Our annual Top 100 NBA player rankings have once again captivated fans and analysts alike, offering a fresh perspective on the evolving landscape of talent in the league. This year's list, a composite of projections and performance, underscores significant movements, with young stars climbing the ranks while established names see dramatic shifts.
Rising Stars
Among the most remarkable ascents is that of Victor Wembanyama, whose influence has been nothing short of transformative. Vaulting from 58th to 12th, Wembanyama's post-All-Star break statistics speak volumes: an impressive average of 23.5 points, 12 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 4.5 blocks, and 1.5 steals per game. As Sam Quinn eloquently puts it, "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." Quinn further highlights that Wembanyama "is the ultimate marriage of size and skill, the culmination of everything this sport has been building towards for the past decade."
Another notable leap is made by Chet Holmgren, who rises from 68th to 30th. Holmgren's trajectory is unmistakable, 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." In consonance, Jack Maloney adds, "Holmgren has the on-and-off-ball skills to easily scale up and down depending on the situation."
Emerging Talent
The rankings also recognize the upward movement of players like Alperen Sengun and Tyrese Maxey. Sengun advances from 85th to 47th, praised for his "strength and finesse around the rim," which, as Wimbish explains, "make it difficult to defend him when he catches the ball on the move." Meanwhile, Maxey's rise from 60th to 24th underlines his growing impact and potential for future stardom.
New Entrants
This year also saw fresh faces enter the rankings. Brandon Miller (66th), Jalen Suggs (70th), and Coby White (71st) make significant debuts, reflecting their burgeoning influence on the court. Isaiah Hartenstein, now positioned at 73rd, exemplifies consistent improvement and reliability.
Slipping Spots
However, the rankings are not just about ascents. They also chart the decline of once-dominant figures. Brook Lopez's fall from 50th to 88th and Marcus Smart's slide from 56th to 93rd typify shifts influenced by performance and changing roles. Zach LaVine's descent from 43rd to 76th signifies a troubling trend for the player, while Klay Thompson's drop from 67th to 99th indicates the challenges of sustaining peak performance levels.
Bradley Beal's movement from 38th to 69th and Draymond Green's slide from 30th to 56th reflect similar patterns of fluctuating performance and perhaps changing dynamics within their respective teams. Green's slide is contrasted by Derrick White's notable progression to 36th, showcasing the variable fortunes within the league.
Notable Absences
More starkly, the rankings see the exit of several previously ranked players. Notably, both Andrew Wiggins and Josh Giddey, who were 48th and 61st respectively, now find themselves unranked. Wiggins' absence is notably poignant, as Brad Botkin highlights, "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." Similarly, the exclusion of Chris Paul and Malcolm Brogdon emphasizes the relentless pace at which the league evolves, with Botkin commenting, "Brogdon is a good player but not a top-100 guy under these conditions."
This year's rankings offer a snapshot of the current state of the NBA, blending emerging talent, shifting performances, and personal narratives. They remind us that the league is in constant flux, with every season bringing new heroes and unexpected twists in the journeys of its players.