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Ranking The Top NBA Players By Age: Age 21

By Gerald Bourguet

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
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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Feb 3, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Denver Nuggets center Jusuf Nurkic (23) reacts to a call during the second half against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena. The Jazz won 85-81. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /

11. Jusuf Nurkic

This was supposed to be Jusuf Nurkic‘s big coming out party, but the emergence of Nikola Jokic and Joffrey Lauvergne has relegated him to a few DNP-CDs lately as the last big in the rotation. However, aside from concerns about his injury-proneness, Nurkic is a physical interior presence that other teams should keep an eye on moving forward.

Nurkic has become all but expendable for the Denver Nuggets, who would be wise to cash in on his value and deal him for a future draft pick or an asset at a position of need. But the Bosnian Bear could certainly help a few other teams around the league, even if his season numbers (6.5 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 13.5 MPG, 37.7 FG%) are pretty ugly.

Last season, Nurkic averaged 6.9 points and 6.2 rebounds per game, posting 9.1 points and 9.4 rebounds per game in the month of February before injuries hindered the remainder of his rookie campaign. At only 21 years old, Nurkic has the brute strength and intensity to warrant other teams’ attention, even if Jokic’s arrival has stolen some of his thunder.

Next: No. 10