The NBA season is upon us and with it comes the much-anticipated debates around player rankings. Dillon Brooks of the Houston Rockets, a notable player for his defensive prowess, didn't make it to the Top 100 players list. This omission has raised some eyebrows among fans and pundits alike.
Jasmyn Wimbish aptly noted, "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." While Brooks may not have clinched a spot on the list, his contributions on the defensive end remain undeniable and crucial for the Rockets.
Meanwhile, at the 94th spot stands Andrew Nembhard of the Indiana Pacers. Nembhard has been recognized for his strategic fit with the team, especially playing alongside Tyrese Haliburton. James Herbert commented, "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."
Nic Claxton of the Brooklyn Nets finds himself ranked 91st. His versatility and skill around the basket have been highlights of his game, though he has yet to see significant usage. Herbert also pointed out, "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%."
Jerami Grant of the Portland Trail Blazers secured the 78th spot. However, his hefty contract has stirred discussions about his future with the team. "Can the Blazers find a trade that works after committing way too much money to Grant last summer?" pondered Brad Botkin, encapsulating the dilemma the Blazers face.
Ranking 73rd is Isaiah Hartenstein of the New York Knicks, who has been lauded for his defensive capabilities. Sam Quinn highlighted his effectiveness on this front: "He's a defensive metrics darling -- D-EPM rated him the second-best defender in basketball last season behind only Jonathan Isaac."
Khris Middleton, now ranked 61st, is transitioning into a new role within his team. Jack Maloney provided insight into Middleton's evolving status: "Middleton is moving into a different phase of his career, one where he is firmly a third option for the Bucks." This shift signifies a strategic adjustment for the Bucks as they balance their offensive load.
Right above him, at the 60th spot, Herbert Jones continues to be a unique defensive asset for the New Orleans Pelicans. Quinn succinctly put it, "There isn't another Herb Jones out there." This stands as a testament to Jones' distinctive impact and value on the court.
Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors ranks 56th, having quietly improved his three-point shooting. Botkin remarked, "Quietly, Green shot nearly 40% from 3 last season on over two attempts a game," marking a significant development in Green's offensive repertoire.
Jalen Brunson's Meteoric Rise
One of the standout mentions is Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks, who achieved the 13th spot and attracted attention with his recent contract extension—a four-year, $156.5 million deal. Brunson's playoff performances last year were nothing short of historic. As James Herbert noted, "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." This feat positions Brunson not just as a star for the Knicks, but also as an emerging leader in the league.
The Best of the Best
Topping the list at number one is none other than Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets. Jokic's humility and focus on the game over personal accolades are what set him apart. Brad Botkin observed, "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."
As the season unfolds, these rankings and player performances will be subject to continuous evaluation and scrutiny. Fans can look forward to witnessing how these narratives develop, whether it’s Brooks proving his critics wrong, Middleton adapting to his new role, or Jokic continuing to dominate the league with his understated excellence.