As the 2024-25 NBA season looms just five weeks away, anticipation is mounting. With training camps about to commence and a preseason tip-off date set for October 4, basketball enthusiasts and analysts alike are gearing up for what promises to be an exciting season.
In line with the annual tradition, a panel of esteemed analysts—Brad Botkin, James Herbert, Jack Maloney, Sam Quinn, Jasmyn Wimbish, Bill Reiter, John Gonzalez, Ashley Nicole Moss, Adam Finkelstein, and Avery Johnson—has unveiled the top 100 players list for the year. Notably, this list conspicuously omits rookies, favoring established talent across the league.
Team Representation and Surprises
Every NBA team has at least one player featured in the top 100, but some teams have a stronger presence than others. The New York Knicks, New Orleans Pelicans, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Minnesota Timberwolves each boast an impressive six players in the rankings. The Boston Celtics follow closely behind with five players making the cut.
Other teams with a formidable representation include the Milwaukee Bucks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Memphis Grizzlies, Sacramento Kings, Orlando Magic, Dallas Mavericks, Denver Nuggets, Indiana Pacers, and Houston Rockets, each fielding four players in this elite list. Conversely, teams like the Utah Jazz, Brooklyn Nets, Detroit Pistons, and Washington Wizards have just one player making an appearance, highlighting the disparity in star power across the league.
Top Performers
Among the standout veterans, Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant have maintained their status as top-10 players, continuing to defy age and expectations. Draymond Green is set to embark on his 13th NBA season, further solidifying his legacy as one of the game's most relentless competitors. Meanwhile, Nikola Jokic has been unanimously heralded as the top player for the upcoming season by the expert panel, a testament to his exceptional skills and contributions to the game.
Rising Stars and Falling Veterans
Several players have seen their rankings fluctuate. Zion Williamson, who played a career-high 70 games in the previous season, is among those who have cemented their place higher on the list. Similarly, Austin Reaves of the Lakers had a stellar season, averaging 15.9 points per game and playing in all 82 games, underscoring his durability and consistency.
Alperen Sengun of the Rockets is another player attracting attention after a breakout season, displaying significant growth and potential. The Dallas Mavericks' Dereck Lively II was instrumental in their run to the NBA Finals last season, further highlighting his contributions and bright future in the league.
However, the rankings have not been kind to some seasoned players. Khris Middleton and Bradley Beal have seen a drop in their positions, reflecting perhaps changing dynamics and emerging talent in their respective teams.
Close Contenders and Leading the Charge
Two players who narrowly missed breaking into the top 10 are Jalen Brunson and Victor Wembanyama. Their performance has been commendable, and their exclusion from the top tier speaks volumes about the sheer depth of talent in the NBA right now.
Looking towards championship aspirations, the Boston Celtics' Jrue Holiday and Derrick White are poised to lead their team’s charge in 2025. Their experience and skill set will be pivotal in navigating the Celtics through a highly competitive season.
As the preseason approaches and teams begin to finalize their preparations, the landscape of the league is undoubtedly brimming with intrigue and excitement. With a mixture of enduring legends, rising stars, and dynamic shifts in rankings, the 2024-25 NBA season is shaping up to be a deeply compelling saga.