NBA: Top-10 Players To Build Around Under The Age of 25

Feb 9, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) dribbles against Brooklyn Nets guard Bojan Bogdanovic (44) during the second quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

10. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks

6’11” 217 lbs, 20-years-old

2014-15 Stats: 21.7 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 2.6 apg, 0.9 spg, 1.0 bpg, 49% FG, 74% FT, 16% 3PT, 14.8 PER

The Greek Freak did not take long to make a splash in the NBA. His combination of skill and freakish length and athleticism make him a tantalizing prospect. In his second season he improved dramatically and made great strides in improving in various different areas.

Offensively he thrived in the open court and finishing at the rim. He shot 65 percent from within three feet and used his length and speed to get out in transition. He also shot an admirable 42 percent on 10 to 16 foot jump shots and become a more vital part of the Milwaukee offense. His usage percentage jumped to 19.6 percent as his role expanded. His win shares also sky rocketed from the 1.2 win shares his rookie season to 6.2 in his sophomore campaign.

All these stats are all well and great – but there is one major aspect that puts him in the top-10. Potential is a cliché and dreaded word when it comes to analyzing players…but in this case it plays a major role. The 20-year-old is still so raw, but he has the type of potential that could make basketball savants salivate.

He is essentially 7-feet tall, with a 7-foot-4 wingspan and just downright enormous hands. He has actually grown two inches since he was drafted and has maintained his skill-set of a wing player. So much so that Jason Kidd tried playing him at point guard for stretches of the season last year.

If his development continues, he could be terrifying for opponents to game-plan against. He still needs to improve in may areas, especially his composure and outside shooting touch. His spat with Mike Dunleavy Jr. of the Chicago Bulls last season did not look great; even with Dunleavy being a very underrated dirty player.

His outside shooting is something that is a must. Last season his 3-point stats were putrid at best. He did not attempt many, but 16 percent is rough. His stroke was better his rookie season when he shot 35%. His mechanics appear sound, so there is hope. In an era of the NBA were 3-pointers are more valued than ever, in order to reach his true potential, he must be able to consistently knock down jumpers.

He is only 20 and he has ample room to grow. But his combination of physical gifts and raw talent easily puts him as top player under 24.

Next: No. 9