6 teams Atlanta Hawks (1999–2004) Dallas Mavericks (2004–2012) Boston Celtics (2012–2013) Brooklyn Nets (2013–2014) Houston Rockets (2014–2016) Milwaukee Bucks (2016–2018) | 1999 (10th) |
| Grant Hill* | F | October 5, 1972 | May 3, 2013 | 40 years, 210 days | 4 teams Detroit Pistons (1994–2000) Orlando Magic (2000–2007) Phoenix Suns (2007–2012) Los Angeles Clippers (2012–2013) | 1994 (3rd) |
| James Edwards | C/F | November 22, 1955 | May 27, 1996 | 40 years, 187 days | 8 teams Los Angeles Lakers (1977) Indiana Pacers (1977–1981) Cleveland Cavaliers (1981–1983) Phoenix Suns (1983–1988) Detroit Pistons (1988–1991) Los Angeles Clippers (1991–1992) Los Angeles Lakers (1992–1994) Portland Trail Blazers (1994–1995) Chicago Bulls (1995–1996) | 1977 (46th) |
| Joe Johnson | G | June 29, 1981 | December 22, 2021 | 40 years, 176 days | 7 teams Boston Celtics (2001–2002) Phoenix Suns (2002–2005) Atlanta Hawks (2005–2012) Brooklyn Nets (2012–2016) Miami Heat (2016) Utah Jazz (2016–2018) Houston Rockets (2018) Boston Celtics (2021–2022) | 2001 (10th) |
| Kurt Thomas | F | October 4, 1972 | March 18, 2013 | 40 years, 165 days | 9 teams Miami Heat (1995–1997) Dallas Mavericks (1997–1998) New York Knicks (1999–2005) Phoenix Suns (2005–2007) Seattle SuperSonics (2007–2008) San Antonio Spurs (2008–2009) Milwaukee Bucks (2009–2010) Chicago Bulls (2010–2011) Portland Trail Blazers (2011–2012) New York Knicks (2012–2013) | 1995 (10th) |
| Clifford Robinson | F/C | December 16, 1966 | May 12, 2007 | 40 years, 147 days | 5 teams Portland Trail Blazers (1989–1997) Phoenix Suns (1997–2001) Detroit Pistons (2001–2003) Golden State Warriors (2003–2005) New Jersey Nets (2005–2007) | 1989 (36th) |
| Jamal Crawford | G | March 20, 1980 | August 4, 2020 | 40 years, 137 days | 9 teams Chicago Bulls (2000–2004) New York Knicks (2004–2008) Golden State Warriors (2008–2009) Atlanta Hawks (2009–2011) Portland Trail Blazers (2011–2012) Los Angeles Clippers (2012–2017) Minnesota Timberwolves (2017–2018) Phoenix Suns (2018–2019) Brooklyn Nets (2020) | 2000 (8th) |
| Charles Oakley | F/C | December 18, 1963 | April 2, 2004 | 40 years, 106 days | 5 teams Chicago Bulls (1985–1988) New York Knicks (1988–1998) Toronto Raptors (1998–2001) Chicago Bulls (2001–2002) Washington Wizards (2002–2003) Houston Rockets (2004) | 1985 (9th) |
| LeBron James^ | F | December 30, 1984 | Present | 40 years, 69 days | 3 teams Cleveland Cavaliers (2003–2010) Miami Heat (2010–2014) Cleveland Cavaliers (2014–2018) Los Angeles Lakers (2018–present) | 2003 (1st) |
| Juwan Howard | F | February 7, 1973 | April 17, 2013 | 40 years, 69 days | 8 teams Washington Bullets / Wizards (1994–2001) Dallas Mavericks (2001–2002) Denver Nuggets (2002–2003) Orlando Magic (2003–2004) Houston Rockets (2004–2007) Dallas Mavericks (2007–2008) Denver Nuggets (2008) Charlotte Bobcats (2008–2009) Portland Trail Blazers (2009–2010) Miami Heat (2010–2013) | 1994 (5th) |
| Steve Nash* | G | February 7, 1974 | April 8, 2014 | 40 years, 60 days | 3 teams Phoenix Suns (1996–1998) Dallas Mavericks (1998–2004) Phoenix Suns (2004–2012) Los Angeles Lakers (2012–2015) | 1996 (15th) |
