The anticipation for the upcoming 2024-25 NBA season has reached a fever pitch, and with good reason. The season's commencement is a mere five weeks away, leaving fans and analysts buzzing with excitement. Training camps are just around the corner, and the preseason is set to tip off on October 4, heralding the return of basketball action.
One of the most hotly debated topics each year is the ranking of the league's top players. This year's top 100 players list, curated by an esteemed panel of analysts including Brad Botkin, James Herbert, Jack Maloney, Sam Quinn, Jasmyn Wimbish, Bill Reiter, John Gonzalez, Ashley Nicole Moss, Adam Finkelstein, and Avery Johnson, offers no shortage of intrigue. A notable detail is the absence of rookies from this year’s list, emphasizing the dominance and experience of established talents.
A League of Stars
Every NBA team boasts at least one representative in the top 100, showcasing the sheer depth of talent across the league. The New York Knicks, New Orleans Pelicans, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Minnesota Timberwolves stand out with six players each making the cut. The Boston Celtics follow closely with five players on the list.
Several teams, including the Milwaukee Bucks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Memphis Grizzlies, Sacramento Kings, Orlando Magic, Dallas Mavericks, Denver Nuggets, Indiana Pacers, and Houston Rockets, each have four players featured. This widespread representation underscores the competitive balance in the NBA.
Veteran Excellence
Among the high-profile veterans, Draymond Green is set to enter his 13th NBA season, a testament to his enduring impact on the court. Equally impressive, Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant have retained their places among the top-10 players, proving that their brilliance shows no signs of diminishing.
Meanwhile, Zion Williamson had a standout previous season, playing a career-high 70 games, a promising development for both the player and the New Orleans Pelicans. Austin Reaves of the Lakers also turned heads, averaging 15.9 points per game while playing in all 82 games last season, an impressive feat of both skill and durability.
Breakout Performers and Rising Stars
Alperen Sengun of the Rockets is coming off a breakout season, further solidifying his place as one of the league’s most promising young talents. The Dallas Mavericks’ Dereck Lively II made significant contributions during their run to the NBA Finals last season, highlighting his potential to become a cornerstone for the Mavericks moving forward.
Shifting Rankings
This year's rankings also reflect changes in player evaluations. Khris Middleton and Bradley Beal have seen a drop in their standings compared to previous years. On the flip side, Jalen Brunson and the highly-touted Victor Wembanyama narrowly missed breaking into the top 10, indicating their growing influence in the league.
Teams to Watch
The Celtics, bolstered by the leadership of Jrue Holiday and Derrick White, are poised to make a strong bid for a championship in 2025. In contrast, some teams have only a single representative in the top 100, including the Utah Jazz, Brooklyn Nets, Detroit Pistons, and Washington Wizards. This disparity highlights the varying stages of team development and talent dispersal within the league.
Unanimous Choice
One of the most striking aspects of the rankings is Nikola Jokic’s unanimous selection as the top player for the upcoming season. The Denver Nuggets' star center has consistently showcased his extraordinary skill set, making him a fitting choice to headline this distinguished list.
As the countdown to the new season continues, the excitement builds around these narratives. From veteran stalwarts like Curry and Durant to rising stars like Reaves and Sengun, the stage is set for another thrilling NBA season, promising unforgettable plays and captivating storylines.