Our annual Top 100 NBA player rankings have once again captured the attention of basketball enthusiasts worldwide. This year's list reveals some significant movements both upwards and downwards, reflecting an aggregate projection of player performances and potentials.
Major Movers: From Rising Stars to Unranked
Victor Wembanyama has made the most dramatic leap in this year's rankings, climbing from 58th to an impressive 12th position. Such a jump is not without merit. After the All-Star break, Wembanyama showcased his extraordinary skill set, averaging 23.5 points, 12 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 4.5 blocks, and 1.5 steals per game. Sam Quinn highlighted the extraordinary potential of Wembanyama, stating, "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."
Equally noteworthy is the rise of Chet Holmgren, who vaulted from 68th to 30th in the rankings. Jasmyn Wimbish sees a bright future for Holmgren, noting, "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." Holmgren’s versatility and on- and off-ball skills make him a valuable asset in various game situations, as pointed out by Jack Maloney.
Notable Ascents and Declines
Alperen Sengun has also shown remarkable improvement, climbing from 85th to 47th place. Sengun’s strength and finesse around the rim have made him a challenging player to defend against. "Sengun's strength and finesse around the rim make it difficult to defend him when he catches the ball on the move," remarked Wimbish.
Tyrese Maxey's rise from 60th to 24th similarly underscores his growth and potential. Meanwhile, we saw Isaiah Hartenstein moving to the 73rd spot, signaling his entry into the top echelons.
Several other players made their debut in this year's ranking from previously unranked positions, including Brandon Miller, Jalen Suggs, and Coby White, who secured spots at 66th, 70th, and 71st, respectively. On the other hand, Andrew Wiggins and Josh Giddey, previously ranked 48th and 61st, have fallen out of the top 100 altogether. Wiggins faced personal challenges over the past years, which may have impacted his performance. "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," explained Brad Botkin.
From Rising Stars to the Veterans
Brook Lopez fell from 50th to 88th, while Marcus Smart dropped from 56th to 93rd, indicating a noticeable decline in their performances or impact. Zach LaVine and Klay Thompson, previously high-performers, have slipped to the 76th and 99th positions, respectively.
Bradley Beal’s fall from 38th to 69th comes as a surprise to many. Meanwhile, established stars like Chris Paul and Malcolm Brogdon have moved out of the rankings. Botkin succinctly captured the sentiment regarding Brogdon's situation: "Brogdon is a good player but not a top-100 guy under these conditions."
Even Draymond Green, who was previously ranked 30th, saw his position drop to 56th. Derrick White, on the other hand, made a commendable leap to the 36th spot, indicating his rising stock in the league.
Conclusion
As the NBA evolves, player performances and potentials continually shift, creating a dynamic environment for rankings. This year’s Top 100 NBA player rankings reflect that ever-changing landscape, highlighting both the emerging talents and those whose stars are waning. The 2023 list offers a fascinating glimpse into the future of the league, heralding the rise of new phenoms while acknowledging the inevitable decline of once-dominant veterans. With each season, the court becomes a proving ground where potential meets performance—and the rankings capture that ongoing story with each tick of movement up or down.