The 25 Best NBA Players Under 25

Los Angeles Clippers power forward Blake Griffin has been enjoying his best season to date this year. Averaging 24.4 PPG to go along with nearly 10 RPG, Griffin has made the Clips even more serious contenders for the NBA title by increasing his range of post moves, and continuing to display the tenacity and athleticism that have made him such a dynamic player. Now in his fourth season in the league, it appears that Griffin is finally ready to emerge as the polished All-Star presence that everyone has been expecting him to be.

However, Griffin isn't being brought up here simply because of his talented play this season. Tomorrow is Blake Griffin's birthday, and the forward is turning 25. Amazing, right? Griffin's game is well beyond its years, even if he is starting to become something of a veteran in the league.

Of course, now that Griffin is about to be 25, one has to wonder who will take his place as the new best player under the age of 25. There's no shortage of candidates, as James Harden, Damian Lillard and Paul George have all proved themselves as worthy options for the title. But now, here's a chance for you to compare all their accomplishments and statistics side-by-side, and decide for yourself who you think the true no. 1 is. These are The 25 Best NBA Players Under 25.

RELATED: The 20 Greatest Players to Never Play in the NBA

25. Trey Burke

Age: 21
Team: Utah Jazz
Draft year: 2013
Position: PG
Career stats: 12.6 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 5.4 APG

Though the 2013 National College Player of the Year has missed a few games this season due to injury, since returning in November, he's shown how well his game translates to the NBA, notching 5.4 APG in 53 games of action. He was also the first rookie to eclipse the 30 point mark in a single game when he went off against the Orlando Magic on December 18. Winning the Western Conference Rookie of the Month Award in January, Burke has done nothing to disappoint Utah fans looking for their first solid point guard since Deron Williams. Early reports are showing that they can finally put Williams in their rear view mirror.

24. Jonas Valanciunas

Age: 21
Team: Toronto Raptors
Draft year: 2011
Position: C
Career stats: 9.6 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 1.1 BPG

A star in Europe, Raptors center Jonas Valanciunas is now working to make the leap across the pond and bring his game to the highest stage of competition in basketball. So far, the results have been promising. Valanciunas is averaging double digits in scoring in his second year in the NBA, and nearly has the rebounds to match. With Kyle Lowry running the point, Valanciunas has likely benefited from a strong hand at the guard position, but the big Lithuanian has also shown a wide range of post moves, and a willingness to challenge other players down low. If he isn't a future All-Star, Valanciunas is an upgrade over his predecessor, Andrea Bargnani, at the very least.

23. Victor Oladipo

Age: 21
Team: Orlando Magic
Draft year: 2013
Position: PG
Career stats: 13.9 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 4.0 APG

Victor Oladipo is the type of player who you love to watch. He brings a tenacity on defense that often translates to steals and scores on the other end of the court, and effort like that should always be appreciated by fans. Oladipo enjoyed just one star season during his college career at Indiana, but he's done his best to show everyone that he's more than a one-hit wonder. Having already notched a triple-double in his career, Oladipo shows an versatility at the point guard position which few can match.

22. Bradley Beal

Age: 20
Team: Washington Wizards
Draft year: 2012
Position: SG
Career stats: 15.5 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 2.9 APG

Despite the fact that he's only in his second season in the NBA, Wizards shooting guard Bradley Beal has already proved himself to be an invaluable asset for Washington, providing a dangerous one-two punch between his scoring ability and John Wall's dynamic playmaking. Whispers of Beal's talent began to accumulate during his injury-plagued rookie season, and in his sophomore campaign, he has only justified that hype scoring 3.1 PPG more than his rookie year. Next to Wall, Beal has been one of the key players in Washington's turnaround this season, helping the Wizards become a playoff-worthy team once again.

21. Giannis Antetokounmpo

Age: 19
Team: Milwaukee Bucks
Draft year: 2013
Position: SF
Career stats: 7.0 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 2.0 APG

Known as the "Greek Freak," Giannis Antetokounmpo has been a rare bright spot for a beleaguered Milwaukee Bucks squad this season. Only a rookie, Giannis is the youngest player in the league, but lacks nothing in athleticism and raw ability. Once Antetokounmpo is able to cultivate and focus his talents, the lengthy Bucks forward is going to be a nightmare on the court. At 6'10", Antetokounmpo will create some of the worst mismatches in the league.

