NBA: Ranking The League's Top 21-Year-Olds

Ranking The Top NBA Players By Age: Age 21

Nov 4, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) looks to pass the ball in front of Philadelphia 76ers forward Nerlens Noel (4) during the second quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /

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Oct 19, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (24) dribbles the ball as Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart (R) falls during the first half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports /

13. Rondae Hollis-Jefferson

If you’re looking for yet another reason why the 2015-16 season has been so depressing for the Brooklyn Nets, look no further than Rondae Hollis-Jefferson‘s ankle injury that’s limited him to just 19 games during his rookie season.

The good news for Nets fans, however, is that between RHJ and Chris McCullough, the team has some young talent to work with moving forward. It’ll be GM Sean Marks‘ job to find a way to restock Brooklyn’s bare cupboard of draft picks, but for the time being, Hollis-Jefferson represents the future of the franchise.

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson played 419 minutes this season. The Nets had a 98.9 DRtg with him. In the 2130 minutes without him, it's 108.1.
— Justin Russo (@FlyByKnite) February 12, 2016

That’s a heavy burden to task a 21-year-old with, especially since he’s still a serviceable jump shot away from being legit. But if Hollis-Jefferson can develop that perimeter touch, he’s already got the defensive skill set and rebounding ability to become one of the more well-rounded and versatile athletes in the league.

So far this season, Hollis-Jefferson has averaged 5.2 points, 6.1 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game for the Nets. He’s only shot 20 percent from three-point range, but he’s posted a respectable 48.1 field goal percentage. Hopefully he can get back on the court soon and start working his way up this list.

Next: No. 12