The 10 Best NBA Players Under 25

The youth of the NBA today is better than ever. The infatuation with this year’s NBA Draft is prime evidence of that. These young guns are building blocks for teams to build around. Regardless of the position they play on the court, these young athletes have a remarkable amount of impact to their respective teams and to the league itself.

So, who made the cut for the ten best players under the age of 25 (24 being the cap) in the NBA right now? Let’s find out.

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10. ERIC BLEDSOE
AGE: 24
TEAM: PHOENIX SUNS

Eric Bledsoe has excelled in the spotlight this season, to say the least. After being cast in the shadow of John Wall at Kentucky and Chris Paul in Los Angeles, Bledsoe jumped at the opportunity to start and act as the leader for a youthful team in Phoenix. The result? A 16-8 record to start the season that surprised the basketball world, which previously thought the Suns were in tanking mode. The Bledsoe-Goran Dragic backcourt is a success for Phoenix and an absolute headache for opponents to guard.

Unfortunately, Bledsoe is currently sidelined due to a knee injury – which seems to be too common in the NBA today. His future may hold some questions since he had surgery to remove a piece of his torn meniscus, but this analysis is about this season. With that said, you cannot argue about the dynamic that Bledsoe immediately adds to the Suns – they are 10-10 without him – or to any team for that matter. His athleticism, court vision, defensive stability, scoring efficiency, and his 18.0 PPG, 5.8 APG and 4.3 RPG on 48.6 percent shooting have allowed Bledsoe to transition from a solid reserve to a star point guard.

9. ANDRE DRUMMOND
AGE: 20
TEAM: DETROIT PISTONS

Andre Drummond is the first of three NBA sophomores to appear on this list. In his rookie campaign last season, Drummond emerged as one of the top young centers in basketball. However, I don’t think anyone forecasted such an improvement to his game in just one summer. Born in New York, the Connecticut native has developed a solid chemistry with Josh Smith and Greg Monroe to become one of the best frontcourts the game has to offer today.

With the physic and style of today’s centers changing, Drummond offers the best of both worlds, as he is strong and powerful, yet athletic and able to run the court in transition. He is a brute in the low post, where he is incredibly effective (60 percent from the field), and excels tremendously at protecting the rim and rebounding. He is ranked third in the NBA in rebounding (12.7), eighth in blocking (1.8), second in the NBA for double-doubles (38), third in shooting percentage, and second among qualified centers in steals (1.4). This is only the beginning for Andre Drummond, and the sky is the limit for this talented 20-year-old.

8. DeMARCUS COUSINS
AGE: 23
TEAM: SACRAMENTO KINGS

When the Sacramento Kings drafted a 19-year-old DeMarcus Cousins, his pure basketball talents led to a promise of ushering in a new era of competitive basketball in California’s capital. Despite his extreme potential, his attitude and behavior continued to overshadow his talent.

In his fourth year as a pro, the former Wildcat is playing his best basketball, and is likely to receive a reserve frontcourt spot in the Western All-Star team later this week. In 40 games this season, Cousins is averaging a career-high in points (22.6), rebounds (11.6), steals (1.8), assists (3.0) and field goal percentage (48.8). DMC is a beast in the low post, a skilled passer, and has a decent midrange game. But for the first time in his career, he is focusing on becoming a solid defender as well, specifically in protecting the rim and cleaning up on the glass.

Yes, Cousins has a better team around him, but his evolution of behavior and leadership has just as much to do with his improvement. In fact, Boogie recently told Jonathan Abrams of Grantland, “To be honest, I’ve been a leader for a while now. It’s just I haven’t led in the best way possible. That’s what I want to learn. I’m a guy that a lot of people look up to. I haven’t always handled situations the right way. That’s why I have to continue to grow and be a better player, a better leader.” If that type of mentality continues, DMC will grow into the dominant big that was forecasted for him in the draft.

7. DAMIAN LILLARD
AGE: 23
TEAM: PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS

The Portland Trail Blazers continue to make their case as legitimate contenders in the West this season. It is hard to argue against their case when LaMarcus Aldridge is playing his best basketball and rising as an MVP contender. On top of that, the reigning Rookie of the Year is raising his value to the team and to the NBA, as he continues to play mind-numbing ball for an NBA sophomore going against a Western Conference that sports some of the best point guards the game has to offer. In fact, Lillard, in all probability, will be booking a flight to New Orleans for this year’s All-Star Game in a few days.

