The upcoming NBA season is brimming with anticipation as fans eagerly await the start. With the 2024-25 NBA season kicking off in five weeks, the first wave of excitement comes with training camps on the horizon and the preseason tipping off on October 4. The yearly ranking of the top 100 NBA players has been revealed, offering plenty of talking points and insights into team compositions and individual performances.
Top 100 Players List
This year’s top 100 players list was curated by a panel of seasoned analysts: Brad Botkin, James Herbert, Jack Maloney, Sam Quinn, Jasmyn Wimbish, Bill Reiter, John Gonzalez, Ashley Nicole Moss, Adam Finkelstein, and Avery Johnson. Notably, the list excludes rookies, focusing instead on proven talent across the league.
Team Representatives
A remarkable aspect of this year’s list is that every NBA team boasts at least one player in the top 100. The New York Knicks, New Orleans Pelicans, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Minnesota Timberwolves lead the way with six players each. Following them, the Boston Celtics have five players making the cut.
Other strong showings include the Milwaukee Bucks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Memphis Grizzlies, Sacramento Kings, Orlando Magic, Dallas Mavericks, Denver Nuggets, Indiana Pacers, and Houston Rockets, each represented by four players. This indicates a broad distribution of talent across various teams, setting the stage for a highly competitive season.
Noteworthy Players
Draymond Green is set to embark on his 13th NBA season, a testament to his durability and skill. Meanwhile, veterans Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant continue to shine, both maintaining their status as top-10 players. Their consistent performances over the years have solidified their spots among the league's elite.
Zion Williamson's career-high 70 games in the previous season is another highlight. His ability to stay healthy and contribute significantly has been a crucial factor for his team. Austin Reaves of the Lakers also deserves a mention; he averaged 15.9 points per game and played all 82 games last season, underscoring his reliability and scoring prowess.
Alperen Sengun of the Rockets is another player to watch, coming off a breakout season that has placed him firmly on the radar of NBA enthusiasts. Meanwhile, Dereck Lively II played a pivotal role in the Dallas Mavericks' run to the NBA Finals last season, showcasing his potential as a key player moving forward.
Changes in Rankings
This year’s rankings also reflect some notable shifts. Khris Middleton and Bradley Beal have seen a drop in their standings, suggesting a need for them to regain their prior form to ascend the rankings again. On the flip side, Jalen Brunson and Victor Wembanyama narrowly missed out on breaking into the top 10, indicating their upward trajectory and potential to become top-tier players soon.
Teams with Few Representatives
While some teams have a large number of players in the top 100, others have fewer representatives. The Utah Jazz, Brooklyn Nets, Detroit Pistons, and Washington Wizards each have just one player on the list. This could signal either a need for a more well-rounded roster or the presence of a standout player who shoulders a significant portion of the team's load.
Top Player
Nikola Jokic has been unanimously selected by the panel of experts as the top player for the upcoming season. His multifaceted game, combined with consistent excellence, has cemented his place at the pinnacle of the NBA. Jokic's performance will be closely watched as he aims to lead his team to further success.
As the season draws nearer, teams and players are gearing up to make a mark. With training camps around the corner and the preseason set to begin shortly, fans can look forward to a thrilling season filled with intense competition and standout performances. The top 100 players list provides a glimpse into the talent and potential each team brings to the court, making the 2024-25 NBA season one to watch.