The 2024-25 NBA season is just five weeks away, and teams are gearing up for what promises to be an exhilarating year of basketball.
Training Camps and Preseason
With training camps on the horizon, the preseason is set to tip off on October 4. As anticipation builds, fans and analysts alike are eagerly evaluating rosters and player performances. The league's top talent is under the microscope as everyone prepares for the grueling season ahead.
Top 100 Players List
This year’s top 100 players list has been carefully crafted by a panel of seasoned analysts, including Brad Botkin, James Herbert, Jack Maloney, Sam Quinn, Jasmyn Wimbish, Bill Reiter, John Gonzalez, Ashley Nicole Moss, Adam Finkelstein, and Avery Johnson. Notably, the list excludes rookies, focusing instead on seasoned players and their previous season performances.
Every NBA team is represented in the top 100, demonstrating the widespread talent across the league. The New York Knicks, New Orleans Pelicans, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Minnesota Timberwolves each boast six players on the list, the highest among all teams. Close behind, the Boston Celtics have five players featured.
Team Representation and Player Highlights
The Milwaukee Bucks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Memphis Grizzlies, Sacramento Kings, Orlando Magic, Dallas Mavericks, Denver Nuggets, Indiana Pacers, and Houston Rockets each have four players making the cut.
In individual player news, Draymond Green is set to enter his 13th NBA season, an impressive milestone highlighting his durability and skill. Equally noteworthy, Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant have maintained their status as top-10 players, underscoring their continuous impact on the game.
Last season marked a notable achievement for Zion Williamson, who played a career-high 70 games. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers' Austin Reaves showcased his reliability by playing in all 82 games and averaging 15.9 points per game. The Houston Rockets' Alperen Sengun is coming off a breakout season, indicating his potential to further elevate his game.
Rankings and Roster Movements
Khris Middleton and Bradley Beal have seen a drop in their rankings this year, reflecting perhaps a shift in performance or broader changes within their respective teams. On the other hand, Jalen Brunson and the highly-touted Victor Wembanyama narrowly missed out on breaking into the top 10, hinting at their potential for future ascension.
Championship Aspirations and Underdogs
For the Boston Celtics, Jrue Holiday and Derrick White are set to spearhead their championship charge in 2025. Conversely, the Utah Jazz, Brooklyn Nets, Detroit Pistons, and Washington Wizards each have just one player in the top 100, positioning them as potential underdogs with standout talent.
Nikola Jokic Leads the Pack
The panel of experts unanimously selected Nikola Jokic as the top player for the upcoming season. This distinction cements Jokic's status as a dominant force in the league, setting the stage for what could be an MVP-worthy campaign.
As training camps kick-start and the preseason unfolds, the basketball world will be watching closely. The upcoming 2024-25 NBA season is poised to deliver high-octane action, with established stars and emerging talents ready to make their mark.