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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 3, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Phoenix Suns center Alex Len (21) dunks the ball against the Miami Heat during the first half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Alex Len

Unbeknownst to the rest of the world, Alex Len is slowly but surely morphing into a monster worthy of his billing as a top-five draft selection. His season numbers — 8.9 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 0.9 BPG, 44.4 FG% — don’t scream “star on the rise,” but considering he’s spent most of the season playing behind Tyson Chandler, Len’s more recent activity in the starting lineup is what’s more important.

Since the Markieff Morris trade, Len has joined Devin Booker in becoming Options 1A and 1B for the Phoenix Suns. He’s averaging a monstrous 17.8 points and 12.3 rebounds per game in that span, and even though he’s struggled with his efficiency (41.8 percent), his potential as a physical low-post scorer who can also spread the floor and protect the rim is coming into focus.

A quick look at some of his stat lines since the All-Star Break help paint the picture. His 22-point, 16-rebound night was huge in a win over the Memphis Grizzlies, as were his career-high 31 points and 15 rebounds in a win over the Orlando Magic. Even in a late-game loss to the Golden State Warriors, Len overcame early struggles to finish with 26 points and 13 boards.

As a rookie, Len’s season was derailed by injury. In his second season, injuries and adjusting to the toll of being in the starting lineup hindered his progress. But even in this lost season, Len’s emergence has become extremely promising, even if most people outside of Phoenix are (understandably) not paying attention.

Next: No. 3