Our annual Top 100 NBA player rankings have become a much-anticipated tradition, drawing the eyes of basketball fans and analysts alike. This year's list offers intriguing movements, major leaps, and surprising falls, shaping the narrative for the upcoming season.
A Phenomenal Leap
One of the most significant stories of this year's rankings is the meteoric rise of Victor Wembanyama. Wembanyama has vaulted from 58th to 12th, showcasing his extraordinary impact post All-Star break. During this period, he averaged 23.5 points, 12 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 4.5 blocks, and 1.5 steals per game. This leap is unparalleled in recent memory and positions him as a true force in the NBA.
"We're not just talking about the next great NBA player here. We're talking about the sort of player this sport has never seen, the next step in its evolution," observed seasoned analyst Sam Quinn. His blend of size and skill marks him as the pinnacle of what modern basketball has been building towards over the past decade.
Rising Stars
Another young star making headlines is Chet Holmgren, who moved up from 68th to 30th in the rankings. With his diverse skill set, Holmgren is poised to become a regular fixture in not just the All-Star Game but also on end-of-season awards ballots like All-NBA and All-Defense.
"Holmgren is on a career trajectory to be a mainstay at the All-Star Game, as well as a frequenter of end-of-season awards ballots like All-NBA and All-Defense," remarked Jasmyn Wimbish, shedding light on his upward career path.
Tyrese Maxey also made significant strides, climbing from 60th to 24th. His ascent reflects his consistent performance and increasing influence on the court.
Unranked No More
This year's list also saw several players moving into the rankings from previously unranked positions. Brandon Miller, Jalen Suggs, and Coby White secured spots at 66th, 70th, and 71st, respectively.
Established Names Dropping
On the flip side, notable names experienced significant drops. Brook Lopez fell from 50th to 88th, Marcus Smart from 56th to 93rd, and Zach LaVine slipped from 43rd to 76th. Klay Thompson, who was once ranked 67th, now finds himself at 99th. Bradley Beal's drop from 38th to 69th also raised eyebrows among analysts.
NBA veteran Chris Paul and Malcolm Brogdon moved out of the rankings entirely. Discussing Brogdon's fall, Brad Botkin commented, "Brogdon is a good player but not a top-100 guy under these conditions."
Consistent Performers
Alperen Sengun climbed from 85th to 47th as he continued to impress with his strength and finesse around the rim. "Sengun's strength and finesse around the rim make it difficult to defend him when he catches the ball on the move," Jasmyn Wimbish noted.
Derrick White and Jalen Williams also saw appreciable improvement, ascending to 36th and 37th, respectively. Meanwhile, Andrew Wiggins and Josh Giddey, who were previously 48th and 61st, did not make it into this year’s rankings. Wiggins' performance was likely impacted due to off-court issues, including multiple leaves of absence that he took due to his father's declining health.
>>"His father, former NBA player Mitchell Wiggins, recently died, and Andrew had taken multiple leaves of absence the past two years as his father's health was in decline," Brad Botkin reported, shedding light on the personal challenges Wiggins faced.
Draymond Green, another staple name in recent years, saw his ranking drop from 30th to 56th. This adjustment reflects shifts in his on-court role and production as he continues to adapt through his seasoned career.
Reflections on the Rankings
This year's NBA rankings epitomize the ever-evolving nature of the sport, where young stars like Wembanyama and Holmgren rise rapidly while established veterans like Lopez and Beal experience declines. It serves both as an indicator of current performance and a projection of future potential, ensuring fans and analysts have plenty to discuss and debate as the season progresses. This dynamic landscape highlights the perpetual motion of the NBA, where nothing remains static and opportunities await those ready to seize them.