The onset of the NBA season brings with it a fresh wave of debate and anticipation, particularly around the prestigious Top 100 players list. Notably absent from the list is Dillon Brooks of the Rockets, a player renowned for his defensive prowess. While not making the cut, Jasmyn Wimbish asserts, “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.”
Among those securing their place on the list, Andrew Nembhard of the Pacers claimed the 94th spot. His performance has drawn attention for perfectly complementing Tyrese Haliburton. As James Herbert notes, “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.” This strategic fit could be crucial for the Pacers as they aim to fortify their roster.
Nic Claxton, landing the 91st position, has exhibited impressive skills, especially his handling in transition and remarkable touch around the basket. However, his usage rate remains a point of curiosity. “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%,” observes Herbert. This statistic suggests there is still untapped potential in Claxton’s offensive contributions.
Jerami Grant of the Trail Blazers finds himself ranked at 78th, a position that comes with scrutiny given the financial commitment the Blazers have made to him. “Can the Blazers find a trade that works after committing way too much money to Grant last summer?” ponders Brad Botkin, highlighting the financial intricacies and potential trade considerations surrounding Grant’s future with the team.
At the 73rd spot, Isaiah Hartenstein of the Knicks is an under-the-radar star whose defensive metrics are exceptional. Sam Quinn describes him as “a defensive metrics darling—D-EPM rated him the second-best defender in basketball last season behind only Jonathan Isaac.” This acknowledgment underlines Hartenstein’s valuable contribution on the defensive end.
Moving up the list, Khris Middleton is pegged at 61st, transitioning into a new phase in his career. Jack Maloney explains, “Middleton is moving into a different phase of his career, one where he is firmly a third option for the Bucks.” Despite this adjustment, Middleton remains an integral part of the Bucks’ lineup.
Herbert Jones, who holds the 60th spot, is praised for his unique skill set. “There isn’t another Herb Jones out there,” asserts Quinn, a statement that speaks volumes about Jones’ distinctive impact on the court.
Draymond Green, ranking 56th, continues to be a crucial figure for the Warriors, particularly noted for his shooting efficiency. Brad Botkin points out, “Quietly, Green shot nearly 40% from 3 last season on over two attempts a game.” This improvement in Green’s shooting adds another layer to his multifaceted game.
At the higher end of the spectrum, Jalen Brunson is slotted at 13th, following his remarkable playoff performance where he joined an elite group of players. “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,” notes Herbert. This statistic is a testament to Brunson’s offensive prowess and clutch performance under pressure.
Adding to his achievements, Brunson has secured a lucrative four-year, $156.5 million extension, further solidifying his status as a key player for the future.
At the pinnacle, Nikola Jokic of the Nuggets is ranked number one, where his demeanor is as noteworthy as his skills. Botkin eloquently captures this sentiment: “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.” Jokic's humility and focus on the game rather than accolades endear him to fans and analysts alike.
As the NBA season unfolds, these rankings provide a fascinating backdrop to the drama and excitement on the court. Each player's journey and their contributions will be watched closely, with fans and analysts eagerly anticipating how they will shape the narrative of the season.