| Michael Jordan* | G | February 17, 1963 | April 16, 2003 | 40 years, 58 days | 2 teams Chicago Bulls (1984–1993, 1995–1998) Washington Wizards (2001–2003) | 1984 (3rd) |
| Jason Kidd* | G | March 23, 1973 | May 18, 2013 | 40 years, 56 days | 4 teams Dallas Mavericks (1994–1996) Phoenix Suns (1996–2001) New Jersey Nets (2001–2008) Dallas Mavericks (2008–2012) New York Knicks (2012–2013) | 1994 (2nd) |
| Andre Miller | G | March 19, 1976 | May 12, 2016 | 40 years, 54 days | 9 teams Cleveland Cavaliers (1999–2002) Los Angeles Clippers (2002–2003) Denver Nuggets (2003–2006) Philadelphia 76ers (2006–2009) Portland Trail Blazers (2009–2011) Denver Nuggets (2011–2014) Washington Wizards (2014–2015) Sacramento Kings (2015) Minnesota Timberwolves (2015–2016) San Antonio Spurs (2016) | 1999 (8th) |
| Tim Duncan* | F/C | April 25, 1976 | May 12, 2016 | 40 years, 17 days | San Antonio Spurs (1997–2016) | 1997 (1st) |
| Danny Schayes | C/F | May 10, 1959 | May 13, 1999 | 40 years, 3 days | 7 teams Utah Jazz (1981–1983) Denver Nuggets (1983–1990) Milwaukee Bucks (1990–1994) Los Angeles Lakers (1994) Phoenix Suns (1994–1995) Miami Heat (1995–1996) Orlando Magic (1996–1999) | 1981 (13th) |

### Active

This list includes active players who are or will be at least 35 years old in the current season or year.
| Player | Pos | Birth date | Age | Team(s) played (years) | Draft (pick) |
| LeBron James | F | December 30, 1984 | 40 years, 69 days | 3 teams Cleveland Cavaliers (2003–2010) Miami Heat (2010–2014) Cleveland Cavaliers (2014–2018) Los Angeles Lakers (2018–present) | 2003 (1st) |
| Chris Paul | G | May 6, 1985 | 39 years, 307 days | 7 teams New Orleans Hornets (2005–2011) Los Angeles Clippers (2011–2017) Houston Rockets (2017–2019) Oklahoma City Thunder (2019–2020) Phoenix Suns (2020–2023) Golden State Warriors (2023–2024) San Antonio Spurs (2024–present) | 2005 (4th) |
| Taj Gibson | F | June 24, 1985 | 39 years, 258 days | 7 teams Chicago Bulls (2009–2017) Oklahoma City Thunder (2017) Minnesota Timberwolves (2017–2019) New York Knicks (2019–2022) Washington Wizards (2022–2023) New York Knicks (2023–2024) Detroit Pistons (2024) Charlotte Hornets (2024–present) | 2009 (26th) |
| Kyle Lowry | G | March 25, 1986 | 38 years, 349 days | 5 teams Memphis Grizzlies (2006–2009) Houston Rockets (2009–2012) Toronto Raptors (2012–2021) Miami Heat (2021–2024) Philadelphia 76ers (2024–present) | 2006 (24th) |
| Garrett Temple | G/F | May 8, 1986 | 38 years, 305 days | 12 teams Houston Rockets (2010) Sacramento Kings (2010) San Antonio Spurs (2010) Milwaukee Bucks (2011) Charlotte Bobcats (2011) Washington Wizards (2012–2016) Sacramento Kings (2016–2018) Memphis Grizzlies (2018–2019) Los Angeles Clippers (2019) Brooklyn Nets (2019–2020) Chicago Bulls (2020–2021) New Orleans Pelicans (2021–2023) Toronto Raptors (2023–present) | 2009 (Undrafted) |
| Al Horford | C | June 3, 1986 | 38 years, 279 days | 4 teams Atlanta Hawks (2007–2016) Boston Celtics (2016–2019) Philadelphia 76ers (2019–2020) Oklahoma City Thunder (2020–2021) Boston Celtics (2021–present) | 2007 (3rd) |
