ESPN’s NBA Insiders earlier this week released their updated list of the 25 top players younger than 25, based on potential. The Brooklyn Nets landed two selections this year, with D’Angelo Russell and Caris LeVert both making the list.
Russell tied for 13th on the list with Finnish forward Lauri Markkanen of the Chicago Bulls, while LeVert was in a tie for 21st with Sacramento Kings rookie big man Marvin Bagley III.
But here’s the thing about a list based on potential: Neither Russell, now 23 years old and in his fourth NBA season, nor LeVert, who will turn 25 in August and is in his third year, made last year’s list from the same source.