There Is Still Honor in Honorable Mention: An Under 25 Addendum

[IamQuailman]

In the fantastic article "Top 25 Under 25", esteemed Sim League GMs Ballsohard and JNR collaborated to create a fantastic analysis of the top 25 players under the age of 25. Those wonders are taking the league by storm and should continue to bring further success to a league that is ever-changing and growing. However, there were 11 individuals that got a shout out in the article but were deemed ... for lack of a better time... UNWORTHY.

But alas, RPF and I am here to defend them and their honor. For there is nothing but honor in honorable mention!

Honorable Mentions

(In no particular order)
C Hassan Whiteside Toronto Raptors C
PF Bismack Biyombo Houston Rockets PF
PG Isaiah Thomas Seattle Supersonics PG
C Jonas Valanciunas Utah Jazz C
PG Tyreke Evans Washington Wizards PG
SF Chandler Parsons Sacramento Kings SF
C Enes Kanter Milwaukee Bucks C
SF Gordon Hayward Chicago Bulls SF
PG Jeremy Lin Atlanta Hawks PG
SG Jrue Holiday Dallas Mavericks SG
SF Khris Middleton Milwaukee Bucks SF

[IamQuailman]

#11 - Chandler Parsons
Sacramento Kings, SF



Chandler was a BPA player for the Kings back when he was drafted in 2011, and in hindsight, the Kings might actually be pretty excited to have him on board. With Randy Foye, Caron Butler, and Danny Granger getting up there in age (not to mention an imminent Kings rebuild looking more and more likely), GM NOLa. may already have a solution for his small forward spot in house. Chandler won't be a defensive stopper, but he has the size and athleticism to become a more efficient scorer. His shooting will organically improve in due time.

[RPF]

#10 Hassan Whiteside
Toronto Raptors, C


One has to wonder how GM Soundwave feels about this, on one hand he has Whiteside on the honorable mention list but he gave up Demar DeRozan to get him. When he grows up Whiteside will dominate on the glass and defensively for plenty of seasons. He has plenty of room to grow with Draymond Green in Toronto, so maybe GM Soundwave does know what he is doing after all.

[IamQuailman]

#9 - Khris Middleton
Milwaukee Bucks, SF



Picked BPA in last year's draft at #5, Middleton came in as a player that could have an instant impact on offense. As a starter, he is scoring just under 12ppg on 41% shooting. It's not horrible, but Middleton still has plenty of room to grow offensively. Defensively, he's got a ways to go. Even if he reaches his potential, he'll top out at an average at best perimeter defender. Something to keep an eye on though... he may fly under the radar here, but word on the street has it that he is looking to develop his passing, a very underrated trait in today's NBA.

[RPF]

#8 - Bismack Biyombo


GM 78 really made a good draft selection at 14 with picking Bismack Biyombo. If he reaches his potential he will be dominate on the glass and the defensive end add in decent inside game and nice passing from the power forward position, 78 will be smiling. The only real concern I have with him isn't really with him though. 78 has a history of squandering young talent with the hype train. They wither under the tremendous pressure of such a low mouthed owner. I really hope Biyombo is different because quite frankly, he deserves better than to be reminded of DeSagana Diop constantly.

[IamQuailman]

#7 - Gordon Hayward
Chicago Bulls, SF



What's not to like about this guy? He's athletic, he can shoot, he's got the potential to be an above average rebounder for his position, and he gives you added effort and flashes of excellence on the defensive side of the ball. He won't be a defensive force like Kawhi or Butler, but he will nag his opponents and has shown a trajectory of generating TOs on the defensive side of the ball. In his second year, the biggest knock on him is similar to that of Whiteside in that he is a bit of a slow grower, and being 23 already, Bulls are hoping he reaches that potential a little more quickly.

[RPF]

#6 - Jonas Valanciunas


Picked in the 2011 draft after Klay, Kawhi & Kyrie we find Jonas Valanciunas. Tell me if you heard this before, if he reaches his potential he will great on the boards and a good defensive big. Shooting 53% from the field and 68% from inside with a lot of room to grow there. I but the odd at 50/50 if he sees his potential through. He plays for the Jazz and their gm already knows how to disappoint players, just ask MJ or Timmy.

[IamQuailman]

#5 - Enes Kanter
Milwaukee Bucks, C



It was honestly a coinflip between Kanter and Jonas with regards to their rankings at 5 & 6. Both can become elite/top tier rebounders (sooner than Whiteside as well), both have the potential to become above average defenders, both have similar athleticism... however, the edge went to Kanter because he can score in and out of the paint. His ability to hit jumpshots (although a work in progress) can help his offensive game (and the team's). The Bucks are pretty high on this fella, and rightfully so.

[RPF]

#4 - Jrue Holiday


Jrue came into the league with a lot of hype at the 4th pick and 3 years later it looks like he is about to start paying off. It's taken Holiday a bit longer to figure things out here in sloe but he is shooting the best percentage of his young career and his highest assist to turnover ratio. The biggest question we all have is if he is doing this for his next contract or has he finally turned the corner.

[IamQuailman]

#3 - Tyreke Evans
Washington Wizards, PG



Wow, Tyreke is having a great year. After having possibly one of the best TCs of his career (improving both his defense, passing and inside scoring), Evans showed the flash and flare this season that made him a one of the top lotto picks in the 2009 draft. With his size and athleticism (particularly quickness and strength), Tyreke instantly becomes a matchup nightmare for opposing point guards. His only downside is that fact that he doesn't take care of the ball as well as he should. But at 23 years old, he still hasn't hit his potential and should only continue to grow. The biggest question mark with Tyreke is the discipline to stay focused. Will this elevated play continue next season, or is this just another example of contract year explosion?

[RPF]

#2 - Jermey Lin


Who saw this coming out of the #11 pick in the 2010? Certainly not the Pistons since they traded Lin for Gm Wignosy's old gym shorts. Lin has worked hard and improved his potential in jumpshot, inside, 3 point shooting & steals. It seems he loves it there in Atlanta and he is on a young loaded team. He will be a vital piece of the puzzle in Atlanta for years to come.

[IamQuailman]

#1 - Isaiah Thomas
Seattle Supersonics, PG



One of the couole good things that Darth left for p_amour during the transition was mighty mouse himself Isaiah Thomas. 24 years young, Isaiah has the quickness and hops to slice and dice a defense. On top of his ability to hit a dagger 3, Isaiah continuously is working to develop is ability to attack the paint. While many knock his size, the guy has a penchant for using it to his advantage and disguising himself amongst the trees. He still has plenty of room to go as a passer, but that will come with time. But once he hones that, he could be one of the top floor generals in the Pacifc. New nickname... Napoleon?

Sent from my Phone
No Trade List: Hornets

[RPF]

NICK I KNOW YOU SEE THIS, DO WHATS RIGHT AND GIVE ME MY 5 POINTS YOU Frye

[NickMalone77]

Thank you both, Doug, & Ed, for your media contribution. Here's both +5 for your article.