2012 Top 25 Under 25: #1 Kevin Durant

Born: September 29, 1988 (age 23)
Team: Oklahoma City Thunder
Position: SF

So we are finally at #1 and I don't think there is any question. This 3 time All-Star, 3 time scoring champion might be the best player in the NBA. Yea, there is LeBron and maybe that's the right choice, but if he isn't the best player then he is the obvious #2. In his 5 year career Durant has averaged 26.3 ppg 7 rebs and 3 assists a game, and keeps getting better every year. In the 2011-2012 season Durant should almost 50% (.496), which is silly for a guy with his range, but it shows you where he is taking his game.

The thing with Durant is that it isn't just about stats, which is crazy considering he is a 3 time scoring champ, because he is also so clutch. We have seen him hit game winning shots time after time, and to prove it even further look what he has done in the playoffs this year (26.7 ppg, 8.1 rebs, 3.4 asts) and over his career (27.4 ppg, 8 rebs, 2.9 asts).

The Spur might be able to knock out the Thunder this year, but we can all see what is coming and it's Durant and the fact that he is going to rule the West for the foreseeable future.

2012 Top 25 Under 25: #2 Sidney Crosby

Born: August 7, 1987 (age 24)
Team: Pittsburgh Penguins
Position: Center

Some people might not like this pick because he hasn't been able to play a lot because of concussion over the past 2 seasons, but there is just really no way to argue against this kid's resume. Trust me it's hard for me to admit, because I hate his guts, but sit back and think about all the things he has already done.

He as already led the NHL in goals (2010), led the NHL in points (2007), is a 4 time All-Star, won an MVP (2007), won a Gold Medal (2010), and won a Stanley Cup (2009). Even with my hatred towards him it would be a shame for this kid's career to get cut short, because he has a shot at being one of the best of all-time.

Look at the record he has set...

First rookie to record 100 points and 100 penalty minutes in a season
Youngest player to record 100 points in a season (18 years, 253 days)
Youngest player to record 200 career points (19 years and 207 days)
Youngest player to record 2 consecutive 100 point seasons (19 years, 215 days)
Youngest player voted to the starting lineup in an All-Star Game
Youngest Art Ross Trophy and Lester B. Pearson Award winner
Youngest player to be named to the First All-Star Team
Youngest full team captain
Youngest Player to Lead NHL Playoffs in scoring (20 years, 9 months, and 28 days)
Youngest NHL captain to win Stanley Cup (21 years, 10 months, and 5 days)
Fewest games played by an NHL team's leading scorer

Speaks for itself. Even if he didn't play another year, he would probably make the Hall of Fame, and if he can play a full career he will no doubt be one of the top 10 NHL players of All-Time.

2012 Top 25 Under 25: #3 Clayton Kershaw

Born: March 19, 1988 (age 24)
Team: LA Dodgers
Position: Pitcher

A lot of people don't realize just how good Kershaw has been in his career, and last year he had one of the better pitching performances you will see. Last year, 21-5 with a 2.28 233 1/3 innings 248 Ks and 5 CGs. He won the Cy Young for the NL that year, a Gold Glove, and won the Pitching Triple Crown. At just 24 years old that is pretty amazing, and he hasn't slowed down this year 4-1 with a 1.90 ERA.

It's funny on the East Coast you just don't hear about this guy as much as you should. Part of it could just be the East Coast bias, and I guess some of it can be that in Boston we just don't give a shit about the NL, but this guy is amazing.

2012 Top 25 Under 25: #4 Derrick Rose

Born: October 4, 1988 (age 23)
Team: Chicago Bulls
Position: PG

What could've been if Rose was able to play this year, or even just the playoffs. We will always have to sit back and wonder that. Rose still has to be near the top of the list, to be honest the only reason he is not #1, or #2 on my list is because of how little he played this year, and how little he is most likely going to play next year.

