Our annual Top 100 NBA player rankings have become a much-anticipated tradition. This year's list, reflecting an aggregate projection by various experts, presents some dynamic shifts that underscore the fluid nature of the league's talent pool.
Rising Stars
Among the most significant movers in this year's rankings is Victor Wembanyama, who has made a meteoric rise from 58th to 12th. His performance after the All-Star break saw him average an impressive 23.5 points, 12 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 4.5 blocks, and 1.5 steals per game. "We're not just talking about the next great NBA player here," notes NBA analyst Sam Quinn. "We're talking about the sort of player this sport has never seen, the next step in its evolution." Quinn adds, "He is the ultimate marriage of size and skill, the culmination of everything this sport has been building towards for the past decade."
Chet Holmgren is another player making significant strides, moving up from 68th to 30th. Jasmyn Wimbish highlights Holmgren's 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." Jack Maloney adds, "Holmgren has the on-and-off-ball skills to easily scale up and down depending on the situation."
Other notable risers include Alperen Sengun, who has climbed from 85th to 47th. Wimbish remarks, "Sengun's strength and finesse around the rim make it difficult to defend him when he catches the ball on the move." Tyrese Maxey also made a jump from 60th to 24th, reflecting his growing impact on the court.
New Entrants
While no rookies made the cut this year, several previously unranked players secured spots in the top 100. Brandon Miller, Jalen Suggs, and Coby White entered the rankings at 66th, 70th, and 71st, respectively. Isaiah Hartenstein is now positioned at 73rd, contributing consistently to his team's efforts.
Falling Players
As new talents rise, some established names have seen their ranks drop. Andrew Wiggins, previously holding the 48th spot, and Josh Giddey, formerly at 61st, both find themselves unranked this year. Brook Lopez experienced a notable decline, slipping from 50th to 88th. Another significant drop is seen in Marcus Smart, who fell from 56th to 93rd.
Zach LaVine, once ranked 43rd, now finds himself at 76th. Klay Thompson experienced a similar fate, dropping from 67th to 99th. Bradley Beal, who was 38th last year, now holds the 69th spot. Veteran players like Chris Paul and Malcolm Brogdon have moved out of the rankings altogether. Brad Botkin remarks on Brogdon's situation, "Brogdon is a good player but not a top-100 guy under these conditions."
Consistent Climbers
Noteworthy players who have steadily climbed the rankings include Derrick White and Jalen Williams, who now sit at 36th and 37th, respectively. Draymond Green, although slipping from 30th to 56th, continues to be a significant presence on the court. Sam Quinn reflects on the trajectory of players like Wembanyama and Holmgren, noting that the league continues to evolve as new talents emerge and redefine the standards of the game.
The shifts in this year's rankings underscore the dynamic nature of the NBA, with emerging talent bringing fresh excitement and established stars striving to maintain their positions. The balance of power within the league remains in constant flux, ensuring that every season presents new stories and evolving narratives.