Annual Top 100 NBA Player Rankings: Wembanyama's Meteoric Rise
The annual Top 100 NBA player rankings have become a much-anticipated tradition, a crystal ball offering a glimpse into the future of professional basketball. This year's list reflects an aggregate projection, taking into account various metrics and expert opinions. In this context, the 2023 rankings introduce significant shifts and surprising turns, with some players making remarkable leaps while others, unfortunate as it may be, falling from grace.
Wembanyama's Dramatic Leap
Standing tallest among the climbers is Victor Wembanyama, whose ascension from 58th to 12th in the rankings is nothing short of spectacular. After the All-Star break, Wembanyama put up impressive stats, averaging 23.5 points, 12 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 4.5 blocks, and 1.5 steals per game. Such performance has not only solidified his position among the elite but also captured the imagination of fans and pundits alike. As Sam Quinn aptly puts 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."
Other Key Movers
But Wembanyama is not alone in this upward trajectory. Chet Holmgren has moved up from 68th to 30th, reflecting his burgeoning talent and potential stardom. "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," says Jasmyn Wimbish, highlighting the budding star’s potential to dominate both ends of the floor. Additionally, Jack Maloney notes, "Holmgren has the on-and-off-ball skills to easily scale up and down depending on the situation."
Alperen Sengun's rise from 85th to 47th is another noteworthy development. His combination of strength and finesse around the rim has made him a difficult player to guard, especially when he catches the ball on the move. As Wimbish emphasizes, "Sengun's strength and finesse around the rim make it difficult to defend him when he catches the ball on the move."
Tyrese Maxey has made a significant jump from 60th to 24th, while Brandon Miller, Jalen Suggs, and Coby White have climbed into the rankings from previously unranked positions, securing spots at 66th, 70th, and 71st, respectively. Isaiah Hartenstein now stands at 73rd, a testament to his growing importance in the league.
Notable Declines
On the flip side, some players have not been as fortunate. Andrew Wiggins, previously ranked 48th, and Josh Giddey, formerly 61st, find themselves unranked this year. Reflecting on Wiggins' challenging period, Brad Botkin states, "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."
Other significant drops include Brook Lopez, who fell dramatically from 50th to 88th, Marcus Smart, who slipped from 56th to 93rd, and Zach LaVine, who went from 43rd to 76th. Klay Thompson's fall from 67th to 99th is emblematic of the harsh realities of competitive sports. Moreover, Bradley Beal’s ranking has dipped from 38th to 69th, signaling a year of struggle for the seasoned scorer. Chris Paul and Malcolm Brogdon have also moved out of the rankings entirely, with Botkin remarking, "Brogdon is a good player but not a top-100 guy under these conditions."
Consistent Performers
Among those maintaining strong positions, Derrick White and Jalen Williams have moved to 36th and 37th, respectively. Derrick White's rise, in particular, underscores his value and consistent contributions to his team.
While some players tumble, others soar, and the annual Top 100 NBA player rankings continue to generate buzz and debate. It is a celebration of talent and a reflection of the ever-evolving dynamics of the sport. Each year brings new stories of triumph and tribulation, making the Top 100 a compelling narrative in the world of basketball.