Annual Top 100 NBA Player Rankings: Notable Risers and Fallers
The annual tradition of ranking the top 100 NBA players has once again captivated basketball enthusiasts, offering a glimpse into the shifting landscape of the league. This year’s list, reflective of an aggregate projection, is particularly notable for the dramatic movements among players.
Remarkable Leaps
This year's most significant leap comes from Victor Wembanyama, who has soared from 58th to an astonishing 12th position. His post-All-Star break performance was nothing short of spectacular, averaging 23.5 points, 12 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 4.5 blocks, and 1.5 steals per game. "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," noted Sam Quinn. Wembanyama’s combination of size and skill embodies the future of basketball, marking his rise as a culmination of the sport’s progression over the past decade.
Chet Holmgren also made a significant climb, moving from 68th to 30th. His career trajectory appears aimed towards perennial All-Star appearances and frequent consideration for end-of-season awards like All-NBA and All-Defense. As Jasmyn Wimbish put it, "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." His versatility in both on-and-off-ball situations, as Jack Maloney highlighted, adds a dynamic edge to his game that few possess.
Alperen Sengun and Tyrese Maxey have also made impressive strides. Sengun, leaping from 85th to 47th, is lauded for his strength and finesse around the rim, making him a tough defensive challenge. "Sengun's strength and finesse around the rim make it difficult to defend him when he catches the ball on the move," observed Wimbish. Maxey, meanwhile, jumped from 60th to 24th, showcasing considerable growth in his performance.
New Entrants and Sudden Drops
This year's rankings also introduced new faces who were unranked previously. Brandon Miller, Jalen Suggs, and Coby White now hold the 66th, 70th, and 71st positions, respectively. Additionally, Isaiah Hartenstein secured the 73rd spot, marking his debut in the top 100.
Conversely, some established players experienced notable declines. Andrew Wiggins and Josh Giddey, previously at 48th and 61st, are now unranked. Wiggins' drop is particularly poignant, given his personal struggles, as Brad Botkin mentioned, "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."
Brook Lopez’s fall from 50th to 88th, Marcus Smart’s descent from 56th to 93rd, and Zach LaVine’s slip from 43rd to 76th reflect a challenging year for these players. Klay Thompson, once ranked 67th, now finds himself at 99th. Bradley Beal also dropped significantly, moving from 38th to 69th.
Draymond Green saw a decrease from 30th to 56th, a sign of perhaps shifting roles or team dynamics. On the other hand, Derrick White and Jalen Williams moving to 36th and 37th, respectively, highlight their uprisings within their teams and the league at large.
Exits from the Rankings
Notable players like Chris Paul and Malcolm Brogdon exited the top 100 altogether. Botkin provided a succinct rationale, stating, "Brogdon is a good player but not a top-100 guy under these conditions." This exclusion marks a significant change and perhaps a signal of the evolving competitiveness within the league.
This annual ranking serves as a barometer for players' evolving reputations and performances. With dramatic leaps and sudden drops, the list reflects not only individual achievements and declines but the shifting sands of NBA stardom. As we look forward to the next season, these rankings will undoubtedly be a reference point for fans and experts alike, capturing the ever-dynamic nature of the sport.