NLL Insider - 30 Best Players Under 25 by KLEMMELO, updated on Saturday, January 14 2017, 04:41 pm EST Ok so here we have my rendition of the top 30 youngsters in the league aged 25 and under. Some are already well established, some are still super green and some just haven’t found their spot just yet to be able to live up to expectations. Ether way all these guys have huge upside and will/are able to impact the game in multiple ways. The way I’ve approached this is as if you had the chance at a clean slate to put together a team as GM… Who would you choose? what direction would you take? Obviously the major contributing factor to ranking these guys is current performance and how they’ve already chased and owned the spot light. I’ve also taken into account guys who have shown glimpses of brilliance or just through shear undeniably of potential just have to be mentioned here. Sure theres plenty of young bloods that have been shafted with so many to choose from but in the end you’re only as good as I say you are so get in the gym and prove me wrong son. Let’s get it.
1. Anthony Davis PF/C. Age: 23- San Antonio Spurs.
Surprise Surprise… This young man is putting up numbers we might’ve never seen before. 6’10, 250 pounds, runs like a deer and moves, shoots and handles like a guard. If Aliens came to planet Earth and decided to play ball this is what they’d look like. He’s only 23 and already the clear favourite for MVP leading a revitalised Spurs team to the best record in the league (24-6). Any GM would kill to be able to get the chance to build a franchise around this budding super star… The scary thing is he’s getting better.
2. Kyrie Irving PG. Age: 24- New York Knicks.
Uncle Drew!… The best Point guard in the league. No if’s or buts about it regardless of his age. In a sudden shift of power where we have noticed the big men take their rightful place as equally dominant; now elite PG are not so much a commodity. You might ask me why? Because the guy is an elite scorer and playmaker and capable of taking any franchise the distance. Don't reach young blood! This guy can finish around the rim better then anyone in the league and stroke it from long range. He's an underrated play maker and has learned how to be effective off the ball as well. Those handles though...
3. Karl-Anthony Towns PF/C. Age: 21- Milwaukee Bucks.
The new age is here… If Davis is ushering in the new age of elite big men then KAT is version 2.0 Already knows how to score from anywhere on the court and has a seasoned maturity about his game that at 21 is incredibly impressive. One of the most improved players this year and dare I say that he is even more explosive then Davis?! He wants to win and prove to be one of the best to ever play the game. His rebounding, rim protection and basketball IQ is elite able to pass out of the post and run in transition.
4. Kristaps Porzingis PF/C. Age: 21- Charlotte Hornets.
The Latvian Gang-Banger!… Kristaps is a majestic unicorn, who with elite skill and untaped potential for a guy his size it just doesn’t seem possible. He’s humble and reserved but not afraid to step up to the big moment. Already an elite shot blocker and efficient perimeter scorer. The sky is the limit with this young fella, he can be whatever he wants to be… Hopefully his days of running the mean streets of Latvia are behind him along with his dope corn rows.
5. Kawhi Leonard SF. Age: 25- Philadelphia 76ers.
All hail the Claw… The best two way player in the game with base ball mitts for hands. Able to manipulate defence with his handles and smother offence with his length and athleticism. Legend says he once whispered “Good game guys†to his team mates but that seems doubtful. This star leads by example and is your elite scorer and best lock down defender all wrapped up into a neat but strangely disproportioned frame.
6. Andre Drummond C. Age: 23- Cleveland Cavaliers.
There’s only one Silver back Gorilla… This guy is just a straight up beast and he’s been doing it ever since he came into the league. Seems like he’s been playing for years but at just 23 he can be the backbone of your franchise for the next decade. No one rebounds the ball better then this guy, super strong down low on both ends of the floor with a killer post game. One of the most efficient guys already who’s a nightmare for any opposing big man trying to keep him out of the paint.
7. Joel Embiid C. Age: 22- San Antonio Spurs.
Trust the process… This guy finally gets to grace us with his presence on the basketball court and it was definitely worth the wait. He has been unleashed and gets the chance to contribute now in a big way. ROTY anyone? He learnt how to shoot threes watching white guys shoot on Youtube, I mean what else are you going to do right? A sweet stroke, crazy mobility for a man his size, elite rim protection and a quick first step are attributes you generally wouldn’t group together for a centre his age. Another guy ushering in the new age of elite big men, if he didn’t have a checkered history in terms of injures then he would hold more value. Until then we can only hope he stays healthy and continues to set the league on fire.
