The annual Top 100 NBA player rankings are eagerly anticipated, offering a comprehensive glimpse into the league's evolving landscape. This year's list has been no exception, generated from an aggregate projection that reflects some substantial shifts in player status.
Rising Stars
Victor Wembanyama has made a phenomenal leap, moving from 58th to 12th in the rankings. His post-All-Star break performance was nothing short of spectacular, averaging 23.5 points, 12 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 4.5 blocks, and 1.5 steals per game. As Sam Quinn notes, "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 goes on to say, "He is the ultimate marriage of size and skill, the culmination of everything this sport has been building towards for the past decade."
Another remarkable leap was made by Chet Holmgren, who has advanced from 68th to 30th. Jasmyn Wimbish highlights Holmgren's bright future, asserting, "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." Jack Maloney adds, "Holmgren has the on-and-off-ball skills to easily scale up and down depending on the situation."
Alperen Sengun has also shown impressive improvement, ascending from 85th to 47th. Wimbish elaborates, "Sengun's strength and finesse around the rim make it difficult to defend him when he catches the ball on the move."
Additionally, Tyrese Maxey has jumped from 60th to 24th, establishing himself as a key player to watch.
Newcomers
This year saw previously unranked players make their debut in the Top 100. Brandon Miller, Jalen Suggs, and Coby White secured spots at 66th, 70th, and 71st, respectively. Isaiah Hartenstein also climbed into the rankings, now positioned at 73rd.
Derrick White and Jalen Williams saw significant advancements, moving to 36th and 37th, respectively. White, in particular, made a notable leap, underscoring his growing influence on the court.
Significant Drops
While some players rose through the ranks, others experienced notable declines. Andrew Wiggins and Josh Giddey, previously ranked 48th and 61st, respectively, are now unranked. Wiggins' fall comes amidst personal challenges, as Brad Botkin notes, "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 steep drop, falling from 50th to 88th, while Marcus Smart slipped from 56th to 93rd. Zach LaVine also saw a decline, moving from 43rd to 76th. Klay Thompson, once 67th, is now positioned at 99th.
Bradley Beal's ranking took a hit as well, going from 38th to 69th. Additionally, Chris Paul and Malcolm Brogdon fell out of the rankings entirely. Botkin commented on Brogdon's omission, stating, "Brogdon is a good player but not a top-100 guy under these conditions."
Draymond Green experienced a significant fall from 30th to 56th, reflecting a challenging season for the seasoned veteran.
Final Thoughts
This year's Top 100 NBA player rankings reflect the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of the league. The significant leaps made by emerging stars like Wembanyama, Holmgren, and Maxey signal a promising future for the NBA. On the other hand, the declines and omissions of seasoned players underscore the brutal competitiveness and unforgiving nature of professional basketball. As always, the rankings serve not only as a benchmark of current prowess but also as a tantalizing hint at the future landscape of the NBA.