The NBA season is fast approaching, and as always, player rankings spark conversations and debates among fans and analysts alike. This year, the much-anticipated Top 100 players list has brought a mix of praise, surprise, and controversy.
Dillon Brooks Just Misses the Cut
One notable omission from the Top 100 players list is Dillon Brooks of the Houston Rockets. Though he didn't secure a spot, Jasmyn Wimbish suggests that Brooks remains a significant asset to his team, particularly on defense. As she puts it, "Brooks might've just missed the cut in our Top 100, but he's still an impactful player, specifically on the defensive side of the ball."
Rising Stars and Established Names
Among the recent entries to the Top 100, Andrew Nembhard of the Indiana Pacers has made an impression, securing the 94th spot. James Herbert notes his strategic importance, stating, "He's the kind of player the Pacers need next to Tyrese Haliburton, so opposing teams think twice about simply daring everybody else to beat them."
Moving up the list, Nic Claxton is ranked 91st. Herbert highlights Claxton's skill set, pointing out, "He has shown off his handles in transition, and he has kind of incredible touch around the basket, but Claxton's usage rate has yet to rise above 15.6%." This signals potential for growth as he takes on a larger role in the team.
Jerami Grant, coming in at 78th, finds himself at the center of trade speculations. Brad Botkin aptly questions, "Can the Blazers find a trade that works after committing way too much money to Grant last summer?" With high financial stakes, Portland's decisions regarding Grant will be closely watched.
Key Presence in the Mid-Tier
At 73rd, Isaiah Hartenstein of the New York Knicks emerges as a player with considerable contributions. His defensive prowess is particularly noted, with Sam Quinn commenting that "He's a defensive metrics darling -- D-EPM rated him the second-best defender in basketball last season behind only Jonathan Isaac."
Herbert Jones follows closely, ranked 60th. Quinn praises his unique qualities, asserting, "There isn't another Herb Jones out there." As a player who stands out for his individual style and skill, Jones adds significant value to his team.
Khris Middleton of the Milwaukee Bucks, ranked 61st, appears to be transitioning into a new phase of his career. Jack Maloney describes Middleton's evolving role, saying, "Middleton is moving into a different phase of his career, one where he is firmly a third option for the Bucks."
At 56th, Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors maintains his reputation as a versatile player, unexpectedly excelling in his shooting last season. Brad Botkin observes, "Quietly, Green shot nearly 40% from 3 last season on over two attempts a game."
Star Performances
Jalen Brunson's ranking at 13th is supported by impressive performances, especially in the playoffs. James Herbert recalls a notable milestone, commenting, "In May, Brunson became the fourth player in NBA history -- and first since Michael Jordan in 1993 -- to score 40 points or more in four consecutive playoff games." Such historic feats underline Brunson's impact on the court.
Brunson's success is further reflected in his recent contract extension, securing a four-year, $156.5 million deal, marking him as one of the significant talents in the league.
The Apex Player
Reigning at the top, Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets holds the number one spot on the Top 100 players list. Brad Botkin provides insight into Jokic's exceptional mindset, 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." Jokic's humility and focus on the game rather than accolades set him apart, making him a revered figure in the sport.
As the new NBA season kicks off, these rankings serve as a snapshot of the league's dynamic talents and the narratives that will continue to evolve throughout the year. Fans and analysts alike await the moments that will redefine these standings and create new ones in the ever-exciting world of professional basketball.