The NBA season is upon us, with excitement mounting as teams and players prepare for another thrilling year of basketball. As the leagues' teams finalize their rosters, several notable players have garnered attention, whether through their rankings or recent contracts.
Top 100 Rankings: Surprises and Expectations
Dillon Brooks of the Houston Rockets did not make the Top 100 players list this year, a noticeable omission that may fuel his drive throughout the season. Jasmyn Wimbish pointed out, "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."
Andrew Nembhard of the Indiana Pacers secured the 94th spot on the Top 100 players list, earning praise for his potential role in the team. James Herbert commented, "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."
Nic Claxton is another player to watch, ranked 91st on the list. With his impressive transitions and touch around the basket, Claxton has shown promise, though his usage rate remains low. Herbert remarked, "He has shown off his handles in transition, and he has kind of incredible touch around the basket, but Claxton's usage rate has yet to rise above 15.6%." Expectations are high for Claxton this season as he looks to increase his impact on the court.
Significant Players and Rankings
Further up the list, Jerami Grant of the Portland Trail Blazers holds the 78th spot. Brad Botkin questioned Portland's financial commitment, saying, "Can the Blazers find a trade that works after committing way too much money to Grant last summer?" This season will be critical for Grant as he aims to justify his contract.
Isaiah Hartenstein of the New York Knicks secured the 73rd spot. His reputation as a defensive powerhouse is well encapsulated by his ranking. Sam Quinn noted, "He's a defensive metrics darling -- D-EPM rated him the second-best defender in basketball last season behind only Jonathan Isaac."
Khris Middleton is ranked 61st, a clear indication of his evolving role within the Milwaukee Bucks. "Middleton is moving into a different phase of his career, one where he is firmly a third option for the Bucks," observed Jack Maloney. Middleton's performance this season could define the team's strategy going forward.
Ranked just a few spots above Middleton is Herbert Jones at number 60. Known for his unique contributions, Quinn stated, "There isn't another Herb Jones out there."
Superstars and High Performers
Draymond Green, noted for his three-point shooting skills, is ranked 56th. Botkin highlighted Green's offensive capabilities, saying, "Quietly, Green shot nearly 40% from 3 last season on over two attempts a game."
Jalen Brunson's rank at 13th on the Top 100 players list mirrors his phenomenal performance and recent contract extension. Brunson recently secured a four-year, $156.5 million extension, a testament to his value to the team. His playoff performance was extraordinary, as Herbert recalled, "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."
The Elite
Topping the list is Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets as the number one player. His status as the best player in the world is underlined by his humility. Botkin aptly described, "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 begins, the rankings provide an intriguing picture of where players stand and the expectations they face. From seasoned veterans like Middleton and Green to rising stars like Nembhard and Claxton, basketball fans have much to anticipate and follow closely over the coming months. The pursuit for excellence and the passion for the game will once again take center stage as these players strive to live up to their rankings and perhaps surpass them.