The annual tradition of ranking the Top 100 NBA players always brings excitement, debate, and intrigue among fans and analysts alike. This year's list is no different, creating significant buzz with some surprising leaps and dramatic falls in the rankings.
A Rising Star: Victor Wembanyama
One of the most talked-about players is Victor Wembanyama, who has made an extraordinary jump from 58th to 12th in the rankings. His impressive performance after the All-Star break, where he averaged 23.5 points, 12 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 4.5 blocks, and 1.5 steals per game, has clearly played a pivotal role in his climb.
Sam Quinn highlights this by noting, "We're not just talking about the next great NBA player here. We're talking about the sort of player this sport has never seen, the next step in its evolution." Quinn further adds, "He is the ultimate marriage of size and skill, the culmination of everything this sport has been building towards for the past decade."
The Steady Ascent of Chet Holmgren
Another significant mover is Chet Holmgren, who has climbed from 68th to 30th in the rankings. Known for his versatility and skill set, Holmgren has shown promise that hints at a stellar future. Jasmyn Wimbish suggests, "Holmgren is on a career trajectory to be a mainstay at the All-Star Game, as well as a frequenter of end-of-season awards ballots like All-NBA and All-Defense."
Holmgren’s ability to adapt his game as needed is further emphasized by Jack Maloney, who states, "Holmgren has the on-and-off-ball skills to easily scale up and down depending on the situation."
Sengun and Maxey on the Rise
Among the players making noteworthy advancements is Alperen Sengun, who has leaped from 85th to 47th. His unique combination of strength and finesse around the rim has made him a difficult matchup for defenders. Wimbish points out, "Sengun's strength and finesse around the rim make it difficult to defend him when he catches the ball on the move."
Tyrese Maxey, with his dynamic play, has also made a significant push up the rankings, moving from 60th to 24th. These players represent the ever-evolving and increasingly competitive nature of the league.
New Faces Emerge
Brandon Miller, Jalen Suggs, and Coby White have made impressive entries into the rankings from previously unranked positions. They secured spots at 66th, 70th, and 71st, respectively. These new inclusions point to their rising stocks and the potential they bring to their teams.
Challenges and Setbacks
However, the rankings also reflect some players who have faced challenges. Andrew Wiggins, who previously held the 48th spot, is now unranked. Personal challenges have undoubtedly played a role in this change, as Brad Botkin notes, "His father, former NBA player Mitchell Wiggins, recently died, and Andrew had taken multiple leaves of absence the past two years as his father's health was in decline."
Similarly, Josh Giddey, previously ranked 61st, also finds himself unranked this year. Brook Lopez has taken a significant hit, falling from 50th to 88th, and Marcus Smart has dropped from 56th to 93rd. Other notable declines include Zach LaVine, moving from 43rd to 76th, and Klay Thompson, slipping from 67th to 99th.
Exits and Re-entries
Bradley Beal has also seen a substantial fall, moving from 38th to 69th. Meanwhile, Chris Paul and Malcolm Brogdon have exited the rankings altogether, with Botkin commenting on Brogdon, "Brogdon is a good player but not a top-100 guy under these conditions." Draymond Green has experienced a noticeable decline as well, moving from 30th to 56th.
New Positions for Established Players
Derrick White and Jalen Williams have both moved to more prominent positions, securing the 36th and 37th spots, respectively. White, in particular, shows significant improvement, having jumped to his new position.
Overall, this year's Top 100 NBA player rankings showcase the dynamic and ever-changing landscape of the league. With rising stars emerging and seasoned veterans facing new challenges, the list reflects both the triumphs and tribulations that make the NBA so compelling to its global fanbase.