The NBA may have more young talent at its disposal right now than ever before. Loads of elite ballers still yet to enter the prime of their career are already suiting up on a nightly basis for their respective NBA teams, and more future stars keep entering the league each year. This is a list of the Top 25 (plus honorable mentions) players under 25 Years Old.

26. Honorable Mentions:

D'Angelo Russell (LAL) - The second year point guard's season has seen him miss time to injury, though the potential for Russell to become a star is still there. He's averaging 15.5 points per game and 4.7 assists, while shooting 36% from three-point territory.

Ben Simmons (PHI) - It's not fair to place someone on this list who has never played in an NBA game, despite having the most potential since LeBron James.

Victor Oladipo (OKC) - Oladipo is often shadowed by Russell Westbrook since moving to Oklahoma City this past offseason, though he is still an effective scorer, good for 16.4 points off of a 45.3% field goal percentage.

Jordan Clarkson (LAL) - Clarkson is an extremely effective scorer off the Lakers bench. Despite only earning 10 starts on the season, Clarkson is averaging 14.7 points per game, good for second on the squad, in 28.8 minutes per game.

Aaron Gordon (ORL) - Orlando's freak of nature is making steady improvements each year in the league. He's averaging 11.9 points per game and has a variety of freakishly athletic dunks which can kickstart a run at any time. Should he rebound a bit better in the future (4.9 per game this season) he will certainly hold a spot in this list.

Jonas Valanciunas (TOR)- JV is a steady double-double guy for Toronto, averaging 11.8 points and 9.5 rebounds. He has recorded 48 double-doubles over the past two seasons up in Canada, and is hoping to become a more reliable option offensively as his career progresses.



25. Dario Saric (22)

Dario Saric is expected to win the Rookie of the Year this season, after teammate Joel Embiid was shut down with yet another leg injury. In his absence, Saric has emerged as excellent scorer for Philadelphia. The Croatian shot just 38.3% from the field prior to the All-Star break, however that number has risen since the break to a solid 45.0%, and he has started in all 17 of his appearances since the break as well.

His improvement has been extreme and has kept 76ers fans inspired despite the injuries to Embiid and Ben Simmons. Since the break Saric's numbers have crept up to an outstanding 19.2 points and 7.8 rebounds per game, compared to his pre-All-Star numbers of 10.8 points and 5.9 rebounds.

Saric has grossly outplayed the other rookies in his class, especially as of late, and with his continued production comes more minutes and opportunities to shine. Saric is likely to win the Rookie of the Year award over much more coveted prospects such as Jaylen Brown and Brandon Ingram, and if he can continue to excel as he has been, Philadelphia may have locked down a future star.

24. Clint Capela (22)

Clint Capela is no Dwight Howard, but that doesn't mean he's not a valuable young asset. At 22 years old, Capela is in his third NBA campaign, and proving that he is an elite defender in the process. He ranks in the Top-20 in the NBA in Defensive Field Goal Percentage (49.5%). He's also an effective shot blocker despite his size, recording 1.3 blocks per game in just 23.6 minutes.

Capela is excellent off the pick and roll, resulting in 1.16 points per possession according to NBA.com. The Swiss center also rebounds extremely productively despite his lack of minutes, recording 7.9 minutes in his 23 minutes of playing time per night. Capela's averages Per 36 minutes are outstanding, 18.9 points, 12.1 rebounds, and 2.6 blocked shots. Should Capela be able to maintain his play as his minutes rise in the future, he could be the next in line of elite Houston big men.

23. Tobias Harris (24)

This guy is still under 25? Believe it or not, it's true. This is Tobias Harris' 6th NBA season, and he's already played for three different teams. Yet, the Pistons' wingman doesn't turn 25 until July.

He hasn't quite matched the productivity he displayed in Orlando, however he is still Detroit's leading scorer, posting 16.2 points per game. He's shooting a career high 48.5% from the field, taking 13.0 shots per game, the third most in his six seasons. Harris can also wet the three-ball, knocking it down at a 33.7% clip, making 1.3 per game (good for second on Detroit).

Despite only logging 46 starts in his 73 games played thus far, Harris is efficient when he's on the court. He's an effective scorer and doesn't lack in the defensive department, NBA Math rates him as a neutral defender, with a 0.00 DPS score, and an above average offender, recording a 40.99 OPS score.

