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 /

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Mar 30, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Boston Celtics guard Avery Bradley (0) drives the ball inside passed Charlotte Hornets forward Jason Maxiell (54) during the second half at Time Warner Cable Arena. The Celtics defeated the Hornets 116-104. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

20. Avery Bradley, Boston Celtics

Position: Guard

Age: 24

2014-15 Slash Line: .428/.352/.790

2014-15 Season Averages: 31.5 MPG, 13.9 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 1.8 APG, 1.1 SPG, 1.6 3PM

Accolades: 2013 All-Defensive Second Team

Avery Bradley is one of the NBA’s most respected perimeter defenders. He’s also a strong shooter whose offensive game is improving and becoming tougher to deal with.

Assuming he and Marcus Smart develop the adequate chemistry, the Boston Celtics should have a very dangerous backcourt for years to come.

It feels like Bradley’s been in the NBA for an eternity, but still only 24 years old, the Celtics guard has the best years of his career ahead of him. Already a revered on-ball defender, his potential is without limit.

The hurdle moving forward: getting back to what made him such a hot commodity.

According to NBA.com, opponents shot 1.2 percent better than their average field goal percentage against Bradley. You can chalk that up to the quality of player which Bradley consistently defends, but it’s still a concerning sign.

Fortunately, his track record is strong enough to suggest he’ll bounce back in 2015-16.

Next: The Rookie of the Year, Part I