The NBA season is upon us, and as fans gear up for another thrilling year, discussions around player rankings and team anticipations are heating up. In the latest Top 100 players list, several notable developments have sparked conversations across the league.
Surprises and Snubs in the Top 100 List
Dillon Brooks of the Houston Rockets finds himself on the outside looking in, having missed the cut for the Top 100 players. Despite this omission, Jasmyn Wimbish defends Brooks’ impact, especially on defense. "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," Wimbish notes.
Rising Stars and Strategic Fits
Meanwhile, Andrew Nembhard of the Indiana Pacers has secured the 94th spot. James Herbert highlights the strategic fit of Nembhard with the team. "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,” he explains.
Not far ahead is Nic Claxton, who lands at 91st. Claxton has shown impressive skills in transition and around the basket, although his usage rate remains modest. "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%," Herbert adds.
Experienced Contenders
Jerami Grant of the Portland Trail Blazers comes in at 78th on the list. However, his ranking is overshadowed by financial concerns surrounding the team. Brad Botkin raises a critical question: "Can the Blazers find a trade that works after committing way too much money to Grant last summer?"
At 73rd is Isaiah Hartenstein of the New York Knicks. Known for his defensive prowess, he continues to be a valuable asset. Sam Quinn elaborates, "He's a defensive metrics darling -- D-EPM rated him the second-best defender in basketball last season behind only Jonathan Isaac."
The Changing Roles of Veterans
Moving up the ranks, Khris Middleton of the Milwaukee Bucks is positioned at 61st. As Middleton transitions into a new phase of his career, Jack Maloney observes, "Middleton is moving into a different phase of his career, one where he is firmly a third option for the Bucks."
Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors ranks 56th, having quietly improved his shooting last season. "Quietly, Green shot nearly 40% from 3 last season on over two attempts a game," Botkin points out, emphasizing Green's evolving offensive game.
Herbert Jones of the New Orleans Pelicans, who is ranked 60th, continues to be a unique and irreplaceable player. "There isn't another Herb Jones out there," Quinn asserts, highlighting Jones' distinctive style and impact.
Breakout Performances
Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks has made a significant leap, securing the 13th spot. Brunson’s remarkable performance in the playoffs has not gone unnoticed. James Herbert recalls, "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." Brunson's contributions have been further rewarded with a lucrative four-year, $156.5 million extension.
The Pinnacle of Excellence
At the very top, Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets is celebrated as the number one player on the list. His dominance on the court is well-recognized, yet what sets Jokic apart is his humble disposition. "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," Botkin reflects.
As the new NBA season unfolds, these rankings and insights will provide a backdrop for the narratives that will define the league. From emerging stars to seasoned veterans, the stage is set for an exciting year of basketball. Fans and analysts alike will be keenly observing how these players validate their rankings and continue to shape the future of the game.