Our annual Top 100 NBA player rankings have become a much-anticipated tradition, and this year’s list is no exception. Reflecting an aggregate projection, it showcases the dynamism and evolution of the league through significant movements both up and down the rankings.
Rising Stars
Among the accolades, Victor Wembanyama’s meteoric rise stands out. Vaulting from 58th to an impressive 12th, Wembanyama’s leap is a testament to his phenomenal performance. Post All-Star break, he has averaged 23.5 points, 12 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 4.5 blocks, and 1.5 steals per game, solidifying his ascent.
Sam Quinn speaks volumes about Wembanyama’s impact: "We're not just talking about the next great NBA player here. We're talking about the sort of player this sport has never seen, the next step in its evolution." He further elucidates, "He is the ultimate marriage of size and skill, the culmination of everything this sport has been building towards for the past decade."
Meanwhile, Chet Holmgren has also made significant strides, moving from 68th to 30th in the rankings. Jasmyn Wimbish, an astute observer of the sport, sees a bright future for Holmgren, 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."
New Entrants and Steady Climbers
Other notable climbers include Alperen Sengun, who now holds the 47th position, up from 85th. Sengun’s game around the rim has been a crucial factor in his steady rise. Jasmyn Wimbish notes, "Sengun's strength and finesse around the rim make it difficult to defend him when he catches the ball on the move."
Tyrese Maxey’s leap to 24th from 60th underscores his growing influence on the court. Additionally, Brandon Miller, Jalen Suggs, and Coby White have made their debut in the rankings, securing spots at 66th, 70th, and 71st, respectively. Isaiah Hartenstein has also made his mark at 73rd.
Derrick White and Jalen Williams, now positioned at 36th and 37th, have demonstrated their heightened performance levels. White, particularly, has catapulted himself into significance, as reflected in his jump to 36th place.
Notable Drops and Absences
As some players rise, others inevitably fall. Andrew Wiggins and Josh Giddey, previously ranked at 48th and 61st, respectively, have now found themselves unranked. Brook Lopez’s fall from 50th to 88th and Marcus Smart’s descent from 56th to 93rd have also been noteworthy shifts. Zach LaVine slipped from 43rd to 76th, and Klay Thompson, once 67th, is now at 99th, marking a significant dip in his standing.
Bradley Beal, who previously held the 38th spot, has fallen to 69th, and Chris Paul as well as Malcolm Brogdon have moved out of the rankings entirely. Brad Botkin offers a critical perspective on Brogdon, succinctly putting it, "Brogdon is a good player but not a top-100 guy under these conditions."
Draymond Green has also experienced a drop, moving from 30th to 56th. The fluidity and unpredictability of player performances year-to-year have once again been highlighted in this year’s rankings.
The Impact of Personal Circumstances
It’s crucial to mention the human element behind these statistics. Andrew Wiggins has faced significant personal challenges. His father, former NBA player Mitchell Wiggins, recently passed away. Brad Botkin sheds light on this, stating, "His father, former NBA player Mitchell Wiggins, recently died, and Andrew had taken multiple leaves of absence the past two years as his father's health was in decline." Such personal trials inevitably permeate a player's performance and rankings.
In Summary
This year's NBA rankings reflect not just the ongoing evolution of the sport, but also the personal stories that drive these athletes. Emerging talents like Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren are reshaping the basketball landscape, while established veterans navigate the complexities of their careers. The rankings offer a dynamic, ever-changing snapshot of the NBA’s vibrant ecosystem, where every game, every play, and every player's journey contributes to the tapestry of the sport.