The NBA season brings fresh anticipation and excitement, with the 2024-25 season set to begin in just five weeks. Teams are gearing up for the start of training camps, and the preseason is slated to tip off on October 4, marking the beginning of another thrilling chapter in basketball history.
This year, the analysts Brad Botkin, James Herbert, Jack Maloney, Sam Quinn, Jasmyn Wimbish, Bill Reiter, John Gonzalez, Ashley Nicole Moss, Adam Finkelstein, and Avery Johnson have meticulously assembled the top 100 NBA players list. Notably, no rookies have made the cut this year, an indicator of the established talent currently dominating the league.
Teams Boasting Top Talent
Every NBA team is represented in this year’s top 100 list, highlighting the widespread talent across the league. The New York Knicks, New Orleans Pelicans, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Minnesota Timberwolves each boast six players on the list. The Boston Celtics follow closely with five players.
The Milwaukee Bucks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Memphis Grizzlies, Sacramento Kings, Orlando Magic, Dallas Mavericks, Denver Nuggets, Indiana Pacers, and Houston Rockets each have four players included. The diversity in representation showcases the league's competitive balance and the high-caliber talent spread across various teams.
Veteran Presence
As veterans continue to shape the dynamics of the NBA, Draymond Green is entering his 13th season, bringing invaluable experience and leadership to the court. Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant, both firmly within the top 10, remain pivotal figures in their teams’ success. Their enduring excellence exemplifies their status as elite players.
Zion Williamson had a standout campaign last season, playing a career-high 70 games. The forward’s ability to stay healthy and contribute significantly will undoubtedly influence the New Orleans Pelicans' performance this season.
Austin Reaves of the Lakers also had a remarkable season, averaging 15.9 points per game and featuring in all 82 games. Similarly, Alperen Sengun of the Rockets is coming off a breakout year, establishing himself as a cornerstone for Houston.
Movers and Shakers
This season sees some notable shifts in player rankings. Khris Middleton and Bradley Beal have seen their positions drop, reflecting perhaps a dip in form or an increase in competition. Conversely, Jalen Brunson and Victor Wembanyama have narrowly missed out on breaking into the top 10, signaling their rising influence in the league.
Meanwhile, Dereck Lively II played a crucial role in the Dallas Mavericks' run to the NBA Finals last season, underscoring his potential and importance to the team’s aspirations this year.
Championship Aspirations
The Celtics appear poised for a strong campaign, with Jrue Holiday and Derrick White expected to spearhead their charge for a championship in 2025. Their inclusion in the top 100 reflects their critical roles in Boston’s plans to secure another title.
Limited Representation
The Utah Jazz, Brooklyn Nets, Detroit Pistons, and Washington Wizards each have just one player on the top 100 list. This limited representation points to a need for these teams to rely heavily on their standout stars to drive their performance throughout the season.
Top of the List
Nikola Jokic, the Denver Nuggets’ centerpiece, has been unanimously selected by the panel of experts as the top player for the upcoming season. His exceptional skills and ability to influence games on multiple fronts validate his position at the pinnacle of the NBA talent hierarchy.
As the NBA gears up for another exhilarating season, these rankings and insights provide a valuable snapshot of where teams and players stand. With the preseason around the corner, fans and analysts alike eagerly anticipate how these narratives will unfold on the hardwood.