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Ranking The Top NBA Players By Age: Age 26

By Gerald Bourguet

Dec 31, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) shoots against Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) in the second half at Toyota Center. The Warriors won 114 to 110. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) shoots against Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) in the second half at Toyota Center. The Warriors won 114 to 110. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 5, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) dribbles the ball during the first half against the San Antonio Spurs at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Gordon Hayward

Speaking of well-rounded players, is there a more under-appreciated star in the NBA right now than Gordon Hayward? And yes, make no mistake about it: Hayward is a blossoming star for the Utah Jazz, who are on the verge of returning to the playoffs despite a plethora of injuries to key players on the roster.

Despite long absences for defensive anchor Rudy Gobert, Derrick Favors and Dante Exum (who’s been out all season after his summer ACL tear), the Jazz are still one of the best defenses in the NBA. Why? Because Hayward is a lockdown defender on the wing, and he’s been the one constant variable for this team that still has them within reach of a postseason berth.

Averaging 19.6 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game this season, Hayward is shooting 43.1 percent from the field and 35.2 percent from three-point range — despite a slow start to the season and a down month in February. At only 26 years old, things are going to only get better for Hayward and a (hopefully) healthy Jazz team from here.

Next: No. 4