The anticipation for the 2024-25 NBA season is palpable, with just five weeks remaining until tip-off. Teams are gearing up, training camps are on the horizon, and on October 4, the preseason will officially begin. Fans and analysts alike are abuzz, not just for the games but also for the release of this year's top 100 players list.
The list, meticulously crafted by analysts Brad Botkin, James Herbert, Jack Maloney, Sam Quinn, Jasmyn Wimbish, Bill Reiter, John Gonzalez, Ashley Nicole Moss, Adam Finkelstein, and Avery Johnson, holds no place for rookies this year, reflecting the high bar set by seasoned players. Every NBA team boasts at least one player within this elite group, a testament to the league's depth of talent.
Powerhouse Teams
The New York Knicks, New Orleans Pelicans, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Minnesota Timberwolves emerge as powerhouses, each featuring six players on the list. Close behind are the Boston Celtics, represented by five stellar athletes. These teams are sure to be substantial contenders in the upcoming season, backed by their top-tier talent.
Meanwhile, the Milwaukee Bucks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Memphis Grizzlies, Sacramento Kings, Orlando Magic, Dallas Mavericks, Denver Nuggets, Indiana Pacers, and Houston Rockets each see four of their players making the cut. Such a spread of talent ensures a competitive edge across the league, with numerous teams poised to make significant strides.
Standout Players
Among the top 10 players, familiar names like Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant continue to shine. Despite being seasoned veterans, their performance levels remain undeniably elite. Draymond Green is also drawing attention as he steps into his 13th NBA season, proving longevity and consistency.
Zion Williamson, who played a career-high 70 games last season, and Austin Reaves of the Lakers, who notched an impressive average of 15.9 points per game across all 82 games, highlight the emerging stars who are ready to take their game to the next level. Alperen Sengun of the Rockets, coming off a breakout season, is another name to watch.
Shifting Rankings
This year’s list also reflects some noteworthy changes. Khris Middleton and Bradley Beal have experienced drops in their rankings, underscoring the fierce competition and ever-changing dynamics within the NBA. On the cusp of greatness, Jalen Brunson and Victor Wembanyama narrowly missed breaking into the top 10. Their journey, however, is far from over, and they remain pivotal players for their respective teams.
Eyes on the Prize
The Boston Celtics find themselves in a promising position, with Jrue Holiday and Derrick White set to spearhead their championship ambitions in 2025. This duo, alongside their fellow top-tier teammates, is prepared to etch their names in NBA history.
Lesser-represented teams on the top 100 list, such as the Utah Jazz, Brooklyn Nets, Detroit Pistons, and Washington Wizards, each have only one player making the cut. Nevertheless, these players are expected to be pivotal figures in their team's pursuits throughout the season.
Top Spot Secured
Standing head and shoulders above the rest, Nikola Jokic was unanimously selected by the panel of experts as the number one player for the upcoming season. His exceptional skills and consistent performance make him a clear favorite, setting a high standard for others to aspire to.
As the countdown to the new NBA season continues, the excitement builds not just for the games but for the unfolding narratives each player and team will create. With training camps soon starting and preseason just around the corner, fans have much to look forward to in this electrifying journey. The top 100 players list has not only set the stage but also fueled the anticipation for what promises to be another thrilling NBA season.