The NBA season is upon us, and with that comes the excitement and debate following the release of the Top 100 players list. As always, the rankings have sparked discussions among fans and analysts alike, with some notable inclusions and exclusions fueling the conversation.
Dillon Brooks of the Rockets, despite his defensive prowess, did not make it to the Top 100 players list this year. Jasmyn Wimbish commented, "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."
Meanwhile, Andrew Nembhard of the Pacers secured the 94th spot, a promising sign for both him and the team. James Herbert noted, "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."
Nic Claxton, coming in at 91st, has shown potential, particularly with his ball-handling and touch around the basket. However, his usage rate remains a point of contention. "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%," explained Herbert.
At 78th, Jerami Grant of the Trail Blazers is also a topic of discussion. Brad Botkin raised a pertinent question: "Can the Blazers find a trade that works after committing way too much money to Grant last summer?" This adds an intriguing subplot to his performance this season.
Isaiah Hartenstein of the Knicks, ranked 73rd, has earned accolades for his defensive metrics. Sam Quinn remarked, "He's a defensive metrics darling — D-EPM rated him the second-best defender in basketball last season behind only Jonathan Isaac."
Khris Middleton, coming in at 61st, is entering a new phase in his career with the Bucks. "Middleton is moving into a different phase of his career, one where he is firmly a third option for the Bucks," said Jack Maloney, underscoring the evolution in Middleton’s role.
Draymond Green of the Warriors is ranked 56th and is getting recognition not just for his defensive acumen but also for his improved shooting. Brad Botkin pointed out, "Quietly, Green shot nearly 40% from 3 last season on over two attempts a game." This improved shooting adds another layer to Green's already multifaceted game.
Herbert Jones of the Pelicans is ranked 60th and has carved out a unique niche for himself. Sam Quinn aptly put it, "There isn't another Herb Jones out there," reflecting Jones' singular impact on the court.
In a commendable leap, Jalen Brunson of the Knicks is ranked 13th and recently secured a lucrative four-year, $156.5 million extension. Highlighting his playoff performance, Herbert stated, "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." This milestone underscores Brunson’s elite talent and burgeoning status in the league.
Finally, topping the list at number one is Nikola Jokic of the Nuggets, a testament to his unparalleled skill and influence on the game. Brad Botkin encapsulated Jokic's unique stance, "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."
As the new NBA season unfolds, these rankings will undoubtedly spur debates and serve as a precursor to the narratives that will dominate the basketball landscape. Fans eagerly await to see how these players live up to their rankings and the inevitable surprises that the season will bring.