| Jeff Green | F | August 28, 1986 | 38 years, 193 days | 11 teams Seattle SuperSonics / Oklahoma City Thunder (2007–2011) Boston Celtics (2011, 2012–2015) Memphis Grizzlies (2015–2016) Los Angeles Clippers (2016) Orlando Magic (2016–2017) Cleveland Cavaliers (2017–2018) Washington Wizards (2018–2019) Utah Jazz (2019) Houston Rockets (2020) Brooklyn Nets (2020–2021) Denver Nuggets (2021–2023) Houston Rockets (2023–present) | 2007 (5th) |
| James Johnson | F | February 20, 1987 | 38 years, 17 days | 10 teams Chicago Bulls (2009–2011) Toronto Raptors (2011–2012) Sacramento Kings (2012–2013) Memphis Grizzlies (2013–2014) Toronto Raptors (2014–2016) Miami Heat (2016–2020) Minnesota Timberwolves (2020) Dallas Mavericks (2020–2021) New Orleans Pelicans (2021) Brooklyn Nets (2021–2022) Indiana Pacers (2022–present) | 2009 (16th) |
| Joe Ingles | F | October 2, 1987 | 37 years, 158 days | 4 teams Utah Jazz (2014–2022) Milwaukee Bucks (2022–2023) Orlando Magic (2023–2024) Minnesota Timberwolves (2024–present) | 2009 (Undrafted) |
| Mike Conley Jr. | G | October 11, 1987 | 37 years, 149 days | 3 teams Memphis Grizzlies (2007–2019) Utah Jazz (2019–2023) Minnesota Timberwolves (2023–present) | 2007 (4th) |
| Stephen Curry | G | March 14, 1988 | 36 years, 360 days | Golden State Warriors (2009–present) | 2009 (7th) |
| Brook Lopez | C | April 1, 1988 | 36 years, 342 days | 3 teams New Jersey / Brooklyn Nets (2008–2017) Los Angeles Lakers (2017–2018) Milwaukee Bucks (2018–present) | 2008 (10th) |
| DeAndre Jordan | C | July 21, 1988 | 36 years, 231 days | 7 teams Los Angeles Clippers (2008–2018) Dallas Mavericks (2018–2019) New York Knicks (2019) Brooklyn Nets (2019–2021) Los Angeles Lakers (2021–2022) Philadelphia 76ers (2022) Denver Nuggets (2022–present) | 2008 (35th) |
| Patty Mills | G | August 11, 1988 | 36 years, 210 days | 7 teams Portland Trail Blazers (2009–2011) San Antonio Spurs (2012–2021) Brooklyn Nets (2021–2023) Atlanta Hawks (2023–2024) Miami Heat (2024) Utah Jazz (2024–2025) Los Angeles Clippers (2025–present) | 2009 (55th) |
| Kevin Love | F | September 7, 1988 | 36 years, 183 days | 3 teams Minnesota Timberwolves (2008–2014) Cleveland Cavaliers (2014–2023) Miami Heat (2023–present) | 2008 (5th) |
| Kevin Durant | F | September 29, 1988 | 36 years, 161 days | 4 teams Seattle SuperSonics / Oklahoma City Thunder (2007–2016) Golden State Warriors (2016–2019) Brooklyn Nets (2019–2023) Phoenix Suns (2023–present) | 2007 (2nd) |
| Russell Westbrook | G | November 12, 1988 | 36 years, 117 days | 6 teams Oklahoma City Thunder (2008–2019) Houston Rockets (2019–2020) Washington Wizards (2020–2021) Los Angeles Lakers (2021–2023) Los Angeles Clippers (2023–2024) Denver Nuggets (2024–present) | 2008 (4th) |
| Nicolas Batum | F | December 14, 1988 | 36 years, 85 days | 4 teams Portland Trail Blazers (2008–2015) Charlotte Hornets (2015–2020) Los Angeles Clippers (2020–2023) Philadelphia 76ers (2023–2024) Los Angeles Clippers (2024–present) | 2008 (25th) |
