NBA Power Ranking: Top 15 Players 25 and Under
The 2011 playoffs demonstrated that the era dominated by the Spurs, Lakers and (for the later part of the decade) the Celtics is over.
New teams like the Bulls, Thunder and Grizzlies are slowly beginning to take over the league, as these teams are spearheaded by talented young players.
As the Bryants and Duncans of the league slow down and the LeBrons and Wades of the league hit their prime, there's a batch of young players who are still trying to get there.
Honorable Mentions
1 of 17Eric Gordon
Gordon is one of the best young shooting guards in the league, and he's only getting better. Playing with the human highlight reel that is Blake Griffin, Gordon's game only improved, as he averaged 22 points per game, the highest in his three-year career.
He hasn't exploded yet, but he's been one of the most underrated wing players in the league for the last few years.
Gordon can shoot the ball from just about anywhere and is always ready to explode on the great, a good trait to possess when you're playing alongside Griffin.
Brook Lopez
Lopez is on a young Nets squad that is looking to make the playoffs for the first time since the Vince Carter-era.
The guy can block shots like no other and is always a reliable post-up player down low.
15. O.J. Mayo
2 of 17Age: 23
Draft: third overall in 2008
All-Rookie: 2009 (First Team)
For the Grizzlies, Mayo has been a somewhat difficult guy to work with. He'll hit a good few months where he's just about unstoppable, and when the Grizz are just about ready to make him the 2-guard of the future, he winds down and shows only flashes of his former self.
Mayo's production has only decreased since his rookie year, and he averaged a career-low 11 PPG this season.
For a capable scorer, these numbers are abysmal, and for Mayo to really live up to his potential, he's gotta elevate his game.
14. Jeff Green
3 of 17Age: 24
Draft: fifth overall in 2007
All-Rookie: 2008 (First Team)
Green had his best season in his first year in Oklahoma City, averaging nearly 17 PPG, and entering his fifth season, Green will soon be in his prime and will surely live up to the potential that Sam Presti envisioned when he traded for him during the 2007 draft.
After going to Boston, his production dwindled, and the forward averaged just below 10 PPG.
For a guy like Green, whose main job is to defend and put the ball in the bucket, he must pick up his game to be considered an All-Star in the following years.
13. Tyreke Evans
4 of 17Age: 21
Draft: fourth overall in 2009
All-Rookie: 2010 (First Team)
Awards: 2010 Rookie of the Year
Evans wowed everybody with his stellar rookie campaign, in which he became the first player since LeBron James to average 20-5-5 over the course of his first year.
His production slowed down a little bit entering his sophomore year, but he improved his terrible three-point shooting to just under 30 percent.
For Evans to be more effective, he needs to work on his jumpshot. With that, he can be a lethal scorer who isn't just one-dimensional.
12. Stephen Curry
5 of 17Age: 23
Draft: seventh overall in 2009
All-Rookie: 2010 (First Team)
Awards: Skills Champion (2011)
The deadly shooter and precise passer out of Davidson had a sophomore year that was just about identical to his rookie year.
He improved his shooting from the field and beyond the arc a tad, and his free-throw shooting is dead on. He led the league this year in free-throw percentage, and every time he was fouled, the Warriors were essentially guaranteed another two points.
If/when Monta Ellis gets traded, Curry can finally come into his own and develop into the unquestioned leader of the Warriors.
He looks like a guy who will be an All-Star for many years to come and help lead Golden State to the playoffs in the next couple years.
11. Russell Westbrook
6 of 17Age: 22
Draft: fourth overall in 2008
All-Rookie: 2009 (First Team)
All-NBA: 2011 (Second Team)
All-Star: 2011
Westbrook is now an elite scoring point guard in the league and is the perfect Robin to Kevin Durant's Batman. Whether he likes the role or not, there's no question that the two will lead the Thunder to numerous playoff appearances over the next several years together.
He only improved his assists and is one of the most athletic guards in the league. Looking a little bit like Derrick Rose, it's only a matter of time until Westbrook himself is a serious MVP candidate.
He had four triple-doubles this season alone, including one in Game 7 of the playoffs against the Grizzlies.
Westbrook has a ton of potential, and it looks like he's finally living up to it.
10. Rudy Gay
7 of 17Age: 24
Draft: eighth overall in 2006
All-Rookie: 2007 (First Team)
Since his sophomore year in the league, Gay has really scored at the same rate, averaging 20 points a game. To me, Gay is a borderline superstar.
With the right work ethic and development of a cut-to-the-basket game, he can really be a great player in this league.
When I found out that he has never been an All-Star, I was appalled. But the way that the Grizzlies are playing, Gay can really flourish in Lionel Hollins' system, as he's been doing for the past few years.
9. Monta Ellis
8 of 17Age: 25
Draft: 40th overall in 2005
Awards: Most Improved Player (2007)
Ellis really exploded onto the scene during the Warriors' "We Believe" playoff run of 2007 and hasn't looked back. Flourishing in the starting role made by Jason Richardson's exit, Ellis is unquestionably the best scorer for the Warriors.
His athleticism and sweet jump shot have helped him grow into the successful player that he is today.
Despite the trade rumors, he's only improved into one of the best scorers in the league.
If he's traded to a contender, he can become a solid contributor for any team.
