The anticipation for the 2024-25 NBA season is palpable as the start of the season looms five weeks away. With training camps on the horizon and the preseason set to tip off on October 4, the excitement among teams and fans is reaching a fever pitch.
This year’s top 100 players list, curated by a panel of esteemed 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 been released, sparking conversations across the basketball community. Notably absent from the list are rookies, signaling a focus on proven talent and established performance metrics.
Team Representation
Every NBA team boasts at least one player in the top 100, reflecting the widespread talent across the league. The New York Knicks, New Orleans Pelicans, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Minnesota Timberwolves stand out, each featuring six players on the list. Trailing closely behind, the Boston Celtics have five players included, while the Milwaukee Bucks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Memphis Grizzlies, Sacramento Kings, Orlando Magic, Dallas Mavericks, Denver Nuggets, Indiana Pacers, and Houston Rockets each have four players making the cut.
Individual Standouts
Several individual narratives draw interest within the top 100 list. Draymond Green, entering his 13th NBA season, remains a defensive stalwart for the Golden State Warriors. Meanwhile, his teammate Stephen Curry, along with Kevin Durant, continues to establish their dominance as top-10 players, showcasing their longevity and skill.
Zion Williamson has made headlines with a career-high 70 games played in the previous season, demonstrating his growing resilience and impact on the court. Meanwhile, Austin Reaves of the Los Angeles Lakers boasts an impressive record, having averaged 15.9 points per game and played in all 82 games last season. Alperen Sengun of the Houston Rockets is also noted for his breakout season, elevating his status within the league.
Dereck Lively II played a pivotal role in the Dallas Mavericks' run to the NBA Finals last season, further cementing his importance to the team’s success. However, not all stories are ascendant; both Khris Middleton and Bradley Beal have seen a drop in their rankings this year, raising questions about their future trajectories.
Near Misses
Just outside the top 10, Jalen Brunson and Victor Wembanyama narrowly missed making a higher impact, suggesting that their performances will be closely watched this season. The Celtics, with their depth and talent, are poised for another strong campaign with Jrue Holiday and Derrick White leading the charge for a championship run in 2025.
Lone Representatives
In contrast, the Utah Jazz, Brooklyn Nets, Detroit Pistons, and Washington Wizards each have only one player in the top 100 list. This highlights the disparity in talent concentration and may signal areas for potential growth and development within these franchises.
The Unanimous Leader
Among all the players, one name stands out unequivocally: Nikola Jokic. The panel of experts unanimously selected him as the top player for the upcoming season, underscoring his extraordinary skill set and value to the Denver Nuggets. Jokic’s unique ability to influence the game in multiple facets makes him a centerpiece and a player to watch as the season progresses.
As basketball enthusiasts prepare for what promises to be an electrifying season, the conversations around these rankings will only intensify. The blend of seasoned veterans, breakout stars, and those on the cusp of greatness offers a rich tapestry of storylines that will captivate audiences worldwide. With training camps on the verge of commencing and the preseason games around the corner, the stage is set for another thrilling chapter in NBA history.