Our annual Top 100 NBA player rankings have become a much-anticipated tradition, garnering attention from fans and analysts alike. This year's list presents an aggregate projection that has sparked considerable discussion within the basketball community.
Risers and Fallers
The most dramatic shift in this year's rankings comes from Victor Wembanyama, who has vaulted from the 58th spot to an impressive 12th position. This change follows a stellar post-All-Star break performance where Wembanyama averaged 23.5 points, 12 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 4.5 blocks, and 1.5 steals per game. Sam Quinn highlighted his unique potential, 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 added that Wembanyama is "the ultimate marriage of size and skill, the culmination of everything this sport has been building towards for the past decade."
Chet Holmgren also made a significant leap, moving from 68th to 30th, placing him squarely in the conversation for future All-Star status. Jasmyn Wimbish affirmed Holmgren's trajectory, stating, "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." Further endorsement from Jack Maloney acknowledges Holmgren's versatility: "Holmgren has the on-and-off-ball skills to easily scale up and down depending on the situation."
Alperen Sengun climbed from 85th to 47th in the rankings, an ascent driven by his nuanced game around the basket. Wimbish detailed Sengun's capabilities: "Sengun's strength and finesse around the rim make it difficult to defend him when he catches the ball on the move."
New Entries
Several players secured their places within the Top 100 for the first time this year. Brandon Miller, Jalen Suggs, and Coby White, previously unranked, have now found themselves placed at 66th, 70th, and 71st, respectively. Isaiah Hartenstein made an entry at 73rd, highlighting his growing influence on the court.
Falling Stars
While some players soared in the rankings, others experienced significant drops. Andrew Wiggins and Josh Giddey, who were previously ranked 48th and 61st, respectively, did not make the cut this year. Personal circumstances may have influenced their careers; Brad Botkin noted that Wiggins took multiple leaves of absence over the past two years due to his father's declining health. As for Giddey, the details behind his fall remain speculative.
Brook Lopez experienced a disheartening descent from 50th to 88th. Marcus Smart slipped from 56th to 93rd, and Zach LaVine fell from 43rd to 76th, reflecting a challenging period for these once high-flying stars. Klay Thompson, previously 67th, barely managed to stay in the rankings at 99th, and Bradley Beal went from 38th to 69th.
Other notable absentees from the list include Chris Paul and Malcolm Brogdon. Botkin was candid about Brogdon's situation: "Brogdon is a good player but not a top-100 guy under these conditions."
Steady Climbers
Some players have made moderate yet impactful climbs in the rankings. Tyrese Maxey's journey from 60th to 24th showcases his consistent improvement and burgeoning role in his team's success. Derrick White and Jalen Williams also made noticeable advances, landing at 36th and 37th, respectively.
Draymond Green's movement from 30th to 56th indicates a complex phase in his illustrious career, making room for younger talents while he continues to contribute significantly to his team.
This year's Top 100 NBA player rankings offer a glimpse into a dynamic season where the landscape of talent is constantly shifting. From emerging stars like Wembanyama and Holmgren to the steady progress of players like Sengun and Maxey, the list reflects the highs and lows of the NBA journey. As the sport continues to evolve, so too will the faces that define it, making this annual ranking a fascinating snapshot of basketball's ever-changing hierarchy.