Our annual Top 100 NBA player rankings have become a much-anticipated tradition, reflecting the dynamic nature of the league and its players. This year's list offers fascinating insights, with significant moves and notable exceptions that have intrigued fans and analysts alike.
Rising Stars
One of the most remarkable stories this year is that of Victor Wembanyama, who has made an extraordinary leap from 58th to 12th in the rankings. This move is reflective of his stellar performance post-All-Star break, during which he averaged 23.5 points, 12 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 4.5 blocks, and 1.5 steals per game. Wembanyama’s growth has been nothing short of spectacular. As Sam Quinn aptly put it, "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." Quinn further emphasizes, "He is the ultimate marriage of size and skill, the culmination of everything this sport has been building towards for the past decade."
Similarly, Chet Holmgren has made substantial progress, moving from 68th to 30th. His career trajectory suggests a frequent presence at future All-Star Games and end-of-season awards ballots like All-NBA and All-Defense. Jasmyn Wimbish observed, "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." His versatility and on-and-off-ball skills, as noted by Jack Maloney, make him an adaptable player in various game situations.
Another name that stands out is Alperen Sengun, who climbed from 85th to 47th. His ability to combine strength and finesse around the rim makes him a formidable opponent. As Wimbish highlighted, "Sengun's strength and finesse around the rim make it difficult to defend him when he catches the ball on the move."
Steady Climbers
Tyrese Maxey’s ascent from 60th to 24th speaks volumes about his development and impact on the court. Additionally, Brandon Miller, Jalen Suggs, and Coby White have made notable entrances into the rankings, securing spots at 66th, 70th, and 71st, respectively. Isaiah Hartenstein, Derrick White, and Jalen Williams also saw improvements, with Hartenstein now positioned at 73rd, and White and Williams at 36th and 37th, respectively.
Significant Drops
On the flip side, this year's list reflects some significant drops. Andrew Wiggins, previously 48th, and Josh Giddey, formerly 61st, have now fallen out of the rankings. Wiggins' drop could be partially attributed to the personal challenges he faced, as Brad Botkin noted, "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."
Brook Lopez experienced a drastic fall from 50th to 88th, while Marcus Smart dropped from 56th to 93rd. Zach LaVine and Klay Thompson saw considerable declines as well, with LaVine slipping from 43rd to 76th and Thompson from 67th to 99th respectively. Bradley Beal also experienced a decline, moving from 38th to 69th. Chris Paul and Malcolm Brogdon have exited the rankings entirely, with Botkin remarking, "Brogdon is a good player but not a top-100 guy under these conditions."
Recognition and Resilience
Draymond Green's move from 30th to 56th highlights the fluctuating nature of player performances and the impact of various on-court and off-court factors. Despite these changes, the players recognized in this year's rankings continue to showcase the diverse talent and dynamic nature of the NBA. Whether they are climbing the ranks or facing setbacks, each player's journey reflects their unique contributions to the sport.
The annual Top 100 NBA player rankings not only celebrate excellence but also capture the evolving narrative of basketball, providing fans and analysts with insights and talking points that resonate throughout the season.