NBA: Top 25 Players Under 25 Years Old

May 12, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) celebrates with guard Kyrie Irving (2) after a 106-101 win over the Chicago Bulls in game five of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /

12 of 26

Apr 8, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Nerlens Noel (4) dribbles against the Washington Wizards at Wells Fargo Center. The Wizards won 119-90. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

15. Nerlens Noel, Philadelphia 76ers

Position: Power Forward, Center

Age: 21

2014-15 Slash Line: .462/.000/.609

2014-15 Season Averages: 30.8 MPG, 9.9 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 1.7 APG, 1.9 BPG, 1.8 SPG

Accolades: All-Rookie First Team

With no hyperbole whatsoever, Nerlens Noel is already a nearly elite defensive player. His production rates amongst the best and his ability to shut opponents down is surprisingly impressive.

As a rookie, Noel made it clear that he has no plans of being an NBA Draft bust.

Per NBA.com, Noel held opponents to 45.4 percent shooting when he met them at the rim. That mark ranked No. 8 in the NBA, which equates to his being a Top 10 rim protector.

It may be premature, and another season of this quality is necessary, but Noel made quite the statement as a rookie.

According to Basketball-Reference.com, Noel became the second rookie in NBA history to average at least 8.0 rebounds, 1.5 blocks and 1.5 steals per game. Before 2014-15, it hadn’t been done in 25 years.

The only other rookie to achieve the feat: David Robinson in 1989-90.

Next: The Rookie of the Year, Part II