8. DAngelo Russell PG. Age: 20- LA Clippers.
The social media avenger… Could’ve run your offence when he was in nappies, a pure shooter with crazy basketball IQ and vision. A born playmaker and leader while still being so young. Ball on a string, lighting quick release and ice in his veins, this kids a killer and the skies the limit for him. When he learns how to play consistent defence then he will be feared among the league. Just make sure you lock your phone when he’s around, you’ve been warned.
9. Giannis Antetokounmpo SF/PF. Age: 22- Milwaukee Bucks.
The Greek Freak!… If you decided to bioengineer the perfect basketball player this guy is pretty much bang on what you’d come up with. He does everything at an elite level and is pushing out his offensive game to the perimeter. Still so young and it seems like he’s forever evolving. The league has been waiting for him to explode and usher in the age of the machines but right now he’s happy to bide his time and contribute where he can on a roster full of stars. The guy can pretty much play all five positions so his potential is limitless.
10. Bradley Beal SG. Age: 23- Detroit Pistons.
Bradley “Made of Glass†Beal is killing it this year!… I’m kinda kidding, sorta… One thing is great is seeing him being able to string together consistent stretches of playing. It was never in doubt that this kid could score and right now he’s in the perfect situation to showcase why he’s one of the best two guards in the league. He might be rated a little high here but he’s the bees jeez mate. He’s not just a one trick pony he can actually play lock down defence and is among the league leaders in steals. The epitome for whats considered gold in todays game, and thats guys who can play at an elite level on both ends of the floor.
11. Harrison Barnes SF. Age: 24- Golden State Warriors.
You’ll notice a trend in this list of versatile and athletic forwards able to produce at an elite level on both ends of the floor. Barnes is no exception of course, super efficient and able to score in multiple ways. His size and strength at his position is a match up problem for any opposing team. His basketball IQ is off the charts and is able too play off the ball or take the ball and go to work one on one.
12. Jahlil Okafor C/PF. Age: 22- New Orleans Pelicans.
Jah finds his feet planted firmly to the ground in his second year in the league. He has a maturity to his game that you generally see from seasoned veterans. His footwork is second to none compared to other bigs in the game which allows him to have his way with defence in the low post. If he learned how to shoot free throws he would be an absolute monster. You take the good with the bad though with this youngster and theres plenty of room for improvement. The major key is being able to contribute on the defensive end for this guy.
13. Andrew Wiggins SG/SF. Age: 21- Utah Jazz.
In his third year in the league Wiggins has developed into an elite two way player. He has hops for days and is able to take his defender anywhere and score on them at will. His mid range game has really elevated and he has extended his range out to the three point line in an effort to open up the lanes for his attacking style of play. One of the league leaders in getting to the free throw line, as soon as he figures out how to be super efficient it will be a nightmare to try and slow him down.
14. Brandon Ingram SG/SF. Age: 19- Charlotte Hornets.
This guy is ready made for this game. KD mightn’t of liked the nick name but I’m calling it now and declaring this young buck the “Slim Reaperâ€. Long and slender this guy will lull you to sleep before blowing right past you and finishing over the top. He has the skill set, he just needs to get used to the pace and timing of the game and he’ll be one of the best scorers in this league sooner then you think. His ball handling and play making is underrated to the point you could even see pretty much all your offence running through him. Crazy.
15. Emmanuel Mudiay PG. Age: 20- Dallas Mavericks.
This guy was considered one of the best pick ups in last years draft class. An all rounded emerging PG who is solid offensively and a great defender with his size, length and quickness. Still super young as naturally theres a lot he still has to learn but he is coming along nicely. The foundation is there and he’s only a few years out from being one of the top elite guards in this league. His ability to see the floor is whats key here.
16. Derrick Favors PF/C. Age: 25- Denver Nuggets.
A throwback type big man… Excellent foot work, reliable jumper and elite defence and rebounding. He’s your typical “20/10†guy who can impact the game on both ends of the floor. Hard to contain and keep out of the paint, his aggressive style of attacking the paint earns him a healthy diet of easy points at the charity stripe.
17. Brandon Knight PG/SG. Age: 25- New Orleans Pelicans.
A lighting quick attacking guard who has always had no issue scoring in this league. He’s made leaps and bounds in terms of his play making abilities and shot selection now in his fifth year in the league. Has length at the PG spot and is versatile enough to play off the ball as well. Taking that next step up in terms of defensive awareness and consistency and he will be considered elite.
