Our annual Top 100 NBA player rankings have always been eagerly awaited by fans and analysts alike. This year's edition, which reflects an aggregate projection, has brought significant movements that are worthy of attention and analysis.
Significant Climbers
Among the most notable risers in the rankings is Victor Wembanyama, who leaped from 58th to 12th. This dramatic climb is well-justified. After the All-Star break, Wembanyama's performance was nothing short of exceptional, averaging 23.5 points, 12 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 4.5 blocks, and 1.5 steals per game. His dominance on both ends of the court has cemented his place as one of the most dynamic players in the NBA today.
"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," says Sam Quinn, emphasizing Wembanyama's revolutionary impact on the game. Quinn further highlights, "He is the ultimate marriage of size and skill, the culmination of everything this sport has been building towards for the past decade."
Another significant advancing player is Chet Holmgren, who soared from 68th to 30th in the rankings. Jasmyn Wimbish believes Holmgren's trajectory places him on the path to becoming a perennial All-Star and a regular on the end-of-season awards circuit, including All-NBA and All-Defense honors.
Rising Stars
Alperen Sengun is another player making large strides, moving from 85th to 47th. His rise is attributed to his adept footwork and efficient scoring ability around the rim. "Sengun's strength and finesse around the rim make it difficult to defend him when he catches the ball on the move," notes Wimbish, recognizing his offensive prowess.
Tyrese Maxey also made a noteworthy jump, climbing from 60th to 24th. His improvement over the past season has made him an integral part of his team's backcourt.
The rankings also welcomed Brandon Miller, Jalen Suggs, and Coby White, who made their debuts at 66th, 70th, and 71st, respectively. These players have impressed with their performances, earning them spots in the competitive list. Isaiah Hartenstein, stepping into the 73rd position, also signifies a commendable performance over the season.
Steep Falls
Conversely, some players experienced significant drops. Andrew Wiggins, previously 48th, and Josh Giddey, formerly 61st, are now unranked. Wiggins' drop is particularly poignant given his personal circumstances. "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," reflected Brad Botkin, acknowledging the personal challenges Wiggins faced.
Meanwhile, Brook Lopez fell from 50th to 88th, and Marcus Smart dropped from 56th to 93rd. Zach LaVine also saw a decline, slipping from 43rd to 76th. Klay Thompson, once a top-tier player, has now descended to 99th from 67th. Bradley Beal's ranking took a hit as well, moving from 38th to 69th. In a shift equally surprising, Chris Paul and Malcolm Brogdon moved entirely out of the rankings. "Brogdon is a good player but not a top-100 guy under these conditions," stated Botkin.
Consistent Performers
Amid the dynamic shifts, Derrick White and Jalen Williams have shown consistency, moving to 36th and 37th, respectively. Draymond Green, although dropping from 30th to 56th, remains a vital cog in his team's mechanism. Derrick White's improvement has not gone unnoticed, with him making a significant leap to 36th.
Finally, the career trajectories and the latest shifts in rankings underscore the ever-evolving nature of the NBA. Jack Maloney encapsulates the adaptability necessary for success: "Holmgren has the on-and-off-ball skills to easily scale up and down depending on the situation."
As the season progresses, it will be fascinating to observe how these players continue to adapt and evolve, and which new faces might emerge to challenge the established order in next year’s rankings.