| Eric Gordon | G | December 25, 1988 | 36 years, 74 days | 5 teams Los Angeles Clippers (2008–2011) New Orleans Hornets/Pelicans (2011–2016) Houston Rockets (2016–2023) Los Angeles Clippers (2023) Phoenix Suns (2023–2024) Philadelphia 76ers (2024–present) | 2008 (7th) |
| DeMar DeRozan | G/F | August 7, 1989 | 35 years, 214 days | 4 teams Toronto Raptors (2009–2018) San Antonio Spurs (2018–2021) Chicago Bulls (2021–2024) Sacramento Kings (2024–present) | 2009 (9th) |
| James Harden | G | August 26, 1989 | 35 years, 195 days | 5 teams Oklahoma City Thunder (2009–2012) Houston Rockets (2012–2021) Brooklyn Nets (2021–2022) Philadelphia 76ers (2022–2023) Los Angeles Clippers (2023–present) | 2009 (3rd) |
| Markieff Morris | F | September 2, 1989 | 35 years, 188 days | 8 teams Phoenix Suns (2011–2016) Washington Wizards (2016–2019) Oklahoma City Thunder (2019) Detroit Pistons (2019–2020) Los Angeles Lakers (2020–2021) Miami Heat (2021–2022) Brooklyn Nets (2022–2023) Dallas Mavericks (2023–2025) Los Angeles Lakers (2025–present) | 2011 (13th) |
| Jimmy Butler | G/F | September 14, 1989 | 35 years, 176 days | 5 teams Chicago Bulls (2011–2017) Minnesota Timberwolves (2017–2018) Philadelphia 76ers (2018–2019) Miami Heat (2019–2025) Golden State Warriors (2025–present) | 2011 (30th) |
| Klay Thompson | G/F | February 8, 1990 | 35 years, 29 days | 2 teams Golden State Warriors (2011–2024) Dallas Mavericks (2024–present) | 2011 (11th) |
| Draymond Green | F | March 4, 1990 | 35 years, 5 days | Golden State Warriors (2012–present) | 2012 (35th) |
| Mason Plumlee | C | March 5, 1990 | 35 years, 4 days | 7 teams Brooklyn Nets (2013–2015) Portland Trail Blazers (2015–2017) Denver Nuggets (2017–2020) Detroit Pistons (2020–2021) Charlotte Hornets (2021–2023) Los Angeles Clippers (2023–2024) Phoenix Suns (2024–present) | 2013 (13th) |
| Reggie Jackson | G | April 16, 1990 | 34 years, 327 days | 5 teams Oklahoma City Thunder (2011–2015) Detroit Pistons (2015–2020) Los Angeles Clippers (2020–2023) Denver Nuggets (2023–2024) Philadelphia 76ers (2024–2025) | 2011 (24th) |
| Paul George | G/F | May 2, 1990 | 34 years, 311 days | 4 teams Indiana Pacers (2011–2017) Minnesota Timberwolves (2017–2018) Los Angeles Clippers (2019–2024) Philadelphia 76ers (2024–present) | 2010 (10th) |
| Jrue Holiday | G | June 12, 1990 | 34 years, 270 days | 4 teams Philadelphia 76ers (2009–2013) New Orleans Pelicans (2013–2020) Milwaukee Bucks (2020–2023) Boston Celtics (2023–present) | 2009 (17th) |
| Jae Crowder | F | July 6, 1990 | 34 years, 246 days | 9 teams Dallas Mavericks (2012–2014) Boston Celtics (2014–2017) Cleveland Cavaliers (2017–2018) Utah Jazz (2018–2019) Memphis Grizzlies (2019–2020) Miami Heat (2020) Phoenix Suns (2020–2023) Milwaukee Bucks (2023–2024) Sacramento Kings (2024–present) | 2012 (34th) |
| Damian Lillard | G | July 15, 1990 | 34 years, 237 days | 2 teams Portland Trail Blazers (2012–2023) Milwaukee Bucks (2023–present) | 2012 (6th) |
