25 Best NBA Players 25 or Younger

As the NBA season plays out, rumors are starting to develop that teams are looking to trade veteran players in an attempt to get younger.  This led me to ponder the question "Who are the best young players in the NBA today?"  After doing some research, I narrowed it down to the 25 best players 25 or Younger.  Some of these may seem obvious, while some might surprise you.

25) OJ Mayo (Memphis Grizzlies)

This certainly hasn't been OJ Mayo's best year statistically, as he is only averaging 11.3 points a game. This number is about four points less than his career average of 15.7 points per game.  However, that drop-off isn't due to a diminish in skill level, but due to his playing time being reduced as a reserve off the bench.  During his last year as a starter (09-10 season) Mayo averaged 17.5 points per game, and I see no reason why he couldn't duplicate those numbers if his minutes were increased.

24) DeMar Derozan (Toronto Raptors)

The 22-year-old DeMar Derozan is averaging just under 15 points a game this season for the Toronto Raptors, which is slightly down from the 17.2 points per game he averaged last year, but still respectable.  However, if Derozan wants to stay on this list come season's end, he's going to have to improve his field-goal percentage, which is only .380 on the season.

23) Mike Conley (Memphis Grizzlies)

The young point guard from the Memphis Grizzlies appears to be improving every year, showing why Memphis took him with the fourth overall pick back in 2007.  Conley is averaging 7.4 assists per game this season, which is the 10th highest in the NBA, to go along with his 13.4 points per game.

22) Jrue Holiday (Philidelphia 76ers)

Next on the list is Jrue Holiday, the exciting point guard for the 76ers.  The reason he comes in so high despite a slight increase in points per game is that we have seen a decrease in field-goal percentage, rebounds and steals.  However, the most alarming statistic is the decrease in assists per game, considering it is a point guard's job to distribute the ball.  Averaging only 4.7 assists per game isn't acceptable for a player of this caliber.

21) Kyrie Irving (Cleveland Cavaliers)

This season the Cleveland Cavaliers selected Kyrie Irving with the No. 1 overall pick, and so far the 19-year-old point guard hasn't looked back.  Irving is averaging 17.4 points per game, which is 23rd overall in the NBA, and the most amongst rookies.  That along with his .500 field-goal percentage and 4.9 assists per game has justified the Cavs taking him No. 1 overall, and him making this list.

20) James Harden (Oklahoma City Thunder)

James Harden is probably the player who will surprise people the most on this list.  Due to playing in Oklahoma City, Harden is constantly overshadowed by Durant and Westbrook.  But this year, Harden has really came into his own, increasing his points per game average from 12.2 to 16.7, his assists per game from 2.1 to 3.1 and his rebounds per game from 3.1 to 4.4.  Due to the cast around him, Harden will never be considered the top guy on his team, but definitely deserves some recognition.

19) Danilo Gallinari (Denver Nuggets)

When the New York Knicks drafted Danio Gallinari with the sixth overall pick in 2008, many people thought it was a reach, and that Danilo didn't deserve that spot.  Those people would be wrong.  Now in his fourth season as an NBA player, Danilo Gallinari has blossomed into one of the NBA's top scorers, averaging 17.4 points a game, which ties him for 22nd most in the league.  As he continues to develop, it wouldn't be a shock to see him average 20 points a game in the near future.

18) Brandon Jennings (Milwaukee Bucks)

One of the problems for players who don't play in major markets is the lack of exposure they receive.  That is the only explanation I can think of for why Brandon Jennings is not more of a household name.  Jennings currently holds the 11th-highest points per game average in the league, with 20.2, which is more then guys like Amar'e Stoudemire, Joe Johnson, Dwight Howard or Dirk Nowitzki.  His assists per game average is 5.5, which is an increase from last season, but there is still room for improvement in that aspect of his game.

17) Greg Monroe (Detroit Pistons)

Greg Monroe is in the process of making "the leap."  That is, he is in the process of becoming one of the NBA's top players.  In his second season, the 21-year-old center has increased his points per game from 9.4 to 15.2, and increased his rebounds per game from 7.5 per game to 9.4. 