8. Josh Smith
9 of 17Age: 25
Draft: 17th overall in 2004
All-Rookie: 2005 (Second Team)
All-Defensive: 2010 (Second Team)
Awards: Slam Dunk Champion (2005)
Josh Smith is easily one of the most athletic guys in the league. It'll only be a few years until he can become one of the best rebounders on the planet.
For some reason, he thinks he's a guard at times and pulls up for mid-range jumpers, which clank right off the rim.
Since he entered the league out of high school, he already has seven seasons under his belt, and it's time for him to become one of the best power forwards in the league.
7. Andrew Bynum
10 of 17Age: 23
Draft: 10th overall in 2005
NBA Champion: 2009, 2010
Bynum is probably the only guy who can challenge Dwight Howard on the defensive end and make him work for shots.
After his horrible knee injuries, he has come back stronger than ever and is ready to become a superstar in this league.
He's not quite there yet, but he has a lot of potential, which he is yet to live up to.
Like Josh Smith, Bynum entered the NBA out of high school, so he will be in his seventh season this fall (if there is an NBA season).
In a few years, Bynum may be ready to take the torch from Kobe into a new Lakers era.
6. Kevin Love
11 of 17Age: 22
All-Rookie: 2009 (Second Team)
Titles: Rebounding (2011)
All-Star: 2011
Just look at his intensity in the picture.
I haven't seen that much passion in a T-Wolves uniform since Kevin Garnett.
Love is easily the best post player in Minnesota since Garnett, evinced by his ridiculously long streak of double-doubles this year.
Love shot up to an elite rebounder this year, averaging 15. What's even more impressive is his shooting.
Honestly, I didn't know that he could shoot threes like he could until this past season. He improved his three-point percentage to 47 percent and is lethal from just about anywhere on the court.
With his array of post moves, there's no question that Love will be one of the best players in the game in a matter of time.
5. Blake Griffin
12 of 17Age: 22
Draft: first overall in 2009
All-Rookie: 2011 (First Team)
All-Star: 2011
Rookie of the Year: 2011
Awards: Slam Dunk Champion (2011)
With his array of post moves and insane athleticism, there's no question that Griffin will be a special player in this league.
In just his rookie season, the Clipper averaged 22 points and 12 boards, a runaway candidate for Rookie of the Year.
It's just a matter of time until he begins to garner rebounding title after rebounding title, becoming one of the most dominant power forwards to play the game.
We all know the guy can dunk (Timofey Mozgov may know it a little better), as he continues to wow us every day with his new dunks.
If he can solidify his jump shot and potentially add a three-point shot, Griffin can utterly destroy opponents night in and night out.
4. Rajon Rondo
13 of 17Age: 25
Draft: 21st overall in 2006
All-Rookie: 2007 (Second Team)
All-Defensive: 2009 (Second Team), 2010, '11 (First Team)
All-Star: 2010, '11
NBA Champion: 2008
Since the Celtics' 2008 title run, Rondo has really grown into one of the best point guards in the league. While he is not yet at the caliber of Chris Paul and Deron Williams, Rondo is probably the best passer in the NBA.
If he can add a jump shot to his repertoire, Rondo will be the most difficult guard to defend because of his quickness and incredible passing ability.
As the Celtics may only have one more shot at a championship, Rondo is the leader of the new Celtics era.
3. Derrick Rose
14 of 17Age: 22
Draft: first overall in 2008
All-Rookie: 2009 (First Team)
Rookie of the Year: 2009
All-NBA: 2011 (First Team)
All-Star: 2010, '11
Awards: Skills Challenge Champion (2009)
Most Valuable Player: 2011
Rose is probably the fastest point guard in the league and is only getting better. The youngest MVP in league history has continued to develop his three-point shot, making him an extremely difficult guy to defend.
The Chicago Bulls are on the rise and are just a piece away from seriously challenging the Heat as the Eastern Conference Champions.
2. Dwight Howard
15 of 17Age: 25
Draft: first overall in 2004
All-Rookie: 2005 (First Team)
All-Defensive: 2008 (Second Team), 2009, '10, '11 (First Team)
All-NBA: 2007 (Third Team), 2008, '09, '10, '11 (First Team)
All-Star: 2007, '08, '09, '10, '11
Awards: Slam Dunk Champion (2008)
Defensive Player of the Year: 2009, '10, '11
The three-time defending DPOY is easily the best center in the world. Large, dominant post players are a dying breed in this league, which only gives Howard an advantage both offensively and defensively.
If he continues to work on his post game on the offensive side of the ball, he will easily be the post player in the league (and win over those who don't think he is right now).
Whichever team he joins in 2012 should thank its lucky stars to have such a talented center and a future Hall of Famer.
1. Kevin Durant
16 of 17Age: 22
Draft: second overall in 2007
All-Rookie: First Team (2008)
Rookie of the Year: 2008
All-NBA: First Team (2010, '11)
All-Star: 2010, 2011
Awards: Scoring Champion (2010 - 11)
Two years ago, Durant was the youngest scoring champ in league history, and he became the first player since Kobe Bryant to win back-to-back titles.
Although some call the "anti-LeBron" overrated, Durant is the best scorer in the NBA, and if he can get stronger and develop a post game, the Durantula could lead the up-and-coming Thunder to the NBA Finals for the first time in 15 years.
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