The excitement for the upcoming NBA season is palpable, with the 2024-25 season set to tip off in just five weeks. As training camps loom on the horizon and teams gear up for the preseason that kicks off on October 4, analysts have already begun dissecting the landscape of the league with one of the most anticipated pieces of preseason content: the annual top 100 players list.
Making the Cut
This year's list, meticulously crafted by a panel of seasoned analysts including Brad Botkin, James Herbert, Jack Maloney, Sam Quinn, Jasmyn Wimbish, Bill Reiter, John Gonzalez, Ashley Nicole Moss, Adam Finkelstein, and Avery Johnson, offers a comprehensive look at the best talent in the NBA. Notably, every NBA team has at least one representative in the top 100, ensuring a wide distribution of talent across the league.
Team Dominance
A few teams stand out with a significant representation. The New York Knicks, New Orleans Pelicans, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Minnesota Timberwolves each boast an impressive six players on the list. The Boston Celtics follow closely with five players making the cut, highlighting the depth and quality these franchises possess heading into the new season.
Teams like 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, showcasing a balanced spread of talent.
Veteran Consistency
Among the individual highlights, veterans Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant continue to solidify their legacies, remaining in the coveted top-10 rankings. Draymond Green, now entering his 13th NBA season, also features prominently, underscoring his enduring impact in the league.
The much-discussed Zion Williamson, who managed to play a career-high 70 games last season, looks to build on his previous success. Meanwhile, Austin Reaves of the Lakers demonstrated remarkable consistency, averaging 15.9 points per game and playing in all 82 games. Alperen Sengun of the Rockets also garners attention following a breakout season.
Rising Stars and New Challenges
Although the list does not include any rookies this year, it does feature young talents who are swiftly rising through the ranks. Notable mentions include Dallas Mavericks' Dereck Lively II, who was pivotal in the team’s run to the NBA Finals last season, and players like Jalen Brunson and Victor Wembanyama, who narrowly missed breaking into the top 10. It’s clear that the competition among the league’s elite is fiercer than ever.
Downward Movements
The rankings also reveal some shifts among established stars. Khris Middleton and Bradley Beal have seen a dip in their positions this year, indicating the evolving dynamics within the league. On the other hand, the Celtics’ Jrue Holiday and Derrick White are poised to steer their team towards a championship contention in 2025.
Individual Milestones
A remarkable individual highlight comes from Nikola Jokic, who was unanimously selected by the panel of experts as the top player for the upcoming season. This acknowledgment cements Jokic’s status as a dominant force in the league, driven by his exceptional skills and consistent performance.
Looking Ahead
As we edge closer to the start of the season, the excitement is sure to build. The top 100 players list serves as both a recognition of past performances and a harbinger of future expectations. With every team represented, and a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging stars, the 2024-25 NBA season promises to be an exhilarating spectacle of basketball excellence.