Our annual NBA Top 100 players ranking has once again ignited discussions across basketball circles, highlighting significant shifts and surprising movements in player standings. The much-anticipated tradition of ranking has become a hallmark of our publication, and this year's list, driven by an aggregate projection, has offered plenty to dissect.
Rising Stars and Major Leaps
Arguably the most eye-catching leap in this year’s rankings is that of Victor Wembanyama. The young phenom has surged from 58th to an impressive 12th position. His ascent has been nothing short of extraordinary, underscored by his performances post-All-Star break where he averaged 23.5 points, 12 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 4.5 blocks, and 1.5 steals per game. Sam Quinn encapsulated the excitement surrounding Wembanyama, describing him as, "the sort of player this sport has never seen, the next step in its evolution." Indeed, Wembanyama represents a blend of size and skill that epitomizes the modern NBA, making him a player to watch closely in the upcoming seasons.
Another notable riser is Chet Holmgren, who jumped from 68th to 30th. Seen by many as a future centerpiece, Jasmyn Wimbish highlighted his potential, stating, "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-the-ball skills make him a valuable asset capable of adapting to various in-game situations, a sentiment echoed by Jack Maloney.
Alperen Sengun’s climb from 85th to 47th is another testament to his growing influence on the court. Known for his strength and finesse around the rim, Sengun’s ability to dominate when receiving the ball on the move has become a significant aspect of his game, as Wimbish detailed.
Steady Climbers and New Entrants
Tyrese Maxey also made a significant leap, moving from 60th to 24th, showcasing his growth as an integral part of his team’s success. Brandon Miller, Jalen Suggs, and Coby White, previously unranked, have now secured positions at 66th, 70th, and 71st respectively, marking their entry into the top echelon of NBA talent.
Rankings Shake-up
Other notable shifts include Derrick White and Jalen Williams who moved to 36th and 37th, respectively. Meanwhile, Isaiah Hartenstein has found himself at 73rd. Derrick White’s significant rise, in particular, positions him among the key players making substantial impacts for their teams.
Declines and Departures
This year’s rankings weren’t just about the risers; several players experienced declines. Andrew Wiggins, previously 48th, and Josh Giddey, formerly 61st, have both fallen out of the rankings. Brook Lopez dropped from 50th to 88th, a stark contrast reflecting changes in his performance and role. Marcus Smart went from 56th to 93rd, while Zach LaVine slipped from 43rd to 76th.
Klay Thompson, who was once known for his sharpshooting and defensive prowess, now finds himself barely hanging onto the list at 99th, down from 67th. Bradley Beal's fall from 38th to 69th also signifies a notable drop, raising questions about his current standing and future trajectory in the league.
Notably, Chris Paul and Malcolm Brogdon have moved out of the rankings entirely. Brad Botkin remarked on Brogdon’s exclusion, stating, "Brogdon is a good player but not a top-100 guy under these conditions."
Another significant drop was seen with Draymond Green, who moved from 30th to 56th. Green’s decline might be attributed to various factors, including his evolving role and performance levels.
Off-Court Challenges Impacting Rankings
Beyond the games and statistics, personal challenges have also influenced rankings. Andrew Wiggins’ father, former NBA player Mitchell Wiggins, recently passed away, with Brad Botkin noting, "Andrew had taken multiple leaves of absence the past two years as his father's health was in decline." Such off-court situations inevitably impact a player’s focus and on-court performance, which reflects in the rankings.
As the new season approaches, these rankings will undoubtedly prompt extensive discussions among fans and analysts alike. The movements emphasize not just the volatile nature of an athlete's career but also the relentless competition and ever-evolving game of basketball.