The NBA season is upon us, and with it, the highly anticipated evaluations of the league's best and brightest. While some players have solidified their status among the elite, others have faced surprising exclusions.
Dillon Brooks of the Houston Rockets found himself on the outside looking in as the Top 100 players list was unveiled, an omission that raised eyebrows. "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," noted Jasmyn Wimbish. Brooks remains a polarizing figure, lauded for his tenacity and defensive prowess, yet his exclusion suggests there's more to prove in the upcoming season.
Meanwhile, Andrew Nembhard has secured his spot in the Top 100, coming in at 94th place. James Herbert highlighted the significance of Nembhard's role for the Pacers, stating, "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." The Pacers' faith in Nembhard reflects their strategic vision for building a more resilient backcourt.
Nic Claxton of the Brooklyn Nets sits at 91st on the list, a reflection of his growing influence on the court. Known for his impressive skills in transition and remarkable touch around the basket, Claxton remains a key asset for the Nets, albeit with room to grow. "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%," said Herbert.
The Trail Blazers' Jerami Grant finds himself at 78th on the list but not without some controversy. "Can the Blazers find a trade that works after committing way too much money to Grant last summer?" pondered Brad Botkin. Grant's contract decisions continue to be a topic of debate, but his skills on the court remain undeniable.
At 73rd, Isaiah Hartenstein of the New York Knicks earns his rank, particularly noted for his defensive capabilities. Sam Quinn emphasized this, stating, "He's a defensive metrics darling -- D-EPM rated him the second-best defender in basketball last season behind only Jonathan Isaac." Hartenstein's contributions on defense solidify his importance to the Knicks.
Khris Middleton, ranked 61st, is adjusting to a new chapter in his illustrious career. "Middleton is moving into a different phase of his career, one where he is firmly a third option for the Bucks," observed Jack Maloney. As Middleton embraces this role, his experience and skill continue to be vital for Milwaukee’s championship aspirations.
Ranked 60th, Herbert Jones of the New Orleans Pelicans stands out as a unique defensive talent. "There isn't another Herb Jones out there," Quinn remarked, underscoring Jones's rare defensive prowess that he brings to the Pelicans.
Draymond Green ranks 56th, a testament to his all-around game and evolving skill set. Known for his defensive intensity, Green surprised many by quietly shooting nearly 40% from three-point range last season. "Quietly, Green shot nearly 40% from 3 last season on over two attempts a game," noted Botkin, highlighting a new dimension to his game.
Jalen Brunson has made a significant leap, now ranked 13th. His remarkable playoff performance, where he scored 40 points or more in four consecutive games, underscores his rise. "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," Herbert pointed out. Recently, Brunson secured a four-year, $156.5 million extension, affirming his value to the team.
Leading the pack is Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets, holding the prestigious number one spot. Jokic’s dominance extends beyond the stats, as Botkin captured the essence of his unique appeal: "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." Jokic's humility and unparalleled skill set him apart, making him the heartbeat of the Nuggets' success.
As the new NBA season unfolds, these rankings provide a snapshot of the league's evolving landscape. Players like Nembhard and Claxton are poised to rise, while veterans such as Middleton and Green continue to adapt and contribute in pivotal ways. With superstars like Jokic leading the charge, the stage is set for another thrilling season of basketball.