The NBA season is just around the corner, and fans are eagerly counting down the five weeks left before the excitement tips off. Training camps are on the horizon, and teams are gearing up for the preseason, which starts on October 4.
One of the much-anticipated moments leading up to any NBA season is the release of the top 100 players list, an annual tradition that fans and analysts alike eagerly dissect. This year’s list has been meticulously crafted by a team of analysts that includes Brad Botkin, James Herbert, Jack Maloney, Sam Quinn, Jasmyn Wimbish, Bill Reiter, John Gonzalez, Ashley Nicole Moss, Adam Finkelstein, and Avery Johnson. Notably, no rookies made the cut, underscoring the extraordinary talent and experience required to break into this elite group.
Representation across the league is commendable this year, with every NBA team boasting at least one player in the top 100. Leading the pack are the New York Knicks, New Orleans Pelicans, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Minnesota Timberwolves, each featuring six players on the list. The Boston Celtics follow with five players, while several teams, including the Milwaukee Bucks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Memphis Grizzlies, and Sacramento Kings, each have four representatives.
Draymond Green, a stalwart of the Golden State Warriors, is entering his 13th NBA season, continuing to solidify his legacy in the league. Meanwhile, his teammate Stephen Curry and former teammate Kevin Durant remain in the rare air of the top 10 players, maintaining their status among the NBA's elite.
Among the impressive individual performances highlighted, Zion Williamson stands out for playing a career-high 70 games last season. Another emerging talent, Austin Reaves of the Lakers, averaged a remarkable 15.9 points per game and played in all 82 games, showcasing his durability and skill. Alperen Sengun of the Rockets also garners attention as he comes off a breakout season.
The Dallas Mavericks, who made a significant run to the NBA Finals last season, were bolstered by the efforts of Dereck Lively II. Conversely, seasoned veterans like Khris Middleton and Bradley Beal have seen a drop in their rankings this year, reflecting the relentless progression and competitiveness of the league.
On the cusp of greatness, Jalen Brunson and Victor Wembanyama narrowly missed breaking into the top 10. The Boston Celtics are banking on the leadership of Jrue Holiday and Derrick White to spearhead their championship aspirations in 2025.
In a demonstration of sheer dominance, Nikola Jokic was unanimously selected by the panel of experts as the top player for the upcoming season. This consensus underscores his immense impact on the court, further solidifying his place among the greatest players in the league today.
While teams like the Utah Jazz, Brooklyn Nets, Detroit Pistons, and Washington Wizards have just one player each in the top 100, their presence emphasizes the talent spread across the league, ensuring every franchise has a stake in the discussion of the league's best performers.
As the countdown to the 2024-25 NBA season continues, anticipation builds for the preseason and the first tip-off, promising an exhilarating year of basketball. The stage is set for both established stars and emerging talents to leave their mark on the hardwood, and fans can only speculate on the narratives that will unfold this season.