NBA's Best Under Age 25

When Michael Jordan for the second (should have been last time) in 1998, the NBA went through a transition period.  At some point, Kobe Bryant, Lebron, D Wade, Chris Paul, and other top players will retire.  What will the landscape of the NBA look like when these players are gone?  Who will pick up the slack and carry the NBA on their backs?  Fortunately for the fans of the game, there are many worthy candidates who are all 25 years old or younger.  

Kevin Durant

The obvious and easy choice is Mr. Durant.  At the age of 24, he is already a three time NBA scoring champion.  This year alone he is on the cusp of being the first player in NBA history to lead the league is scoring while shooting at least fifty percent from the field, at least ninety percent from the free throw line and at least forty percent from the three point line.  He is easily the best player on this list and I think he will eventually be remembered as a top ten all time talent.   

Derrick Rose

Derrick Rose is another very talented player under the age of 25.  He won the league MVP award in 2011.  He has really improved his shooting ability and he is (or at least was before the injury) the most athletic point guard in the league.  I hope he is able to return to his MVP form when he returns from his 2012 knee injury.  The Chicago Bulls' hopes for winning a championship rest squarely on his shoulders.  I think Chi-town's best is prepared for the challenge.

James Harden

James Harden played his position as talented sixth man for the OKC Thunder for a number of years.  But, when he saw an opportunity to become the franchise player for the Houston Rockets, he took full advantage.  He is the fourth leading scorer in the league.  He is a better player than Russell Westbrook and more under control.  I think the Thunder made a mistake by keeping Westbrook and trading Harden.  Either way, Harden will wreak havoc on the rest of the league for the foreseeable future.

Kyrie Irving

Kyrie is an incredible talent and a player that many people thought was overrated when he was selected as the 2011 number one overall draft pick for the Cleveland Cavaliers.  After all, he only played 11 games for Duke University.  That should have been a sign that this kid was special though.  He combines the handle of a player like Chris Paul (ask Brandon Knight), with the athleticism of Derrick Rose and the shooting touch of Steve Nash.  This guy has a chance to be one of the best point guards in the history of the game.  CP3 is still the best point guard in the league, but Kyrie will be challenging his position within the next 3 or 4 years.  


Peace