Hoops Habit
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Ranking The Top NBA Players By Age: Age 24

By Gerald Bourguet

Jan 18, 2015; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs small forward Kawhi Leonard (2) drives to the basket as Utah Jazz power forward Derrick Favors (15) defends during the second half at AT&T Center. The Spurs won 89-69. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 18, 2015; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs small forward Kawhi Leonard (2) drives to the basket as Utah Jazz power forward Derrick Favors (15) defends during the second half at AT&T Center. The Spurs won 89-69. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 29, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Boston Celtics center Kelly Olynyk (41) runs down court during the second half of a basketball game against the Orlando Magic at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

9. Kelly Olynyk

No, Kelly Olynyk is not the next Dirk Nowitzki. But he is a talented and versatile big with three-point range, making him an extremely useful bench piece in Brad Stevens’ rotation.

On the season, Olynyk is averaging 10.1 points and 4.3 rebounds in 20.3 minutes per game. He’s probably not a starting-caliber player, and his rebounding leaves something to be desired for a seven-footer, but he’s efficient on the offensive end, shooting 45.6 percent from the field and 40.8 percent from three-point range.

Olynyk has missed 13 games due to injury, but his return Wednesday night came at a crucial time with the Boston Celtics missing Jae Crowder and Jonas Jerebko. The floor spacing he provides cannot be understated, and in his third NBA season, there’s still plenty of room for improvement moving forward.

Next: No. 8