The 2024-25 NBA season is rapidly approaching, with excitement building as teams gear up for the start of the regular season, now just a mere five weeks away. Training camps are on the horizon, and the preseason action is set to tip off on October 4, offering fans an early glimpse of their favorite teams and players.
Top 100 Players List Released
As anticipation mounts, the annual top 100 players list has been unveiled, featuring selections made 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. This year's list notably excludes any rookies, focusing on proven talent across the league.
Every NBA team is represented in the top 100, underscoring the depth of talent in the league. Notably, the New York Knicks, New Orleans Pelicans, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Minnesota Timberwolves each boast six players in the rankings, showcasing their robust rosters. The Boston Celtics follow closely with five players featured. Meanwhile, teams like the Milwaukee Bucks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Memphis Grizzlies, Sacramento Kings, Orlando Magic, Dallas Mavericks, Denver Nuggets, Indiana Pacers, and Houston Rockets have four players each making the cut.
Veterans and Rising Stars
Among the seasoned pros, Draymond Green is entering his 13th NBA season, bringing invaluable experience to the court. Superstars Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant maintain their positions in the top 10, reflecting their enduring dominance in the game.
The list also highlights some notable player movements and performances from the previous season. Zion Williamson of the New Orleans Pelicans played a career-high 70 games last season, a significant achievement given his previous struggles with injuries. Austin Reaves of the Lakers demonstrated remarkable consistency, averaging 15.9 points per game while playing in all 82 games.
Alperen Sengun of the Houston Rockets is coming off a breakout season, signaling his emergence as a key player for the team. In Dallas, Dereck Lively II played a crucial role during the Mavericks' run to the NBA Finals last season, further cementing his place in the league.
Shifting Ranks and Championship Aspirations
This year's rankings also reflect some shifts among key players. Khris Middleton and Bradley Beal have seen their standings drop, while Jalen Brunson and the highly-touted Victor Wembanyama have narrowly missed breaking into the top 10. The Boston Celtics’ dynamic duo of Jrue Holiday and Derrick White are set to spearhead their championship ambitions for the 2025 campaign.
On the other end of the spectrum, teams like the Utah Jazz, Brooklyn Nets, Detroit Pistons, and Washington Wizards each have just one player featured in the top 100, underscoring the varied distribution of elite talent across the league.
Unanimous Top Pick
In a unanimous decision by the panel of experts, Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets has been selected as the top player for the upcoming season. Jokic's blend of skill, vision, and versatility makes him a formidable force on the court, earning him the top spot in the eyes of the analysts.
As the new season approaches, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these players and teams perform, with the top 100 list serving as a key benchmark for individual and team success in the 2024-25 NBA season. With a mix of seasoned veterans, rising stars, and a landscape of competitive teams, the stage is set for another thrilling chapter in NBA history.