Top 25 players under age 25

This season, we ranked our top 25 under 25 based not on who they are now, but who they can become. It's not solely based on potential as much as the projection on how much of that full potential can be reached. In a sense, this ranking represents how these players would be drafted if each were available in the draft right now.

To be clear: This is a ranking of how we would order these players if we were starting a franchise and would have them for the next several years, not just this season. The overall rankings are based on an aggregate average of the individual rankings of our trio of NBA experts, Amin Elhassan, Kevin Pelton and David Thorpe. Players must be 24 or younger as of today to be eligible for these rankings.

1. Anthony Davis | Age: 21 | Pelicans
Projected 3-year WARP: 44.0

Kevin Pelton: Davis' 33.2 PER not only leads the league, but it would be the best ever, per Basketball-Reference.com. Wilt Chamberlain had an estimated 31.8 PER in 1962-63 and Michael Jordan (31.7) has the best score since player turnovers have been tracked.

David Thorpe: Simply put, he's currently the best player on Earth and is still getting better. He is a huge impact guy in three phases of the game, offense, defense and the boards. All that is left is to grow into a great leader.

Amin Elhassan: Let's not waste too much ink on this one. He'll be the best player of any age pretty soon.

2. DeMarcus Cousins | Age: 24 | Kings
Projected 3-year WARP: 28.3

Pelton: Long an offensive force, Cousins has made strides defensively. With him on the floor, the Kings are allowing a 98.3 defensive rating, per NBA.com/Stats -- which would rank fourth in the NBA.

Thorpe: Cousins dominates inside with the kind of impact Shaq made, bullying opposing centers as he imposes his will on both ends of the court. He can still improve by making a better effort on defense every possession.

Elhassan: I've reluctantly been pulled onto the Cousins bandwagon. I never doubted his talent, it was just that I always had questions about his approach. But so far this season he seems to have turned that corner. Might be the most dominant inside force in the NBA.

3. John Wall | Age: 24 | Wizards
Projected 3-year WARP: 25.6

Pelton: Wall ranks fourth in assist rate but there's still room for improvement as a scorer. He's shooting just 34.4 percent from beyond 15 feet, per Basketball-Reference.com, and hoisting five midrange jumpers a game.

Thorpe: Wall is the best of the elite point guards at passing, and he is now managing the game while looking to be the difference-maker as an assertive scorer. If he ever develops a 3-point shot he could be the league's best guard.

Elhassan: Wall's biggest flaw, perimeter shooting, has improved tremendously, and his game has flourished as a result. His discovery of change of pace also has done wonders for him, but the reason he's this high is because he's the best defender of all the elite point guards.

4. Kyrie Irving | Age: 22 | Cavaliers
Projected 3-year WARP: 24.0

Pelton: Players similar to Irving continued to develop their passing beyond their age 24 season, improving their assist rate by 4.1 percent the following season. That's good news for LeBron James and Kevin Love, Irving's new Cleveland teammates.

Thorpe: Maybe the most skilled player in basketball, along with Stephen Curry. Great poise and learning to be an aggressive defender, which helps him make up for a slight lack of athleticism compared to the other elite guards.

Elhassan: With every passing day, Irving becomes more comfortable within the Cavs' new offense, and his incredible playmaking and scoring shines brighter. His defense still lags far behind his offense, but it's getting better.

5. Paul George | Age: 24 | Pacers
Projected 3-year WARP: 26.9

Pelton: George had boosted his value each season, from 1.6 WARP as a rookie to 8.2 in 2011-12, 11.2 in 2012-13 and 13.8 in 2013-14. His fractured fibula/tibia costs him the chance to climb further up this season.

Thorpe: Few wings can be both the best offensive and best defensive player on their team, which is what George was before his injury. It might take a full season for him to get back to that level of impact, but he still projects to be that guy for many years.

Elhassan: Just because he's hurt doesn't mean he's gone! George is still one of the top-three wing defenders in the game, and while not a superlative offensive talent, he's a skilled creator out of the pick-and-roll as well as a good shooter.

6. Andre Drummond | Age: 21 | Pistons
Projected 3-year WARP: 26.3

Pelton: Drummond's slow start to 2014-15 doesn't really affect his long-term outlook. Similar players improved their win-percentage rating (the per-minute version of WARP, akin to PER) by 11.0 percent at the same age.

Thorpe: Drummond started the season poorly but his overall talent is too obvious to ignore, and he is showing recent signs of growth. Under his new coach we can expect him to make big strides as the season unfolds and he grows into one of the top big men in basketball.

