10 Best NBA Players Under the Age of 22

Being under 22 and in the NBA is nothing short of impressive.

When most people are still trying to figure out their lives, these guys are competing against the best athletes in the world.

While many players struggle to adjust to the NBA lifestyle at such a young age, there are always a few choice players who are set to succeed.

Whether they have yet to step on an NBA court or have been in the league a few seasons, these are all young guys with great potential.

Here are the 10 best players under the age of 22.

10. Brandon Knight

With the possibility of Rodney Stuckey going to China, Brandon Knight may be the man in Detroit. Playing alongside Greg Monroe and vets like Tayshaun Prince and Richard Hamilton (if he stays) could make things easy for the young guard.

He’ll also have a great mentor in coach Lawrence Frank to help show him the ropes through his first season in the league.

9. Ricky Rubio

Ricky Rubio is about as much of a question mark as any on this list. It has been a long time coming for this youngster, and people in Minnesota are itching to find out what the kid can do.

Hopefully he’ll continue to play at a high level and prove the naysayers wrong. I’m not sure if he’ll ever be on the same level as Steve Nash or Chris Paul, but he should be a solid contributor for the Wolves this season.

8. Kyrie Irving

I can hear Cavs fans scream, as I’ve put Kyrie Irving below Kemba Walker and Derrick Williams, but the fact is those guys are more NBA-ready than Irving.

It’s not that I don’t think Irving will ever be a great player; I just don’t know how effective he’ll be this season and if he has developed the same skill sets as some of his opponents.

7. Derrick Favors

Despite not having the most productive rookie season, you can’t deny that Derrick Favors has talent.

In his second full season in the league, he should find a better rhythm with the team as he deals with a pretty stacked frontcourt rotation. Whether or not he’ll make a huge impact next season remains to be seen, but the potential is certainly there.

6. Kemba Walker

I’m a huge Kemba Walker fan for multiple reasons.

First and foremost, he’s a winner if there ever was one. He really reminds me of an Allen Iverson type with his fearlessness and willingness to take on anyone and everyone.

I really do believe that Bobcats fans will look at this year as the year their franchise really turned everything around. Hopefully Walker's been continuing to work on his jump shot this offseason so that he can make a strong case for ROY.

5. Greg Monroe

At only 21 years old, Greg Monroe has just started what should be a great career.

He’s your typical big man and should be the centerpiece of the Pistons moving forward. In his last 10 games last season he averaged a double-double, and I expect that trend to continue next season.

4. Derrick Williams

How good is Derrick Williams?

If you ask me, he is going to have a fantastic rookie season and will help establish a great foundation for the Timberwolves for the future.

With Rick Adelman guiding him through his first season, he should have no problem making a big splash from the start.

3. DeMarcus Cousins

DeMarcus Cousins is far and away one of the best big men under the age of 22.

However, he still has far to go if he wants to be considered one of the top players in the league. At a time when big men are in high demand, Cousins could be the most valuable player on the Kings roster.

2. Jrue Holiday

Like every player from UCLA recently, Jrue Holiday has played much better this season than his college career might have suggested.

After a rocky first season, Holiday really came into his own this year and looks to be the point guard of the future for the Sixers.

Once thought to be the top prospect of his class, Holiday seems to be tapping into the potential that so many analysts were talking about.

1. John Wall

For players under the age of 22, John Wall is at the top.

Already top dog on his own team, Wall will look to take his skills to the next level.

I expect Wall to make a strong case for the All-Star game this season as he continues to be the franchise player for the Wizards.

At only 21, it seems the sky is the limit for the young point guard.