The NBA season is upon us, and with it comes the much-anticipated Top 100 players list, sparking debates among fans and analysts alike. While some players celebrated their rankings, others found themselves surprisingly omitted.
Dillon Brooks, a significant figure for the Rockets, did not make the cut for the Top 100 players list. Despite this, Jasmyn Wimbish believes in his defensive prowess, commenting, "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."
In contrast, young talent Andrew Nembhard of the Indiana Pacers secured the 94th spot. James Herbert shed light on Nembhard's importance 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."
Moving up the list, Nic Claxton finds himself ranked 91st. Claxton is known for his impressive handling and touch around the basket. However, Herbert points out that "Claxton's usage rate has yet to rise above 15.6%," indicating room for growth in his offensive role.
Jerami Grant of the Portland Trail Blazers is ranked 78th. Brad Botkin raised an intriguing question: "Can the Blazers find a trade that works after committing way too much money to Grant last summer?" This comment underlines the financial strategies at play in the NBA.
Ranked 73rd is Isaiah Hartenstein of the New York Knicks. Known for his defensive acumen, Sam Quinn emphasized Hartenstein's prowess, describing him as a "defensive metrics darling," noting that "D-EPM rated him the second-best defender in basketball last season behind only Jonathan Isaac."
Khris Middleton, coming in at 61st, is transitioning into a new phase of his career. Jack Maloney noted this shift: "Middleton is moving into a different phase of his career, one where he is firmly a third option for the Bucks." This observation underscores Middleton's evolving role in the team dynamic.
Just below Middleton, at 60th, is Herbert Jones. Quinn succinctly captured Jones' unique value by stating, "There isn't another Herb Jones out there."
Draymond Green, ranked 56th, continues to defy conventional expectations with his gameplay. Brad Botkin highlighted an often-overlooked aspect of Green's game, noting, "Quietly, Green shot nearly 40% from 3 last season on over two attempts a game." This stat reveals Green's hidden offensive efficiency.
One of the standout players in the Top 20 is Jalen Brunson, who has secured the 13th spot. Brunson's performance last season was nothing short of historic. Herbert reminded us that "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." Brunson’s value to his team was further solidified with a recent four-year, $156.5 million extension.
At the pinnacle of this year's list, Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets has claimed the number one spot. His ambivalence towards personal accolades is part of what makes him extraordinary. Botkin captured 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 the NBA season tips off, these rankings and insights offer a fascinating snapshot into the league's dynamics. With established veterans and rising stars all vying for greatness, the coming months promise thrilling matchups and unforgettable moments.