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Ranking The Top NBA Players By Age: Age 20

By Gerald Bourguet

Feb 20, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) shoots around New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) during the first quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 20, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) shoots around New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) during the first quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 26, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) slam dunks the ball against the Orlando Magic during the second half at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks defeated the Magic 108-95. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Kristaps Porzingis

As the undisputed backup in the Rookie of the Year Award race behind Karl-Anthony Towns, Kristaps Porzingis has quickly proven he’s the real deal for a New York Knicks fan base that booed him on draft day.

At 7’1″, the Zinger has the requisite size to play either power forward or center, though he’ll need to bulk up moving forward. However, he’s on his way to being one of the most versatile players in the league with his ability to spread the floor, block shots, score from the interior and make crisp passes to keep the ball moving. He really is the total package.

Porzingis is active on the offensive glass and he doesn’t shy away from contact, which is perfectly indicative of the way he hasn’t shied away from his ascribed destiny as the savior of the Knicks franchise. This kid is going to be very good, and he’s averaging 14.0 points, 7.2 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game on .419/.332/.848 shooting splits this season.

Though he’s hit a bit of a rookie wall lately, Porzingis still ranks third among rookies in scoring, second in rebounding and first in blocks. As he continues to mature and fill out his frame, it’s only a matter of time before Porzingis is an absolute monster and one of the top players in this group.

Next: No. 2