Rose has been in the league for 4 years and already has an MVP under his belt, is a 3 time All-Star, and won Rookie of the Year. So there is no question about talent here. The only question is health. He battled back injuries all year, and then was knocked out of the playoffs with a torn ACL, that could keep him out all of next regular season as well.

2012 Top 25 Under 25: #5 Steven Stamkos

Born: February 7, 1990 (age 22)
Team: Tampa Bay Lightning
Position: C

He is 22 years old and already has 179 goals and 150 assists, and is just getting started as he had 60 goals this year with 12 of them being game winning goals and 5 of those being in overtime. In the last 16 years there have only been 2 players to score 60+ goals in a season (Ovechkin/Stamkos). That should tell you the kind of season he had.

Stamkos just finished his 4th season and has already led the NHL in goals twice, made 2 All-Star teams, set the record for the most overtime goals in a single season (5), and most goals in a season by a Tampa Bay Lightning player (60).

Having a guy score like this just doesn't happen anymore. The next closest was Malking and he had 50, and behind him Marian Gaborik with 41.

2012 Top 25 Under 25: #6 Kevin Love

Born: September 7, 1988 (age 23)
Team: Minnesota Timberwolves
Position: PF

During Kevin Love's first two years in the NBA I thought he was nothing more than a 10pts/10rebs a night type of guy. Not that is bad, but I didn't think he would turn into the player he is now.

During the 2010-2011 season Kevin Love took the NBA by storm leading the NBA in rebounding (15.2/game) and averaged 20.2 ppg. He shows the following year that it was no fluke as he averaged 26 ppg and 13.3 rebs. Leading him to make the All-Star team each of the last two years, and NBA Most Improved Player in 2011.

The Timberwolves looked like they might even break into the playoff this year before Ricky Rubio went down (5-21 after Rubio was lost for the season), but if Rubio can stay healthy the combo of him and Love will make for great building blocks and one of the better big men/PG combos in the league.

I really hope the Timberwolves somehow mess up his contract situation in the coming years and he becomes a Celtic.

Top 25 Under 25: #7 LeSean McCoy

Born: July 12, 1988 (age 23)
Team: Philadelphia Eagles
Position: RB

We were all waiting for McCoy to really breakout, and man did he do that last year. McCoy rushed for 1,309 yards (4.8/carry) with 17 TDs, you add that with 315 receiving yards with another 3 TDs. That was good enough to break the Eagles' single season touchdown and rushing touchdown records previously set by Steve Van Buren in 1945. He made his first Pro Bowl for his performance and was selected as a First Team All-Pro.

McCoy is just starting to scratch his potential. I expect him to have at least 1,300 yards rushing every year (as long as he is healthy), and I also think that he is going to turn into a hell of a catching RB as well.

2012 Top 25 Under 25: #8 Blake Griffin

Born: March 16, 1989 (age 23)
Team: LA Clippers
Position: PF

There was so much love for Blake Griffin last year, that the inevitable happened and everyone seems to hate him more and more now. Some of it is Sportscenter's fault, some of it is his faking injuries/flopping, but when you make a top 25 under 25 list this guy has to be on it.

In his two years in the NBA Blake Griffin has turned around a franchise and a fan base (yes, some it Paul too). In those two year he has averaged 21.7 ppg, 11.5 rebs, and 3.5 assists. He already has an NBA Rookie of the Year under his belt and is a 2 time All-Star and a Slam Dunk champion. He is one of the two reasons the Clippers are in the playoffs this year.

There are some negatives in his game (defense), but I think when we talk about talent Griffin is near the top, especially in an era that really doesn't have a lot of big men. Griffin is just 23 years old, and if he progresses in his all around game he could be the best power forward in the game.

