The anticipation is palpable as the 2024-25 NBA season is poised to commence in just five weeks. With training camps on the horizon, the basketball community is buzzing with excitement. The preseason, which tips off on October 4, will offer a tantalizing preview of what promises to be an exhilarating season.
This year, the much-anticipated top 100 players list has been meticulously crafted by a panel 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. Notably, no rookies have made the cut this year, a rarity that speaks to the established talent pool across the league.
Team Representation in the Top 100
Every NBA team boasts at least one player in the top 100, underscoring the widespread distribution of talent across the league. The New York Knicks, New Orleans Pelicans, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Minnesota Timberwolves lead the pack, each featuring six players on the coveted list.
Not far behind, the Boston Celtics have a strong representation with five players making the cut. 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, highlighting the competitive parity in the league.
Individual Standouts and Rising Stars
Among the notable individual stories, Draymond Green is set to embark on his 13th NBA season, continuing to be a pivotal figure for the Golden State Warriors. Meanwhile, Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant remain entrenched in the top-10 rankings, a testament to their enduring excellence and impact in the league.
Zion Williamson of the Pelicans is coming off a career-high 70 games played last season, showcasing his potential when healthy. Additionally, Austin Reaves of the Los Angeles Lakers had an impressive season, averaging 15.9 points per game while playing in all 82 games. These performances mark them as key players to watch in the upcoming season.
Alperen Sengun of the Rockets is another player attracting attention following a breakout season. His development will be crucial for Houston’s aspirations as they look to climb the standings.
Noteworthy Rankings and Misses
Khris Middleton and Bradley Beal have seen their rankings drop this year, indicating a shift in the pecking order among the league’s elite. On the other hand, Jalen Brunson and Victor Wembanyama narrowly missed breaking into the top 10, hinting at their rising status in the NBA hierarchy.
The Dallas Mavericks' Dereck Lively II has also garnered recognition, having been part of the team's impressive run to the NBA Finals last season. This experience will be invaluable as he looks to build on that success.
Celtics' Championship Aspirations
The Celtics remain focused on championship glory, with Jrue Holiday and Derrick White set to lead the charge. Their experience and leadership will be pivotal as Boston aims to return to the top of the NBA mountain.
Final Considerations
In a fascinating subplot, the Utah Jazz, Brooklyn Nets, Detroit Pistons, and Washington Wizards each have just one player in the top 100. This underscores the varying stages of redevelopment these franchises are in as they look to build for the future.
At the pinnacle of the list, Nikola Jokic has been unanimously selected by the panel of experts as the top player for the upcoming season. The Denver Nuggets' star continues to redefine the center position and is expected to be a dominant force once again.
With the season's start just weeks away and the preseason imminent, fans and analysts alike are gearing up for what promises to be an unforgettable NBA season. The stage is set, the players are ready, and the stories are waiting to unfold.