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December 2, 2008
Davis Sports Deli.com's
NBA Top 25 Under Age 25
Eleventh Edition: Roy's Time To Shine
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 we're well into the 2008-09 season, it's time for the eleventh version of the Top 25 Under 25 of 2008-09.
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 Eleventh Edition of the Top 25 Under 25. Players who have recently turned 25 are listed in the "graduated" section. For reference, here's a link to the previous version of the Top 25.
Rank |
Player |
Prev. Rank |
Age |
Movement |
Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. |
(1) |
23 |
-- |
It seems a low blow to mention New York's courtship of LeBron here. For the sake of the good people of Cleveland let's focus instead on the Cavs' 14-3 start. It's the best start in franchise history, making LeBron the early front-runner for MVP. | |
2. |
(2) |
23 |
-- |
The Hornets have slipped considerably in recent weeks. At 9-6 there are serious questions about their chemistry on the court. Paul, however, continues to average a double-double and leads the NBA in both assists and steals. | |
3. |
(3) |
23 |
-- |
D-Howard leads the league in blocks at 71 (nearly 30 more than the next best guy). He also leads the league in rebounds at 252, one of only two players to grab more than 200 boards so far. His defensive growth has been amazing this season. | |
4. |
(4) |
24 |
-- |
Sorry to march on with the stat parade but Bosh is Top 5 in the NBA in scoring (26.8) and rebounding (10.2). As we learned recently, however, Bosh isn't as good with elevators as he is with double-doubles. | |
5. |
(5) |
23 |
-- |
Even when Williams has a bad game (as he did against the Kings on 12/2) he still gets 14 and 7...and leads the team to victory down the stretch. The Jazz may have injury woes early on. But anytime D-Will is on the court, it's a chance for a win. | |
6. |
(8) |
24 |
+2 |
Roy is a dynamo in close games. So much so that we decided to induct him into the Fraternity of Clutch in late November. Enjoying a career year thus far, Roy is averaging a 20.9-5.3-4.2 and has led the Blazers to a 12-6 start. | |
7. |
(7) |
24 |
-- |
At 80.3% Jefferson is a very good free throw shooter. Unfortunately, he only gets there 4.4 times per game. Already an elite scorer, Al Jeff can become even more effective if he creates contact around the basket a little more often. | |
8. |
(6) |
24 |
-2 |
Thanks to an early season injury bug, Melo has seen his scoring average dip below 20 points per game. On the bright side Anthony is putting up the best rebounding numbers of his career and the Nuggets are winning with Billups at the helm. | |
9. |
(9) |
23 |
-- |
The Hawks obviously miss J-Smoove's presence on the court. Since his injury they've been hovering around .500. Fortunately for Atlanta, Smith returns on Wednesday against the Grizzlies...and he promises not to rush things. | |
10. |
(11) |
20 |
+1 |
Since Brooks took over as coach, Durant has averaged 24.8 points per game and is shooting 48.2% from the field. His excitement resembles that of a man recently freed from prison. | |
11. |
(18) |
21 |
+7 |
Mayo is having an amazing season so far. He's leading all rookies in scoring (21.9), minutes (39.4) and comparisons to Dwyane Wade (too many to count). | |
12. |
(17) |
21 |
+5 |
Bynum has become a monster presence down low for the Lakers. The paint is no longer a safe place for opposing guards, especially Devin Harris. | |
13. |
(16) |
20 |
+3 |
Why is Mayo ranked above Rose? We know you're asking. So here's the answer: consistency. Poor games against the Spurs and Blazers limit Rose's placement. | |
14. |
(10) |
23 |
-4 |
LA had a tough November (stats-wise) but seems to have broken out of his funk. Regardless of stats, he's nails with the mid-range jumper and grabs a lot of offensive boards; both are keys to the Blazers' strong play so far. | |
15. |
(12) |
22 |
-3 |
For a while I was voting for Biedrins as the starting All-Star center for the West. But strong play from Bynum recently changed my mind. Sorry, Beans. You're still having a great season. | |
16. |
(13) |
22 |
-3 |
Tough season so far for Rudy. He's fouling more often, turning the ball over more often and missing shots more often. That's the "more often" trifecta! No good, Rudy. | |
17. |
(15) |
23 |
-2 |
No one is certain when Monta will be back from his ankle injury. Warriors coach Don Nelson is cautiously pessimistic though... | |
18. |
(14) |
24 |
-4 |
I keep watching Sixers games, hoping to catch the Return of the Real Andre Iguodala. Let's just say I'm constantly disappointed on that front... | |
19. |
(22) |
24 |
+3 |
Hopefully Bogut returns soon from his knee injury. Before he went down on November 24, he was absolutely dominating the paint for the Bucks. | |
20. |
(30) |
22 |
+10 |
After struggling early, Rondo has returned to playoff form lately. Nothing illustrates that better than his 16-point, 12-assist masterpiece against the Magic yesterday. | |
21. |
(25) |
22 |
+4 |
Big Al must like being on this list. It seems every time we're ready to release a new edition he has a huge individual game. This time? 19-13-6 against the Wizards. | |
22. |
(21) |
24 |
+1 |
This one comes courtesy of the Fischman Bros. We have huge man-crushes on you, Al. You're so great. Go score 35 for our Clippers! C-L-I-PP-E-R-S! (Ok, there's a bit of embellishment there. But you get the idea.) | |
23. |
(NR) |
23 |
Debut |
Ever notice how, when there's a loose ball on the floor and Paul Millsap is on the court, Paul Millsap always ends up with the ball? That's strength, people. And Millsap has a lot of it. | |
24. |
(21) |
22 |
-3 |
After a red-hot start Sessions came back to Earth a bit in November. Recently, he's been reverting back to old tricks, though, filling up box scores and leaving a trail of defenders in his wake. | |
25. |
(24) |
20 |
-1 |
Hawes is impressive. When he teams with Brad Miller to form the Ivory Towers (shout out to Jerry Reynolds) the Kings' offense is a flurry of interior passes, long-armed dunks and 18-foot jumpers. Their length makes them difficult to defend. |
On the Cusp: Thaddeus Young (Philly), Ronnie Brewer (Utah), Marvin Williams (Atlanta), Wilson Chandler (New York), Brook Lopez (New Jersey)
Graduated:
None