As the NBA season looms, the anticipation mounts for teams and fans alike. The league’s annual Top 100 players list has sparked conversations, with familiar names occupying slots and some notable absences that demand attention.
Dillon Brooks Just Misses Out
Dillon Brooks of the Houston Rockets finds himself out of the Top 100, a surprising exclusion for many. Yet, despite not making the cut, Brooks remains a critical player, particularly for his defensive prowess. According to Jasmyn Wimbish, "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."
Intriguing Inclusions
Meanwhile, Andrew Nembhard of the Indiana Pacers and Nic Claxton of the Brooklyn Nets have secured their places, ranking 94th and 91st respectively. Nembhard's inclusion underscores his importance to the Pacers' strategic framework. As James Herbert articulates, "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."
Claxton has also shown promising potential, particularly in his offensive skills. Herbert notes, "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%."
Players to Watch
Jerami Grant of the Portland Trail Blazers, ranked 78th, poses a puzzle for the team management. Brad Botkin questions the financial commitment to Grant, "Can the Blazers find a trade that works after committing way too much money to Grant last summer?"
Isaiah Hartenstein of the New York Knicks ranks 73rd, celebrated for his defensive capabilities. As Sam Quinn highlights, "He's a defensive metrics darling -- D-EPM rated him the second-best defender in basketball last season behind only Jonathan Isaac."
Veteran Presence
Veterans like Khris Middleton and Draymond Green continue to remain essential figures in their teams. Middleton, ranked 61st, is transitioning to a more defined role within the Milwaukee Bucks. Jack Maloney observes, "Middleton is moving into a different phase of his career, one where he is firmly a third option for the Bucks."
Green, a pillar of the Golden State Warriors, ranks 56th and has demonstrated versatility, including an impressive shooting percentage. Botkin notes, "Quietly, Green shot nearly 40% from 3 last season on over two attempts a game."
A Look at Rising Stars
Herbert Jones, landing at 60th, is a unique asset in the league. Sam Quinn succinctly states, "There isn't another Herb Jones out there."
Jalen Brunson, a standout at 13th, exemplifies the rising star category. His remarkable performances have not gone unnoticed, especially his historic playoff feat. James Herbert recalls, "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." His new four-year, $156.5 million extension speaks volumes about his value to the team.
The Pinnacle: Nikola Jokic
Topping the list is Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets, celebrated not only for his performance but also for his enigmatic persona. Brad Botkin captures this duality eloquently, "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 new season unfolds, these rankings will undoubtedly be both a source of motivation and scrutiny for players. Fans and analysts alike will watch closely, eager to see if these rankings hold or if emerging stories redefine the NBA landscape yet again.