2012 Top 25 Under 25: #9 Justin Upton

Born: August 25, 1987 (age 24)
Team: Arizona Diamondbacks
Position: OF

On August 2, 2007, Upton was called up to the big leagues at the age of only 19, which made him the youngest player in baseball. Since then he has made 2 All-Star teams, and won a Silver Slugger in 2011, hit 94 HRs, 305 RBIs, and 67 SBs.

So far this year Justin Upton has struggled, but I am not reading too much into that. He is a hell of a defensive player, winning "Fielding Bible Award" for RF last year, which recognizes the best defensive player for each fielding position in the MLB based on statistical analysis. On top of that, last year he hit 31 HRs with 88 RBIs and 21 SBs while hitting .289 (while coming in 4th for MVP of the NL). When you say "5 tool player" you think Justin Upton. There is nothing this kid can't do.

2012 Top 25 Under 25: #10 Stephen Strasburg

Born: July 20, 1988 (age 23)
Team: Washington Nationals
Position: Pitcher

If it wasn't for Strasburg needing Tommy John surgery in 2010 he would probably be in the top 5. He has made only 23 starting in his major league career, but they have already shown that he is one of the best pitchers in baseball and as long as he stay healthy will be dominant for years. In those 23 starts Strasburg is 8-4 with a 2.28 ERA with 154 Ks in just 130 innings. The only reason he probably won't win the NL Cy Young is because he is going to be on an innings count this season, but so far this year he is 2-0 in 6 starts with a 1.66 ERA.

The guy is a stud, and the only concern is health. Not matter what team you are a fan of you have to hope that he is able to stay healthy, because we could be watching the best pitcher on our generation.

2012 Top 25 Under 25: #11 Cam Newton

Born: May 11, 1989 (age 22)
Team: Carolina Panthers
Position: QB

Cam Newton was amazing in college, but I don't think I was the only one questioning him as he came into the NFL. It was really about the whole "Gruden Camp" thing. He didn't seem to really know about picking apart a defense, or even many plays. Boy, was I wrong.

- AP Offensive Rookie of the Year (2011)
- Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year (2011)
- Sporting News Rookie of the Year (2011)
- PFWA Offensive Rookie of the Year (2011)
- Pro Bowl (2011)
- 3× Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Week
- NFL record for most passing yards by a rookie: 4,051 (2011)
- NFL single-season record for most rushing touchdowns by a quarterback: 14 (2011)
- Most passing yards by a rookie in a game (432), September 18, 2011 vs. Green Bay Packers[62]
- Most passing yards by a rookie in a season (4,051), 2011
- First rookie in NFL history to pass for more than 400 yards in back to back games, September 11, 2011 vs. Arizona Cardinals and September 18, 2011 vs. Green Bay Packers[62]
- First rookie in NFL history to throw for 10 touchdowns and run for 10 touchdowns in a season.
- Fourth rookie quarterback to throw for 3,000 yards in a season.
- Third most pass TDs (21) in a rookie season.
- Most total touchdowns by a rookie NFL player: 35 (21 pass, 14 rush).
- Most rushing yards by a rookie quarterback: 706
- First player in NFL history with 4,000+ pass yards and 10+ rush TDs in a season.
- First player in NFL history with 4,000+ pass yards and 500+ rush yards in a season.

Not bad list of accomplishments for your first year in the NFL, especially when we aren't even talking about what he did in college (2 time National Champion, Heisman Trophy, ect). Newton played in all 16 games for the Panthers, completed 60% of his passes, threw for 4,051 yards with 21 TDs and 17 INTs. Sure, that isn't the greatest TD/INT rate, but when you add in his 706 rushing yards and 14 rushing TDs it really starts to look even more impressive.

At 22 years old, he has the chance to be what Vick was supposed to be, but an even better passer. Newton is breaking the mold of QBs, and is probably a big reason why RG III was taken so high.

