With the 2024-25 NBA season just five weeks away, anticipation is building as teams gear up for what promises to be an exciting slate of basketball action. Training camps are on the horizon, and the preseason will tip off on October 4, providing a first look at teams as they prepare for the long grind ahead.
New Top 100 Players List Unveiled
A perennial highlight of the preseason, this year’s top 100 players list, crafted by a distinguished panel of analysts including Brad Botkin, James Herbert, Jack Maloney, Sam Quinn, Jasmyn Wimbish, Bill Reiter, John Gonzalez, Ashley Nicole Moss, Adam Finkelstein, and Avery Johnson, has sparked plenty of discussion. Interestingly, no rookies have made the cut this year, signaling a high bar for entry and an emphasis on proven talent and performance.
Nikola Jokic, of the Denver Nuggets, was unanimously selected as the top player for the upcoming season, underscoring his dominance and pivotal role in the league. Meanwhile, household names like Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant continue to hold their positions in the top ten, reaffirming their status as elite players even as they advance in their careers.
Team Representation in the Top 100
Every NBA team has at least one player featured in the top 100 list, reflecting a widespread distribution of talent across the league. Leading the pack, the New York Knicks, New Orleans Pelicans, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Minnesota Timberwolves each celebrate having six players on the list. Hot on their heels, the Boston Celtics boast five players, a testament to their robust roster.
Several other teams, including the Milwaukee Bucks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Memphis Grizzlies, Sacramento Kings, Orlando Magic, Dallas Mavericks, Denver Nuggets, Indiana Pacers, and Houston Rockets, each have four players recognized. Among these, the Celtics’ Jrue Holiday and Derrick White are expected to steer their team towards championship contention in 2025.
Notable Performances and Declines
The list provides interesting insights into both rising stars and veterans maintaining their stature. Zion Williamson, known for his explosive talent, played a career-high 70 games in the previous season, a promising sign for the Pelicans. In contrast, Khris Middleton and Bradley Beal have seen a drop in their rankings, reflecting recent challenges and shifting dynamics within their respective teams.
Austin Reaves of the Lakers had a remarkable season, averaging 15.9 points per game and playing in all 82 games, demonstrating his durability and consistency. Alperen Sengun of the Rockets also garnered attention with a breakout season, showcasing his potential impact in future games.
Similarly, Dereck Lively II made headlines as part of the Dallas Mavericks' impressive run to the NBA Finals last season, cementing his status as a key player to watch. Meanwhile, Jalen Brunson and Victor Wembanyama narrowly missed breaking into the top ten, highlighting their burgeoning talent and the anticipation surrounding their future performances.
Single Player Representation and Future Stars
On the other end of the spectrum, teams like the Utah Jazz, Brooklyn Nets, Detroit Pistons, and Washington Wizards each have just one player represented in the top 100, underscoring the rebuilding phases or strategic focuses within these franchises.
As the new season looms, the debates and discussions spurred by the top 100 list add another layer of excitement. Whether it's veterans like Draymond Green entering his 13th NBA season or younger players making their mark, the narrative around player performance and team dynamics promises to be as compelling as ever.
With preseason games starting soon and training camps ready to open, the countdown to the 2024-25 NBA season has truly begun. Fans and analysts alike will be eagerly watching to see how these rankings play out on the court, shining a spotlight on the drama, skill, and athleticism that define the world's premier basketball league.