| Seth Curry | G | August 23, 1990 | 34 years, 198 days | 9 teams Memphis Grizzlies (2013–2014) Cleveland Cavaliers (2014) Phoenix Suns (2015) Sacramento Kings (2015–2016) Dallas Mavericks (2016–2018) Portland Trail Blazers (2018–2020) Dallas Mavericks (2019–2020) Philadelphia 76ers (2020–2022) Brooklyn Nets (2022–2023) Dallas Mavericks (2023–2024) Charlotte Hornets (2024–present) | 2013 (undrafted) |
| Nikola Vučević | C | October 24, 1990 | 34 years, 136 days | 3 teams Philadelphia 76ers (2011–2012) Orlando Magic (2012–2021) Chicago Bulls (2021–present) | 2011 (16th) |
| Torrey Craig | F | December 19, 1990 | 34 years, 80 days | 6 teams Denver Nuggets (2017–2020) Milwaukee Bucks (2020–2021) Phoenix Suns (2021) Indiana Pacers (2021–2022) Phoenix Suns (2022–2023) Chicago Bulls (2023–2025) Boston Celtics (2025–present) | 2014 (undrafted) |

## Youngest players

NBA players usually come from U.S. college basketball. In the past, a college player had to complete his four-year college eligibility before he could enter the league through the NBA draft or as a free agent. In the 1970s, the league began to allow college underclassmen and high school players to enter the league. However, the trend of drafting high school players only began in the mid-1990s. This has led to more younger players entering the league directly after high school graduation. In 2005, the league and the players' union agreed on a new collective bargaining agreement that includes a minimum age limit which requires that players who wish to enter the league must be at least 19 years old on December 31 of the year of the draft, and at least one year removed from high school. International players who did not play college basketball also have to be at least 19 years old on the same date to be able to play in the NBA. Despite a trend toward drafting younger players, the NBA has a higher average age than it had in the 1980s. However, since the NBA introduced the minimum age limit in 2005, the league's average age has decreased in the past few seasons. The youngest player to ever play in the NBA was Andrew Bynum who played his first game at the age of 18 years and 6 days old. Bynum, who was also the youngest player ever selected in the NBA Draft, went into the NBA straight out of high school. Jermaine O'Neal and Kobe Bryant, both drafted in 1996, were the second- and third-youngest players. Serbian Darko Miličić was the youngest player ever to play in an NBA Finals game. He played for the Detroit Pistons in Game 3 of the 2004 Finals at the age of 18 years and 356 days old. The Pistons won the 2004 Finals and Miličić became the youngest player ever to win the NBA championship, being only five days away from his 19th birthday at the time. There are currently 31 players who played in the NBA before they turned 19. Nineteen of them came to the league straight out of high school, while eight of them are international players who never played basketball in U.S. high schools or colleges before they entered the NBA, and four players, Devin Booker, Joshua Primo, Jalen Duren and GG Jackson played one year of college before entering the NBA all while remaining 18 years old throughout the process.

