10 HOF-Bound NBA Players Under 30

But most of those players have made their cases already. They're all over 30, they're all past their primes (yes, even James), and their primes were almost certainly good enough to merit HOF consideration. But who among the NBA players who are still making their cases might be worthy of the same honor? Here are 10 players under 30 who appear HOF-bound.

1. Kevin Durant

Here's a scary thought for everyone who's caught up in the idea that Stephen Curry is this generation's Michael Jordan: Kevin Durant is actually younger than Curry. This sort of thing happens in the modern NBA... we've seen less of Curry, but he's the older player because he's one of the few superstars who stuck around in college for a few years (whereas Durant turned pro after one season at Texas). Durant has already been inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame, and he's as much of a shoe-in as a 27-year-old could be for the NBA one.

2. Stephen Curry

When analyzing Curry's case, it's important to remember that his ridiculous 2015-2016 season isn't his coming out party. That was last year, when he catapulted himself from good to great and won a surprise MVP. It's still strange to remember, but Curry was actually the favorite for NBA Finals MVP over LeBron James in last season's finals betting market. That's a pretty strong statement unto itself, and Curry's followed it up with what's sure to be a second consecutive MVP season. Curry's done all he needs to do to make the HOF, and he's still got a few years of his prime left.

3. Russell Westbrook

Durant teammate Russell Westbrook is also younger than Curry, as incredible as that may seem. Viewed as the NBA's leading sidekick for several seasons, Westbrook has in the eyes of many reached Durant's level and become a top-five player in the league. His incredibly complete work in 2015-2016 has even led to a discussion about whether he might one day match Oscar Robertson's unrivaled feat of averaging a triple-double in a season.

4. Blake Grififn

Blake Griffin may still be the most overlooked superstar in the NBA. Once upon a time, he was viewed as merely a highlight reel dunker. And even when he improved his overall game, there was something clunky and unusual about how he played. But Griffin is the best power forward in the game and has been for some time now. He's going to put together an undeniable HOF resume before all's said and done.

5. James Harden

Charles Barkley is 25th on the all-time NBA scoring list with 23,757. James Harden is only 26 years old, and is over 11,000 already. That's a pace that's going to land him in the top-25, but when you consider that he spent three seasons as a sixth man, his trajectory on the scoring charts is pretty alarming. This guy is scoring over 2,000 points per season on average over his last four, and at that rate he'll be in the top-25 by age 32 or 33, with years left to play. He's a surefire HOF'er.

6. Kawhi Leonard

Leonard has become a top-10 (and top-five) player in the past two seasons. He has a title and a Finals MVP award to his credit already. Yet at just 24, he's still got work to do. Nevertheless he looks to be the central piece of the next era of San Antonio Spurs excellence, and that's about as big a boost as a prospective HOF player could have.

7. Paul George

The tough thing Paul George has going against him is that it's conceivable his best playoff days are already behind him at 25. The Pacers are facing a rebuild, just a few years after George propelled them to the top of the East and battled LeBron James's Miami Heat teams admirably. Still, George is one of the best two-way players in the league and likely hasn't even entered his prime. He'll have a very good chance at the Hall.

8. Damian Lillard

In an era of young point guards including John Wall, Kyrie Irving, Kemba Walker and others, Damian Lillard has quietly emerged as the most consistent of the bunch. He is one of the best shooting point guards in the league, has an undeniable feel for big moments, and has miraculously kept his team in the thick of the Western Conference playoff hunt despite the loss of LaMarcus Aldridge last offseason. He's not a shoe-in, but Lillard is a player who's going to have some incredible seasons and big playoff moments before he hangs it up.

9. Klay Thompson

Other young players may seem likelier than Klay Thompson to be future HOF'ers. The point guards mentioned in connection to Lillard all come to mind, as do young big men like DeMarcus Cousins and even Karl-Anthony Towns. But it's worth noting that shooting is a skill that ages pretty well. Thompson is a terrific athlete and a better defender than he's given credit for, but his HOF case will be built on his shooting, and that's something he can keep up well into his 30s. He's already in the top-80 in all-time 3-point field goals and could conceivably leap into the top-45 or so next season.

10. Anthony Davis

Davis is dealing with some injury concerns, and has had a somewhat-disappointing season. But let's all remember we were talking about him as an MVP favorite heading into his age-23 season. Davis will be a HOF'er barring disaster.