The NBA season is upon us once again, bringing with it the familiar excitement of player rankings and team strategies. One player notably left out of the Top 100 players list this year is Dillon Brooks of the Houston Rockets. Although Brooks missed the cut, Jasmyn Wimbish acknowledges that he remains an impactful player, particularly on the defensive side of the ball.
Among those who did make the Top 100, Andrew Nembhard of the Indiana Pacers secured the 94th spot. According to James Herbert, Nembhard is exactly the kind of player the Pacers need next to Tyrese Haliburton, ensuring that opposing teams reconsider before daring the rest of the squad to beat them.
Moving slightly up the list, Nic Claxton of the Brooklyn Nets is positioned at 91st. Herbert highlights Claxton's exceptional handles in transition and impressive touch around the basket, though his usage rate remains relatively low, not rising above 15.6%.
Increasing Value for Teams
Jerami Grant of the Portland Trail Blazers is ranked 78th, but his high salary raises questions. Brad Botkin ponders whether the Blazers can find a favorable trade after investing significant money in Grant last summer.
Another notable inclusion is Isaiah Hartenstein of the New York Knicks, who stands at 73rd. Hartenstein has earned praise for his defensive metrics. Sam Quinn points out that according to D-EPM, he was the second-best defender in basketball last season, trailing only Jonathan Isaac.
Khris Middleton of the Milwaukee Bucks is ranked 61st, a place that reflects his evolving role. Jack Maloney notes Middleton is moving into a phase in his career where he is firmly the third option for the Bucks, a team with championship aspirations.
Defensive stalwart Draymond Green is ranked 56th. Quietly, Green shot nearly 40% from three-point range last season on over two attempts per game, according to Botkin. This offensive improvement adds another dimension to his already multifaceted game.
Emerging Stars and High-Priced Extensions
Herbert Jones sits at 60th on the list, with Sam Quinn stating that "there isn't another Herb Jones out there," a testament to his unique skill set and impact on the court.
Jalen Brunson finds himself in the spotlight, not just for his ranking at 13th, but also for his recent financial success. Brunson secured a four-year, $156.5 million extension, solidifying his place as a cornerstone for the New York Knicks. His performance during the playoffs further validates this investment, as he became only the fourth player in NBA history—and the first since Michael Jordan in 1993—to score 40 points or more in four consecutive playoff games, according to Herbert.
The Pinnacle of NBA Excellence
At the very top of the list, Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets is recognized as the number one player. Brad Botkin eloquently captures Jokic's unique approach to greatness, stating, "The fact that he has zero interest in being recognized as the world's best player is, in part, what actually makes him the world's best player."
As the season progresses, the dynamics and narrative around these rankings will evolve. Players like Brooks will have the opportunity to prove their worth, while those in the Top 100 will strive to justify and improve their standings. Fans eagerly await to see how these evaluations play out on the court, contributing to the unpredictable and thrilling spectacle that is the NBA.