The NBA season is upon us, and with it comes the much-anticipated release of the Top 100 players list. Several players have made notable placements, while others find themselves conspicuously absent. Let's delve into some key names and insights ahead of the season tip-off.
The Unseen Defender
Dillon Brooks of the Houston Rockets missed the cut for the Top 100 players list this year. Despite this, his contribution, particularly on defense, cannot be overlooked. As Jasmyn Wimbish puts it, "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."
Rising Stars
On the other hand, Andrew Nembhard of the Indiana Pacers secured the 94th spot. James Herbert praised his fit with the team, noting, "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, ranking 91st, also drew attention for his unique skill set. Herbert highlighted Claxton's transition play, stating, "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%."
Meanwhile, at 78th, Jerami Grant of the Trail Blazers faces uncertainties regarding his future. Brad Botkin commented, "Can the Blazers find a trade that works after committing way too much money to Grant last summer?" The team’s financial commitments indeed cast a shadow over Grant’s standing.
Mid-Tier Heavy Hitters
Isaiah Hartenstein, ranked 73rd, has been a defensive dynamo. Sam Quinn pointed out, "He's a defensive metrics darling -- D-EPM rated him the second-best defender in basketball last season behind only Jonathan Isaac."
Khris Middleton at 61st is entering a new phase with the Milwaukee Bucks. Having been a pivotal second option, Jack Maloney noted, "Middleton is moving into a different phase of his career, one where he is firmly a third option for the Bucks."
Just a rung above at 60th is Herbert Jones, whose uniqueness is celebrated. Quinn memorably stated, "There isn't another Herb Jones out there."
Draymond Green, a key presence for the Golden State Warriors, placed 56th and brings more than just defense. Botkin added, "Quietly, Green shot nearly 40% from 3 last season on over two attempts a game."
Top-Tier Recognition
At 13th, Jalen Brunson is a name to watch. Coming off a stellar playoff performance, James Herbert emphasized, "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." Brunson recently inked a lucrative four-year, $156.5 million extension, cementing his status as a core player for the Knicks.
However, the pinnacle of recognition goes to Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets, securing the top spot on the list. Brad Botkin offered an intriguing take on Jokic's mentality, "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."
The Top 100 players list is always a mixture of predictability and surprise, reflecting shifts in player performances and team dynamics. As the new NBA season begins, it will be fascinating to see how these rankings hold up and how the narratives around these players evolve. For now, they provide a snapshot of the present moment—a moment brimming with potential, anticipation, and the inevitable excitement that basketball brings.