Elhassan: Drummond has had a disappointing 2014-15, but he's just 21 and has the most imposing physical profile of any player on this list. Detroit needs to pair him with a pick-and-roll playmaker and shooters in order to fulfill his potential.

7. Damian Lillard | Age: 24 | Trail Blazers
Projected 3-year WARP: 26.1

Pelton: Players similar to Lillard have tended to peak relatively early. Of course, we said the same during Lillard's rookie season, and he's found plenty of room for improvement since, jumping into the league's top 10 in both WARP and win shares.

Thorpe: Lillard is fast becoming a dominant all-around impact player as a primary ball handler, one of only a few in the league. He can change the outcome of a game with his perimeter shooting or by expertly managing the game while feeding teammates.

Elhassan: Dynamic scorer and playmaker who has stepped into a leadership role almost seamlessly. His defense leaves something to be desired, as does his finishing, but Lillard is highly productive and a scouting report nightmare.

8. Kawhi Leonard | Age: 23 | Spurs
Projected 3-year WARP: 27.1

Pelton: Leonard's impressive WARP projection ranks third on this list. He's rated well by ESPN's real plus-minus because of his defense. So far this season he's second among small forwards behind LeBron James.

Thorpe: Leonard might be the best example of nurture versus nature in the NBA today, as he proved in June winning the Finals MVP. He is someone who can significantly help every team but is unlikely to ever be a team's best player.

Elhassan: I love Kawhi. I love his defense, versatility and the fact he's both quick and strong. I love his efficiency, as there's no wasted dribbles or motion. I love his shot selection. But I just can't see him as the centerpiece to a team -- he'll always be a complementary piece to me.

9. Giannis Antetokounmpo | Age: 20 | Bucks
Projected 3-year WARP: 10.5

Pelton: Having just turned 20, Antetokounmpo remains the fourth-youngest player on this list (younger than two of the 2014 rookies). He's taken a solid step forward this season.

Thorpe: No rookie faced a bigger transition into the NBA than Giannis, but in Year 2 it's obvious he is figuring the game out as he develops his overall game. He has the potential to be very similar to Paul George in terms of overall impact on each end of the court.

Elhassan: He's got a chance to be a truly position-less player who can play every position on both sides of the ball. It's scary to realize he's already this good when half the time he has no idea what's going on.

10. Klay Thompson | Age: 24 | Warriors
Projected 3-year WARP: 17.6

Pelton: With his scoring efficiency finally matching his obvious talent, Thompson has emerged as the league's second-best shooting guard according to RPM, within striking distance of Houston Rockets guard James Harden.

Thorpe: Likely the best pure shooter among all the shooting guards in the game, and a good defender as well. He has become better at creating driving angles off the dribble, earning him more free throws, which is a big step forward.

Elhassan: The best shooter on this list has seen his game grow and flourish off the strength of being put in situations that speak to his talents. Also one of the best wing defenders in the league.

11. Derrick Favors | Age: 23 | Jazz
Projected 3-year WARP: 16.8

Pelton: Improved floor spacing in Quin Snyder's offense has helped Favors set career highs in both usage (22.2 percent of the Jazz's possessions) and true shooting percentage (.593).

Thorpe: Favors has made a jump as a scorer, which moves him up on this list with another year to go. Right now he is a good defender and can be a good team's second-best scorer, with room to grow.

Elhassan: His progression has not happened as quickly as I anticipated, but he's still a high-level rebounder and shot-blocker who is making strides on the offensive end.

12. Gordon Hayward | Age: 24 | Jazz
Projected 3-year WARP: 17.3

Pelton: Hayward will be 25 in March, and similar players were about at their peak by that age. It's OK if Hayward continues performing like he has this season, as he ranks in the league's top 30 in both RPM and WARP.

Thorpe: He's enjoying a career year, as players entering their prime years should be. Can help an offense as both a scorer and passer while bringing great energy to the game, which is not a small thing.

Elhassan: Nice all-round talent who can dribble, pass and shoot, but I wonder whether Hayward can take the next step toward greatness. If he can't, the Jazz will need to add someone who can lead them there.

13. Bradley Beal | Age: 21 | Wizards
Projected 3-year WARP: 11.2

Pelton: A positive sign since Beal's return from a broken bone in his wrist: He's cut long 2-point attempts from 36 percent of his shot attempts last season to 26 percent in 2014-15, per Basketball-Reference.com, helping his true shooting percentage.

Thorpe: Beal is already one of the top perimeter shooters in the game and a solid defender. He does not offer much more than that at this point, but the hope is that he grows his overall game similar to how Klay Thompson has done.

Elhassan: The perfect complement to Wall, Beal is a sweet shooter with good size and athleticism. Beal has had an injury-riddled start to his career, but when healthy he's got the potential to be one of the best shooting guards.

