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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 3, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Chicago won 102-98. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Jimmy Butler

Jimmy Butler has become one of the best two-way players in the league regardless of position. He’s a go-to scorer now, he’s still a lockdown wing defender, and he’s averaging a superstar-esque 21.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 1.7 steals per game. But ask any Chicago Bulls fan how his transition into a leadership role has gone and you probably won’t get an enthusiastic response.

For one thing, Butler loses points in these rankings because he’s missed 15 games. For another, the heavy usage on the offensive end has impacted his perimeter shooting, as he’s converting only 30.3 percent of his three-point attempts this season.

But most important of all, his fit with Derrick Rose hasn’t been ideal, especially in late-game situations when it becomes a coin toss between who will be trying to take over on a nightly basis.

Bulls fans will cringe at the realization that James Harden ranks higher on this list, especially since Butler is a better defender by MILES. But Harden is posting more points, assists AND rebounds per game, he’s a better perimeter shooter than Butler, he does more for his team’s offense, he doesn’t have as much talent around him, and he’s been a lot more durable this season.

Considering their team’s records are nearly even, you can’t even give the edge to Butler in this regard, since their teams have both been disappointments.

Perhaps next season, if Harden continues to neglect the defensive end and the Bulls live up to their reputation as a dangerous team in the East, we’ll need to revise these rankings. But for now, Butler’s messy assumption of a leadership role and his time missed this year gives the slight edge to Harden.

Next: No. 3