If Harris can get his rebounding numbers back up to around 7 a game, he will likely be less of a forgotten man in the league, though playing for a star-less Detroit team, where rebounds are swallowed up by Andre Drummond doesn't help Harris' case.

22. Jusuf Nurkic (22)

After being highly anticipated to be "the man" in Denver, Nurkic failed to lock down his spot, ultimately losing out to Nikola Jokic. A trade later, and the Bosnian big is reigniting his career in Portland.

Since the trade, Nurkic has seen a massive uptick in playing time, from 17.9 minutes to 28.8 minutes per game. With those increased minutes have come excellent statistical growth. Nurkic improved his scoring to 14.0 PPG and has seen a massive increase in his rebounding production, corralling 10.1 per contest for the Blazers. He's also dishing out a career best in assists (3.4) and offensive rebounds (3.1), while shooting at a 49.5% rate.

Not only has the 7-footer improved on the court, his attitude off of the court has drastically improved. Nurkic is no longer taking to Twitter to express his discontent, and has found a happy home with the die-hard Trail Blazers fans in Portland. At age 22, Nurkic has the potential to flourish in Portland for years to come, and the fans want nothing more than for Nurkic to become a centerpiece. It's nearly a perfect fit.

21. Nerlens Noel (22)

At long last, Philadelphia decided to part ways with one of its three centers, and Noel happened to be the one sent packing, joining the Dallas Mavericks at the trade deadline. In total this season, Noel is averaging 9.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.3 steals, and 1.0 block. Noel is shooting a career best 60.9% from the field, and turning the ball over significantly less.

Defense has always been a big part of Nerlens' game, as he almost averaged 2 steals and 2 blocks as a rookie (he finished the season with 1.8 steals and 1.9 blocks). No one has recorded that feat since Gerald Wallace in 2006, and only a handful have done it in the history of the league. Although Noel's 2016-17 steal and block numbers are down, so are his minutes, and when he develops into a 30+ minute player we should expect to see Noel challenging that record.

Now that Noel finally has a desirable playing situation we should expect some strides from the 22 year old. If Noel can improve his post scoring then he can live up to the potential he had coming out of Kentucky, as he is already an excellent rim protector.

20. Steven Adams (23)

While Russell Westbrook naturally receives majority of the spotlight out in Oklahoma City, he isn't the only one getting things done for the Thunder. Steven Adams has posted 11.7 points, 7.6 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game this year, all career highs. His field goal percentage is down, granted he's taking 8.4 shots per game this year compared to just 5.7 last season.

The departure of Kevin Durant and Serge Ibaka has allowed Adams to flourish, and he has become more involved offensively, scoring 1.13 points per possession this season, according to NBA.com. Steven Adams does little on the court to stand out as an excellent player, but the man has excellent fundamentals and makes the game easier on his teammates. He is excellent on the pick and roll and has developed a nice post game, which at age 23, he has plenty of years to develop.

On non-jump shots (so hooks, dunks, and layups) Steven Adams is converting 62.5% of his looks, and after struggling in February (making 48.2% of his looks) Adams is enjoying an efficient March in which he is shooting 66.7% from the field. While Oklahoma City appears on the outside to be the Russell Westbrook show, Steven Adams is doing a lot of work without receiving the credit he deserves.

19. Otto Porter Jr. (23)

While teammate Bradley Beal is enjoying his best season to date, Otto Porter is doing just the same, and it may have something to do with the Wizards backcourt. Beal and Wall combine to make one of the most dangerous backcourt duo's in the league, resulting in teams placing less focus on stopping Otto Porter. He can spread the floor nicely and can finish from virtually anywhere on the court, shooting above 44.1% from all distances on the floor, according to Basketball Reference.

Porter is averaging career highs in points, rebounds, and field goal percentages. The former No. 3 overall pick is averaging 14.0 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.5 steals, and is shooting at a 51.9% mark from the field and 44.2% clip from deep, good for second in the NBA behind only Kyle Korver. Prior to this season he had never shot over 47% from the field, and maxed out at 36.7% from deep.

