The NBA season is upon us, and the anticipation is palpable. As teams gear up for another thrilling season, the recently released Top 100 players list has sparked various conversations and debates among fans and analysts alike.
One notable omission from the list is Dillon Brooks of the Houston Rockets. While he may not have cracked the Top 100, Jasmyn Wimbish emphasizes Brooks' invaluable contribution on the defensive end. "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," Wimbish notes, highlighting the intensity Brooks brings to the court.
Andrew Nembhard of the Indiana Pacers secured the 94th spot, an acknowledgment of his solid performance. James Herbert articulates the significance of Nembhard 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." This strategic pairing looks set to give the Pacers additional depth and versatility this season.
At the 91st position, Nic Claxton of the Brooklyn Nets continues to make his mark. Despite a usage rate that has yet to rise above 15.6%, Claxton's skill set is undeniable. "He has shown off his handles in transition, and he has kind of incredible touch around the basket," observes Herbert. Claxton's abilities in transition and scoring efficiency around the rim make him a significant asset to the Nets.
Jerami Grant is ranked 78th, and his tenure with the Portland Trail Blazers is under scrutiny. Brad Botkin poses a critical question, "Can the Blazers find a trade that works after committing way too much money to Grant last summer?" Grant's performance will be closely watched to see if he can live up to his hefty price tag.
Isaiah Hartenstein of the New York Knicks comes in at 73rd. Known for his defensive prowess, Hartenstein has become a darling of defensive metrics. Sam Quinn highlights this, saying, "He's a defensive metrics darling -- D-EPM rated him the second-best defender in basketball last season behind only Jonathan Isaac." Hartenstein's defensive acumen will be crucial for the Knicks as they aim for a deep playoff run.
Ranked 61st, Khris Middleton of the Milwaukee Bucks is transitioning into a new role. "Middleton is moving into a different phase of his career, one where he is firmly a third option for the Bucks," explains Jack Maloney. As the Bucks continue to chase championship glory, Middleton's experience and scoring ability will be vital, even in this adjusted role.
Just above Middleton, Herbert Jones of the New Orleans Pelicans is ranked 60th. Sam Quinn succinctly captures Jones' unique value, stating, "There isn't another Herb Jones out there." Jones' all-around contributions on both ends of the floor are irreplaceable for the Pelicans.
Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors lands at 56th. Known for his defensive tenacity and playmaking, Green's shooting form has been a pleasant surprise. "Quietly, Green shot nearly 40% from 3 last season on over two attempts a game," notes Botkin. This newfound shooting touch adds another dimension to his already versatile game.
One of the most significant climbs in the rankings belongs to Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks, who is listed 13th. Brunson recently secured a lucrative four-year, $156.5 million extension, a testament to his impressive development. James Herbert provides a remarkable stat: "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." This milestone cements Brunson's status as an elite scorer in the league.
At the pinnacle of the rankings stands Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets, holding the coveted number one spot. Jokic's dominance is not just about stats but also his mindset. Botkin reflects on Jokic's unique characteristic, "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." This humility, combined with his extraordinary skills, sets Jokic apart from his peers.
As the new NBA season dawns, these players and their rankings will be among the focal points of analysis and discussion. The narratives and performances of these athletes will undoubtedly shape the season, offering fans a blend of excitement, intrigue, and inspiration.