Our annual Top 100 NBA player rankings have once again stirred up excitement and debate among basketball enthusiasts. This year's list prominently showcases dramatic risers, unexpected drops, and notable absences, painting a vivid picture of the shifting landscape in the NBA.
Wembanyama’s Meteoric Rise
One of the most captivating stories this year is the astronomical rise of Victor Wembanyama. Last season, Wembanyama was placed at 58th, but his recent performance has catapulted him to an astonishing 12th in the rankings. Post All-Star break, Wembanyama's statistics have been nothing short of phenomenal, averaging 23.5 points, 12 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 4.5 blocks, and 1.5 steals per game. Such numbers are indicative of a player not just making strides but redefining the scope of what's expected in the league.
"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," remarked analyst Sam Quinn. Indeed, Wembanyama represents the latest in a lineage of players embodying the synergy of size and skill, pushing the envelope of the sport’s potential.
Rising Stars
Another significant mover is Chet Holmgren, who has climbed from 68th to 30th. Jasmyn Wimbish comments, "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 on both ends of the court makes him a fascinating player to watch in the coming seasons.
Alperen Sengun also witnessed a substantial boost, moving from 85th to 47th. Wimbish notes, "Sengun's strength and finesse around the rim make it difficult to defend him when he catches the ball on the move." This combination of power and agility positions Sengun as a rising star with a bright future.
Similarly, Tyrese Maxey made a significant leap from 60th to 24th. Meanwhile, Brandon Miller, Jalen Suggs, and Coby White transitioned from unranked positions to the mid-60s and early 70s, securing spots at 66th, 70th, and 71st respectively. These advancements illustrate a dynamic shift among young talent in the league.
Unexpected Drops
A number of seasoned players faced significant declines. Brook Lopez dropped from 50th to 88th, Marcus Smart fell from 56th to 93rd, and Zach LaVine slipped from 43rd to 76th. The most striking fall came from Bradley Beal, who plummeted from 38th to 69th. Klay Thompson, once ranked 67th, now finds himself barely inside the top 100 at 99th.
Notable Absences
Derrick White and Jalen Williams experienced positive shifts, moving to 36th and 37th respectively. Contrastingly, Andrew Wiggins and Josh Giddey, previously 48th and 61st, are now absent from the rankings. Wiggins' case is particularly poignant, with Brad Botkin reflecting, "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." This context adds a layer of understanding to Wiggins' drop.
Beyond these individual stories, the absence of rookies from this year's list is a notable anomaly, indicating a potentially slower assimilation or impact from this group on the league thus far. Chris Paul and Malcolm Brogdon also dropped out of the top 100, indicating shifts in their contributions or roles on their respective teams. "Brogdon is a good player but not a top-100 guy under these conditions," Botkin observes, shedding light on the challenging criteria faced by veterans.
Conclusion
These rankings reflect both the unpredictable nature of the NBA and the continuous influx of talent. Each player's journey is a testament to the relentless competition and evolving dynamics within the league. With rising stars making their mark and veterans grappling with the twilight of their careers, the landscape of professional basketball remains as thrilling and uncertain as ever.