As the excitement for the 2024-25 NBA season builds, fans and analysts alike are eagerly awaiting the start of training camps and the preseason, which kicks off on October 4. With just five weeks until the official season begin, the anticipation is palpable.
This year’s top 100 players list, meticulously curated by a panel of renowned analysts including Brad Botkin, James Herbert, Jack Maloney, Sam Quinn, Jasmyn Wimbish, Bill Reiter, John Gonzalez, Ashley Nicole Moss, Adam Finkelstein, and Avery Johnson, has been revealed. Notably, the list does not feature any rookies, a testament to the returning talent across the league. Impressively, every NBA team is represented on the list, highlighting the depth of skill in the league.
Team Dominance in the Top 100
The New York Knicks, New Orleans Pelicans, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Minnesota Timberwolves lead the pack with six players each making the cut. The Boston Celtics follow closely with five players featured. Teams such as the Milwaukee Bucks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Memphis Grizzlies, Sacramento Kings, Orlando Magic, Dallas Mavericks, Denver Nuggets, Indiana Pacers, and Houston Rockets each boast four players on the prestigious list.
At the other end of the spectrum, the Utah Jazz, Brooklyn Nets, Detroit Pistons, and Washington Wizards each have just one player represented. This disparity highlights the varying levels of star power spread across the league's franchises.
Veteran Stars and Rising Talent
Among the veteran stalwarts, Draymond Green stands out as he enters his 13th NBA season, continuing to be a significant figure for the Golden State Warriors. Similarly, Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant remain as perennial top-10 players, showcasing their enduring excellence and importance to their respective teams.
Zion Williamson, who had a career-high 70-game season the previous year, is poised for another impactful season. The Lakers' Austin Reaves, coming off a season where he averaged 15.9 points per game and played in all 82 games, has solidified his place as a reliable performer.
Alperen Sengun of the Rockets is another name to watch after a breakout season, indicating that Houston may have a budding star in their lineup. Meanwhile, the Mavericks' Dereck Lively II, a key player in their run to the NBA Finals last season, is expected to continue his upward trajectory.
Shifting Rankings and Narrow Misses
This year has seen some notable shifts in player rankings. Khris Middleton and Bradley Beal have experienced a drop, which will undoubtedly serve as motivation for the seasoned players. On the cusp of greatness, Jalen Brunson and Victor Wembanyama narrowly missed entering the top 10, a placement many analysts believe is within reach given their current form and potential.
The Celtics are gearing up for a formidable campaign with Jrue Holiday and Derrick White leading their championship charge for 2025. Both players are expected to play pivotal roles in Boston's pursuit of glory.
Unanimous Selection
Perhaps the most prominent highlight from the experts' list is the unanimous selection of Nikola Jokic as the top player for the upcoming season. Jokic’s consistent performance, versatility, and leadership on the court have earned him this prestigious accolade, setting high expectations for his contributions in the 2024-25 season.
As we edge closer to the start of another thrilling NBA season, the league's landscape, as depicted by the top 100 players list, promises a competitive and dynamic series of matchups. With a blend of seasoned veterans, emerging stars, and strategic team compositions, fans are in for a spectacular season ahead.