Otto Porter has been extremely efficient on both sides of the floor this year, and NBA Math ranks him in 19th in the league in TPA (total points added), posting a 208.12 TPA. That mark puts him ahead of NBA superstars such as Anthony Davis, Damian Lillard, and Marc Gasol in terms of total effectiveness.

After struggling to breakout during his first three campaigns, Porter has truly turned it on this year, and has made vast improvements in various categories. The Wizards are +3.7 with Porter on the court, compared to his rookie year where they he posted a -3.3 +/-.

18. Zach LaVine (22)

Zach LaVine is known throughout the league for his emphatic dunks that won him two straight Slam Dunk Contests in 2015 and 2016. Prior to suffering a season ending, LaVine was posting career highs in points rebounds and minutes, averaging 18.9 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 37.2 minutes through his first 47 games.

LaVine is an offensive weapon, with the ability to put the ball in the basket in a variety of ways. He is a walking slam dunk highlight reel, but he can also use his athleticism to create open shots. LaVine shoots 38.7% from deep, knocking down 2.6 per game, and has an effective field goal percentage (eFG%) of 54.4%.

While LaVine doesn't receive the attention that is naturally drawn to fellow teammates and former No. 1 overall picks, Andrew Wiggins and Karl-Anthony Towns, he still receives sizable minutes and is an effective contributor on the offensive side of the ball.

17. Dennis Schroder (23)

The German has officially taken over as point guard of the Hawks, following Jeff Teague's offseason departure to the Pacers. Schroder has stepped up, averaging 17.9 points, 6.3 assists, and 3.0 rebounds per game. He's shooting a career high from the field (45%) despite taking 5.2 more shots per game than last season, an impressive improvement.

At just 23 years old, Atlanta may have found their point guard of the future in Schroder. He has recorded 10 double-double this season, and the Hawks are 7-3 when he hits that mark. He has also hit the 15 assist mark once this season, and has four 30+ point games. His 6.2 assists are good for 13th among point guards, though there are four players tied for the 9th spot with 6.3.

If Schroder can improve on his 33% three-point percentage, which isn't even bad, he could eventually turn in 20 points and 8 assists per night. With plenty of growing room left, and control of the reigns for the consistently playoff bound Hawks, Schroder has the potential to turn out a great NBA career.

16. Julius Randle (22)

Randle is just 22-years old and is showing flashes of his immense potential. Randle's rebounding numbers are down from his sophomore campaign though he has seen improvement in scoring, field goal percentage, and assist numbers.

Randle is averaging 13.1 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 3.8 assists. He possesses an elite ability to pass the ball for his size, resulting in three triple-doubles this season, and his 3.8 assists are good for 5th among power forwards.

His offensive game is still lacking, as Randle only converts 34.6% of his shots not taken at the rim, and hits just 22% of his three point attempts. Defensively, however, Randle is extremely skilled. His body size, 6-foot-9 and 250-lbs, speaks to his impressive strength, and he can body up bigger players. He also has a motor and plays with a ton of effort.

If Randle can polish out his game, he already totes the passing ability to become a serious triple-double threat. His work on the glass is proficient, though he needs to see an uptick in scoring, especially considering the young talent he plays alongside.

15. Harrison Barnes (24)

The North Carolina product spent much of his first four seasons as a role player for the budding Warriors team. He was often left in the shadow of players such as Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green.

Now, Barnes is displaying his full skill set in Dallas, and is the first-option on the offensive side of the ball. At age 24, Barnes is finally being given the chance to break out, averaging 19.7 points, and 5.2 rebounds while playing 35.7 minutes per game. Barnes is proving to be an effective scorer from all points on the floor.

Due to his limited role in Golden State, people doubted Barnes could match the potential that comes with being selected 7th overall in the draft. His performances in Dallas thus far have written off his doubters, as he provides consistent scoring for Dallas, he ranks 20th in the NBA in Field Goals Made, with 563 this season.

14. Jabari Parker (22)

How Jabari Parker bounces back from his latest knee injury will be determining of his future in the league. Prior to his latest injury, the Duke product was averaging career highs in scoring (20.1 points, 36.5% from three), rebounds (6.1), and assists (2.8). The ACL tear is on the same knee which kept Parker out for all but 25 games of his rookie season, which does spark some concern.