20. Lance Stephenson

Age: 23
Team: Indiana Pacers
Draft year: 2010
Position: SG
Career stats: 8.8 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 3.1 APG

You either love Lance Stephenson or you hate him. You love him for the incredible talent he has, and his occasionally jaw-dropping moves. But you hate him when he calls out LeBron. You hate when he just can't stop making himself the center of attention. However, Stephenson is still young and, in fairness, having to stand in the shadow of Roy Hibbert and Paul George (along with getting snubbed for the All-Star team this year) has to be frustrating. Stephenson has recorded three triple-doubles this season, the first three of his career. Clearly, he's an up-and-comer. With free agency on the way this offseason, it will be interesting to see if Stephenson picks a location where he can find out if he's a star.

19. John Henson

Age: 23
Team: Milwaukee Bucks
Draft year: 2012
Position: PF
Career stats: 8.3 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 1.2 BPG

After warming the bench for his rookie season, Milwaukee Bucks center John Henson has gradually been establishing himself as strong second-year player in the league. Currently averaging 11.1 PPG and 7.6 RPG, Henson is giving Milwaukee fans hope for the future with the development of his game down low. Funnily enough, one of the weapons that Henson has started to take advantage of the most has been a jump-hook. You could say that the shot has a bit of a history with the Bucks. Anyone remember a guy named Kareem Abdul-Jabbar?

18. Jrue Holiday

Age: 23
Team: New Orleans Pelicans
Draft year: 2009
Position: PG
Career stats: 13.5 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 6.0 APG

Jrue Holiday isn't a flashy point guard, but he's a perfectly solid one, the type of player who will be able to lead teams well into his thirties. Holiday made the All-Star squad last season, and the nod was well-deserved as he went on to average 8.0 APG and 17.7 PPG on the season. Since joining the New Orleans Pelicans, Holiday's numbers have dipped somewhat, but he has also been troubled by injuries this year, suffering a season-ending stress fracture in February. Next year, expect to see Holiday regain his form, and hopefully get in sync with his star center, Anthony Davis.

17. Klay Thompson

Age: 24
Team: Golden State Warriors
Draft year: 2011
Position: SG
Career stats: 15.7 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 2.2 APG

As the No. 2 option for Golden State, Klay Thompson has sharpened the Warriors' backcourt with a reliable scoring touch to complement the efforts of Steph Curry. More than anything, Thompson's length and three-point shot have been essential for the Dubs. Recently, Thompson made his 500th triple, setting a record for most three-pointers made in a player's first three seasons. Sure, it's a pretty specific stat, but it's a good benchmark for understanding how much of a scoring threat Thompson has become. The 6'7" shooting guard has increased his scoring average in every season. It's no coincidence that the Warriors have improved along the way as well.

16. Nikola Vucevic

Age: 23
Team: Orlando Magic
Draft year: 2011
Position: C
Career stats: 11.2 PPG, 9.6 RPG, 1.5 APG

Originally regarded as a throwaway player in the three-team trade involving Dwight Howard and Andrew Bynum, Nikola Vucevic has steadily become a major contributor for the Orlando Magic. The dynamic center averaged a double-double last season, and is on-pace to do the same this season. Also, don't forget the time he set an Orlando Magic record for rebounds when he grabbed 29 against the Miami Heat in 2012. Vucevic is a dependable post presence who the Magic struck gold on.

15. Kawhi Leonard

Age: 22
Team: San Antonio Spurs
Draft year: 2011
Position: SF
Career stats: 10.5 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 1.5 APG

Kawhi Leonard has proven himself to be an invaluable asset for the San Antonio Spurs, a well-oiled cog in the machine that Gregg Popovich has created. Leonard's three-point shooting ability has been a key weapon in the Spurs offense, stretching opposing defenses and opening up the lane for Tim Duncan. Along with that, Leonard's defense has been a crucial spark for a veteran San Antonio squad, adding the type of grit once provided by defensive stars like Bruce Bowen.

14. Ricky Rubio

Age: 23
Team: Minnesota Timberwolves
Draft year: 2011
Position: PG
Career stats: 10.0 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 8.0 APG

Knock him all you want for his jump shot (and those criticisms are valid) but Ricky Rubio remains one of the most exciting players in the league because of his ability to find angles that other point guards can't even imagine. Fans and analysts are concerned about Rubio's offensive inabilities, but we often forgot that the Spanish sensation is only 23 years old, and is still relatively young in the league. However, it's undeniable that Rubio needs to be more reliable on offense soon. The Timberwolves have always been regarded as a team on the cusp of breaking out. If Rubio were an actual scoring threat, it would do wonders for their win column.

