The NBA season is upon us, and as teams prepare to battle for supremacy, player rankings have set the stage for the riveting contests ahead. The Top 100 players list has stirred conversations, surprises, and a reevaluation of talents across the league.
Dillon Brooks of the Rockets might not have made the cut, but Jasmyn Wimbish emphasizes his impact: "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." Houston will certainly rely on Brooks to anchor their defense as they aim to climb the standings this season.
Rising Stars and Solid Contributors
Andrew Nembhard of the Pacers secured the 94th spot, a recognition of his growing importance. James Herbert notes, "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." As Indiana looks to establish a formidable backcourt duo, Nembhard's role cannot be underestimated.
Nicolas "Nic" Claxton, ranked 91st, has shown flashes of brilliance but remains underutilized, as pointed out by Herbert: "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%." The Nets may need to find a way to involve Claxton more to unleash his full potential.
Isaiah Hartenstein's 73rd rank acknowledges his defensive prowess. Sam Quinn enthuses, "He's a defensive metrics darling -- D-EPM rated him the second-best defender in basketball last season behind only Jonathan Isaac." The Knicks will benefit immensely from his defensive acumen as they aim for a deep playoff run.
Veterans and Established Players
Jerami Grant, ranked 78th, finds his position under scrutiny given his recent contract. Brad Botkin questions, "Can the Blazers find a trade that works after committing way too much money to Grant last summer?" It's a pivotal season for Grant to justify his paycheck amidst Portland's evolving roster.
Khris Middleton, now ranked 61st, is transitioning into a new phase of his career. Jack Maloney observes, "Middleton is moving into a different phase of his career, one where he is firmly a third option for the Bucks." Milwaukee will count on his experience as they continue their championship pursuit.
Draymond Green, ranked 56th, quietly made strides last season, with Botkin pointing out, "Quietly, Green shot nearly 40% from 3 last season on over two attempts a game." Known for his defensive versatility, Green's improved shooting adds another layer to his multifaceted game, making him even more valuable to the Warriors.
Herbert Jones, a unique defensive talent, is ranked 60th. Sam Quinn succinctly states, "There isn't another Herb Jones out there." For the Pelicans, Jones will be integral in their defensive schemes and overall success.
Elite Performers and Contract Extensions
At the top of the list, Jalen Brunson's ascendancy to the 13th spot is noteworthy. James Herbert highlights his postseason heroics: "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." This remarkable achievement solidified his status and indeed played a role in the Knicks offering him a substantial four-year, $156.5 million extension.
And standing at the pinnacle of the Top 100 is Nikola Jokic of the Nuggets. Brad Botkin captures the essence of Jokic's greatness, "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." Jokic's humility combined with his on-court brilliance continues to set him apart in today's NBA.
As the season progresses, the dynamics highlighted in the Top 100 players list will undoubtedly play out in fascinating and unpredictable ways. Fans and analysts alike will keenly watch how these players perform and influence their teams' fortunes.