Our annual Top 100 NBA player rankings have once again highlighted some striking developments, both in promising leaps and unexpected declines. This year's list reflects the careful, aggregate projections made by our team of analysts, and it’s clear that significant changes are shaking up the hierarchy of talent in the league.
Emergent Stars
One of the most notable movements on the list comes from Victor Wembanyama, who catapulted from the 58th spot to a remarkable 12th position. The towering young player has been making waves since the All-Star break, where he averaged an impressive 23.5 points, 12 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 4.5 blocks, and 1.5 steals per game. As Sam Quinn eloquently put it, "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." Wembanyama’s unique combination of size and skill represents the culmination of trends seen in basketball over the last decade, and his rise in the rankings is well deserved.
Another young star on the rise is Chet Holmgren, who moved up from 68th to 30th. Known for his versatility, Holmgren is forging a path that promises an illustrious career. "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," says Jasmyn Wimbish. His ability to adapt his game both on and off the ball bodes well for his future, as highlighted by Jack Maloney.
Not far behind, Alperen Sengun saw a dramatic rise, moving from 85th to 47th. His improvement is attributed to his physical prowess and agility. "Sengun's strength and finesse around the rim make it difficult to defend him when he catches the ball on the move," remarks Wimbish. Tyrese Maxey also capitalized on his opportunities and vaulted from a respectable 60th to 24th.
New Entrants and Steady Climbers
Some players, previously unranked, have secured their spots this year. Brandon Miller, Jalen Suggs, and Coby White cracked the top-100, landing at 66th, 70th, and 71st respectively. Additionally, Isaiah Hartenstein claimed the 73rd spot, showcasing that consistency and growth pay off in the competitive landscape of the NBA.
Derrick White and Jalen Williams also made significant strides, finding their places at 36th and 37th. Their ascents highlight the dynamic nature of player development and performance within the league.
Slipping and Falling Out
However, not all moves were upward. Andrew Wiggins, once 48th, and Josh Giddey, previously 61st, have slipped out of the rankings. Adjustments in their performance and personal challenges have impacted their standings. Brad Botkin notes, "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." This underscores the difficult balancing act professional athletes must navigate between personal circumstances and the demands of their careers.
Brook Lopez experienced a significant dip, falling from 50th to 88th. Similarly, Marcus Smart dropped from 56th to 93rd, Zach LaVine slid from 43rd to 76th, and Klay Thompson found himself nearing the bottom of the list, moving from 67th to 99th. Bradley Beal’s descent from 38th to 69th is another indication of the unpredictable nature of player rankings.
Veterans Chris Paul and Malcolm Brogdon were not included this year, with the latter being critically assessed by Botkin: "Brogdon is a good player but not a top-100 guy under these conditions." Draymond Green, another seasoned player, also saw a dip from 30th to 56th, showing that age and shifting team dynamics can alter a player’s standing.
Derrick White, however, managed to defy this trend among veterans, moving impressively to 36th. His resilience and adaptability continued to be a beacon for many, showcasing that even in a competitive and youthful league, experience, and skill remain invaluable.
This year's Top 100 NBA player rankings offer a vivid snapshot of the league’s evolving talent landscape. While some players have seen unprecedented growth, others face the harsh reality of a competitive environment that spares no one. As new stars rise and established names falter, the rankings serve as a testament to the ever-shifting dynamics of professional basketball.