2012 Top 25 Under 25: #12 Russell Westbrook

Born: November 12, 1988 (age 23)
Team: Oklahoma City Thunder
Position: PG

There is always a bit of controversy surrounding this guy because he really plays more like a SG then a PG, but I don't think any of us can deny the talent that he does have. This season he averaged 23.6, 5.5 assists, 4.6 rebs while shooting the best percentage of his career (46%).

In last years playoffs when he was blasted for shooting to much he shot 47% averaged 20.5 ppg, 6 asts, 6 boards. I get the argument that he should be more of a true PG, but some guys aren't. Maybe his best skill is a scorer, not everyone can be Rajon. Plus, it's not like he is a terrible passer, he did average 8 assists last season, and brought his team to the Western Conference Finals.

The 2 time All-Star is on a team that has a real chance to win it all not just this year, but more many years going forward.

2012 Top 25 Under 25: #13 Rob Gronkowski

Born: May 14, 1989 (age 22)
Team: New England Patriots
Position: TE

Odd to have a tight end be up this high on the list, but not after the season Gronk just had. Last year Gronk had 90 catcher for 1,327 yards (14.7 average) and 17 TDs. Not to mention the 258 yards and 3 TDs he had in the playoffs also. That is just insane. He might be one of the dumbest people in the NFL, but the kid is a beast and at age 22 we could be seeing one of the great TE's of all time if he can stay healthy.

Look at the record he has already set (Wiki)...

- Youngest player with 3 touchdown receptions in a game: 21 years, 214 days (2010, vs. Pittsburgh Steelers)

- Youngest player with 3 touchdown receptions in a game, playoffs: 22 years, 275 days (2011 playoffs, vs. Denver Broncos)

- Most touchdown receptions by a tight end, season: 17 (2011)

- Most touchdowns by a tight end, season: 18 (2011)

- First tight end to lead the league in receiving touchdowns (2011)

- Most receiving yards by a tight end, season: 1,327 (2011)

I do worry about his health long term, but when you're 22 and setting records like that you know you're one of the best in the NFL.

2012 Top 25 Under 25: #14 Andrew Bynum

Born: October 27, 1987 (age 24)
Team: Los Angeles Lakers
Position: Center

I could make the case that Bynum is the best center in the NBA. There just aren't many great centers around anymore and this 7ft 285 lb beast of a man is one of them. He is a hot head, sometimes an idiot, but say what you want but this guy is a stud.

Bynum just concluded his best regular season as a pro averaging 18.7 ppg, 11.8 rebs and 2 blocks per game. He has already won two NBA Championships with the Lakers, and made his first All-Star game this year. He does have health concerns, but this was the first year that he really stayed healthy for the most part, and you can see by his career highs this season what he is capable of.

I'll say it now, I'd rather have Bynum on my team then Dwight Howard. Call me crazy if you want, but it's the truth.

2012 Top 25 Under 25: #15 Mike Stanton

Born: November 8, 1989 (age 22)
Team: Miami Marlins
Position: OF

His real name is Giancarlo Cruz Michael Stanton, we know him as Mike Stanton, no not that RP that used to pitch for the Yankees.

On June 6, 2010 at age 20 year (212 days) Stanton became the second youngest player, behind only Miguel Cabrera to break into the big leagues with the Marlins, and has never once looked like he didn't belong. In his first season (100 games) Stanton put up 22 HRs, 59 RBIs and hit .259. He followed that by last year hitting .262 with 34 HRs and 87 RBIs. He is still just 22 years old and could be a guy who hits 40 HRs every year. Most guys at 22 are still in AA, and this kid is raking HRs. His RBIs totals will only rise as this team starts to put better players on the field around him.

We could very easily be looking at the next Pujols type player here.

2012 Top 25 Under 25: #25 Kyrie Irving

Born: March 23, 1992 (age 20)
Team: Cleveland Cavaliers
Position: PG

Irving was taken first overall by the Cavaliers and has enjoyed a pretty good rookie year. In 51 games Irving averaged 18.5 points, 3.7 rebs, and 5.4 assists. Irving got off to a fast start, and through twenty-three games, had ten games with 20+ points. Irving also scored 34 points in the NBA Rising Stars, earning MVP honors.