Despite his injuries, Parker has shown his worth as the No. 2 overall pick. He converts 49% of his looks from the field, and can be relied on to hit three pointers from the power forward position. If Parker can continue his upward trend in production when he returns from his ACL injury then the Bucks will have a solid core locked down for the future with Parker and Antetokounmpo.

At just 22-years old, Jabari Parker still has time to recover from his knee injury, however the fact that he's had two injuries to the same knee in just a three year playing career is unsettling.

13. Myles Turner (21)

Myles Turner was the 11th overall pick in 2015, and is already making teams scratch their heads as to how he fell out of the lottery. Turner is a shot blocking machine, averaging 2.1 blocks per game, good for third in the NBA. The University of Texas product is freshly 21 and has emerged as an elite defender. NBA Math's DPS score gives Turner a defensive rating of 105.32, ranking him as the 11th most effective defender in the league.

In 2016-17, Turner is averaging 14.7 points and 7.2 rebounds, alongside his 2.1 blocks per game. He makes 50.7% of his field goal attempts and even shoots at a 34% clip from three point territory. He has made improvements in every statistical category across the board since his rookie year, in 8.2 minutes more per game.

Turner takes more shot attempts from beyond 16-feet from the rim than he does up close. According to Basketball Reference, Turner has taken 238 two-point field goal attempts from over 16 feet out, of which he converts 45.4% of his looks. He has taken just 222 from at the rim, though he converts 71.2% of his attempts up close. If Turner can manage to get the ball to the rim more often than settling for mid ranged jumpers, he can become a much more effective offensive prowess.

12. Devin Booker (20)

Devin Booker is one of the more potent shooters across the entire league, and he's still just 20 years old. In his sophomore season, Booker is averaging 21.6 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 3.2 assists. He's knocking down 36.4% of his three point attempts, making 1.8 three's per game. His excellent offensive game has seen him earn 34.6 minutes per game for the young Suns team.

The Kentucky product's defense is a different story in comparison to his offensive skill set. According to NBA Math, Booker is the second worst defender in the league, next to Isaiah Thomas. His defensive struggles aren't masked by his offensive excellence, as the Suns are still -4.3 points per 100 possessions with Booker on the floor.

While his defense isn't there yet, the 20 year old recorded a 70 point game, making him the youngest player in NBA history to reach 60 points, better yet 70. It's rare that a player has the ability to put the ball in the basket enough to hit that mark in a single game, and he joins some elite company with Elgin Baylor, David Robinson, Wilt Chamberlain, David Thompson, and Kobe Bryant as the only players in the history of the league to record 70 or more points.

11. Andrew Wiggins (22)

Andrew Wiggins was one of the most sought after players coming out of high school in recent years. Now he's arrived in the pro's and is a scoring machine. Wiggins puts up a healthy 18 shots per game, converting that into 23.4 points. He shoots at a 45.1% clip from the field, and converts 35.2% of his three point attempts.

What holds Wiggins back is his work on the defensive side of the ball. NBA Math ranks Wiggins as the 3rd least effective defender in the league, behind only Devin Booker and Isaiah Thomas. At 6-foot-8 with a 7-foot-0 wingspan Wiggins has the potential to improve his defense, especially considering his impeccable athleticism.

The Kansas product is a premier offensive threat with the ability to throw down incredible dunks over opponents. Wiggins has also improved at creating space for himself to knock down open looks. At just 22-years old Wiggins has a long future ahead of him and he is receiving a healthy amount of playing time in Minnesota, averaging 37.2 minutes per game.

10. Bradley Beal (23)

Bradley Beal has finally turned it on this season and proving he was worth the third overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft. After never averaging more than 17.5 points in his first four NBA campaigns, Beal has exploded in 2016-17, averaging 23.1 points per game.

He's knocking down 48.1% of his looks and has knocked down 200 three's this season, good for 7th in the NBA. To put his improvement into perspective, in 2014-15 and 2015-16, Beal combined for just 211 three-point makes. He's set to beat that total with his deep ball production for just this season alone.

