Who are the NBA’s Best 23 and Under?
ESPN recently ran a public poll to rank who among the league’s players 23 years of age and under would you like to build a franchise around. The graphic below shows how this blogger’s votes compared with the general opinion.
Of course, LeBron James is crowned King of the Young Turks by the fans. The writers’ roundup result proclaims likewise. Clearly the most talented in the bunch and he’s very much a league fixture already. If scientists would genetically engineer a basketball player, they would need samples of LeBron’s DNA.
Following James, in my view would be Chris Paul. When Steve Nash retires, CP3 will most probably be my favorite player. This kid is playing out of orbit. He’s currently averaging 21.5 points, 2.7 steals and around 200 assists per game. The Hornets’ floor general has eyes at the back of his head and the soles of his shoes.
Third on the list is one of the NBA’s best young centers. Dwight Howard is a monster in the paint, racking up 21.2 points and 14.5 rebounds this season for the improved Orlando Magic. Rounding out my top 5 are Brandon Roy and Carmelo Anthony. Both are very versatile players and can definitely carry a team but I think Roy’s game is a tiny bit more complete than Melo’s.