13. DeMar DeRozan

Age: 24
Team: Toronto Raptors
Draft year: 2009
Position: SG
Career stats: 16.4 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 2.1 APG

With five seasons now under his belt, Toronto shooting guard DeMar DeRozan has emerged as a veteran presence for a young Raptors squad on the rise. Currently sitting at the third seed in the Eastern Conference, the Raptors have surprised everyone thanks to the play of DeRozan and his teammates. In the absence of Rudy Gay, DeRozan has emerged as the no. 1 option for the team, posting career highs in every major statistical category. Don't think the league hasn't noticed either. DeRozan was voted to his first All-Star team this season. Will the Raptors be able to carry this momentum into future years? With DeRozan in charge, the prospects seem bright.

12. Greg Monroe

Age: 23
Team: Detroit Pistons
Draft year: 3 years
Position: PF
Career stats: 13.8 PPG, 8.9 RPG, 2.3 APG

An anchor in the frontcourt for the Detroit Pistons alongside center Andre Drummond, Greg Monroe has consistently shown himself to be a solid offensive presence since joining the league in 2010 out of Georgetown. The one knock against Monroe has been his defensive abilities (likely contributing to his move to power forward from center) but he continues to improve in this aspect, and has been a reliable man of the boards nearly from the beginning. If Detroit can get its act together, Monroe and Drummond could turn into one of the best front court duos of the decade.

11. Serge Ibaka

Age: 24
Team: Oklahoma City Thunder
Draft year: 2008
Position: C
Career stats: 10.7 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 2.6 BPG

Little was known about Serge Ibaka when he was selected by the then-Seattle SuperSonics in the 2008 NBA Draft. But the Congolese post presence has done well to make his name in the NBA since, twice earning a spot on the NBA All-Defensive First Team, and leading the league in blocks for the 2012 and 2013 regular seasons. Ibaka's contributions have been crucial to Oklahoma City's success, helping to establish a defensive identity that is necessary for taking down seasoned opponents like the Dallas Mavericks or the San Antonio Spurs. Even better, Ibaka's game has improved every single year since joining the league, honing his defensive talents and becoming a surer offensive threat in the process.

10. Eric Bledsoe

Age: 24
Team: Phoenix Suns
Draft year: 2010
Position: PG
Career stats: 7.9 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 3.3 APG

Eric Bledsoe's stats are deceptive, mainly because he spent the first three years of his career warming the bench behind Chris Paul. However, since leaving Los Angeles, Bledsoe has shown why so many teams were anxious to get their hands on him over the offseason. The Phoenix Suns guard has been averaging 17.8 PPG along with 6.0 APG this season, showing just how much he learned while serving as CP3's understudy. As one part of Phoenix's two-pronged backcourt with Goran Dragic, Bledsoe has helped boost the Suns into playoff contention and completely revamp the franchise's direction.

9. Michael Carter-Williams

Age: 22
Team: Philadelphia 76ers
Draft year: 2010
Position: PG
Career stats: 16.8 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 6.3

We all remember Michael Carter-Williams' near quadruple-double at the beginning of the season, and since then, the Sixers point guard has done little to silence the Rookie of the Year talk. Carter-Willliams has been proving himself as a triple threat on multiple occasions throughout the season, displaying a knack for rebounding that is uncommon with his position. Three times now, MCW has been named Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month, and became the first Sixers rookie to ever record two triple-doubles in their debut season. Aside from Philly's deplorable play, it's safe to say that things are only looking up for Michael Carter-Williams.

8. DeMarcus Cousins

Age: 23
Team: Sacramento Kings
Draft year: 2010
Position: C
Career stats: 17.5 PPG, 10.2 RPG, 2.4 APG

DeMarcus Cousins is one of the most mercurial players in the league, a trait that many hope will fade away with age. Unfortunately for the Kings, a change of scenery may be the only cure for Boogie Cousins. Sacramento's losing ways haven't helped inspire the oft-troubled young forward, and it may be better for both sides if they decided to part ways. As it is, Cousins can never seem to decide what player he wants to be on any given night. One game he'll tally six blocks and a double-double, the next night he's punching Patrick Beverly and earning himself a suspension. Who is the real DeMarcus Cousins? Let's hope he's able to figure it out soon.

