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Ranking The Top NBA Players By Age: Age 23

By Gerald Bourguet

Nov 3, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) dunks over Orlando Magic guard Victor Oladipo (5) during the second half of a game at the Smoothie King Center. The Magic defeated the Pelicans 103-94. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 3, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) dunks over Orlando Magic guard Victor Oladipo (5) during the second half of a game at the Smoothie King Center. The Magic defeated the Pelicans 103-94. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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March 13, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) shoots a basket against Los Angeles Clippers during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Kyrie Irving

Finally, we arrive at our first bonafide superstar among the 23-year-olds. Unfortunately, with Kyrie Irving in the middle of quite possibly his worst NBA season yet, we don’t blame you if you’re starting to feel underwhelmed by this particular age group.

Averaging 19.6 points, 4.6 assists and 2.8 rebounds per game while shooting 46 percent from the floor and 31.4 percent from three-point range, Irving is either posting the lowest numbers of his career or the lowest numbers since his rookie season in almost every category.

Injuries have severely limited his impact with the Cleveland Cavaliers this season, since Irving has only played in 40 games thus far. He’s still an undeniable talent when it comes to his speed, ball handling and perimeter shooting, but his lackluster defense and underwhelming facilitation remain problematic parts of his game that haven’t improved.

With Irving turning 24 in a week, the time of looking at him as the next best thing has passed, with most of the basketball world transitioning into a more contemplative period where questioning his high ceiling has become the standard.

Next: No. 1