Obviously young players are the core of the future on any sport. The teams that draft or trade for them are building hopes for their teams success based off a young kid bringing some new talent to the team that may be short in some way. And it draws excitement from young generations; they can connect to the younger player.

Every sport goes through transitional periods. The “passing of the torch”, mind you (overrated usage of cliché term). But it really is in fact, the truth. The legends, all started off with their 1st rebounds, points, game winners, and some privileged enough, their first championships.

I have compiled a list of my 10 best players in the league 25 and under years old. Kids who should have a dependable 10 more years of game play in them.

Kevin Durant (SF, Oklahoma City Thunder, 22 yrs old) 29ppg, 7rpg, 3apg. Only 3rd year in the league, and already a scoring champion, and leading the NBA in this season as well. The Thunder are a team on the rise, he may end his career being one of the best scorers in the game. With the Lakers and Celtics aging, I could imagine the Thunder winning a title over the next several years.

Derrick Rose (PG, Chicago Bulls, 22 yrs old) 25ppg, 4rpg 8apg. Talented kid with leadership characteristics, Chicago is relevant again in the NBA because of Derrick Rose. The Bulls are a team to watch for, for many years to come.

Dwight Howard (C, Orlando Magic, 25 yrs old) 23ppg, 14rpg, 2bpg. The big man has finally gotten himself some offensive game, to match his tremendous defensive game. I have questioned him for years, now I’m seeing some back to the basket moves, even a little 10 foot bankshot. He may never be a 28 point scorer like the legendary centers, but 6 straight years of rebounding excellence is nothing to sneeze at. The Magic will always contend with him at the anchor.

Chris Paul (PG, New Orleans Hornets, 25 yrs old) 16 ppg, 4rpg, 10apg. A 44% three point shooter this season, and career 36%, Paul can score when he wants, and makes everyone around him better. His team has been declining over the years; I don’t see a championship for him there. His profession will likely take him elsewhere for his 2nd half of his career.

Kevin Love (PF, Minnesota Timberwolves, 22 yrs old) 21 ppg, 16rpg, 2apg. The big kid from UCLA has picked his game up vastly; from his rookie season. He has great footwork and has brought a legit deep ball threat game that changes everything when teams guard him. The Wolves lack much talent, he isn’t a playmaker, and will need some guard help there, or leave elsewhere for a serious title chance.

Blake Griffin (PF, Los Angeles Clippers, 21 yrs old) 23 ppg, 13rpg, 4apg. Everyone’s favorite Blake is exciting, fun and has huge potential. Scoring the ball is easy for him, he’s athletic and strong. Once he gets himself a softer tough from about 12-15 feet out, he might be astonishing. The Clips have some hope, I think. He’s a great start to build around, few more pieces, who knows?

Stephen Curry (PG, Golden St Warriors, 22 yrs old) 18 ppg, 3rpg 6apg. A pure shooter, and should only improve. In one of the best backcourt combos in the NBA, the Warriors may have a team to watch for over the next few years. I think once David Lee gets himself established into a scorers role more, they may have a playoff team with consistency for the first time since the Mullin/Hardaway/Richmond years.

Russell Westbrook (PG, Oklahoma City Thunder, 22 yrs old ) 22 ppg, 5rpg, 9apg. Nice player, needs to work on his shooting skills, once he gets those picked up he is capable of being a 26 pts/12 ast guy, which is unheard of.

John Wall (PG, Washington Wizards, 20 yrs old ) 15 ppg, 4rpg, 9apg. The youngest of the bunch. Has some things to work on, shooting mainly. His speed is sickening, and he makes the Wizards fun to watch. The team needs much more help, but Wall is a good corner stone.

Rajon Rondo (PG, Boston Celtics, 24 yrs old) 11 ppg, 4rpg, 12apg. The big question mark player on my board. He is a spot on, reliable point guard. His job is distributing the rock so others can score. But he is playing with future HoFer’s as well. When they retire, what happens to Rondo? Will he bail and go elsewhere?
 

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