7. Kyrie Irving

Age: 21
Team: Cleveland Cavaliers
Draft year: 2011
Position: PG
Career stats: 21.0 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 5.9 APG

There's no doubt that Kyrie Irving is a talented asset, and because of that, it's painful to watch such a playmaker like him have to suffer in Cleveland. Irving has received next to none of the support necessary to shape a playoff team, and his spats with shooting guard Dion Waiters haven't helped either. The idea of LeBron coming back to Cleveland is now laughable, but can something be salvaged out of Irving's stay with the Cavaliers? Next season will be pivotal for their relationship, as Irving will be set to hit restricted free agency in the summer of 2015. If Cleveland can't form an identity or hire a decent coach by that time, expect Irving to do his best to take off. A player like him has no business wasting his abilities on a sinking ship.

6. John Wall

Age: 23
Team: Washington Wizards
Draft year: 2010
Position: PG
Career stats: 17.6 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 8.2 APG

In the past couple seasons, Washington floor general John Wall has been out to prove that he's more than a former no. 1 pick. This season, the up-and-coming point guard is having the breakthrough that everyone has been waiting for, earning his first All-Star selection and putting the Wizards in position to earn a playoff spot. Yes, the Eastern Conference is remarkably weak, but give some credit to Wall for managing to drag his team up above the rest of the bottom-feeders. The explosive guard is averaging career-highs in points, steals, and assists. That doesn't happen by accident. Wall is sure to prove that to everyone when the playoffs roll around.

5. James Harden

Age: 24
Team: Houston Rockets
Draft year: 2010
Position: SG
Career stats: 17.5 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 3.7 APG

Oklahoma City Thunder GM Sam Presti probably still has nightmares about trading away James Harden. Why? Because the Rockets shooting guard has made the transaction look worse and worse with every passing game. After joining Houston last season, the sensational shooter averaged 25.9 PPG in 2012-13 and is currently dropping 24.7 PPG, continually asserting himself as one of the best young guards around. In a position that is starved for talent, Harden has established himself as an All-Star talent for seasons to come.

4. Andre Drummond

Age: 20
Team: Detroit Pistons
Draft year: 2012
Position: C
Career stats: 10.7 PPG, 10.4 RPG, 1.7 BPG

It's a shame that the Detroit Pistons are such a bad team right now, mostly because it creates concern about how the team's poor play will ultimately affect their star center, Andre Drummond. The young talent out of UConn has proven to be a defensive machine this season, particularly in a recent performance against the Knicks when he notched 26 boards to go along with 17 points and three blocks. Once he has a more dependable cast around him, you're going to hear a lot more about Drummond. Big changes are expected for Detroit this offseason after a disappointing regular season. Will these moves prove beneficial for the fledgling big man?

3. Paul George

Age: 23
Team: Indiana Pacers
Draft year: 2010
Position: SF
Career stats: 15.1 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 2.9 APG

Paul George put on a show last season against the Miami Heat during their thrilling seven-game series in the Eastern Conference playoffs. It was a coronation of sorts for the young small forward, and he's done well to play at this level throughout the regular season. Currently notching 22.2 PPG, George has shouldered the load for Indiana, taking on the role of the superstar for a team that is in need of a leader. Now, with April ahead, the final checkpoint looms for George and his Pacers: beating the Heat.

2. Anthony Davis

Age: 21
Team: New Orleans Pelicans
Draft year: 2012
Position: PF/C
Career stats: 16.9 PPG, 9.1 RPG, 2.3 BPG

As the 2012 National College Player of the Year for the Kentucky Wildcats, center Anthony Davis came into the NBA with plenty of expectations. However, the talented big man has done well to live up to these hopes, earning his first All-Star nod this year, and proving himself as a powerful presence down low, game in and game out. Davis has been averaging a remarkable 20.5 PPG this season to go along with 3.1 blocks BPG and 10.1 RPG. A 20 and 10 in your second season is nothing to sneeze at, especially when your division is inhabited by other post players like Tim Duncan, Dirk Nowitzki, Marc Gasol, Dwight Howard, and Zach Randolph. Regularly pitting himself against these All-Star talents, Davis has continued to prove that he's got next in the NBA.

1. Damian Lillard

Age: 23
Team: Portland Trail Blazers
Draft year: 2012
Position: PG
Career stats: 19.9 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 3.4 APG

The recipient of last season's Rookie of the Year Award, Portland point guard Damian Lillard has only strengthened his game in 2013-14, treating his home crowd to a number of heroic buzzer-beaters and eye-popping highlights. The product from Weber State has impressed everyone in his sophomore season, playing an integral role in the Trail Blazers' resurgence. With the playoffs on the way, Lillard only has more opportunities to add to his impressive resume this season. The big question: how will he fare in a seven-game series against an unbelievably talented Western Conference?