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February 15, 2008
Davis Sports Deli.com's
NBA Top 25 Under Age 25
Sixth Edition: Rajon Rondo Breaks Out
By: Patrick Crawley, Aaron Fischman & Joshua Fischman
In watching the NBA this season, Aaron, Joshua and I couldn't help but get excited by all the young talent in the league. From the size and athleticism of LeBron James to the inside dominance of Dwight Howard to the innovative ball movement and court vision of Chris Paul, the young players of the league are factoring prominently in the success of their respective teams. For evidence, just look at the recent improvement of Dwight's Magic or Chris' Hornets and the poor performance of the Cavs without LeBron.
Seeing as the players under 25 are some of the most exciting to watch, our crack team of analysts wanted a forum to measure the success of these players against one another. As such, we decided to create the Davis Sports Deli's Top 25 Under 25 list (the best 25 players in the NBA under age 25).
The Top 25 Under 25 list is a compilation of the efforts of Aaron, Joshua and myself. After a great deal of research and analysis, each of us develops a list of the Top 30 players in the league under age 25. In determining our individual lists, each of us uses a subjective rating system based on current statistics, future potential and the ability of a given player to reach that potential. For instance, a player like Gerald Green would score high on the potential scale but, with poor numbers the past few seasons, he doesn't do well in terms of the other two criteria. As such, you won't see Gerald Green on our list anytime soon.
After each of us has built his individual list, we compile the data and average the rankings for each player listed. If two players are tied with the same average ranking (say Player A and Player B), we take whichever player is ranked higher on the majority of the individual lists. So, let's say Player A is ranked 12th on my list, 11th on Aaron's and 11th on Joshua's (whereas Player B is 13th, 9th and 12th respectively). Both have the same average ranking, but Player A is higher on more lists, and therefore gets the nod over Player B.
With the average rankings determined, our team pares down the list to the Top 25 and lists them here on the site along with age, previous ranking and a few comments about his skill and potential. We update the Top 25 list on the Friday of every other week (so...every two weeks). We take recent play and injuries into account as well an increase or decrease in numbers. Player movement is documented in the "Movement" section along with + or - indicators. Once a player has his 25th birthday, he will graduate from our list. Graduates and runners-up will be posted directly after the Top 25 list.
Without further ado, here it is: the Sixth Edition of the world famous Davis Sports Deli Top 25 Under 25 list. We hope you enjoy it.
If you'd like a reference for comparison, feel free to take a look back at our Top 25 Fifth Edition.
Rank |
Player |
Prev. Rank |
Age |
Movement |
Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. |
(1) |
23 |
-- |
King James has maintained a high level of play despite his team crumbling around him. If the Cavs don't get LeBron some help soon, he might just lose his composure. | |
2. |
(2) |
22 |
-- |
Paul has been one of the few players on this list to increasingly improve his game from one month to the next. He's having a superstar year. | |
3. |
(3) |
22 |
-- |
It seems that the seas have calmed in the wake of the Howard-Van Gundy storm. But the real issue hasn't been addressed yet. The Magic need backcourt help. | |
4. |
(6) |
23 |
+2 |
After dropping 49 points on the Wizards (Feb. 8), Melo went on a killing spree, posting huge numbers against LeBron, D-Wade and D-Howard. | |
5. |
(4) |
23 |
-1 |
Bosh has to be the best left-handed player in the league right now, right? Who else is close? Odom? Ginobili? Tayshaun? | |
6. |
(7) |
23 |
+1 |
D-Will has had a blistering February, averaging 19.3 points and 10.7 assists in the Month of Love & Presidents. He also tore down CP3 with 29 pts & 11 ast on Feb. 4. | |
7. |
(5) |
23 |
-2 |
Al Jeff is a nice player, but he doesn't spark his team down the stretch and he doesn't seem like he has much room for improvement. Fact: he's doomed on the 'Wolves. | |
8. |
(8) |
23 |
-- |
Roy is the kind of player every GM would happily welcome to his team. He is composed, intelligent and talented enough to lead the Blazers to a future title. | |
9. |
(9) |
22 |
-- |
Smith recorded 9 blocks in a game against Philly on Feb. 4. Which gives ATL fans yet another reason to cry when he leaves for free agency in a few months... | |
10. |
(14) |
22 |
+4 |
Ellis is undeniably one of the hardest players to guard in the NBA. His ability to accelerate past defenders and finish around the basket is invaluable to G.S. | |
11. |
(10) |
21 |
-1 |
Gay is an excellent shooter and a ferocious finisher. No one doubts his offense, but his periphery game (ball-handling, passing) could use quite a bit of work. | |
12. |
(11) |
24 |
-1 |
Like Gay, Iguodala is a victim of circumstance here. Monta Ellis made The Leap this month and left the other two in the dust. | |
13. |
(12) |
20 |
-1 |
Gasol's arrival in L.A. has taken much of the focus away from Bynum's knee. Expect the scrutiny to return, however, when Shaq and the Suns roll into town. | |
14. |
(13) |
19 |
-1 |
Once again the Rookies were unable to defeat the Sophs during All-Star Weekend. At least Durant got to see fellow Texas star Boobie Gibson put on a show from 3-point. | |
15. |
(18) |
24 |
+3 |
Surprised to see Granger this high? We are too. But after multiple stinkers from LaMarcus and Marv (and lingering Deng injuries), there's really no other choice. | |
16. |
(15) |
22 |
-1 |
Has been in near-constant stastical decline since December. But he's an above-average player who will be a good complement for Greg Oden next season. | |
17. |
(16) |
22 |
-1 |
Dear Luol, we feel like we can't trust you anymore. You're always injured when we need you. It's like you don't care about us at all. Sincerely, The Chicago Bulls. | |
18. |
(17) |
21 |
-1 |
I have nothing nice to say about Marv. He has played poorly lately. So instead here's a list of my fav. Marvs: Marv Albert, Marvin the Martian and Marv from Home Alone. | |
19. |
(20) |
24 |
+1 |
In between injuries, Gordo likes to squeeze in 30 point games. It's just something he does on the side. Like woodworking or jet-skiing for the rest of us. | |
20. |
(22) |
24 |
+2 |
Harris has to be quite happy. Thanks to Devean George, he dodged a real bullet. Going to New Jersey is like going to the Seventh Circle of Basketball Hell. | |
21. |
(25) |
21 |
+4 |
Will Horford's offensive numbers increase now that he has a true PG (Bibby) to feed him the rock inside? Maybe. But don't bet on it. Bibby would rather shoot the 3-ball. | |
22. |
(19) |
23 |
-3 |
Who do you think is the first Milwaukee Bucks player to initiate the "Aussie, Aussie, Aussie" chants at post-game parties? My money's on Mo Williams. He seems fun. | |
23. |
(26) |
23 |
+3 |
Felton has a long way to go before he becomes an elite PG. He currently averages 2.66 turnovers per game and shoots a paltry 41.6% from the field. | |
24. |
(30) |
21 |
+6 |
Rondo has an amazing nose for rebounds. He's like a blood hound out there. The Celtics have to be very impressed with his improvement this season. | |
25. |
(24) |
21 |
-1 |
Biedrins struggles in a number of departments (including free throws, passing & ball-handling). But he also has a knack for amazing put-back dunks and timely off. boards. |
On the Cusp: Travis Outlaw (Portland), Al Thornton (L.A. Clippers), Linas Kleiza (Denver), Josh Childress (Atlanta) and Ronnie Brewer (Utah).
Graduated: None