25 best NBA players under 25

One of the Lakers' key building blocks, Randle averaged 13.2 points and 8.6 rebounds per game in the third season of his career. His scoring could climb this year if Lonzo Ball can effectively distribute the rock in his rookie season.

Entering his fourth season, Noel's stats have stagnated due to injuries and less playing time. Still, he's been a quality contributor, averaging 8.7 points and 5.8 rebounds in only 20.5 minutes per game last season.

The reigning NBA Rookie of the Year, Brogdon was a pleasant surprise after being taken in the second round by the Bucks. Playing mostly off the bench, he averaged 10.2 points and 4.2 assists per game.

Emerging as one of Denver's go-to scorers, Harris averaged 14.9 points per game and shot nearly 56 percent from the field last season. The former Michigan State Spartan is developing into an excellent shooter.

After missing nearly all of 2015-16, Kidd-Gilchrist returned to have a nice year for the Hornets. He averaged 9.2 points and seven rebounds while starting 81 games. Kidd-Gilchrist also shot 48 percent from the field.

An underrated player in the paint, Adams became a major contributor in his fourth season last year. The center averaged 11.3 points and 7.7 rebounds per game.

The Magic organization doesn't have much reason to be optimistic in the short term, but Payton gives Orlando some long-term upside. The point guard averaged 12.8 points and 6.5 assists in his third season with the team.

Smart has been a key role player for a deep Celtics team. While he only started 24 games last season, Smart averaged 10.6 points and 4.6 assists per game while playing more than 30 minutes per game.

Russell didn't make friends with the Lakers off the court, so perhaps a change of scenery is the best thing for him. The point guard still had an impressive 15.6 points and 4.8 assists per game in his sophomore season with the Lakers and will look to build on that performance in Brooklyn.

Playing on a team that's becoming crowded with talent, Parker averaged 20.1 points and 6.2 rebounds in his third season last year. However, Parker has really struggled to stay healthy, playing just 25 games as a rookie and 51 last year after playing 76 games in his sophomore season.

Turner had a strong sophomore season for Indiana, averaging 14.5 points, 7.3 rebounds and 2.1 blocks while manning center. He has exciting projection just entering his age 21 season.

Hield quickly became one of the faces of the Kings franchise after getting traded for DeMarcus Cousins last season. Over 25 games following the trade, the former Oklahoma star averaged 15.1 points.

The first overall pick in the 2016 draft, Simmons has yet to take the floor during a regular-season game due to injury. However, the forward is a front-runner for Rookie of the Year with elite ability in the paint as a scorer and rebounder, along with his point guard-type passing ability.

Drummond has established himself as one of the elite rebounders in the game during his career, averaging more than 13 boards per game in four straight seasons. He also had 13.6 points per game last year and shot 53 percent.

Schroder could come front and center for a Hawks team that had some offseason turnover. He averaged 17.9 points and 6.3 assists as the team's starting point guard last season.

The third overall pick in the 2013 draft, Porter has improved quickly over the last two seasons. He averaged 13.4 points and 6.4 rebounds last season, shooting nearly 52 percent from the field.

Beal managed to stay healthy and have a career year for Washington at age 23, averaging 23.1 points and 3.5 assists while teaming up with John Wall. He was quite efficient from the field, shooting better than 48 percent.

Jokic has given Denver a presence in the paint during his two seasons. Entering his age 23 season, the former second-round pick averaged 16.7 points and 9.8 rebounds last year.

Wiggins has ascended in only three seasons for the Timberwolves, peaking at 23.6 points per game last season. He's shot 45 percent from the field for his career.

Embiid shined in his "rookie" season, albeit only lasting 31 games due to injuries. The injuries have been a common theme for the 2014 third overall draft choice, but he can lead the 76ers to the playoffs soon if he can stay healthy. During Embiid's brief time last year, he averaged 20.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game.

Now the face of the Knicks franchise after the team traded Carmelo Anthony, Porzingis averaged 18.1 points, 7.2 rebounds and two blocks during his sophomore season. Fans expect him to step up this year as the centerpiece of a roster without much help.

A star in the making, Booker had a breakout season for a mediocre Suns team last year. He averaged 22.1 points and shot 42 percent from the field at age 20.

An elite player when on the floor, Davis's biggest issue during his career has been staying healthy. He played a career-high 75 games last season, averaging 28 points, 11.8 rebounds and 2.2 blocks per game.

The Greek Freak became a star last season, averaging 22.9 points, 8.8 rebounds, 5.4 assists and 1.9 blocks per game. Standing at 6-11, Antetokounmpo still has the mobility to be a mismatch as a "small" forward.

Towns had a spectacular sophomore season, leading all current under-25 players in win shares. He averaged 25.1 points, 12.3 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per games, and is the leader of a Minnesota team that has high expectations this season after adding Jimmy Butler.