The NBA season is upon us, bringing with it the anticipation and excitement of assessing player performances and rankings. This year, there are some interesting developments and shifts in the league's landscape as evident from the recently released Top 100 players list.
Surprising Omissions and Notable Rankings
Dillon Brooks of the Rockets did not make the Top 100 players list, a point that has not gone unnoticed. As Jasmyn Wimbish notes, "Brooks might've just missed the cut in our Top 100, but he's still an impactful player, specifically on the defensive side of the ball." Brooks' defensive prowess remains significant, though it was not enough to secure him a spot among the elite 100 this season.
Contrasting Brooks' exclusion are the surprising inclusions from various teams. Andrew Nembhard of the Pacers grabbed the 94th spot with analysts emphasizing his potential impact. "He's the kind of player the Pacers need next to Tyrese Haliburton, so opposing teams think twice about simply daring everybody else to beat them," says James Herbert. Nembhard’s presence could therefore be an essential factor for the Pacers.
Nic Claxton is another addition, landing at 91st on the list. "He has shown off his handles in transition, and he has kind of incredible touch around the basket, but Claxton's usage rate has yet to rise above 15.6%," observes Herbert. His untapped potential suggests that Claxton might ascend further in future rankings.
Mid-Rank Players and Team Strategizing
Ranking higher on the list, Jerami Grant of the Trail Blazers finds himself in the 78th position. Brad Botkin questions whether the Blazers can optimize their investment: "Can the Blazers find a trade that works after committing way too much money to Grant last summer?" This highlights ongoing strategies teams employ to make the most of their roster investments.
Isaiah Hartenstein of the Knicks is positioned at 73rd. Known for his defensive capabilities, Hartenstein has been applauded in various analytics circles. Sam Quinn, for instance, mentions, "He's a defensive metrics darling -- D-EPM rated him the second-best defender in basketball last season behind only Jonathan Isaac." This high defensive rating is likely what secured him this rank.
Veteran Presence and Defensive Stalwarts
Moving further up the list, we find two seasoned players: Khris Middleton and Draymond Green. Middleton sits at the 61st spot and is transitioning into a new role within his team. "Middleton is moving into a different phase of his career, one where he is firmly a third option for the Bucks," states Jack Maloney. His evolving role in the Bucks' dynamics will be interesting to watch this season.
Draymond Green, a cornerstone for the Warriors, claims the 56th position. Botkin points out an often overlooked aspect of Green’s game: "Quietly, Green shot nearly 40% from 3 last season on over two attempts a game." This dimension of Green's play could become crucial as the Warriors seek another championship.
Herbert Jones, ranked 60th, is another player celebrated for his unique contributions. Quinn eloquently puts it: "There isn't another Herb Jones out there." Jones' singular skills make him an irreplaceable asset for his team.
Top Contenders and Record Breakers
In the higher echelons of the list, Jalen Brunson makes a significant leap, landing at 13th. Brunson's offensive capabilities were on full display last season, and James Herbert highlights his historical playoff performance: "In May, Brunson became the fourth player in NBA history—and first since Michael Jordan in 1993—to score 40 points or more in four consecutive playoff games." Adding to his accolades, Brunson recently secured a lucrative four-year, $156.5 million extension, underlining his value.
At the pinnacle, Nikola Jokic of the Nuggets is ranked number one. Jokic continues to redefine what it means to be the best player in the world. Brad Botkin succinctly captures the essence of Jokic’s character: "The fact that he has zero interest in being recognized as the world's best player is, in part, what actually makes him the world's best player." Jokic's combination of talent and humility sets him apart in the NBA hierarchy.
As the season progresses, these rankings and player narratives will unfold further, offering fans and analysts plenty to discuss and debate. Each player's journey and their team’s strategy will be key factors in determining who will ultimately rise or fall in next year’s evaluations.