This year’s Top 100 NBA player rankings have arrived, continuing a much-anticipated tradition that keeps fans and analysts buzzing. The rankings reflect an aggregate projection, capturing the upward and downward trajectories of many notable players. One of the most significant movements in this year’s list is Victor Wembanyama’s rise, catapulting from 58th to 12th. This leap is hardly surprising, given his outstanding performance after the All-Star break, where he averaged 23.5 points, 12 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 4.5 blocks, and 1.5 steals per game.
Sam Quinn encapsulates the excitement surrounding Wembanyama succinctly, stating, "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 adds, "He is the ultimate marriage of size and skill, the culmination of everything this sport has been building towards for the past decade." Wembanyama’s athletic prowess and versatility are redefining expectations in the league.
Another player making substantial headway is Chet Holmgren, who advanced from 68th to 30th in the rankings. Holmgren's trajectory suggests he is poised for stardom. Jasmyn Wimbish notes, "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." Holmgren’s duality of skill on and off the ball makes him a versatile asset in various game situations, as emphasized by Jack Maloney.
Alperen Sengun also enjoyed a significant climb, moving up from 85th to 47th. Wimbish highlights his unique skill set: "Sengun's strength and finesse around the rim make it difficult to defend him when he catches the ball on the move." This combination of physical prowess and technical finesse makes Sengun a formidable presence on the court.
Tyrese Maxey’s rise from 60th to 24th demonstrates his evolving influence in the NBA. His consistent performances and growth have not gone unnoticed, rewarding him with a prominent spot in the rankings.
New Entrants and Noteworthy Returns
Several players have entered the rankings from previously unranked positions. Brandon Miller, Jalen Suggs, and Coby White debuted at 66th, 70th, and 71st, respectively. Their breakthroughs indicate a promising future and potential further ascension in the years to come. Isaiah Hartenstein also found a spot in the rankings, securing 73rd.
Derrick White and Jalen Williams made impressive jumps, now positioned at 36th and 37th respectively. White, in particular, has been lauded for his consistently strong performances.
Declines and Exclusions
Notably, some players have witnessed significant falls in the rankings. Andrew Wiggins, who had previously held the 48th spot, and Josh Giddey, formerly 61st, are now unranked. Wiggins’ drop comes amidst a turbulent personal background, highlighted by Brad Botkin who mentions, "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."
Brook Lopez fell considerably from 50th to 88th, while Marcus Smart dropped from 56th to 93rd. Zach LaVine also experienced a slip, descending from 43rd to 76th. Klay Thompson, once ranked 67th, is now positioned at 99th, and Bradley Beal saw a downturn from 38th to 69th.
In addition, certain well-known players have moved out of the rankings entirely, including Chris Paul and Malcolm Brogdon. Botkin remarked succinctly, "Brogdon is a good player but not a top-100 guy under these conditions."
Draymond Green also saw a decline, moving from 30th to 56th, reflecting a shift in his performance metrics.
The dynamic shifts in this year’s rankings underscore the evolving landscape of NBA talent. Standout risers like Wembanyama and Holmgren are poised to redefine the game, while the descent of previously established stars highlights the relentless competition and changing nature of professional basketball.