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Ranking The Top NBA Players By Age: Age 22

By Gerald Bourguet

Nov 27, 2015; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder center Steven Adams (12) blocks a shot by Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond (0) during the first quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2015; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder center Steven Adams (12) blocks a shot by Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond (0) during the first quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 12, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder center Steven Adams (12) dunks the ball over San Antonio Spurs point guard Tony Parker (9) during the second half at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /

8. Steven Adams

There’s something to be said for players on winning teams who know their roles, especially when that role involves being an unglorified enforcer on the defensive end. Speaking of which, it’s high time Steven Adams, the 22-year-old Kiwi rocking the 80s porn-stache in the Oklahoma City Thunder‘s starting lineup, started getting more appreciation for what he does.

Though Enes Kanter puts up the gaudy stat lines off the bench, Adams’ imposing presence in the paint is what prevents the Thunder’s defense from being an outright travesty, which is exactly what it’d be if Billy Donovan went with Kanter in the starting rotation.

Adams is only averaging 7.5 points, 6.5 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game, but OKC has to be happy with his progress in his second season, especially as an underrated passer who’s also managing to convert 59.9 percent of his field goal attempts.

He doesn’t spread the floor and he’s not the type of player yet who could turn the tides in OKC’s favor in a seven-game series with the Warriors or Spurs. But Steven Adams is proof that if nothing else, GM Sam Presti is a superb talent evaluator when it comes to the draft.

Next: No. 7