The 2024-25 NBA season is rapidly approaching, and excitement is building among fans and teams alike. With training camps just around the corner and the preseason set to tip off on October 4, anticipation for the new season is at an all-time high.
Top 100 Players List Despite No Rookies
One of the most eagerly awaited aspects of the preseason is the release of the top 100 players list. This year’s list, curated by analysts Brad Botkin, James Herbert, Jack Maloney, Sam Quinn, Jasmyn Wimbish, Bill Reiter, John Gonzalez, Ashley Nicole Moss, Adam Finkelstein, and Avery Johnson, reflects a range of talents across the league. Notably, no rookies have made the cut, which might come as a surprise to some but underscores the competitive nature and established talent within the NBA.
Team Representation
Every NBA team boasts at least one player in the top 100, showcasing the widespread talent across the league. The New York Knicks, New Orleans Pelicans, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Minnesota Timberwolves lead the pack, each with six players included. The Boston Celtics follow closely with five players. Additionally, nine teams, including the Milwaukee Bucks and Cleveland Cavaliers, have four players each in the top 100.
Individual Performances and Milestones
Among the individual standouts, Draymond Green is set to begin his 13th NBA season, a testament to his longevity and impact on the game. Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant continue to hold their spots as top-10 players, cementing their legacies as two of the best in the sport. Zion Williamson, coming off a career-high 70 games last season, is poised for another strong year.
Austin Reaves of the Lakers also turned heads last season, averaging 15.9 points per game and playing in all 82 games. The Rockets' Alperen Sengun is another player to watch, as he is coming off a breakout season. On the other hand, veterans Khris Middleton and Bradley Beal have witnessed a drop in their rankings this year, reflecting the dynamic and ever-changing nature of the league.
Close Calls and Rising Stars
Jalen Brunson and Victor Wembanyama narrowly missed out on breaking into the top 10, indicating their rising profiles and potential to be future superstars. Meanwhile, the Celtics’ Jrue Holiday and Derrick White are geared up to lead their team’s charge for a championship in 2025, highlighting Boston’s strong roster.
Modest Representations
While some teams boast multiple players in the top 100, others have more modest representations. The Utah Jazz, Brooklyn Nets, Detroit Pistons, and Washington Wizards each have just one player on the list, emphasizing the varied distribution of talent in the league.
Unanimous Selection at the Top
In a unanimous decision by the panel of experts, Nikola Jokic has been selected as the top player for the upcoming season. This accolade further solidifies Jokic’s dominance and influence on the court, setting the stage for what promises to be another exciting season of NBA basketball.
As the new season looms, fans and analysts alike will be eagerly watching to see how these players and teams perform. With such a diverse and talented pool of players, the 2024-25 NBA season is shaping up to be a thrilling showcase of basketball prowess.