The NBA season is upon us, and the anticipation is palpable. One of the early talking points centers around the recently released Top 100 players list, which has sparked discussion and debate among fans and pundits alike. The list highlights a mix of seasoned veterans and emerging talents, spotlighting key players who are expected to make significant impacts for their respective teams.
Notable Rankings and Omissions
Dillon Brooks of the Houston Rockets finds himself in an unexpected position, failing to make the Top 100 players list. Despite this omission, Jasmyn Wimbish asserts, "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."
Meanwhile, Andrew Nembhard of the Indiana Pacers managed to secure the 94th spot. James Herbert emphasizes Nembhard’s fit within the Pacers' lineup: "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."
Players to Watch
Rising star Nic Claxton of the Brooklyn Nets is ranked 91st. Herbert notes, "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%." Claxton’s potential for growth remains a point of intrigue for many NBA enthusiasts.
Jerami Grant of the Portland Trail Blazers comes in at 78th, though Brad Botkin questions his value proposition: "Can the Blazers find a trade that works after committing way too much money to Grant last summer?" This suggests that Grant's place within the team and the league might be more fluid than his ranking implies.
Isaiah Hartenstein of the New York Knicks is positioned at 73rd. Hartenstein’s ranking underscores his contributions to the Knicks, particularly as a defensive asset. As Sam Quinn points out, "He's a defensive metrics darling -- D-EPM rated him the second-best defender in basketball last season behind only Jonathan Isaac."
Veteran Presence
Veterans like Khris Middleton and Draymond Green also make notable appearances. Middleton, ranked 61st, seems to be transitioning into a new role. Jack Maloney remarks, "Middleton is moving into a different phase of his career, one where he is firmly a third option for the Bucks." Similarly, Green, ranked 56th, has shown improvement in his offensive game. Botkin highlights, "Quietly, Green shot nearly 40% from 3 last season on over two attempts a game."
Herbert Jones, ranked 60th, remains a unique asset for his team. As Quinn succinctly puts it, "There isn't another Herb Jones out there."
Standout Performer
One of the most impressive rankings belongs to Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks, who is ranked 13th. Brunson's remarkable performance last season has not gone unnoticed. Herbert elaborates, "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 achievement further solidifies Brunson’s reputation as a formidable force on the court. Recently, Brunson secured a four-year, $156.5 million extension, reflecting his value to the Knicks and the league at large.
At the pinnacle of the list is Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets, who is ranked number one. His exceptional skill set and unselfish play define his status as the top player. Botkin provides a telling insight: "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."
As the NBA season kicks off, the Top 100 players list serves as both a conversation starter and a roadmap for what fans can expect. From emerging stars to seasoned veterans, the dynamics within the league continue to evolve, promising another thrilling season of basketball.