The excitement is building as the NBA prepares to tip off the 2024-25 season, slated to start in just five weeks. Fans are eagerly anticipating the return of basketball, with training camps just around the corner. The preseason action will get underway on October 4, providing a glimpse of what’s to come in the new season.
In anticipation of the upcoming season, a comprehensive list of the top 100 NBA players has been compiled by a group of esteemed analysts. This year's list, crafted by Brad Botkin, James Herbert, Jack Maloney, Sam Quinn, Jasmyn Wimbish, Bill Reiter, John Gonzalez, Ashley Nicole Moss, Adam Finkelstein, and Avery Johnson, is notable for several reasons. Notably, this year's list does not feature any rookies, a departure from past iterations.
Team Representation
Every NBA team has at least one player represented on the list, a testament to the talent spread across the league. Leading the way, the New York Knicks, New Orleans Pelicans, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Minnesota Timberwolves each have a remarkable six players in the top 100. Close behind, the Boston Celtics boast five players on the list.
The Milwaukee Bucks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Memphis Grizzlies, Sacramento Kings, Orlando Magic, Dallas Mavericks, Denver Nuggets, Indiana Pacers, and Houston Rockets each have four players who made the cut. On the other end of the spectrum, the Utah Jazz, Brooklyn Nets, Detroit Pistons, and Washington Wizards each have a singular representative in the top 100, highlighting the varied distribution of elite talent across the league.
Veteran Stars and Rising Talent
Among the veterans, Draymond Green is set to embark on his 13th NBA season, bringing his trademark tenacity and defensive prowess to the court once more. Meanwhile, perennial stars Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant continue to solidify their legacies, both maintaining their status as top-10 players.
One of the most promising signs from last season was Zion Williamson playing a career-high 70 games, a statistic that brings hope to Pelicans fans who have eagerly awaited his full potential. Another player who impressed with their consistency is Austin Reaves of the Lakers, who averaged 15.9 points per game and played in all 82 games, making him a crucial asset to the team.
Alperen Sengun of the Rockets has been turning heads with his breakout performance last season, proving himself as a rising star in the league. Similarly, Dereck Lively II played a significant role in the Dallas Mavericks' run to the NBA Finals, showcasing his value on a grand stage.
Rankings Shifts
The new rankings have also seen shifts that might surprise some fans. Khris Middleton and Bradley Beal have both dropped in their standings, reflecting the highly competitive nature of the league and the constant influx of emerging talent. On the cusp of elite status, Jalen Brunson and Victor Wembanyama narrowly missed out on breaking into the top 10, highlighting their significant contributions and potential for the future.
Consequences for Contenders
The rankings have notable implications for championship contenders. The Celtics' duo of Jrue Holiday and Derrick White are set to spearhead Boston’s campaign for a title in 2025. Their positions on the top 100 list underscore their importance to the Celtics' aspirations this season.
At the pinnacle, Nikola Jokic stands as the unanimous choice for the top player of the upcoming season, selected unanimously by the panel of experts. His dominance and all-around game make him a formidable presence in the league and a cornerstone for the Denver Nuggets’ ambitions.
As the NBA gears up for another season, the blend of seasoned veterans, rising stars, and shifting rankings sets the stage for a compelling year of basketball. Fans across the globe will be watching closely as teams and players alike strive to make their mark on the 2024-25 season.