The NBA season is upon us, and the anticipation is palpable as the Top 100 players list sparks discussions and debates among fans and analysts alike. This year's rankings have delivered some surprises, notable omissions, and interesting insights into the current state of the league.
Dillon Brooks of the Rockets is a significant talking point, notably absent from the Top 100 players list. Jasmyn Wimbish highlights Brooks' impact: "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." Despite not making the list, Brooks remains an essential asset, particularly on defense, where his tenacity is well-recognized.
Meanwhile, the Indiana Pacers find themselves placing Andrew Nembhard at the 94th spot. James Herbert's analysis underscores his importance: "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." Nembhard’s presence bolsters the team’s strategy, adding a necessary layer of depth to their lineup.
Nic Claxton of the Brooklyn Nets comes in at 91st, and his game offers several promising aspects. Herbert observes: "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%." Claxton's current role and usage may not fully reflect his skill set, hinting at an untapped potential within the Nets’ system.
Ranked 78th is Jerami Grant of the Trail Blazers, a player whose recent contract has been a topic of conversation. "Can the Blazers find a trade that works after committing way too much money to Grant last summer?" questions Brad Botkin. The financial commitment to Grant has brought scrutiny, particularly given the franchise's broader strategy and salary cap considerations.
Isaiah Hartenstein of the New York Knicks secures the 73rd spot, distinguished by his defensive prowess. Sam Quinn remarks, "He's a defensive metrics darling -- D-EPM rated him the second-best defender in basketball last season behind only Jonathan Isaac." Hartenstein's defensive capabilities mark him as a crucial component of the Knicks' lineup.
In the 61st spot, Khris Middleton of the Milwaukee Bucks has entered a new phase in his career. Jack Maloney provides context: "Middleton is moving into a different phase of his career, one where he is firmly a third option for the Bucks." His evolving role within the team dynamics is clear, emphasizing his adaptability and sustained value.
Draymond Green, sitting at 56th, continues to showcase his multifaceted talent. Botkin notes, "Quietly, Green shot nearly 40% from 3 last season on over two attempts a game." This statistic highlights an area of Green's game that often goes unnoticed, particularly his shooting efficiency from beyond the arc.
Herbert Jones, ranked 60th, commands a unique place in the league. Sam Quinn’s concise praise, "There isn't another Herb Jones out there," speaks volumes about Jones' distinctive skill set and the niche he occupies within the NBA landscape.
Among the notable high-rankers is Jalen Brunson, who impressively holds the 13th spot. Recently securing a four-year, $156.5 million extension, Brunson's stock has never been higher. James Herbert adds that 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." Such achievements underline his offensive prowess and clutch performance capability.
At the pinnacle of the list is Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets, deservedly ranked as the number one player. Brad Botkin captures a fascinating aspect of Jokic's character: "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." This humility paired with his extraordinary skill set cements Jokic's status as the leading figure in the league.
As the NBA season progresses, these rankings provide a lens through which fans can gauge player performances and narratives. Each player listed, ranked, or omitted brings a story of hard work, evolution, and strategic placement within their teams, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting and unpredictable season. With eyes on the court, the basketball community eagerly awaits how these players will validate or challenge their respective placements on the Top 100 list.