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Top 5 under 25: The most valuable youngsters in the NBA

By Morgan Dunn

OAKLAND, CA - APRIL 05: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves is congratulated by Andrew Wiggins #22 after he made a basket against the Golden State Warriors at ORACLE Arena on April 5, 2016 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - APRIL 05: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves is congratulated by Andrew Wiggins #22 after he made a basket against the Golden State Warriors at ORACLE Arena on April 5, 2016 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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NEW ORLEANS, LA – FEBRUARY 17: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets is introduced prior to the 2017 BBVA Compass Rising Stars Challenge at Smoothie King Center on February 17, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA – FEBRUARY 17: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets is introduced prior to the 2017 BBVA Compass Rising Stars Challenge at Smoothie King Center on February 17, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

5. Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets

After showing impressive offensive versatility and overall potential as a rookie, Jokic officially had his breakout season last year. Season averages of 16.7 points, 9.8 rebounds and 4.9 assists per game are impressive enough, but month-long stretches in February (24, 11, 5) and April (20, 12, 6) showed that Jokic has star potential.

His passing ability is truly special, especially for a big man, and Denver runs a lot of their offense through him. It’s amazing that he slipped to the second round of the 2014 NBA Draft. Just 22 years old, Jokic is one of the most valuable assets in the league right now. He can do it all offensively, and don’t overlook his stellar percentages from the floor (58 percent) and the free throw line (83 percent).

Jokic also attempted just shy of two threes per take last season, converting on 32 percent of them.He only figures to get better as the centerpiece of this Denver squad, and I can’t imagine them entertaining trading him for anyone but the next four guys on this list.

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