### All-time

| ^ | Denotes player who is still active in the NBA as of the 2024–25 season |
| * | Denotes player who has been inducted to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame |
| Player | Pos | Birth date | First game | Age | Team(s) played (years) | Draft (pick) |
| Andrew Bynum | C | October 27, 1987 | November 2, 2005 | 18 years, 6 days | 3 teams Los Angeles Lakers (2005–2012) Cleveland Cavaliers (2013–2014) Indiana Pacers (2014) | 2005 (10th) |
| Jermaine O'Neal | F/C | October 13, 1978 | December 5, 1996 | 18 years, 53 days | 7 teams Portland Trail Blazers (1996–2000) Indiana Pacers (2000–2008) Toronto Raptors (2008–2009) Miami Heat (2009–2010) Boston Celtics (2010–2012) Phoenix Suns (2012–2013) Golden State Warriors (2013–2014) | 1996 (17th) |
| Jim Browne | C | October 3, 1930 | November 30, 1948 | 18 years, 58 days | 2 teams Chicago Stags (1948–1949) Denver Nuggets (1949–1950) | Undrafted |
| Kobe Bryant* | G | August 23, 1978 | November 3, 1996 | 18 years, 72 days | Los Angeles Lakers (1996–2016) | 1996 (13th) |
| Darko Miličić | C | June 20, 1985 | October 31, 2003 | 18 years, 133 days | 6 teams Detroit Pistons (2003–2006) Orlando Magic (2006–2007) Memphis Grizzlies (2007–2009) New York Knicks (2009–2010) Minnesota Timberwolves (2010–2012) Boston Celtics (2012) | 2003 (2nd) |
| Stan Brown | F | June 27, 1929 | November 13, 1947 | 18 years, 139 days | Philadelphia Warriors (1947–1948, 1951–1952) | Undrafted |
| Bill Willoughby | F/C | May 20, 1957 | October 23, 1975 | 18 years, 156 days | 6 teams Atlanta Hawks (1975–1977) Buffalo Braves (1977–1978) Cleveland Cavaliers (1979–1980) Houston Rockets (1980–1982) San Antonio Spurs (1982–1983) New Jersey Nets (1983–1984) | 1975 (19th) |
| Tracy McGrady* | G/F | May 24, 1979 | October 31, 1997 | 18 years, 160 days | 7 teams Toronto Raptors (1997–2000) Orlando Magic (2000–2004) Houston Rockets (2004–2010) New York Knicks (2010) Detroit Pistons (2010–2011) Atlanta Hawks (2011–2012) San Antonio Spurs (2013) | 1997 (9th) |
| Yaroslav Korolev | F | May 7, 1987 | November 4, 2005 | 18 years, 181 days | Los Angeles Clippers (2005–2007) | 2005 (12th) |
| Andris Biedriņš | C | April 2, 1986 | November 5, 2004 | 18 years, 217 days | 2 teams Golden State Warriors (2004–2013) Utah Jazz (2013–2014) | 2004 (11th) |
| C. J. Miles | G/F | March 18, 1987 | November 14, 2005 | 18 years, 241 days | 7 teams Utah Jazz (2005–2012) Cleveland Cavaliers (2012–2014) Indiana Pacers (2014–2017) Toronto Raptors (2017–2019) Memphis Grizzlies (2019) Washington Wizards (2019–2020) Boston Celtics (2021) | 2005 (34th) |
| Amir Johnson | F | May 1, 1987 | January 24, 2006 | 18 years, 268 days | 4 teams Detroit Pistons (2005–2009) Toronto Raptors (2009–2015) Boston Celtics (2015–2017) Philadelphia 76ers (2017–2019) | 2005 (56th) |
| Darryl Dawkins | C | January 11, 1957 | October 27, 1975 | 18 years, 289 days | 4 teams Philadelphia 76ers (1975–1982) New Jersey Nets (1982–1987) Utah Jazz (1987) Detroit Pistons (1987–1989) | 1975 (5th) |
