The NBA season is upon us, and as teams prepare for the grueling marathon ahead, discussions around player rankings and performances have begun to dominate the narrative. One of the most debated topics is the NBA's Top 100 players list, which, as always, sparks conversations and even controversy.
Dillon Brooks: A Defensive Specialist Just Outside the Top 100
Dillon Brooks of the Houston Rockets finds himself notably absent from this year’s Top 100 players list. Despite this omission, some experts believe he still holds significant value, particularly on the defensive end. "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," remarks Jasmyn Wimbish. For Brooks, his exclusion may serve as motivation to elevate his game further this season.
Rising Stars and Surprising Rankings
Andrew Nembhard of the Indiana Pacers secured the 94th spot. James Herbert believes Nembhard is a crucial player for the Pacers, especially playing alongside Tyrese Haliburton. "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 potential impact goes beyond individual stats, making him a key figure in his team’s strategy.
Nic Claxton, ranked 91st, has shown flashes of brilliance, but still has areas to improve on. "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%," says Herbert. The young player has room to grow, and this season might be the perfect opportunity for him to elevate his role.
Veterans Still Making an Impact
Jerami Grant, who occupies the 78th spot, remains under scrutiny after the Trail Blazers invested heavily in him last summer. Brad Botkin raises an essential question: "Can the Blazers find a trade that works after committing way too much money to Grant last summer?" Grant’s performance this season will be closely watched, especially given the financial commitment made by the Blazers.
An interesting addition to the list is Isaiah Hartenstein of the Knicks, ranked 73rd. His defensive prowess has drawn praise, with Sam Quinn noting, "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 could play a crucial role in the Knicks' aspirations this season.
Khris Middleton of the Bucks is positioned at 61st as he transitions to a new phase in 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." Despite this shift, Middleton’s experience and skills remain vital for Milwaukee's success.
Draymond Green, at 56th, continues to be an influential figure on the court. Not only is he renowned for his defensive efforts, but Brad Botkin highlights an underappreciated aspect of his game: "Quietly, Green shot nearly 40% from 3 last season on over two attempts a game." His multifaceted contributions are integral to the Warriors’ strategy.
Unique Talents and Record-Breakers
Herbert Jones secures the 60th spot, a testament to his unique skill set. Sam Quinn emphasizes, "There isn't another Herb Jones out there." Jones’ distinctive style and impact make him an invaluable asset to his team.
In the upper echelons of the list, Jalen Brunson stands tall at 13th. Known for his performance under pressure, Brunson recently secured a four-year, $156.5 million extension. James Herbert highlights his playoff heroics: "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." Brunson's clutch performances and consistency make him one of the league's premier guards.
Reigning supreme at the very top is Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets. As the number one ranked player, Jokic continues to astonish fans and analysts alike with his all-around game and humble demeanor. Brad Botkin succinctly captures his essence: "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 selfless play and extraordinary skills epitomize what it means to be an elite athlete in today's NBA.
As the season progresses, these rankings will undoubtedly be tested and potentially reshuffled. Each player's journey, marked by their struggles and triumphs, will add another layer to the ever-evolving story of the NBA.