The Wizards are looking as dominant as ever thanks to the improved play of guard tandem John Wall and Beal himself. Health has been an issue in the past for Beal, he has never played more than 73 games in a season, though this season has been his healthiest.

On top of his shooting breakout, Beal is assisting at a higher rate than ever (3.5 APG), and converting at an 81.6% clip from the free-throw line, also a career high. If this play continues, Bradley Beal could find himself suiting up for an All-Star game in the near future.

9. Kristaps Porzingis (21)

Kristaps is one of the most unique players in the NBA, a 7-foot-3 big man who blocks shots and hits the deep ball at a 35% rate. The Latvian is just 21-years old and has one of the most widespread skill sets in the league, proving that with his victory in the 2017 All-Star Game Skills Contest.

Porzingis is averaging 18.0 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks in his sophomore season in the league. He ranks fifth in the NBA in blocks, and 2nd amongst power forwards. Porzingis ranks in the top-10 for made three's among power forwards, having converted 105 times from beyond the arch.

The 21-year old has shown incredible maturity in his handling of the never-ending media barrage that faces the New York Knicks. He is one of the lone bright spots for the organization, and the only player on the team that was acquired through the NBA Draft. Clearly, Porzingis is the future of basketball in the Big Apple, and we should expect him to transition into the Center position considering his size.

8. Andre Drummond (23)

Andre Drummond has emerged as one of the league's premier rebounders, aged just 23. The former Connecticut star has averaged over 13 rebounds per game in every year since his rookie campaign in 2012-13.

Drummond is currently averaging a stat line of 14.4 points, 14.0 rebounds, 1.1 blocks, and 1.6 steals per game. His 14.0 rebounds are good for second across the league, and he leads the league in offensive rebounds with 4.3 per game. While he excels in rebounding, a player of his stature (6-foot-11, 279 lbs) should be averaging more than 1.1 blocks per game, as he ranks 19th among NBA centers.

Free throw shooting has always been Drummond's weakest area, as he has never shot over a 41% mark from the charity strike. This year is no different as he posts an abysmal 39.6% from the free throw line. His field goal percentage is a solid 53.7% on the year, and he makes over 68% of his looks at the rim.

His game may not be the prettiest, but Drummond is undoubtedly a beast, and at age 23 he has time to develop his offensive game, as well as become an elite shot blocker.

7. Rudy Gobert (24)

If you've ever seen Rudy Gobert play, then you're surely aware that the man has freakishly long arms. At 7-foot-1, the frenchman's wingspan extends out to an outrageous 7-foot-8, which naturally leads to a plethora of blocked shots. Gobert leads the NBA in blocked shots, averaging 2.6 per game. His size and long arms make him a nightmare in the paint for offensive players as he anchors the Utah Jazz defense.

Not only does he protect the rim better than anyone in the league, he is consistent with his inside scoring, converting 66.1% of his field goals on way to 13.7 points per game. Only DeAndre Jordan (70.3%) ranks higher than Gobert in field goal percentage.

On a team with fan favorites in Gordon Hayward and even George Hill, no one is as indispensable as Rudy Gobert. With Gobert on the court, Utah is +8 in +/-, and Rudy is the motor that powers the leagues best defense. NBAMath's DPS Ranking's (defensive points saved) have Gobert ranked as the 3rd most valuable defensive player per 100 possessions across the NBA.

6. Joel Embiid (22)

76ers fans have been urged to "trust the process" for years now, and finally there is some evidence has emerged that their patience may be paying off. Joel Embiid has splashed on the NBA scene and become an instant fan favorite, while adopting the nickname "The Process". Despite missing his first two seasons with lingering knee issues, Embiid is proving this year he was worth the wait.

The Process only played in 31 games this season, and won't suit up again in the 2016-17 campaign. While that may seem discouraging, Joel was always on a short leash for minutes this year, and Philadelphia is smart to pull the plug early and avoid injury. Despite only playing 25.4 minutes per game, Embiid averaged 20.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game. He was extremely efficient on the court, knocking down 36.7% of his three pointers and posting a PER of 24.1, good for 14th in the NBA.

Embiid was far and away the best rookie of the 2016-17 season, though will not likely hoist the award due to his lack of game time. The only rookies in NBA history to average 20 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 blocks per game were Tim Duncan and David Robinson. On top of that, Embiid's PER rating was the highest among rookies by 5.9 points, a massive margin.



