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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 28, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA;Philadelphia 76ers center Jahlil Okafor (8) dunks against the Orlando Magic during the first quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

6. Jahlil Okafor

The Philadelphia 76ers announced Friday that rookie Jahlil Okafor would undergo surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his knee and be sidelined for at least six weeks, effectively ending his season. However, even with this unfortunate conclusion to his rookie campaign, Okafor has already established himself as one of the NBA’s most promising low-post scorers.

Averaging 17.5 points, 7.0 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game, Okafor ranks second among all rookies in scoring, third in rebounds and seventh in field goal percentage (50.8 percent). Though his defense needs a ton of work and his fit alongside Nerlens Noel is problematic, there’s no doubt about Okafor’s ability to score on the block.

Despite what the raw numbers might have indicated, Okafor shouldn’t have been in the Rookie of the Year conversation even before his season-ending injury. Still, he’s got a bright future in this league even as a one-dimensional player, since he could very well be an Al Jefferson-type in a few years.

Next: No. 5