18. C.J. Mccollum SG. Age: 25- Philadelphia 76ers.
One of the more established guys on this list, a student of the game with high IQ and skills to match. The perfect Robin to your batman so to speak. He’s got speed and brings elite shooting and underrated playmaking skills to the table, still developing and a future star of this league. You’ll probably end up on his next players tribune piece if you sleep on the guy and get clowned on.
19. Devin Booker SG. Age: 20- LA Clippers.
Probably the most exciting and promising young prospect at the two guard spot and still only 20!? This guy has a certain swag about him and not afraid to take the big shots in crunch time. Quick and agile for his size, he is able to bully his way into the lane and shoot over the top of any defender. If this guy develops a consistent defensive game then he’s in talks of one of the best two way players in the league.
20. Ben Simmons SF/PF. Age: 20- Detroit Pistons.
I wasn’t even going to put this guy on the list just out of principle, he’s yet to suit up and step on the court… The shear potential and skill set this guy looks to be sporting is what makes you giddy with excitement at a possible once in a generation type player… Or just another injury riddled, frustratingly short career from a polarising star… We shall see…
21. Jonas Valanciunas C. Age: 24- OKC Thunder.
The anchor of your defence, a throwback type centre who gets in the paint and does the dirty work no one else wants to. He has a polished offensive game for such a youngster and can shoot the midrange. What else do you want from a big man?
22. Jaylen Brown SF. Age: 20- Portland Trailblazers.
This guy was looked at as an elite defender at his position but raw and touch and go on the other end of the court. Even though he could improve his efficiency and shot selection, for the most part he’s proving the haters wrong and is obviously a player you can really build around for the future. Capable of being an elite defensive stopper.
23. Nikola Jokic PF/C. Age: 21- OKC Thunder.
A young emerging big man who has a really unique skill set. Soft touch, court vision, offensive range and promising signs an elite defender and rebounder. This guy hasn’t gotten a whole lot of chances to show what he’s made of so far but on just potential alone he is a real look in.
24. Jabari Parker SF. Age: 21- Philadelphia 76ers.
Parker came into the league as a favourite for ROTY and things took a tragic turn with a serious knee injury derailing his rookie year. He’s shown that he is all about the game and has worked hard to come back better then before. Finally we are seeing exactly what this guy can do and it’s a joy to watch. An underrated defender with size and speed who can crash the boards but also hurt you from anywhere on the court.
25. Myles Turner C. Age: 20- Charlotte Hornets.
An upcoming big man who is projected to be a star some day soon. Already an elite defender and rebounder. Whats impressive is his fast tracked progression on the offensive end developing a reliable mid range jumper to go along with his quick first step and ability to finish strong around the rim.
26. Dwight Powell PF/C. Age: 25. Sacramento Kings.
No one had even heard of this guy last year, just viewed as a solid prospect only really destined to come in and provide solid limited minutes off the bench. Now everyone has been forced to take notice as this guy does a little bit of everything. Athletic and long and surprisingly quick for his size. His mid range game is solid and he is able to move the ball in transition, cut to the basket and finish around the rim.
27. Nikola Mirotic SF/PF. Age: 25- Dallas Mavericks.
Pass the hot sauce! Mirotic came over from the euro leagues hotly toted as one of the best imports sourced in a long time. He has made an impact straight away and in a year where he is focused on more so especially in the offence he has delivered. He has quickly developed as one of if not the best shooter in the league and has the size to contribute around the glass.
28. Rudy Gobert C. Age: 24- Philadelphia 76ers.
Defence wins championships and this young big french man can clean the glass and send away shots like no ones business. Still developing a consistent offensive game but thats not the real reason why you would love to have this guy on your side. Salute!
29. Elfrid Payton PG. Age: 22- Charlotte Hornets.
One of the best playmakers in the game and still only 22. He defends at an elite level, quick and can rebound the ball. Still a little raw and unpolished offensively but he will grow into is own and be a first rate starting PG in a few years. He has to do something about that hair but...
30. Jordan Clarkson SG/PG. Age: 24- Minnesota Timberwolves.
A solid young guard with versatility able to play at the point or off the ball, he’s still developing so who knows how good this kid will be. Size, speed and fire power is everything you want in a guard. This guy can score in a variety of ways and a solid second or third option for any franchise. |
|
Archive
· Second Round Bingo · Time to Blow It Up? · Week 8: POTW and ROTW Announced! · 30 Best Players Over 30 · 30 Best Players Under 25 · Week 7: POTW and ROTW Announced! · 8 players/teams in for a huge 2017 · Top 10 Stories Right Now! · December: POTM and ROTM Announced! · Week 6: POTW and ROTW Announced! |
