The NBA season is upon us, bringing renewed excitement and anticipation for fans and players alike. As the league gears up for another thrilling year, the spotlight shines on the Top 100 players list, highlighting the standout talents set to shape the upcoming season.
Notable Omissions and Surprises
One of the more surprising omissions from the Top 100 players list this year is Dillon Brooks of the Rockets. Despite not making the cut, Brooks remains a significant presence on the court. As Jasmyn Wimbish notes, "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."
Rising Stars and Established Names
Among those who secured their spots on the list, Andrew Nembhard of the Pacers stands out, coming in at the 94th position. James Herbert emphasizes Nembhard's value, stating, "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."
Nic Claxton, ranked 91st, has also garnered attention. Herbert highlights Claxton's versatility, saying, "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%."
Jerami Grant of the Trail Blazers, who is ranked 78th, is another key player to watch. His ranking comes amid discussions about his contract. Brad Botkin poses the question, "Can the Blazers find a trade that works after committing way too much money to Grant last summer?"
Defensive Standouts
Isaiah Hartenstein of the Knicks, ranked 73rd, is described by Sam Quinn as a "defensive metrics darling." Quinn adds, "D-EPM rated him the second-best defender in basketball last season behind only Jonathan Isaac."
Herbert Jones, ranking just behind Hartenstein at 60th, also shines defensively. Quinn succinctly praises Jones, stating, "There isn't another Herb Jones out there."
Veteran Impact
Khris Middleton, at 61st, is adapting to a new role with the Bucks. Jack Maloney remarks, "Middleton is moving into a different phase of his career, one where he is firmly a third option for the Bucks."
Draymond Green, ranked 56th, continues to impress with his versatility. Botkin points out a lesser-known aspect of Green's game: "Quietly, Green shot nearly 40% from 3 last season on over two attempts a game."
High Achievers
Jalen Brunson, who has made a significant leap to 13th place, recently signed a lucrative four-year, $156.5 million extension. His performance last season was noteworthy, with James Herbert recalling, "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."
At the pinnacle of the list is Nikola Jokic of the Nuggets, undoubtedly one of the most formidable players in the league. Brad Botkin captures Jokic's unique mindset and dominance, stating, "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."
The Top 100 players list offers a glimpse into the talent and dynamism that define the NBA, from rising stars to seasoned veterans. As the season unfolds, fans can look forward to seeing how these rankings play out on the court.