It’s a debate that never ends: what team has the best young core in the NBA? 

It’s never been an easy question to answer. Teams like the Detroit Pistons or Houston Rockets are too young to properly judge. They’re losing a lot of games, as rookies and sophomores tend to do – any comparison between them is largely theoretical. 

On the other hand, some young teams have given some more tangible results. They’re mostly built around third or fourth-year players who are finding their way. If you’re basing your judgments on results, these are the best young cores in the NBA. 

We’re talking about teams like the New Orleans Pelicans. No, they aren’t title contenders, but given the average age of their core, they’re in good shape.

On the other hand, the Pelicans don’t have a clear lead in the best young core category, either. 

On the other hand, if they acquired LaMelo Ball from the Charlotte Hornets, they likely would.