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Best By Age 25: Players Who Peaked Early But Missed Greatness

  • Broadcast in Basketball
Over and Back NBA Podcast

Over and Back NBA Podcast

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On today's episode of the Over and Back Classic NBA Podcast, Jason and Rich examine NBA players who by age 25 appeared on the trajectory for all-time greatness but for one reason or another fell off track.

Players discussed include early NBA star Ed Macauley, territorial pick in the last BAA draft before the BAA and the NBL merged to form the NBA. Jason and Rich discuss Macauley's early career, the trade he's most famous for and what he did in his post-playing career. 

Dwight Howard: one of the NBA's shining stars in his early years that has fallen out of favor recently, Jason and Rich look at his injury history as well as his attitude and whether or not he will be considered an all-time great when he finally hangs it up.

Tracy McGrady: T-Mac put together one of the NBA's greatest seasons in 2003 but just a few years later was unable to get on the court. McGrady was a star that shined bright but ultimately left many underwhelmed.

Elton Brand: Mr. Reliable put together an impressive resume in his early 20s but never reached the next level.

Gilbert Arenas: One of the NBA's best stories turned into one of its worse as Arenas rose up from anonymity to become a star on the Washington Wizards, ultimately  though, his career will be remembered for one unfortunate incident.

Luol Deng: The do-everything, jack of all trades for the mid 2000 Chicago Bulls, Deng teamed with fellow youngsters Kirk Hinrich and Ben Gordon to led the Bulls back to the playoffs. 

In addition to examinations into each of the players above, Jason and Rich also delve into players who accumulate a high percentage of stats in their first five years of the league. 

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