The NBA is gearing up for yet another thrilling season, and as excitement builds, fans are pouring over the Top 100 players list to see where their favorite athletes rank. Dillon Brooks of the Rockets finds himself notably absent from the list, yet he remains a subject of discussion among pundits. Jasmyn Wimbish highlights Brooks’ continued impact on the defensive side of the ball despite his omission, suggesting that his exclusion doesn't diminish his value on the court.
At the lower end of the Top 100, Andrew Nembhard of the Pacers captures the 94th spot. James Herbert points out that Nembhard’s role alongside Tyrese Haliburton is crucial. "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," Herbert asserts, highlighting the strategic aspect of Nembhard's inclusion.
Rising slightly higher, Nic Claxton secures the 91st position. Known for his incredible touch around the basket and transition skills, Claxton has yet to see a significant bump in his usage rate, which remains below 15.6%. James Herbert notes, “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%.” This suggests that while Claxton’s potential is clear, there is still room for growth and increased responsibility on the floor.
Jerami Grant of the Trail Blazers holds the 78th spot, but his future with the team remains uncertain. Brad Botkin questions the Trail Blazers’ financial decisions, stating, "Can the Blazers find a trade that works after committing way too much money to Grant last summer?" The question lingers as fans speculate on potential moves the Trail Blazers might make to optimize their roster.
Ranked 73rd, Isaiah Hartenstein of the Knicks is celebrated for his extraordinary defensive prowess. Sam Quinn emphasizes his defensive acumen by mentioning, "He's a defensive metrics darling -- D-EPM rated him the second-best defender in basketball last season behind only Jonathan Isaac." Hartenstein’s ability to affect the game defensively makes him a valuable asset for the Knicks going into the new season.
Khris Middleton of the Bucks, ranked 61st, appears to be transitioning into a new phase of his career. Jack Maloney observes, "Middleton is moving into a different phase of his career, one where he is firmly a third option for the Bucks." This evolution in his role could impact the dynamic within the Bucks’ roster as they look to balance their scoring load.
Draymond Green’s ranking at 56th reaffirms his importance to the Warriors. Known for his defensive capabilities and leadership, Green remains an integral part of the team. Brad Botkin highlights a lesser-known aspect of Green's game: "Quietly, Green shot nearly 40% from 3 last season on over two attempts a game." This improvement in his shooting could play a pivotal role in the Warriors’ offensive schemes.
In the 60th position, Herbert Jones stands out for his unique talents. Sam Quinn succinctly puts it, "There isn't another Herb Jones out there." Jones’s distinctive style of play and defensive versatility makes him a uniquely valuable player for the Pelicans.
Jalen Brunson makes a significant leap into the upper echelons of the list, ranking 13th. His recent four-year, $156.5 million extension underscores the value the Knicks place on him. Brunson’s impact was highlighted in May when he became the fourth player in NBA history – and the first since Michael Jordan in 1993 – to score 40 or more points in four consecutive playoff games. James Herbert’s reflection on this accolade illustrates Brunson’s rising prominence within the league.
At the pinnacle of the Top 100 list sits Nikola Jokic of the Nuggets, celebrated as the number one player. Brad Botkin offers a thought-provoking insight, mentioning, "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 relentless pursuit of excellence without seeking accolades may indeed be what sets him apart from his peers.
As the season unfolds, the positions on this Top 100 players list will be scrutinized, debated, and likely shift as performances on the court evolve. What remains certain is that the NBA continues to showcase an extraordinary array of talent, with each player bringing something unique to their respective teams and the league as a whole.