14. Joel Embiid | Age: 20 | 76ers
Projected 3-year WARP: N/A

Pelton: Because of his injury, Embiid doesn't have a WARP projection. However, his college stats suggested he would produce about 8 WARP over 2015-16 and 2016-17 -- if he can stay healthy.

Thorpe: Embiid projects to be a tremendous two-way player with great size and agility combined with genuine passion to compete. He has all the markings of a true franchise center, though long-term health is an issue.

Elhassan: He hasn't played a game and is recovering from injury, but his placement this high should speak to how respected his talent level is. I've never seen a player improve as much in as short a time as Embiid did during his short collegiate career.

15. Jrue Holiday | Age: 24 | Pelicans
Projected 3-year WARP: 21.4

Pelton: The Pelicans' offense has struggled in clutch situations, and Holiday has been a culprit. He's shooting just 27.1 percent in the fourth quarter this season, per NBA.com/Stats, and has struggled to set up Davis late in games.

Thorpe: Could be far higher on this list if he just played more assertively and aggressively every game. If that happens, he can dominate games on each end.

Elhassan: Playing out of the spotlight in New Orleans -- along with his injury woes -- has dampened the enthusiasm about Holiday, but he's still a savvy playmaker and one of the best defenders at point guard. He needs to get better at playing up-tempo and hitch his sails to the guy at No. 1 on this list.

16. Greg Monroe | Age: 24 | Pistons
Projected 3-year WARP: 17.6

Pelton: After an impressive start to his career, Monroe's game has gone backward since Drummond's arrival. His PER has dropped each of the past three seasons, from 22.0 in 2011-12 to 17.1 so far this season.

Thorpe: A solid player but has yet to consistently be the kind of a force his size and talent would suggest. Possesses a Kenneth Faried-type of motor.

Elhassan: Monroe hasn't had the benefit of playing in a functional team environment, and has played out of position for most of his career. He's one of the best low-post scorers in the game, but his defense still leaves something to be desired.

17. Jonas Valanciunas | Age: 22 | Raptors
Projected 3-year WARP: 6.8

Pelton: Valanciunas has raised his PER from 16.1 in 2013-14 to 19.6 this season thanks to improving his free throw rate and a bounce back in his block rate. Expect his usage rate to increase as Valanciunas reaches his prime.

Thorpe: Every season has seen incremental growth from Valanciunas, now a legitimate force inside for a very good team. He has to be accounted for on each end and still is growing as an offensive force. Has a good chance to become an 18-point, 10-rebound player.

Elhassan: Excellent pick-and-roll threat, strong rebounder and improving defender. He's the perfect fit for what the Raptors want to do on both sides of the court.

18. Andrew Wiggins | Age: 19 | Timberwolves
Projected 3-year WARP: Minus-4.0

Pelton: As promising as Wiggins is, he's been ineffective as a pro, making just 38.5 percent of his 2-point attempts with an assist-to-turnover ratio barely better than 1-to-2. As a result, his minus-1.4 WARP is the league's worst total.

Thorpe: Wiggins already is showing the signs of being the best perimeter defender in the league, and perhaps the best shooting athlete (as a rookie) in generations. He's far from being skilled enough with his dribble to dominate games, though he will post up wings effectively, rare for a teenager.

Elhassan: A lot of the gripe people have with Wiggins is actually tied to his lack of skill level. He doesn't settle for midrange jumpers because he's misguided; rather, it's because he doesn't possess the skill level to get to where he can be more efficient.

19. Nikola Vucevic | Age: 24 | Magic
Projected 3-year WARP: 19.4

Pelton: Vucevic has dramatically increased is usage rate this season, up to 25.9 percent of the Magic's plays from 21.8 percent last season, boosting his scoring.

Thorpe: Already threatening to be a 20-point, 10-rebound guy and is still getting better. Not a classic center in that he is more perimeter-based on offense, yet he is a rebounding machine who would pair beautifully with a true power forward.

Elhassan: Vucevic might be the best rebounder in the NBA right now. He's an extremely efficient scorer in the pick-and-roll, but defensively he's got a ways to go.

20. Brandon Knight | Age: 23 | Bucks
Projected 3-year WARP: 8.5

Pelton: Knight has improved from replacement level in 2012-13 to among the league's top 20 in WARP so far this season. And similar players continued to develop well into their 20s.

Thorpe: Knight is quickly joining Curry and Irving as guards with elite-level skills, including top-notch shooting and ballhandling. He's also one of the top rebounding guards in the game thanks to his nonstop motor.