Early in his sophomore campaign, Dame has emerged as an explosive, exciting, and clutch young stud in the league – as he already has multiple game-winners to prove it. The Oakland native has increased his aggressiveness at getting into the lane and attacking the rim, as he’s increased his free throw since last season. The natural scorer is averaging more points per game this season (20.6), as his three-point shooting – which shouldn’t be a surprise given the Blazers’ love affair with the long ball – has improved to 41.3 percent. Lillard brings a fascinating dynamic to a compelling Blazers team, and has all the talents to be a superstar for the long haul.

6. KYRIE IRVING
AGE: 21
TEAM: CLEVELAND CAVALIERS

Since his one-and-done career at Duke, Kyrie Irving has been on the fast track to superstardom in the NBA. Despite being employed on a struggling team in the Cleveland Cavaliers, the basketball world continues to be awed and sometimes perplexed by his phenomenal individual talents (21.5 PPG, 6.2 APG). Irving’s killer crossover, stellar handle, and ability to nail clutch, big-time shots have skyrocketed the 21-year-old onto the verge of joining the elite class of point guards in the NBA, and has made him one of the most exiting players to watch in the league on a nightly basis.

Irving has definitely made an impression since 2011, including on Hall of Famer and similar small point guard, Isiah Thomas. Recently, Zeke told Cleveland.com, “Do I think you can win with Kyrie as your leading scorer and shot-maker and everything else? I believe that. Yes I do.”

However, what has caused Irving to be ranked behind other elite point guards in the NBA for now is Irving lagging behind in making his teammates better and his hesitation to be the leader that the struggling Cavs team needs so desperately right now. Once these two things happen – and there’s plenty of ball left to play this season – there is no stopping Kyrie Irving.

5. JOHN WALL
AGE: 23
TEAM: Washington Wizards

Since entering the NBA as the first draft pick in 2010, John Wall had fallen short of expectations set on the former Wildcat. Sure he could dazzle the fans with speed, but the Wizards remained stuck in the mud. An injury that sidelined Wall for the first half of last season was the best thing that happened to the young point guard. The long-awaited light finally went off inside Wall’s head while he watched his fellow teammates on the floor without him.

Wall’s blazing speed is now controlled, as he picks the right time and place to use his quickness to the team’s advantage. Individually, he’s averaging career-highs in points (19.9), assists (8.4), steals (1.9), and three-point shooting (33.1 percent). While his previously criticized jump-shot’s percentage may not show it, Wall’s midrange shot is becoming more consistent, as he now looks when to use it to beat the defense instead of forcing up ill-advised shots. He attacks the rim with insane craftiness, he chases down opponents to deny them in transition, and he is an impressive passer.

What has improved the most this season is Wall’s decision making. For the first time in his professional career, he is using his court vision to make the correct plays. Another improvement has appeared in his leadership. That was displayed recently when he put a loss against Boston on his shoulders despite throwing up big numbers individually. Armed with better weapons around him, John Wall is leading a playoff team, showing the Washington fans some promise and stability, and making his teammates better along the way.

4. ANTHONY DAVIS
AGE: 20
TEAM: NEW ORLEANS PELICANS

During his rookie campaign in 2012-13, the No. 1 pick in the draft was out-shined by Damian Lillard’s explosive performance. While his promise and potential remained high, there were whispers around the league that Anthony Davis was the wrong first pick. What a difference a season makes. Despite missing a brief stint of the early season with a fractured hand, Davis has become one of the most versatile bigs in the game, if not the most versatile young big. In his sophomore season, Davis is already a 20 and 10 player.

As the game ushers in a new breed of big men – more athletic and quipped with a broader range – recently, Davis is the perfect example of what is wanted out of this new breed. Davis has the seventh highest Win Shares/48 minutes among qualified (by minutes played) players according to Basketball-Reference. As you can see in the chart below from Basketball-reference.com, the only player under 25 rated higher in this category is Paul George.

Davis is gifted with incredible length – standing height of 6-10, wingspan of 7-5.5 –that he uses to protect the rim, block opponent’s shots, and outreach defenders on offense. He moves on the court with ease, but still has the explosiveness to get to the rim and finish with power. At 20 years old, Anthony Davis is already becoming the presentation of stability and greatness that a team should build around for future success.