So far Monroe has compiled six double-doubles on the season, and has shown that he is one of the better passing centers in the league, averaging 2.8 assists per game, which is third most amongst centers.  The scary thing is Monroe is still developing his game, and could become one of the league's elite big men in the next few years.

16) Brook Lopez (New Jersey Nets)

Brook Lopez has yet to play a game in the 2011-2012 season, which is why he isn't a little higher on this list.  If Lopez can come back at full strength from his foot injury, he could easily propel up the rankings.  Last season Lopez average 20.4 points per game for the Nets, while blocking 1.5 shots per game. 

The alarming thing about Lopez's game is the seven-footer saw his rebounds per game total drop from 8.7 to 5.9, which is almost a whole three boards per game.  It's hard to say whether Lopez had an unlucky season or if it was due to him playing further away from the basket, but this season will be important to see if Lopez can resolve his rebounding issues from the previous season.

15) DeMarcus Cousins (Sacramento Kings)

There are two things that we know about DeMarcus Cousins.  The first is that he is a headache.  If you read the stories that come out about him, you can't help but feel bad for the coaches and staff that deal with him on a daily basis.  The second thing we know about him is that when he is motivated, he just might be the best big man in the league not named Dwight Howard. 

Averaging a double-double on the season, Cousins is averaging 14.4 points per game to go with his 10.7 rebounds per game, both increases from last year. With 12 double-doubles already this season, he is tied for second most in the NBA with Dwight Howard.  It appears the only person who can stop DeMarcus Cousins at this time is Cousins himself.

14) Ricky Rubio (Minnesota Timberwolves)

Quick question: What three point guards are tied for most double-doubles by a point guard this season, with six total?  The answer: Steve Nash, Deron Williams and Ricky Rubio, 

Now, am I trying to put Rubio on the same league as Nash or Williams?  Of course not.  But it is interesting to note that Rubio has six double-doubles in 17 games this season, despite only starting seven of those games.  On the season, Rubio has 10.7 points per game, and 8.5 assists, which is the sixth-highest assist per game average in the league. 

After the Olympics in 2008 there were talks that Ricky Rubio might be the next great point guard.  Those rumors seemed premature over the last few years, but as this season continues to develop, it just might be true.

13) Tyreke Evans (Sacramento Kings)

I admit, it's hard for me to justify Evans in this spot when the young point guard's assists and points per game have gone down each of the last two years.  During Evans' rookie season (2009-2010) he averaged 20.1 points per game and 5.8 assists.  Now two years later, he is averaging only 16.1 points per game and 4.4 assists. 

Considering his numbers were down last year from his rookie season, it's hard to argue that it is due to a small sample size on the season or a stretch of bad luck.  Still, when you watch Evans he still seems to "have it" and I'm going to have to allow more time before I pass my final judgment of his rookie year being a fluke.

12) Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors)

This season Curry has missed time due to injuries, so his minutes and games played are down from where they typically would be this far along into the season. That being said, he is still coming off a season where he averaged 18.6 points per game, which was 26th most in the league. 

But Curry's strength isn't just in his ability to score, but instead in his shooting skills, where Curry shot .442 from three-point land, the best percentage amongst point guards and the third best in the league overall.  There is no reason to believe Curry can't duplicate these numbers this season as he finally is getting healthy.

11) John Wall (Washington Wizards)

In 2010 the Washington Wizards made John Wall the No. 1 overall pick in he NBA draft.  They certainly haven't regretted it, as Wall has been just as good as advertised, averaging 16.4 points, 8.1 assists and 4.7 rebounds per game over his 86-game career (this year and last).  So far this season, Wall is 13th in the league in assists per game with 7.2, and has held his own against some of the best point guard competition in the league. 

Wall seems to be hitting his grove right around now, averaging 23.2 points, 7.2 rebounds and 7.6 assists over his last five games, something the Wizards hope he can continue to do throughout the season.