It's tough to see a lot of Irving since he plays for the Cavs and they aren't a good team, but he is a hell of a building block in a league that seems to be more and more centered around PGs. You see the improvement in the team since he has joined as the Cavs had 2 more wins then last year and this year was a shortened season. He brought their winning percentage up from 23% to 32%. Sure that isn't overly impressive, but the Cavaliers were 16-25 before the trade deadline and 5-20 after it. They will draft no lower than sixth and, if the draft lottery goes chalk, will have the No. 3 overall selection. They also have the Nos. 24, 33 and 34 picks, so they should have a better lineup to put around Irving next year, so I expect his assists to rise, and his overall production to improve.

Top 25 Under 25: Correction

I was going to have Jimmy Graham as the #16 guy on my list. I must have misread because he hactually turned 25 in November. It's an easy fix. Basically all the guy on the list will be moving up a spot, and Kyrie Irving will be taking the #25 spot.

Top 25 Under 25: #16 Johnathan Toews

Born: April 29, 1988 (age 24)
Team: Chicago Blackhawks
Position: Center

For a 24 year old this kid has certainly already accomplished a lot in his career. He is the captain of the Blackhawks (after only 64 games), he has already won a Stanley Cup, while winning the Stanley Cup he won the Conn Smythe (MVP for finals), he is the youngest person ever to be part of the Triple Gold Club (Stanley Cup, Olympic Gold Medal, World Championship Gold Medal), voted best forward in the 2010 Olympics, voted 3 times to the NHL All-Star game, and already has 144 goals and 180 assists in his career.

Yea, that's pretty damn good for a 24 year old. We could be talking about a future Hall of Famer here. He has the size (6 foot 2, 208 pounds), and obviously has the skill with everything I listed above.

Top 25 Under 25: #17 Matthew Stafford

Born: February 7, 1988 (age 24)
Team: Detriot Lions
Position: QB

When you think of Stafford you really don't question how talented he is, but his health. In his first 2 season Stafford was only able to play 13 games, but in 2011 he was finally able to stay healthy and we saw what this kid can do. Stafford threw for 5,038 yards, 41 TDs with a completion percentage of 63.5%. For that he was named to the Pro Bowl, and won AP Comeback Player of the Year.

Sure, he is made a better player by Calvin Johnson, but 41 TDs is 41 TDs, and if the Lions can protect this guy we might just be starting to see what he can do. I mean he is 24 years old and already holds 3 record for the Lions...

Most passing yards in a single season: 5,038 (2011)
Most passing touchdowns in a single season: 41 (2011)
Highest completion percentage in a single season by starting QB: 63.5 (2011)

Yea, it's the Lions, but still impressive. I can wait to see what he and the Lions can do moving forward, because their team is just oozing with talent.

2012 Top 25 Under 25: #18 Madison Bumgarner

Born: August 1, 1989 (age 22)
Team: San Francisco Giants
Position: Pitcher

Bumgarner is just 23-20 in his career, but that is one of those stats where you should ignore it because it doesn't reflect how good of a pitcher he is. In 2010 (20 years old) Bumgarner went 7-6 with a 3.00 ERA pitching 111 innings with 86 Ks. He improved the next season going 13-13 with a 3.21 ERA while pitching 204.2 innings and 191 Ks. Think about that for a 2nd. The kid was 21 years old, pitched over 200 innings and had almost 200 Ks.

If Giants ever get some offense behind this kid he could easily be a 20 game winner. Lets not forget he was a key part of the Giants winning the World Series in 2010. He went 2-0 with a 2.18 ERA, while pitching 20.2 innings with 18 Ks. To be that clutch that young is a great sign, and this is a guy who could be in our top 10 next year, as he is still just 22 years old.