Our annual Top 100 NBA player rankings have become a much-anticipated tradition, providing fans and analysts alike with an insightful look into the league's evolving landscape. This year's list, built from an aggregate projection, brings both surprising leaps and notable drops, reflecting the ever-changing dynamics of pro basketball.
Rising Stars
Leading the charge amongst the rising stars is Victor Wembanyama, who catapulted from 58th to an impressive 12th place. Wembanyama's remarkable progress can be attributed to his outstanding performance after the All-Star break, where he averaged an eye-popping 23.5 points, 12 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 4.5 blocks, and 1.5 steals per game. "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," said Sam Quinn, emphasizing Wembanyama's unique blend of size and skill. Indeed, he appears to be the culmination of a decade of basketball evolution.
Chet Holmgren also made significant strides, moving from the 68th to the 30th spot. According to Jasmyn Wimbish, "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." Holmgren's versatility and on-and-off-ball skills, highlighted by Jack Maloney, make him a player to watch as he continues to scale up depending on the situation.
Alperen Sengun’s ascension from 85th to 47th showcases his growing impact on the court. Wimbish praised Sengun's "strength and finesse around the rim," pointing out the difficulty opponents face in defending him when he catches the ball on the move. Likewise, Tyrese Maxey’s jump from 60th to 24th reflects his burgeoning influence and capacity for high-level performance.
New Entrants and Notable Movements
In a year devoid of rookies making the cut, several players have broken into the rankings for the first time. Brandon Miller, Jalen Suggs, and Coby White secured their positions at 66th, 70th, and 71st, respectively. Isaiah Hartenstein clinched the 73rd slot, solidifying his status as a key player. Furthermore, Derrick White and Jalen Williams earned commendable placements at 36th and 37th, respectively.
However, not all movement was upwards. Andrew Wiggins and Josh Giddey fell off the list from their previous 48th and 61st spots. Wiggins, who has taken multiple leaves of absence in the past two years due to his father Mitchell Wiggins' health decline, now faces the challenge of reestablishing his standing. Brad Botkin notes Wiggins' personal struggles and their likely impact on his performance.
Significant Drops
Some veterans have seen a dip in their rankings. Brook Lopez fell sharply from 50th to 88th, while Marcus Smart slid from 56th to 93rd. Zach LaVine, who was previously ranked 43rd, now finds himself at 76th. Klay Thompson also experienced a decline from 67th to 99th, marking a significant drop for the sharpshooter. Bradley Beal’s fall from 38th to 69th reflects a difficult season, while Draymond Green moved from 30th to 56th, indicating a relative slowdown in his typically stellar contribution.
Some players, like Chris Paul and Malcolm Brogdon, dropped out of the rankings entirely. Botkin remarks, "Brogdon is a good player but not a top-100 guy under these conditions." This signifies a more competitive environment where only the most impactful players retain their spots.
The shifting positions in this year's rankings encapsulate the relentless pace of the NBA, where emerging talents and experienced players vie for recognition. As the season progresses, it will be intriguing to see how these players adapt and respond to their new standings, striving to climb the ranks or reclaim their former glory.