The anticipation for the 2024-25 NBA season is palpable, with fans eagerly counting down the five weeks until tip-off. As training camps draw near and the preseason scheduled to begin on October 4, the excitement is building across the league.
One major highlight leading up to the season is the release of this year’s top 100 NBA players list, meticulously crafted by a team of esteemed analysts, including Brad Botkin, James Herbert, Jack Maloney, Sam Quinn, Jasmyn Wimbish, Bill Reiter, John Gonzalez, Ashley Nicole Moss, Adam Finkelstein, and Avery Johnson. The list notably excludes rookies but ensures that every NBA team has at least one representative among the top 100.
Team Dominance in the Rankings
The New York Knicks, New Orleans Pelicans, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Minnesota Timberwolves lead the pack, with each team boasting six players in the top 100. Close behind, the Boston Celtics have five players highlighted, showcasing their depth and talent. The Milwaukee Bucks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Memphis Grizzlies, Sacramento Kings, Orlando Magic, Dallas Mavericks, Denver Nuggets, Indiana Pacers, and Houston Rockets each have four players featured, underlining their competitive rosters.
Veterans and New Entrants
Among the seasoned players, Draymond Green stands out as he enters his 13th NBA season, continuing to be a pivotal figure for the Golden State Warriors. Meanwhile, superstars Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant maintain their top-10 status, cementing their legacies as elite players in the league.
Zion Williamson of the New Orleans Pelicans is coming off a banner year where he logged a career-high 70 games, showcasing his durability and skill. Equally impressive, Austin Reaves of the Los Angeles Lakers featured in all 82 games last season, averaging 15.9 points per game, an indication of his rising stock in the league.
Emerging Stars and Potential Game Changers
Among the breakout talents, Alperen Sengun of the Houston Rockets has garnered significant attention. His performances last season have set high expectations for his continued development. Meanwhile, Dereck Lively II played a crucial role in the Dallas Mavericks' memorable run to the NBA Finals last season, highlighting the impact young players can have in crucial moments.
Analysts have also noted the slight decline in rankings for Khris Middleton and Bradley Beal this year. Despite this, both players remain crucial to their respective teams and will be looking to make significant impacts in the upcoming season.
Close Contenders and Rising Talent
Jalen Brunson and highly-touted prospect Victor Wembanyama just missed cracking the top-10, indicating the high competition and standard within the league. For the Boston Celtics, Jrue Holiday and Derrick White are poised to spearhead the team's championship ambitions in 2025, their leadership and skills crucial to Boston’s title hopes.
Consistency and Unanimity
Remarkably, every team in the league is represented in this year's top 100 list, with the Utah Jazz, Brooklyn Nets, Detroit Pistons, and Washington Wizards each having one standout player. Highlighting the competitive balance within the league, this widespread representation showcases the depth of talent across all franchises.
In a consensus decision by the panel of experts, Nikola Jokic has been unanimously selected as the top player for the upcoming season. His all-around game and previous performances have clearly set him apart as the player to watch as the new season unfolds.
As the preseason nears, fans will intensify their focus on how these rankings play out on the court. With established stars continuing to shine and emerging talents making bold statements, the 2024-25 NBA season promises to be a thrilling chapter in the annals of basketball history.