The NBA season is upon us, and as the excitement builds up, so does the scrutiny around the league’s top talents. The latest Top 100 players list has sparked discussions and debates among fans and analysts alike. One notable omission from the list is Dillon Brooks of the Houston Rockets. Despite being a significant defensive asset, Brooks found himself just outside the Top 100, prompting analyst Jasmyn Wimbish to say, "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."
On the other hand, Andrew Nembhard of the Indiana Pacers has secured his place on the list, ranked 94th. James Herbert highlighted Nembhard’s value to the Pacers, stating, "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." Further up the rankings, Nic Claxton of the Brooklyn Nets captures the 91st spot. Known for his touch around the basket and transitional play, Claxton’s potential is evident despite his current usage rate not surpassing 15.6%. Herbert adds, "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%."
The Portland Trail Blazers have Jerami Grant positioned at 78th. Grant’s spot comes amid discussions about his hefty contract with the team, with Brad Botkin questioning, "Can the Blazers find a trade that works after committing way too much money to Grant last summer?" Meanwhile, Isaiah Hartenstein of the New York Knicks finds himself at 73rd, celebrated for his defensive metrics. Sam Quinn notes, "He's a defensive metrics darling -- D-EPM rated him the second-best defender in basketball last season behind only Jonathan Isaac."
Khris Middleton of the Milwaukee Bucks is ranked 61st, transitioning into a role where he firmly stands as the third option for the Bucks. Jack Maloney comments on Middleton’s evolving role, saying, "Middleton is moving into a different phase of his career, one where he is firmly a third option for the Bucks." Just ahead of Middleton is Herbert Jones of the New Orleans Pelicans at 60th, praised for his unique defensive skills. Quinn succinctly puts it, "There isn't another Herb Jones out there."
Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors, known for his defensive prowess and leadership, ranks 56th. Brad Botkin mentions an often-overlooked aspect of Green's game, "Quietly, Green shot nearly 40% from 3 last season on over two attempts a game." Interestingly, Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks is ranked impressively high at 13th, solidifying his status as a top-tier player. Brunson’s recent achievements include securing a four-year, $156.5 million extension and an incredible playoff performance where, as James Herbert notes, "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."
Finally, at the pinnacle of the rankings is Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets, who has claimed the number one spot. Known for his unassuming nature off the court, Jokic’s greatness lies in his focus and excellence in gameplay. Brad Botkin encapsulates this sentiment perfectly, "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."
As we anticipate the unfolding of the season, these rankings and insights offer a glimpse into the narratives and talents that will shape the NBA landscape. From rising stars like Nembhard to the established prowess of Jokic, the league promises yet another year of thrilling basketball.