| Joe Graboski | F/C | January 15, 1930 | November 6, 1948 | 18 years, 296 days | 6 teams Chicago Stags (1948–1950) Indianapolis Olympians (1951–1953) Philadelphia Warriors (1953–1961) St. Louis Hawks (1961) Chicago Packers (1961) Syracuse Nationals (1961–1962) | Undrafted |
| Ulrich Chomche^ | C | December 30, 2005 | October 23, 2024 | 18 years, 298 days | Toronto Raptors (2024–present) | 2024 (57th) |
| Joshua Primo | G | December 24, 2002 | October 20, 2021 | 18 years, 300 days | 2 teams San Antonio Spurs (2021–2022) Los Angeles Clippers (2023–2024) | 2021 (12th) |
| LeBron James^ | F | December 30, 1984 | October 29, 2003 | 18 years, 303 days | 3 teams Cleveland Cavaliers (2003–2010) Miami Heat (2010–2014) Cleveland Cavaliers (2014–2018) Los Angeles Lakers (2018–present) | 2003 (1st) |
| Jonathan Bender | F | January 30, 1981 | December 10, 1999 | 18 years, 314 days | 2 teams Indiana Pacers (1999–2006) New York Knicks (2009–2010) | 1999 (5th) |
| GG Jackson^ | F/C | December 17, 2004 | October 30, 2023 | 18 years, 317 days | Memphis Grizzlies (2023–present) | 2023 (45th) |
| Giannis Antetokounmpo^ | F | December 6, 1994 | October 30, 2013 | 18 years, 328 days | Milwaukee Bucks (2013–present) | 2013 (15th) |
| Eddy Curry | C | December 5, 1982 | October 31, 2001 | 18 years, 330 days | 4 teams Chicago Bulls (2001–2005) New York Knicks (2005–2011) Miami Heat (2011–2012) Dallas Mavericks (2012) | 2001 (4th) |
| Dwight Howard | C | December 8, 1985 | November 3, 2004 | 18 years, 331 days | 7 teams Orlando Magic (2004–2012) Los Angeles Lakers (2012–2013) Houston Rockets (2013–2016) Atlanta Hawks (2016–2017) Charlotte Hornets (2017–2018) Washington Wizards (2018–2019) Los Angeles Lakers (2019–2020) Philadelphia 76ers (2020–2021) Los Angeles Lakers (2021–2022) | 2004 (1st) |
| Josh Smith | F | December 5, 1985 | November 3, 2004 | 18 years, 334 days | 5 teams Atlanta Hawks (2004–2013) Detroit Pistons (2013–2014) Houston Rockets (2014–2015) Los Angeles Clippers (2015–2016) Houston Rockets (2016) New Orleans Pelicans (2017) | 2004 (17th) |
| Jalen Duren^ | C | November 18, 2003 | October 19, 2022 | 18 years, 335 days | Detroit Pistons (2022–present) | 2022 (13th) |
| Sekou Doumbouya | F | December 23, 2000 | November 23, 2019 | 18 years, 335 days | 2 teams Detroit Pistons (2019–2021) Los Angeles Lakers (2021–2022) | 2019 (15th) |
| Martell Webster | G/F | December 4, 1986 | November 4, 2005 | 18 years, 335 days | 3 teams Portland Trail Blazers (2005–2010) Minnesota Timberwolves (2010–2012) Washington Wizards (2012–2015) | 2005 (6th) |
| Robert Swift | C | December 3, 1985 | November 3, 2004 | 18 years, 336 days | Seattle SuperSonics / Oklahoma City Thunder (2004–2009) | 2004 (12th) |
| Dragan Bender | F/C | November 17, 1997 | October 26, 2016 | 18 years, 344 days | 3 teams Phoenix Suns (2016–2019) Milwaukee Bucks (2019–2020) Golden State Warriors (2020) | 2016 (4th) |