5. Nikola Jokic (21)

Nikola Jokic has broken out in the 2016-17 campaign, after being selected with the 41st overall pick in the 2014 draft. Jokic has proven to be a triple-double threat from the power forward position, recording 5 triple-doubles this season, the 4th most in the NBA.

At age 22, Jokic is one of the best young players in the entire NBA. This season he has compiled averages of 16.3 points, 9.6 rebounds, 4.7 assists while playing an average of just 27.2 minutes per game. His 4.7 assists are third best amongst power forwards in the NBA, displaying his distinct ability to find the open man.

The Joker ranks 7th in the NBA in PER with a 26.87 rating. He ranks higher than LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and many other elite players. Since Jokic has become a staple in the Nuggets starting five, Denver has had the best offense in the NBA. In January, Jokic scored 23.9 points per game, while collecting 11.8 rebounds and dishing out 4.8 assists.



4. Kyrie Irving (24)

At age 24, Kyrie Irving's credentials are already that of an excellent NBA career. In six years in the league, Kyrie has an NBA Finals Ring, won Rookie of the Year, and has four All-Star appearances one of which he was named the games MVP. Throughout his career he is averaging 21.5 points and 5.6 assists.

This season, Uncle Drew is second on the Cavaliers in scoring (25.5), behind only LeBron himself. He ranks 11th in the league in points per game, and his 5.8 assists per game this season have him ranked 21st. He's also converting shots at a 47.1% clip, the best of his career.

Not only is he an elite scorer, Kyrie Irving has been touted as the player with the best handles in the league. If you are matched up with Kyrie, there is a good chance that you'll see yourself hit the floor while he changes direction and explodes to the hoop. Uncle Drew can take you hard to the basket and finish in acrobatic fashion, or just as easily pull up on a dime and unload from downtown where he converts at a 39.3% clip.

It's difficult to find a more dangerous offensive player in the league than Kyrie Irving.

3. Karl-Anthony Towns (21)

Karl-Anthony Towns was the No. 1 overall pick in 2015 out of the University of Kentucky. Since joining the league he has become an instant double-double threat, recording 106 in 154 career games played. The only player with more double-doubles than Towns (54) this season is James Harden (58).

As a sophomore in the league, KAT is averaging 24.3 points and 12.3 rebounds, alongside 1.4 blocks per game. He ranks in the Top 20 amongst the league in all three of those categories. The only player to average 23 points and 11 rebounds at age 21 or younger was Shaquille O'Neal, so Towns is set to join some elite company.

What's keeping Towns back from being an all-around superstar is his defensive game. Towns ranks 66th of 68 centers in Defensive Real Plus Minus , only placing above Jahlil Okafor and Boris Diaw. It's clear that KAT is an offensive stud, he ranks far and away as the best center in terms of Real Offensive Plus Minus.

Karl-Anthony Towns should expect to be the leader of the Timberwolves for years to come, as Minnesota has the youngest roster in the NBA with the average age of 25.5 years old and no player older than 31.

2. Giannis Antentokounmpo (22)

Giannis Antetokounmpo has emerged as a true superstar this season, starting for the East in his first All-star appearance. Giannis' incredibly unique body may be his greatest weapon. The 22 year old stands in at 6-foot-11 with a 7-foot-3 wingspan to go with it. The Greek Freak has the largest recorded hands in NBA history, measuring in at 12 inches.

There may not be a more versatile player in the NBA than the Greek Freak, who is the only player in the entire league in the Top 25 of each major category. Among all players in the NBA, Giannis ranks 18th in points (23.1), 16th in rebounds (8.5) , 24th in assists (5.4), 9th in steals (1.7), and 6th in blocks (1.9). No player has averaged over 2 steals and 2 blocks in a game since Gerald Wallace, just to shine some light on how effective Giannis is defensively.

Not only is Giannis an all-around contributor, he has exceptional ball control and is utilized as a point forward for Milwaukee. His ability to aid his team in every facet of the game makes him one of the most valued players in the league, and when LeBron moves on, it could very well become Giannis' NBA.

1. Anthony Davis (24)