Elhassan: He's enjoying the best season of his career, but I still see Knight as a high-level third guard. Not quite big enough to be a starting 2, not creative enough a dribbler or passer to be a point guard.

21. Tobias Harris | Age: 22 | Magic
Projected 3-year WARP: 10.7

Pelton: One of the league's youngest players when he entered the league, Harris will reach restricted free agency before his 23rd birthday, giving him plenty of room for development.

Thorpe: Harris is quietly becoming one of the top forwards in basketball while leading Orlando back to relevancy. He is an excellent scorer and rebounder, and could eventually be the only small forward in the game who averages 20 points and 10 boards.

Elhassan: Harris is a gifted, versatile scorer (like a poor man's Carmelo Anthony) with strong enough defensive rebounding to play either forward position. His perimeter jumper has long been his Achilles' heel, but he's made strides this season into developing that into another weapon in his arsenal.

22. Julius Randle | Age: 20 | Lakers
Projected 3-year WARP: N/A

Pelton: Like Embiid, Randle doesn't have a projection based on this season, because he was injured after 14 minutes of action. His college stats were not as effusive, however, and project him for 5.3 WARP over 2015-16 and 2016-17.

Thorpe: Players who can average 20 points and 10 rebounds are very rare, and Randle is capable of posting those numbers in a few years. His motor and skill set are both at high levels, which is a rare combination. Plus, his feel for scoring and the game in general are elite level.

Elhassan: Fourteen minutes into Randle's NBA career, he was struck down by injury. He has a nice blend of power and speed, but he's undersized and is neither a vertical athlete nor a defender nor a floor-spacer.

23. Dante Exum | Age: 19 | Jazz
Projected 3-year WARP: 1.5

Pelton: After a strong start, Exum has shot just 24.2 percent since Nov. 21, including 2-of-14 from 3-point range. SCHOENE includes Tony Parker among his comparables, but the closest match is Indiana Pacers wing C.J. Miles.

Thorpe: Maybe the best example of upside versus downside on this list, but his abilities as an athlete and passer suggest a big future. We don't know if he will be a great scorer, which would lower his ceiling significantly if he doesn't turn out to be. As a plus, he's young enough to be on this list for five more seasons.

Elhassan: Of all the players on the Jazz roster, Exum has the highest upside. He is in the first few steps of a thousand-mile journey of development, but as Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee showed last season, the light can turn on sooner than expected.

24. Ricky Rubio | Age: 24 | Timberwolves
Projected 3-year WARP: 25.9

Pelton: Before going down with a badly sprained ankle, Rubio was averaging a career-high 12.5 assists per 36 minutes, up from 9.6 a season ago. Flip Saunders' offense should give Rubio more opportunities with the ball in his hands.

Thorpe: It looked like this season was finally going to be his breakout campaign, as he looked to be in command of his team before going down with an injury. At the very least he is a dynamic passer and someone who disrupts offenses with his defensive skills.

Elhassan: Let Rubio exist as a cautionary tale of unfulfilled potential. That said, he's still just 24, one of the best passers in the NBA and a very good defender. He might never reach his projected ceiling, but he's still a fine option at point guard.

t25. Draymond Green | Age: 24 | Warriors
Projected 3-year WARP: 18.8

Pelton: Green projected as a valuable offensive player coming out of Michigan State, then reinvented himself as a defense-first player under Mark Jackson. In a new offense, he's developed into a dangerous 3-point shooter who also gets easy buckets.

Thorpe: High-level skills and incredible energy combined with power and a willingness to play with force make Green a rising star despite his lack of athleticism and size. He also plays with a lot of confidence, and teammates love playing alongside him.

Elhassan: The type of glue player every coach wants on his team. Tough, hard-nosed defender; smart and selfless on the offensive end; great locker room presence, and now, a bona fide 3-point shooter. His ceiling is lower than most on this list, but that just means he knows and accepts his role.

t25. Jabari Parker | Age: 19 | Bucks
Projected 3-year WARP: 5.4

Pelton: Of this year's lottery picks, Parker has been the most productive as a rookie, posting a 15.6 PER. He's done that while making just one 3-pointer, an element nearly all similar players developed during their careers.

Thorpe: Parker looks to be a franchise-level scorer who may one day compete for scoring titles. He also is a willing passer and defender who knows how to be his team's best player and leader. Look for him to be a 3-point threat in a year or two.

Elhassan: Parker has an old-school game and an old-school body with a knack for scoring the ball around the basket. His perimeter jumper is not good enough, but he's smart enough to know that and avoid it. Like many players on this list, defense is an issue, and he doesn't rebound well enough to play the 4 consistently.