The anticipation for the 2024-25 NBA season is palpable, as teams prepare to tip off in just five weeks. As training camps loom on the horizon and the preseason set to begin on October 4, the stage is set for an exciting year of basketball. With the unveiling of this year’s top 100 players list, analysts have sparked discussions and debates that will likely persist throughout the season.
This year's top 100 list was meticulously crafted by a panel of highly respected analysts, including Brad Botkin, James Herbert, Jack Maloney, Sam Quinn, Jasmyn Wimbish, Bill Reiter, John Gonzalez, Ashley Nicole Moss, Adam Finkelstein, and Avery Johnson. Their expertise has shone through once again, producing a list that reflects the current landscape of the NBA, with every team represented and no rookies making the cut. This comprehensive ranking encompasses a diversity of talent across the league.
Team Representation
Each NBA team is celebrating the inclusion of at least one player in the top 100. However, some teams have particularly strong showings. The New York Knicks, New Orleans Pelicans, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Minnesota Timberwolves lead the pack with six players each. Trailing slightly behind, the Boston Celtics boast five players on the list.
Among other noteworthy representations, the Milwaukee Bucks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Memphis Grizzlies, Sacramento Kings, Orlando Magic, Dallas Mavericks, Denver Nuggets, Indiana Pacers, and Houston Rockets each have four players ranked. On the other end of the spectrum, the Utah Jazz, Brooklyn Nets, Detroit Pistons, and Washington Wizards have just one player each in the top 100.
Veteran Presence
Draymond Green is poised to embark on his 13th NBA season, continuing to be a pivotal figure for the Golden State Warriors. Meanwhile, seasoned superstars Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant maintain their status as top-10 players, cementing their legacies as all-time greats in the sport.
Khris Middleton and Bradley Beal, however, have seen a dip in their rankings this year. The fluctuations in player performance and team dynamics make these shifts a natural part of the NBA’s ever-evolving landscape.
Promising Talent
Zion Williamson had an impressive previous season, playing a career-high 70 games, showcasing his resilience and skill on the court. Austin Reaves of the Los Angeles Lakers also drew attention with an average of 15.9 points per game, having played in all 82 games last season. His consistency and contribution were critical for the Lakers.
The Houston Rockets’ Alperen Sengun stands out as another young player on the rise, following a remarkable breakout season. Additionally, Dereck Lively II played a crucial role in the Dallas Mavericks' run to the NBA Finals last season, underscoring his potential and impact on the game.
Boston Celtics' Championship Aspirations
The Boston Celtics are pinning their championship hopes on the shoulders of Jrue Holiday and Derrick White. This dynamic duo is expected to lead the charge in the 2025 season, as the Celtics aim to add another illustrious chapter to their storied history.
Close Contenders
Jalen Brunson and Victor Wembanyama narrowly missed out on breaking into the top 10, a testament to their incredible skill and potential. Both players have shown flashes of brilliance and are expected to be key contributors to their respective teams in the upcoming season.
The Best of the Best
Nikola Jokic has been unanimously selected by the panel of experts as the top player for the upcoming season. This recognition is a nod to his unparalleled talent and consistent dominance on the court, making him a formidable force whom opponents will need to reckon with.
As the countdown to the 2024-25 NBA season dwindles, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how these top-ranked players will perform. The blend of seasoned veterans, burgeoning stars, and evenly distributed talent across the league promises an enthralling season of basketball. All eyes are set on the courts, where the drama and excitement of the NBA will soon unfold in all its glory.