The excitement in the NBA is palpable as the 2024-25 season is set to tip off in just five weeks. With training camps on the horizon and preseason games beginning on October 4, fans and analysts alike are abuzz with anticipation.
Top 100 Players List Shakes Up the NBA Landscape
This year’s top 100 players list, crafted diligently by a team of analysts including Brad Botkin, James Herbert, Jack Maloney, Sam Quinn, Jasmyn Wimbish, Bill Reiter, John Gonzalez, Ashley Nicole Moss, Adam Finkelstein, and Avery Johnson, offers a compelling look at the talent spread throughout the league. Notably, no rookies have made the cut this year, which may come as a surprise to some.
Every team boasts at least one player on the list, underscoring the depth of talent across the league. The New York Knicks, New Orleans Pelicans, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Minnesota Timberwolves each lead with six players. The Boston Celtics follow closely with five, while the Milwaukee Bucks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Memphis Grizzlies, Sacramento Kings, Orlando Magic, Dallas Mavericks, Denver Nuggets, Indiana Pacers, and Houston Rockets each feature four representatives.
Veterans and Rising Stars
Among the veterans, Draymond Green is entering his 13th NBA season, a testament to his durability and consistent performance. Meanwhile, Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant continue to affirm their elite status, remaining within the top-10 echelon of players.
For rising stars, Zion Williamson stands out, having played a career-high 70 games in the previous season, a significant milestone for the oft-injured forward. Austin Reaves of the Lakers is another notable mention, with an impressive average of 15.9 points per game and playing in all 82 games last season. Alperen Sengun of the Rockets also receives recognition for his breakout season, signaling a promising future for the young center.
Surprises and Snubs
The list also brings its share of surprises and inevitable debates. Khris Middleton and Bradley Beal have seen a drop in their rankings this year. Conversely, Jalen Brunson and Victor Wembanyama had strong cases to break into the top 10 but missed out narrowly.
The Celtics’ backcourt duo of Jrue Holiday and Derrick White are poised to lead a championship charge for Boston in 2025, a storyline that Celtics fans will follow with keen interest.
The Lone Stars
On the opposite end of the spectrum, the Utah Jazz, Brooklyn Nets, Detroit Pistons, and Washington Wizards each have just one player in the top 100 list. This starkly contrasts with teams boasting multiple high-caliber players and raises questions about these franchises' strategies and future directions.
Nikola Jokic: The Unanimous Choice
Amongst all the rankings and discussion, one point is free from contention: Nikola Jokic has been unanimously selected as the top player for the upcoming season. The reigning MVP’s exceptional skills and court vision have earned him widespread acclaim, highlighting the Denver Nuggets' dominance in recent years.
As the new season approaches, expectations are sky-high. The mixture of enduring legends, promising young talent, and strategic team dynamics ensures an electrifying NBA season filled with unforgettable moments and intense competition.