Our annual Top 100 NBA player rankings have become a much-anticipated tradition. Each year, they generate a buzz, and this year’s list is no exception. Reflecting an aggregate projection, the rankings have seen significant shifts, with some players making remarkable ascents and others facing notable declines.
Significant Movers
Victor Wembanyama has made the most significant leap, vaulting from 58th to 12th in the rankings. This meteoric rise is justified by his performance after the All-Star break, where he averaged 23.5 points, 12 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 4.5 blocks, and 1.5 steals per game. According to Sam Quinn, "We're not just talking about the next great NBA player here. We're talking about the sort of player this sport has never seen, the next step in its evolution." Quinn continues to emphasize Wembanyama's unique combination of attributes, saying, "He is the ultimate marriage of size and skill, the culmination of everything this sport has been building towards for the past decade."
Another player who has made significant strides is Chet Holmgren, rising from 68th to 30th. Jasmyn Wimbish highlights Holmgren's trajectory, stating, "Holmgren is on a career trajectory to be a mainstay at the All-Star Game, as well as a frequenter of end-of-season awards ballots like All-NBA and All-Defense." Holmgren’s versatility is further acknowledged by Jack Maloney, who notes, "Holmgren has the on-and-off-ball skills to easily scale up and down depending on the situation."
Alperen Sengun has also moved up impressively, from 85th to 47th. Jasmyn Wimbish points out Sengun's strengths, commenting, "Sengun's strength and finesse around the rim make it difficult to defend him when he catches the ball on the move."
Tyrese Maxey's rise from 60th to 24th is another noteworthy jump. Meanwhile, Brandon Miller, Jalen Suggs, and Coby White have all entered the rankings from previously unranked positions, securing spots at 66th, 70th, and 71st, respectively. Isaiah Hartenstein now stands at 73rd.
Derrick White and Jalen Williams have also climbed significantly, taking the 36th and 37th spots, respectively. White's leap is particularly notable as he moved from outside the Top 100 to 36th within a single season.
Notable Declines
On the flip side, there are several players whose rankings have declined this year. Andrew Wiggins, previously 48th, and Josh Giddey, formerly 61st, have both fallen out of the Top 100. Brad Botkin sheds light on Wiggins' situation, explaining, "His father, former NBA player Mitchell Wiggins, recently died, and Andrew had taken multiple leaves of absence the past two years as his father's health was in decline."
Brook Lopez has dropped from 50th to 88th, while Marcus Smart has slipped from 56th to 93rd. Zach LaVine's position has also weakened, falling from 43rd to 76th.
Klay Thompson, once ranked 67th, is now positioned at 99th. Bradley Beal, previously 38th, has dropped to 69th. Chris Paul and Malcolm Brogdon have both moved out of the rankings. Botkin succinctly sums up Brogdon's situation, stating, "Brogdon is a good player but not a top-100 guy under these conditions."
Draymond Green's drop from 30th to 56th is also significant, signaling a reduction in his impact and performance metrics over the past season.
Conclusion
This year’s Top 100 NBA player rankings reflect a dynamic landscape, with emerging stars making their mark and seasoned players facing challenges. The shifts in the rankings offer a fascinating glimpse into the evolving narratives and performances within the league. From the rise of Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren to the decline of veterans like Brook Lopez and Klay Thompson, each movement tells a story of triumph, struggle, and the relentless pursuit of excellence in the NBA.