Looking Forward: All-NBA Under 25 Team

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The NBA looks as if it's at one of the strongest levels it has ever been at—and it's only going to get better. With the 2003 NBA Draft producing fabulous young stars such as Lebron James, Carmelo Anthony, Chris Bosh and Dwayne Wade, the NBA has only good things to come.

Here is a list of 12 players—five starters and seven bench players—who I think would make the best team of players under the age of 25 in the NBA:

 

Starting Lineup

PG - Chris Paul (Age 23)

Paul had a fantastic season last year, and looks as if he will only get better. He led the league in assists and steals last year, and was still a great scorer.

Paul is the best player on one of the best teams in the league, and is still only 23. Some say Paul will turn out to be the best point guard since Stockton or Magic—and I can't disagree.

SG - Brandon Roy (Age 23)

Roy isn't one of the top five players on this team, but he is the best shooting guard. He is a fantastic leader and is the best player on the up-and-coming, soon to be great, Portland Trail Blazers.

Roy is a great scorer who can also distribute the ball. He is a physical player who plays great defense, and fits in well on this team. He was voted to his first All-Star game last season.

SF - LeBron James (Age 23)

If anyone argues that Lebron shouldn't be on this list, they are just dumb. There is really no point of me describing him. He is a top-three player in the league who can guard any position. We all know who he is—anything else I can really say?

PF - Chris Bosh (Age 24)

Bosh has developed into one of the best players in the league. He is an annual All-Star lock, and is the star of the Raptors.

Bosh entered the league in arguably the deepest draft ever—2003, when he was chosen fourth overall. Many thought it was a three-player-deep draft consisting of LeBron, Darko Millicic, and Carmelo Anthony. Boy were they wrong, eh?

Bosh is a fantastic player on both sides of the ball, and if he puts on more muscle, he could be the next KG.

C - Dwight Howard (Age 22)

Dwight Howard is an absolute beast. A double-double lock. A 20-point scorer who on a good day can grab as many rebounds as points.

Howard looks as if he will be the next Shaquille O'Neal but with more touch and athleticism. Howard is already one of the best players in the league and will only get better. He will be one of the greatest centers ever to play the game.

Bench Players

Deron Williams

Runs the Jazz offense—a fantastic player who rivals Paul for best point guard in the league.

Monta Ellis

One of the most versatile and athletic players in the league. He is the best player on the G-State Warriors and will only get better. He plays decent D, can shoot, and is overall great.

Kevin Martin

Great young player and future of the Kings. At age 23. Martin is already one of the league's best scorers.

Kevin Durant

Great young scorer and defender, who just has to pass the ball a bit more—although I don't blame him for not passing last year, because there wasn't anyone to pass to on his team.

Josh Smith

Again, one of the league's most athletic players. Smith is a fabulous defender who can block shots with ease and grab boards. He can get to the rim without difficulty, but needs to improve his outside shot.

Carmelo Anthony

Just missed out on the starting five, because they needed another guard. Melo is one of the league's best scorers, but is too selfish.

Al Jefferson 

Originally not on this list, but after much debate was put on. A great offensive threat who can rebound the ball and is the heart and soul of the T-Wolves. 

Honourable Mentions

David Lee, Lamarcus Aldridge, Andre Iguodala, Luol Deng, Ben Gordon, Emeka Okafor