The NBA season is upon us, and as excitement builds, attention shifts to the Top 100 players list. While stars like Nikola Jokic of the Nuggets, who claims the number one spot, draw the most headlines, the rankings provide insights into the depth and talent of the league.
Dillon Brooks of the Rockets, though not making the Top 100, remains a significant figure for his defensive prowess. As Jasmyn Wimbish reflects, "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." His absence may surprise some, but it underscores how competitive the league is.
Meanwhile, players like Andrew Nembhard of the Pacers and Nic Claxton of the Nets are making their mark. Nembhard, securing the 94th spot, is described by James Herbert as the type of player that fortifies the Pacers alongside Tyrese Haliburton. "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," Herbert states.
Nic Claxton, ranked 91st, also garners attention. Herbert notes Claxton's talent in transition and at the basket, albeit his limited usage rate. "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%," Herbert explains. These insights reveal the nuances of each player's role within their teams.
Jerami Grant of the Trail Blazers, positioned at 78th, faces scrutiny over his hefty contract. Brad Botkin questions, "Can the Blazers find a trade that works after committing way too much money to Grant last summer?" Grant's ranking could either justify or disprove this financial gamble as the season progresses.
Isaiah Hartenstein of the Knicks, ranked 73rd, and Herbert Jones, sitting at 60th, continue to be defensive stalwarts. Sam Quinn highlights Jones's abilities, saying, "He's a defensive metrics darling -- D-EPM rated him the second-best defender in basketball last season behind only Jonathan Isaac." This ranking demonstrates Jones's invaluable contribution to his team's defensive strategy.
In the upper half of the rankings, Khris Middleton of the Bucks and Draymond Green of the Warriors also feature prominently. Middleton, ranked 61st, is transitioning into a more defined role within the Bucks. "Middleton is moving into a different phase of his career, one where he is firmly a third option for the Bucks," observes Jack Maloney. For the veteran Green, ranked 56th, his near 40% shooting from the three-point line last season underscores his critical value. As Botkin notes, "Quietly, Green shot nearly 40% from 3 last season on over two attempts a game."
One of the most notable figures is Jalen Brunson of the Knicks, who has rocketed to 13th place. Brunson's recent four-year, $156.5 million extension is a testament to his rising star in the league. His performance during last season’s playoffs solidified his reputation, with James Herbert highlighting, "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."
Finally, the elusive top spot belongs to Nikola Jokic, revered not just for his skills but also for his unique persona. Botkin encapsulates this sentiment: "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." Jokic’s dominance and humility continue to captivate and inspire basketball fans worldwide.
As the season kicks off, the Top 100 list is more than just a ranking; it's a reflection of the dynamic and ever-evolving landscape of the NBA. Each player's position tells a story of their past achievements and future potential, setting the stage for another thrilling season of basketball.