10) Al Horford (Atlanta Hawks)

I don't think many people will be shocked that Horford made the list, however breaking the top 10 probably is a little surprising to people, especially since his numbers don't match or exceed some of the players listed a few spots below (i.e. Cousins and Lopez).  However, Horford has something neither of those two have, which is experience and consistent output.

Horford entered the league in the 2007-2008 season, where he put up 9.7 rebounds and 10.1 points a game.  In his four full seasons in the league, Horford has not allowed his rebounds per game to dip below 9.3 per game, and his points per game total has increased every year, reaching his career high of 15.2 last season. He also finished in the top five in field-goal percentage with .557 and is on pace to finish with a field-goal percentage over .550 for the third consecutive year.

Although his points per game and rebounds per game are down so far this season, Horford has only played in 11 games.  With his track record from previous years, there is no reason to believe those numbers will not improve.

9) Andrew Bynum (LA Lakers)

Over the years, the problem for Andrew Bynum hasn't been productivity.  It has been health. Throughout his career, Bynum has failed to stay healthy, and since the start of the 2007-2008 season has only once been able to play in more than 60 games.  However, that doesn't mean he hasn't had potential, and this season Bynum seems to have finally put it together.  He is currently averaging a double-double per game with 15.9 points and 13.2 rebounds, and is one of only nine players to do that so far this season.

There have been rumors swirling that Bynum may be getting traded this season, and if that occurs it may be the best thing for the big man's career, as he can finally step out of the shadow of Kobe and Gasol and emerge as a legitimate All-Star in this league.

8) Eric Gordon (New Orleans Hornets)

Last year was Eric Gordon's breaking out party.  Although he only played in 56 games, Gordon was able to average 22.3 points per game, which was the 13th highest in the NBA.  That was more than five points higher than the 16.9 Gordon averaged in his sophomore season with the Clippers.  And the points per game weren't the only things to increase, as Gordon saw his rebounds per game and assists per game increase as well. 

Considering Chris Paul was planning on walking away from New Orleans at the end of the season, it's a minor miracle that the Hornets were able to get a player of Gordon's caliber in return.  Whether or not Gordon reaches the level of CP3 is still to be seen, but there is certainly reason to believe that Gordon can be a legitimate scorer in this league.

7) Rudy Gay (Memphis Grizzlies)

It's hard to imagine that Rudy Gay is still only 25, considering he has been in the league for the last six years.  And for the last five of those years, there is one thing that Rudy has done consistently well, which is score.  This season Rudy is averaging 18.9 points per game, which actually ties his low for the last five years (he recorded the same points per game amount in 2008-2009 season).  And although he has never been elite at it, Rudy also has always been solid in terms of rebounding, with a career average of 5.7 per game.  Gay also has averaged over a steal a game throughout his career, showing his overall skill level. 

Like Horford, Gay has earned some benefit of the doubt due to his longevity and consistency over the years, and maybe would have been a household name already if an injury hadn't forced him to miss the playoffs last year.

6) Rajon Rondo (Boston Celtics)

Just making the age deadline is Rajon Rondo, who comes in at No. 6 on the list.  Rondo turns 25 in late February, although it may seem like he is older due to how much we have seen him over the years.  Like Rudy Gay, Rondo is in his sixth season in the league, and last year was arguably his best.  In 68 games last year, Rondo averaged a double-double, recording 10.6 points and 11.2 assists per game, as well as averaging over two steals a game (2.3).  This year the assists per game are slightly down through 11 games played (9.4 per game), however Rondo is having his best scoring year so far, with 15.0 points per game.

Despite these great numbers, one could argue that Rondo is at his best come playoff time, where he has averaged 13.8 points per game and 8.5 assists per game through 73 games. 

People call Boston's Pierce, Garnett and Allen the Big Three, however to be fair it should be the Big Four with Rondo included.  There is no doubt Rondo is already even with the Big Three, and that is if he hasn't already surpassed them.