3. BLAKE GRIFFIN
AGE: 24
TEAM: LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS

The biggest criticism surrounding Blake Griffin in his first four seasons in the NBA has been that he is a “one-trick pony.” If you asked non-Clippers fan about Blake’s game, the typical reply would be, “All he can do is dunk.” Sure, Griffin is one of the most athletic, high-flyers in the game today, and his ability to attack the rim in ways that are jaw dropping are a big part of his overall game. However, critics are having a harder time getting away with the “one-trick pony” argument to sum up Blake’s game these days.

When Chris Paul tore his shoulder in early January, many thought the Clippers would lose ground in the stacked Western Conference pretty quickly due to CP3’s impact on every one of his teammates. Blake was immediately looked upon to step up his game and his role as a leader on the court. Well, almost a month after Paul went down, Griffin has not disappointed Clippers Nation. In fact, he has exceeded expectations this season, with or without Paul on the court.

Griffin has improved his weaknesses on both ends of the floor and has evolved his offensive skills just when the Clippers needed them the most. His footwork is much stronger this season, as he has multiple moves in the post – especially an effective spin move – with his back to the basket. His efficiency has increased from further away from the basket, as his midrange jump shot that used to be a liability is now quite consistent. Averaging 22.8 points (career-high), 9.8 boards, and 3.5 assists on 52.9 percent from the field thus far in the season, Blake Griffin is proving to be one of the top players under 25 and far from a “one-trick pony.”

2. JAMES HARDEN
AGE: 24
TEAM: HOUSTON ROCKETS

With the acquisition of Dwight Howard last summer, the Rockets felt like they have what it takes to be legitimate title contenders. Houston found its post producer that they so desperately needed in D12 to add to the already solid band of Chandler Parsons, Jeremy Lin, and James Harden. Coming off a remarkable 2012-13 season, the former Sun Devil came out of his Sixth Man shell and shined in the spotlight – and in a starting position – in the brightest way.

With Kobe Bryant coming off an Achilles injury and with his insane offensive season in the previous year, Harden is being dubbed the best shooting guard in the NBA. While that has been debated, you cannot dismiss Harden’s often mind-blowing offensive talents, including a great shot and timely passing skills. Despite not operating with high-end explosive athleticism, Harden has the IQ and the footwork to attack the rim and typically end up with an and-one opportunity or free throws like no one else in the league. If you remember, it was James Harden that became the first player ever to score 27 points on two or fewer made shots back in late December.

It has been a bit of a slow start for the 24-year-old this season. However, his averages – 23.7 PPG, 5.5 APG, 4.9 RPG – are beginning to align with his averages of his breakthrough season last year. His defensive effort – or lack thereof – has been called into question more than ever before. But let’s be honest; Harden has never been an elite defender. But there is no question that he is an elite scorer and one of the best young players in the game today, who will keep that status for quite a while.

1. PAUL GEORGE
AGE: 23
TEAM: INDIANA PACERS

Choosing the top spot for the best player under 25 years old in the NBA right now was actually the easiest and most obvious choice out of this top ten list. For the last two years, George has been on the cusp of superstardom, and this season, he is fully breaking out. In his fourth year in the majors, the California kid from Fresno State has already been drawing comparisons to Scottie Pippen, and is currently on the short-list for MVP consideration.

While it doesn’t hurt that he is on the best performing team in the Eastern Conference, the young face of the Pacers franchise is playing out of his mind this season. With an Indiana team chalk full of options, George has separated himself with ultra-impressive stats that cement him as the leader, the go-to guy, and the overall best player in navy, white and yellow. PG currently walks onto the hardwood with career-high numbers in points (23.3), steals (1.9), and shooting percentages (45.4 percent from the field, 38 percent from beyond the arc, 84.8 pecent from the free throw line).

The first-time NBA All-Star starter has the defensive dynamic, smooth athleticism, smarts, silky shooting, and solid footwook that have helped him explode onto the superstar scene in the NBA. He goes toe-to-toe with two other MVP candidates – LeBron James and Kevin Durant – to showcase some of the best basketball matchups in the game today. Paul George has emerged as one of the top impact players in the league and is on his way to being the best two-way wing in the game today…at 23 years of age.

What do you think?

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