http://forwardcenter.net/damian-lill...r-25-rankings/

The folks at ESPN.com have posted a ranking of the 25 best NBA players who are still under the age of 25, then they had three NBA experts, Amin Elhassan, David Thorpe and Kevin Pelton, write about their Many of the bigger names in the NBA have passed that threshold, but the list is full of the new wave of NBA superstars such Anthony Davis, Paul George, James Harden and Kyrie Irving, players who will be taking over as some of the biggest names in the league make their exits. Then again, if the 2014 NBA Draft class can live up to the hype, a lot of new names are likely to be on this list come next season.

This season, Damian Lillard is ranked at No. 8 after being ranked No. 21 last season and Nicolas Batum comes in at No. 16, which is unchanged from his rank on the Under-25 list last season.

Here’s what the panel, which breaks down who the player is, what he needs to improve upon and how he projects for the next few seasons, had to say about Lillard …
“

Elhassan: One of the most underrated members of the NBA’s golden age of point guards, Lillard is enjoying the benefits of playing on a team with talent. He’s struggled to finish at the rim this season(and was not stellar at it last year), but makes up for it with great perimeter shooting and savvy play out of the pick-and-roll. Probably has the best step-back jumper in the NBA.

Thorpe: Lillard is clearly one of the most complete guards in the NBA, except for when he is attacking the rim. He seldom finishes because he often holds onto the ball too long after jumping into the air, thus shooting the ball on the way down. He’ll contort his body and extend his shooting arc to avoid contact or get the shot off, instead of exploding up and finishing on the rise as he initiates contact.

Pelton: Next season will probably be Lillard’s last big step forward. Similar players tended to settle in at the level of play they reached at age 24.

Some interesting analysis there, particularly from Thorpe. I’ve noticed as well this season that Lillard does seem to hold onto the ball for a beat longer than maybe he should on drives, presumably in an attempt to draw fouls. Thorpe’s observation that he’d be better off attacking the rim rather than trying an acrobatic finish is as he’s coming back to the floor is seems like sound advice. And yes, it’s hard to think of a player with a better step-back jumper than Lillard.

Lillard is ranked directly behind Kyrie Irving at No. 7 and ahead of DeMarcus Cousins at No. 9.

Here what Elhassan, Thorpe and Pelton had to say about Batum, who will turn 25 in a few days on Dec. 14 …
“

Elhassan: It’s hard to believe that Batum, now in his sixth year, still isn’t 25 years old. A poor man’s Scottie Pippen, Batum is a long, versatile and athletic perimeter defender who can handle the ball and create for others. He’s been a consistently good 3-point shooter throughout his career and is ultra-efficient around the basket.

Thorpe: Batum still makes far too many causal passes, which result in turnovers. He really struggles in ball-screen action, either not attacking the big hard enough to create easier passing and scoring angles or he simply doesn’t pivot and move the ball away from the defenders as he passes.

Pelton: A long-time WARP favorite because of his 3s and steals, Batum is unlikely to grow much statistically going forward. Similar players stayed at exactly the same level the next season.

Again, some insightful comments from Thorpe. I noticed earlier in the season that Batum was throwing way too many pockets passes in the pick and roll that had little to no chance of finding the roll man, usually Robin Lopez. But he seems to have refined that a bit as the season has wore on and has found a nice comfort level working as a point forward. I’m also curious if Pelton’s WARP and SCHOENE projections have any variable for coaching, as Batum’s growth seems to have accelerated under the tutelage of Terry Stotts.