The anticipation for the 2024-25 NBA season is building up as the league is set to tip off in just five weeks. With training camps on the horizon and the preseason commencing on October 4, the excitement is palpable among fans and analysts alike. This season promises to be a captivating one, with numerous storylines already unfolding.
Preseason Buzz and Top Players
This year's top 100 players list, meticulously crafted by analysts Brad Botkin, James Herbert, Jack Maloney, Sam Quinn, Jasmyn Wimbish, Bill Reiter, John Gonzalez, Ashley Nicole Moss, Adam Finkelstein, and Avery Johnson, has set the stage for endless debates and discussions. Interestingly, no rookies have been included in this year’s top 100, an unusual but noteworthy decision.
Every NBA team is represented in the list, highlighting the league's talent distribution. The New York Knicks, New Orleans Pelicans, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Minnesota Timberwolves lead the pack with six players each making the cut. The Boston Celtics follow closely with five players, while the Milwaukee Bucks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Memphis Grizzlies, Sacramento Kings, Orlando Magic, Dallas Mavericks, Denver Nuggets, Indiana Pacers, and Houston Rockets each have four players featured.
Veterans and Rising Stars
Among the veterans, Draymond Green is entering his 13th NBA season, demonstrating his enduring presence and impact on the court. Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant continue to dominate, remaining in the top 10. Their consistent performance over the years has cemented their legacies as NBA greats.
Meanwhile, Zion Williamson's career-high 70 games last season has not gone unnoticed. His ability to stay on the court and contribute significantly has been a positive development for the Pelicans. For the Lakers, Austin Reaves' remarkable average of 15.9 points per game while playing in all 82 games last season has earned him recognition and respect across the league.
The Houston Rockets’ Alperen Sengun is coming off a breakout season, showcasing his potential to be a key player for his team. In Dallas, Dereck Lively II played a pivotal role in the Mavericks' journey to the NBA Finals last season, proving his worth in high-stakes situations.
Shifting Rankings and Expectations
This year has seen some shifts in player rankings, with Khris Middleton and Bradley Beal experiencing drops in their positions. On the other hand, Jalen Brunson and Victor Wembanyama narrowly missed the top 10, signaling their rising influence in the league.
The Boston Celtics’ roster, featuring Jrue Holiday and Derrick White, is gearing up to lead the charge for a championship in 2025. Their combined experience and skill set make them formidable contenders for the upcoming season.
Team Representation and the Unanimous Top Player
Despite the varying number of players each team has in the top 100, some franchises have only one representative. The Utah Jazz, Brooklyn Nets, Detroit Pistons, and Washington Wizards each have a single player making the cut, underscoring both the challenges these teams face and the individual brilliance of their standout players.
The highlight of the list is Nikola Jokic, who was unanimously selected by the panel of experts as the top player for the upcoming season. His dominance and versatility have set a high standard, and he is expected to continue his exceptional performance.
As the countdown to the new season begins, fans can look forward to a spectacular display of basketball talent and competition. With training camps and preseason games around the corner, the stage is set for another thrilling NBA chapter.