The annual Top 100 NBA player rankings have become a much-anticipated tradition, and this year’s list brings a mix of remarkable rises and surprising falls, reflecting an aggregate projection of the players’ performances, potential, and impact on the court. The most significant leap in this year's list belongs to Victor Wembanyama, who has ascended from 58th to an astonishing 12th place. This leap is a testament to his remarkable performance post-All-Star break, where he averaged 23.5 points, 12 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 4.5 blocks, and 1.5 steals per game.
Sam Quinn, a respected NBA analyst, encapsulates the excitement around Wembanyama's rise with eloquence: “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. He is the ultimate marriage of size and skill, the culmination of everything this sport has been building towards for the past decade.” Wembanyama’s unparalleled blend of attributes marks him as a harbinger of the game's future.
Another player making a notable jump is Chet Holmgren, who has moved up from 68th to 30th. Holmgren's versatility and skillset clearly resonate with observers. Jasmyn Wimbish offers high praise: “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.” Jack Maloney further highlights Holmgren’s adaptability, noting, “Holmgren has the on-and-off-ball skills to easily scale up and down depending on the situation.”
Alperen Sengun, too, has caught the eye, leaping from 85th to 47th due to his effectiveness near the rim. Wimbish again emphasizes his capability: “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 climb from 60th to 24th signals his growing influence, while the inclusion of previously unranked players such as Brandon Miller (66th), Jalen Suggs (70th), and Coby White (71st) adds fresh talent to the mix. Isaiah Hartenstein’s new position at 73rd further demonstrates the dynamic changes within the rankings.
Derrick White and Jalen Williams have risen to 36th and 37th, respectively. White’s progress, in particular, has been significantly noted, as both players continue to refine their skills and impact the game. Conversely, some established names have seen notable drops. Andrew Wiggins, once positioned at 48th, and Josh Giddey, formerly 61st, have both slipped off the list. Wiggins’ drop may be attributed to personal challenges, as Brad Botkin explains: “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 fallen dramatically from 50th to 88th, Marcus Smart from 56th to 93rd, and Zach LaVine from 43rd to 76th. Klay Thompson, who was 67th, now finds himself at 99th. Bradley Beal also experienced a significant drop, moving from 38th to 69th.
The rankings have not been kind to some other players either. Chris Paul and Malcolm Brogdon have moved out of the top 100 entirely. Botkin succinctly notes Brogdon’s exclusion: “Brogdon is a good player but not a top-100 guy under these conditions.” Another significant decline is that of Draymond Green, who fell from 30th to 56th.
This year's list did not feature any rookies, which stands in stark contrast to previous years. It underscores the growing competition and the level of performance required to make the cut.
The rankings act as a barometer for the shifting dynamics of the NBA, capturing the rise of new stars and the challenges veterans face in staying at the top. The dramatic changes illustrate the league's evolving nature and highlight the relentless push for excellence that defines professional basketball.