Our annual Top 100 NBA player rankings have become a much-anticipated tradition, and this year's list introduces some exciting changes and compelling narratives. Notably, Victor Wembanyama has made the most significant leap, catapulting from 58th to 12th in the rankings. Wembanyama's performance post-All-Star break has been nothing short of phenomenal, averaging 23.5 points, 12 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 4.5 blocks, and 1.5 steals per game. His rise is not just in the numbers but in the sheer impact he has on the floor. As Sam Quinn put it, "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." Quinn further adds, "He is the ultimate marriage of size and skill, the culmination of everything this sport has been building towards for the past decade."
Another young star making waves is Chet Holmgren, who jumped from 68th to 30th. Holmgren's trajectory is clearly aiming for longevity and high-level success. As Jasmyn Wimbish observes, "Holmgren is on a career trajectory to be a mainstay at the All-Star Game, as well as a frequenter of end-of-season awards ballots like All-NBA and All-Defense." Holmgren’s skill versatility is also highlighted by Jack Maloney, who notes that "Holmgren has the on-and-off-ball skills to easily scale up and down depending on the situation."
Rising Stars
Another player worth mentioning is Alperen Sengun, who climbed from 85th to 47th in the rankings. Sengun's inside game has become a defensive nightmare for opponents, thanks to his exceptional strength and finesse 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," says Wimbish. In a similar vein, Tyrese Maxey has risen from 60th to 24th, proving himself to be a vital asset to his team.
Meanwhile, Brandon Miller, Jalen Suggs, and Coby White entered the rankings from previously unranked positions, securing spots at 66th, 70th, and 71st, respectively. Isaiah Hartenstein also made a noteworthy appearance, landing at 73rd.
Surprising Drops
On the flip side, some players experienced notable drops. Brook Lopez, who was previously at 50th, fell all the way to 88th. Marcus Smart also slipped significantly, from 56th to 93rd. Perhaps one of the more surprising declines is Zach LaVine, who dropped from 43rd to 76th.
Klay Thompson, who once held the 67th position, is now ranked 99th, marking a considerable fall. Bradley Beal saw his ranking drop from 38th to 69th, highlighting a challenging year for the veteran. It's also worth noting that Chris Paul and Malcolm Brogdon moved out of the rankings. Insights from Brad Botkin suggest that "Brogdon is a good player but not a top-100 guy under these conditions."
Personal Challenges Impact Rankings
Andrew Wiggins, formerly ranked 48th, is now unranked. This drop comes after a tumultuous period for Wiggins, who faced personal challenges. "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," Botkin highlights. Similarly, Josh Giddey, who was previously at 61st, also finds himself off the list this year.
Emerging Performers
However, it's not all about declines and exits. Derrick White and Jalen Williams moved to 36th and 37th, respectively, demonstrating their rising influence in the league. Derrick White, in particular, has been a standout, making a significant leap to 36th in the rankings this year. Draymond Green experienced a minor drop from 30th to 56th but remains a key player in his team's dynamics.
The landscape of NBA rankings is ever-changing, reflecting both the triumphs and struggles of its athletes. This year's list, an aggregate projection of performances and potential, serves as a testament to the evolving nature of the sport. As we witness these shifts, the stories behind the numbers offer a deeper understanding of what it takes to excel in the NBA. Whether it's the astonishing rise of young talents like Wembanyama and Holmgren or the resilience of seasoned players facing personal adversities, the rankings provide a rich tapestry of the current NBA scene.