The NBA season is upon us, and with it comes the unveiling of the Top 100 players list, a much-anticipated ranking that always stirs debate and discussion among fans and analysts alike.
One notable omission from this year’s list is Dillon Brooks of the Houston Rockets. According to Jasmyn Wimbish, "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." This selection highlights the depth of talent in the league and the fine margins separating the great from the elite.
Among those who secured a spot, Andrew Nembhard of the Indiana Pacers landed at 94th. For a player who’s crucial alongside Tyrese Haliburton, James Herbert notes, "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." Nembhard’s presence is pivotal for a Pacers team looking to build around their dynamic backcourt.
Nic Claxton of the Brooklyn Nets takes the 91st spot. Known for his versatile skills, Claxton is a player who impresses without needing a high usage rate. As James Herbert puts it, "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%." It will be intriguing to see if Claxton’s role expands further this season.
Jerami Grant of the Portland Trail Blazers ranks 78th on the list, reflecting his solid contributions amid a turbulent period for his team. Brad Botkin poses a pertinent question: "Can the Blazers find a trade that works after committing way too much money to Grant last summer?" Grant's contract and performance will undoubtedly be a focal point as Portland navigates the season.
At 73rd, Isaiah Hartenstein of the New York Knicks makes his debut on the list. Known for his defensive capabilities, he’s a player who statistics speak highly of, with Sam Quinn stating, "He's a defensive metrics darling -- D-EPM rated him the second-best defender in basketball last season behind only Jonathan Isaac." Such recognition underscores his value on a Knicks team looking to make strides in the Eastern Conference.
Khris Middleton comes in at 61st while entering a new phase in his career with the Milwaukee Bucks. Jack Maloney elaborates, "Middleton is moving into a different phase of his career, one where he is firmly a third option for the Bucks." As Milwaukee charts its course, Middleton’s experience and adaptability will be key.
Just ahead at 60th is Herbert Jones of the New Orleans Pelicans, a player known for his unique skill set. "There isn't another Herb Jones out there," Quinn asserts, capturing the essence of Jones’s value to his team through his irreplaceable presence on the court.
Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors claims the 56th spot and continues to evolve his game. Brad Botkin highlights a lesser-known aspect of Green’s range, stating, "Quietly, Green shot nearly 40% from 3 last season on over two attempts a game." Such statistics add another layer to Green’s already dynamic influence on the Warriors' success.
Moving higher up the list, Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks secures a significant position at 13th. Fresh off a remarkable playoff run, Brunson’s performance has marked him as one of the league’s current stars. Herbert notes, "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." This historic achievement has cemented his place among the elite and earned him a lucrative four-year, $156.5 million extension.
At the pinnacle of the Top 100 is Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets. His ranking at number one comes as no surprise to those who have marveled at his prowess. Botkin encapsulates Jokic's unparalleled focus and drive, writing, "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." This humility paired with consistent excellence defines Jokic’s reign at the top.
This year’s Top 100 list provides a snapshot of the players who have left an indelible mark on the league, each with a story that contributes to the rich tapestry of the NBA. As the season progresses, these rankings will undoubtedly fuel conversations, rivalries, and the relentless pursuit of greatness that defines professional basketball.