Hoops Habit
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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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Mar 1, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard D Angelo Russell (1) reacts during the fourth quarter against the Brooklyn Nets at Staples Center. The Los Angeles Lakers won 107-101. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /

5. D’Angelo Russell

Remember a few months into the season when everyone was ready to label D’Angelo Russell as a draft bust? Good times. Now that someone has knocked some sense into head coach Byron Scott, Russell has returned to the starting lineup and is making the most of his increased minutes.

On the season, Russell is only averaging 13.5 points, 3.5 assists and 3.5 rebounds per game on .427/.359/.719 shooting splits. But since the start of February, Russell has found another gear, averaging an impressive 18.3 points, 4.2 assists and 3.0 rebounds per game on 46.2 percent shooting from the field and 43.8 percent shooting from three-point range.

The crown jewel of the Los Angeles Lakers‘ rebuild got off to a slow start and his rise was obstructed by Scott’s inexplicable handling of him. But now that he’s enjoying the most freedom of his young NBA career, Russell is making the most of it, as his career-high 39-point outing — the highest scoring performance of any rookie this season — put the world on notice.

Next: No. 4