Our annual Top 100 NBA player rankings have become a much-anticipated tradition, drawing the attention of basketball fans and analysts alike. This year's list, an aggregate projection, brings noteworthy shifts and exciting developments that reflect the dynamic nature of the league.
Victor Wembanyama’s Extraordinary Leap
Victor Wembanyama, in particular, has shown a remarkable ascent, vaulting from 58th to 12th in this year’s rankings. Wembanyama's performance post-All-Star break hasn't just been impressive; it has been transformative. With averages of 23.5 points, 12 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 4.5 blocks, and 1.5 steals per game, he has displayed the complete package. Sam Quinn encapsulates the significance of Wembanyama's rise by stating, "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." Indeed, Quinn further emphasizes, "He is the ultimate marriage of size and skill, the culmination of everything this sport has been building towards for the past decade."
Shifts Among Rising Stars: Holmgren, Sengun, and Maxey
Chet Holmgren also made significant strides, climbing from 68th to 30th. His trajectory suggests that he will soon be a regular fixture at the All-Star Game and a contender for numerous end-of-season awards, including All-NBA and All-Defense teams. Jasmyn Wimbish notes, "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."
Alperen Sengun, another rising talent, demonstrated his growth by moving from 85th to 47th. Wimbish remarks, "Sengun's strength and finesse around the rim make it difficult to defend him when he catches the ball on the move," highlighting his impact and importance to his team's offensive schemes.
Tyrese Maxey, who rocketed from 60th to 24th, continues to be one of the brightest young guards in the league. His remarkable development underscores his potential to be a top-tier player in the NBA for years to come.
New Entrants to the Top 100
Several players have cracked the Top 100 after being previously unranked. Brandon Miller, Jalen Suggs, and Coby White have secured spots at 66th, 70th, and 71st, respectively. Isaiah Hartenstein's solid performances earned him a position at 73rd. Meanwhile, Derrick White and Jalen Williams made substantial leaps to 36th and 37th, respectively. White's rise is particularly impressive, considering his jump from his previous spot in the rankings.
Risers and Fallers
Not every player experienced a positive shift. Andrew Wiggins, previously ranked 48th, and Josh Giddey, formerly 61st, have dropped out of the rankings altogether. Sam Quinn offers insight into Wiggins' struggles, mentioning, "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."
Brook Lopez experienced a significant fall, dropping from 50th to 88th, while Marcus Smart slipped from 56th to 93rd. Zach LaVine also saw a tumble, falling from 43rd to 76th. Klay Thompson's ranking slid dramatically from 67th to 99th. Bradley Beal, once ranked 38th, now finds himself at 69th.
Other notable names like Chris Paul and Malcolm Brogdon have moved out of the rankings entirely. Brad Botkin succinctly puts Brogdon's situation into perspective: "Brogdon is a good player but not a top-100 guy under these conditions."
Consistent Performers and New Expectations
Despite the fluctuations and intense competition, several players have managed to maintain or improve their rankings. Draymond Green, while dropping from 30th to 56th, remains a crucial defensive stalwart and team leader. Jack Maloney asserts Holmgren’s adaptability, stating, "Holmgren has the on-and-off-ball skills to easily scale up and down depending on the situation."
This year's rankings are reflective of a shifting landscape where emerging talents are beginning to outshine established veterans. As the NBA continues to evolve, so too will the rankings, providing a dynamic snapshot of the league's best and brightest.