| Maciej Lampe | F | February 5, 1985 | January 23, 2004 | 18 years, 352 days | 3 teams Phoenix Suns (2004–2005) New Orleans Hornets (2005–2006) Houston Rockets (2006) | 2003 (30th) |
| Al Harrington | F | February 17, 1980 | February 5, 1999 | 18 years, 353 days | 7 teams Indiana Pacers (1998–2004) Atlanta Hawks (2004–2006) Indiana Pacers (2006–2007) Golden State Warriors (2007–2008) New York Knicks (2008–2010) Denver Nuggets (2010–2012) Orlando Magic (2012–2013) Washington Wizards (2013–2014) | 1998 (25th) |
| Devin Booker^ | G | October 30, 1996 | October 28, 2015 | 18 years, 363 days | Phoenix Suns (2015–present) | 2015 (13th) |

### Active

| Player | Pos | Birth date | Age | Team(s) played (years) | Draft (pick) |
| Ulrich Chomche | C | December 30, 2005 | 19 years, 69 days | Toronto Raptors (2024–present) | 2024 (57th) |
| Tidjane Salaün | F | August 10, 2005 | 19 years, 211 days | Charlotte Hornets (2024–present) | 2024 (6th) |
| Nikola Topić | G | August 10, 2005 | 19 years, 211 days | Oklahoma City Thunder (2024–present) | 2024 (12th) |
| Pacôme Dadiet | F | July 27, 2005 | 19 years, 225 days | New York Knicks (2024–present) | 2024 (25th) |
| Cam Christie | G | July 24, 2005 | 19 years, 228 days | Los Angeles Clippers (2024–present) | 2024 (46th) |
| Bub Carrington | G | July 21, 2005 | 19 years, 231 days | Washington Wizards (2024–present) | 2024 (14th) |
| Ron Holland | F | July 7, 2005 | 19 years, 245 days | Detroit Pistons (2024–present) | 2024 (5th) |
| Alex Sarr | C | April 26, 2005 | 19 years, 317 days | Washington Wizards (2024–present) | 2024 (2nd) |
| Zaccharie Risacher | F | April 8, 2005 | 19 years, 335 days | Atlanta Hawks (2024–present) | 2024 (1st) |
| Trentyn Flowers | F | March 8, 2005 | 20 years, 1 day | Los Angeles Clippers (2024–present) | 2024 (Undrafted) |
| Rob Dillingham | G | January 4, 2005 | 20 years, 64 days | Minnesota Timberwolves (2024–present) | 2024 (8th) |
| GG Jackson | F | December 17, 2004 | 20 years, 82 days | Memphis Grizzlies (2023–present) | 2023 (45th) |
| Johnny Furphy | G/F | December 8, 2004 | 20 years, 91 days | Indiana Pacers (2024–present) | 2024 (35th) |
| AJ Johnson | G | December 1, 2004 | 20 years, 98 days | 2 teams Milwaukee Bucks (2024–2025) Washington Wizards (2025–present) | 2024 (23rd) |
| Cody Williams | F | November 20, 2004 | 20 years, 109 days | Utah Jazz (2024–present) | 2024 (10th) |
| Tyler Smith | G/F | November 2, 2004 | 20 years, 127 days | Milwaukee Bucks (2024–present) | 2024 (33rd) |
| Stephon Castle | G | November 1, 2004 | 20 years, 128 days | San Antonio Spurs (2024–present) | 2024 (4th) |
| Matas Buzelis | F | October 13, 2004 | 20 years, 147 days | Chicago Bulls (2024–present) | 2024 (11th) |
| Isaiah Collier | G | October 8, 2004 | 20 years, 152 days | Utah Jazz (2024–present) | 2024 (29th) |
| Bronny James | G | October 6, 2004 | 20 years, 154 days | Los Angeles Lakers (2024–present) | 2024 (55th) |