5) Russell Westbrook (Oklahoma City Thunder)

Rounding up the top five is Russell Westbrook, who finished in the top 15 in points last season with 21.9 points per game and the top 10 in assists with 8.2 per game.  Often times people will hear Oklahoma City Thunder and assume it's all Kevin Durant, who is an amazing player.  But it isn't fair that Westbrook is often overlooked.  Last season Westbrook was one of only five players in the entire league to average at least 20 points and five assists per game and had 31 double-doubles on the season. 

So far this early season, Westbrook is 12th in PPG and 21st in APG.  Westbrook is only 23, and with Durant at his side, Westbrook has the chance to develop into the best "side kick" since Scottie Pippen.

4) Blake Griffin (LA Clippers)

Blake Griffin is the reigning NBA Rookie of the Year, and is coming off what is statistically one of the best rookie seasons in recent memory.  Griffin averaged a double-double last season, putting up 22.5 points and 12.1 rebounds per game, and had an amazing 63 double-doubles total.  In terms of points, his per game average was the 12th highest in the league, and in terms of rebounds it was the fourth highest.  In regards to overall points/rebounds/assists per game, Blake averaged 38.4, which was second highest in the league after LeBron.

This season, Blake has picked up right where he left off, averaging 21 points and 11.5 rebounds per game, while recording 10 double-doubles in 14 games.  With the way Griffin plays, there is no reason he shouldn't be consider one of the league's most elite players.

3) Kevin Love (Minnesota Timberwolves)

Whether you want to call him Kevin Love, K-Love or the Love Machine, there is no denying that Kevin Love is one of the best big men in the game.  Last season Love led the league in total rebounds, as well as rebounds per game, averaging 15.2, and was fourth overall in points/rebounds/assists per game with 38.  Love also averaged over 20 points per game (20.2), which was 18th highest in the league.

This season, Love is looking to keep up with that pace, and has actually increased his scoring per game this season to 24.9, which is the fifth highest in the league.  On the season, Love has recorded 16 double-doubles in 17 games and is sure to be one of the most coveted big men on the market if he ever decides to leave Minnesota.

2) Derrick Rose (Chicago Bulls)

Who would have thought that the league's reigning MVP would only be second on this list?  Many people might make an argument that he should be No. 1, and it was certainly close.  But at the end of the day, I felt Rose deserved the No. 2 spot.

The one thing that has been scary about Rose is that every year he has been in the league, he has been able to improve in the scoring department.  Going into last season, Rose was coming off a year where he had averaged 20.9 points and 6.0 assists per game.  I don't think many people were expecting him to increase his scoring average to 25 points per game, or his assists to 7.7.  But he did, marking it the second consecutive year his scoring average had increased from the previous season.

Although it is hard to believe that Rose could increase his points per game this season (he currently averages 20.9 points per game), his assists have gone up to 8.6 per game so far and he should continue to be an elite player.  In only three years Rose already has won a Rookie of the Year, All-NBA First Team (2011), All-NBA Rookie Team (2009) and an MVP, and he should add to those accolades throughout his career.

1) Kevin Durant (Oklahoma City Thunder)

Last but not least, we have Kevin Durant.  Last season's leading scorer isn't just the best player under the age of 25, but possibly the best player in the game, period.  Since entering the league in 2007, Durant has never had a season where he averaged under 20 points per game, and has a career scoring average of 25.4. 

What makes Durant elite isn't just that he scores at a high rate, but that he has done it consistently since entering the league.  In Durant's rookie season, he averaged 20.3 points per game, and it has been the only time in his career he hasn't been a top 10 scorer.  Since then, he has averaged 25.3 points per game (sixth most in the league), 30.1 points per game (first in the league) and 27.7 points per game last year (first in the league).  If the season were to end today, Durant would finish third in the league with 25.7 points per game.  Not bad for an "off year."

Durant is already a former Rookie of the Year, and a two-time All-NBA First Team member.  If Durant continues to develop, there is no reason to think he won't have a few more scoring titles and should be considered one of the game's best players.

In Conclustion....

Well there you have it, my top 25 players under the age of 25.  Please feel free to leave a comment with any player you think I may have missed, or is undeserving.