Our annual Top 100 NBA player rankings have once again generated excitement and heated discussions among basketball enthusiasts. This year's rankings are based on an aggregate projection and showcase some remarkable movements and surprising exclusions.
Unprecedented Rise of Victor Wembanyama
One of the most notable developments is the dramatic ascent of Victor Wembanyama, who catapulted from 58th to an impressive 12th spot in the rankings. The 7'3" French phenom has captivated the basketball world with his extraordinary blend of size and skill. His post-All-Star break statistics tell the story of his dominance on the court, averaging 23.5 points, 12 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 4.5 blocks, and 1.5 steals per game.
"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," says Sam Quinn, emphasizing the unprecedented nature of Wembanyama's talent. Quinn continues, "He is the ultimate marriage of size and skill, the culmination of everything this sport has been building towards for the past decade."
Chet Holmgren’s Meteoric Climb
Following closely behind Wembanyama in terms of significant rankings leaps is Chet Holmgren, who rocketed from 68th to 30th. Holmgren's burgeoning career outlook is promising, with Jasmyn Wimbish 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."
Jack Maloney echoes the sentiment, highlighting Holmgren’s versatility: "Holmgren has the on-and-off-ball skills to easily scale up and down depending on the situation."
Other Significant Climbers
Alperen Sengun also made significant strides, climbing from 85th to 47th. Wimbish attributes Sengun's success to his prowess near the basket, saying, "Sengun's strength and finesse around the rim make it difficult to defend him when he catches the ball on the move."
Meanwhile, Tyrese Maxey surged from 60th to 24th, showcasing his growing impact on the court. Additionally, previously unranked players Brandon Miller, Jalen Suggs, and Coby White secured positions at 66th, 70th, and 71st respectively, marking their first appearances in the Top 100.
The Fall of Former Stars
As some players ascended, others experienced significant drops or fell out of the rankings entirely. Brook Lopez plummeted from 50th to 88th, Marcus Smart tumbled from 56th to 93rd, and Zach LaVine slipped from 43rd to 76th. Klay Thompson, once a staple in the upper echelons, now finds himself at 99th, a steep fall from his previous 67th position.
Bradley Beal fell from 38th to 69th, while Andrew Wiggins and Josh Giddey, formerly 48th and 61st respectively, are now unranked. Brad Botkin sheds light on Wiggins' recent struggles, noting, "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."
Veteran guard Chris Paul and reigning Sixth Man of the Year Malcolm Brogdon also exited the Top 100. Botkin remarks on Brogdon’s exclusion, saying, "Brogdon is a good player but not a top-100 guy under these conditions."
New Faces and Notable Trends
Other players making notable advancements include Derrick White and Jalen Williams, who moved to 36th and 37th spots, respectively. Isaiah Hartenstein now positions himself at 73rd.
Draymond Green experienced a drop, moving from 30th to 56th, but continues to be a significant presence. White’s jump to 36th reflects his increasing value to his team.
This year's rankings are unique, not featuring any rookies, an indication of the competitive nature and the high bar set by the current players. As the season progresses, these rankings will continue to be a hot topic of debate, reflecting the dynamic and ever-evolving landscape of the NBA.