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November 11, 2008
Davis Sports Deli.com's
NBA Top 25 Under Age 25
Tenth Edition: Rookies Break Into the Top 25
By: Patrick Crawley, Aaron Fischman & Joshua Fischman
Last season Aaron, Joshua and I debuted our tribute to the NBA Youth Movement: the Top 25 NBA Players Under Age 25. Over eight editions --beginning in December 2007 and running through March 2008 -- we detailed the 25 most promising talents in the league. Through the ups and downs we evaluated talent, performance and promise, charting the outcome every two weeks.
Some players (like Monta Ellis) quickly climbed the rankings while others (like Luol Deng) fell substantially. Our list created controversy in some instances (example: when we debuted Yi Jianlian in the Third Edition) and forsight in others (we debuted LaMarcus Aldridge in the Top 15 in the First Edition). Through it all, we had fun watching the NBA's young stars and debating the results we published.
Now that a new season is about to begin, it's time for the first Top 25 Under 25 of 2008-09. The Ninth Edition: the Preseason Rankings.
This season we've decided to forgo the "potential" aspect of the rankings and focus on in-season success. In other words, this season's version of the Top 25 Under 25 will be based on one specific criteria: an attempt to predict which players (under 25) will have the best seasons in 2008.
So without further delay, here's the Tenth Edition of the Top 25 Under 25. Players who turned 25 in the offseason are listed in the "graduated" section. For reference, here's a link to our preseason version of the Top 25.
Rank |
Player |
Prev. Rank |
Age |
Movement |
Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. |
(1) |
23 |
-- |
After a tough first week, LeBron broke through with two 41-point performances against the Bulls. Meanwhile, speculation about the LeBron 2010 Sweepstakes has officially reached Tabloid Britney status. | |
2. |
(2) |
23 |
-- |
Paul's Hornets looked like a legitimate contender in a convincing win over the Cavs. Then they lost to the Hawks and 'Cats... Regardless, CP3 has continued to be amazing this season. | |
3. |
(3) |
23 |
-- |
It's obvious that playing with Team USA this summer lit a fire under Howard. He's become a premier defender and an improved offensive rebounder. | |
4. |
(5) |
24 |
+1 |
Bosh proved that he's one of the best finishers in the league with fourth quarter explosions against Golden State and Charlotte. Now he needs to figure out how to do the same thing against teams like Boston (who he struggled against this week). | |
5. |
(4) |
23 |
-1 |
After 3 weeks of questions, speculation and restless anticipation, D-Will made his return on Tuesday night against the Sixers. He may have shot poorly, but it's good to see him on the court again. | |
6. |
(5) |
24 |
-- |
After two seasons of weird offensive tension the Nuggets can finally become Melo's team again. Ultimately, he's the biggest beneficiary of the Iverson-Billups trade. | |
7. |
(7) |
24 |
-- |
Jefferson is an elite low-post scorer but, in order for his team to win, he needs to find a way to successfully encorporate new teammates Mike Miller and Kevin Love. | |
8. |
(9) |
24 |
+1 |
Roy was nothing short of amazing in leading the Blazers to victory over the Rockets last week. His competitiveness will keep Portland in the playoff hunt regardless of what happens with Greg Oden. | |
9. |
(8) |
23 |
-1 |
Unfortunately, J-Smoove will miss 2-4 weeks thanks to the NBA's newest epidemic: the high ankle sprain. We wish him a speedy recovery. | |
10. |
(11) |
23 |
+1 |
Aldridge is enjoying the kind of breakout start that many predicted he would. He is also enjoying a new-found chemistry with teammate Brandon Roy. The result is an improved and resolute Blazers team that should see playoff action. | |
11. |
(12) |
20 |
+1 |
Early in the new season, Durant is taking (and making) more shots than last year. His slow, but steady, progress as an NBA player continues to stoke the hopes of otherwise disappointed OKC fans. | |
12. |
(19) |
22 |
+7 |
At 17.3 points and 14.1 boards per game, Beans has established himself as the early favorite in the Most Improved Player race. | |
13. |
(14) |
22 |
+1 |
Despite early-season field goal struggles, Gay remains productive. He'll hit his shooting groove soon. When he does, it's best to hide the women and children and get out of his way. | |
14. |
(10) |
24 |
-4 |
The Sixers are totally out of sync. Brand's game isn't meshing with the team's offense and Iggy is playing completely out of rhythm (missing easy layups and struggling to find his place in the offense). Let's hope Mo Cheeks can fix this mess soon. | |
15. |
(13) |
22 |
-2 |
Nothing new to report. Other than the continued turmoil in the Warriors' front office. You know how parents argue and kids wonder if it's their fault? I wonder if that's how Monta feels. | |
16. |
(NR) |
20 |
Debut |
Exceeding expectations so far in Chicago. Rose has more than enough talent to one day challenge Chris Paul for Best Point Guard status. | |
17. |
(15) |
21 |
-2 |
Bynum has become just what the Lakers need him to be: a ferocious defender in the middle. Unfortunately for his offensive development, shots are at a premium in Los Angeles and he's not getting very many opportunities. | |
18. |
(NR) |
21 |
Debut |
The conversion to the NBA game has not been difficult for Mayo so far. He's shooting well from the field (45.5%) and from three-point (43.9%). Mayo's biggest acheivement though? He's made Memphis a more entertaining team to watch. | |
19. |
(24) |
20 |
+5 |
On a team with Elton Brand and Andre Iguodala, it's interesting that Young is often the best offensive threat the Sixers have. His left-handed game is quirky and unrefined. But he makes it work. | |
20. |
(26) |
19 |
+6 |
Beasley is on track for a very Durant-like rookie season, except that he's a slightly better rebounder and gets to the line fewer times. He's a talented work-in-progress. | |
21. |
(NR) |
22 |
Debut |
Sessions has been an out-of-nowhere home run for the Bucks this season. He lacks the defensive presence of bigger PGs like Rose, D-Will and Rondo. But he's been quite an offensive threat (17.2 points and 6.2 assists per game). | |
22. |
(17) |
24 |
-5 |
Seems as though he is still adjusting to the new system set in place by Scott Skiles. But Bogut has too many skills to stay in a funk for too long. Look for a big breakout from The Big Aussie a month or two down the line. | |
23. |
(20) |
24 |
-3 |
So far Thornton has been 'Maggette Lite' for the Clippers. His lack of development is disappointing but not altogether unexpected. After all, he did enter the league as a 24 year-old rookie. | |
24. |
(NR) |
20 |
Debut |
Filled in more than capably for Brad Miller during the first 5 games of the season and has continued his strong play off the bench for Sacramento. Hawes is a versatile 7-footer with terrific range and double-double potential. Kudos to Geoff Petrie. | |
25. |
(16) |
22 |
-9 |
After two weeks of defensively-brilliant, offensively-boring performances, Horford turned in a 27-point, 17-rebound masterpiece against the Bulls. He won't be this low for long. |
On the Cusp: Nick Young (Washington), Luol Deng (Chicago), Nate Robinson (New York), Kelenna Azubuike (Golden State), Rajon Rondo(Boston)
Graduated:
None