The NBA season is upon us, and the anticipation is palpable among fans and analysts alike. One of the hottest topics this preseason is the Top 100 players list, which never fails to spark debate and discussion.
Among the surprises was Dillon Brooks of the Rockets not making the Top 100 list. Jasmyn Wimbish remarked, "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."
On the other hand, Andrew Nembhard of the Pacers secured the 94th spot, which James Herbert highlighted by saying, "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."
Moving up the list to the 91st spot, Nic Claxton of the Nets has shown promise. Herbert shared insights on his game: "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%."
Jerami Grant stands at 78th on the Top 100 list. However, there are concerns regarding his value to the Blazers, with Brad Botkin questioning, "Can the Blazers find a trade that works after committing way too much money to Grant last summer?"
Isaiah Hartenstein of the Knicks holds the 73rd spot, praised for his defensive prowess. Sam Quinn noted, "He's a defensive metrics darling -- D-EPM rated him the second-best defender in basketball last season behind only Jonathan Isaac."
Khris Middleton is ranked 61st, a shift reflecting his evolving role with the Bucks. Jack Maloney commented, "Middleton is moving into a different phase of his career, one where he is firmly a third option for the Bucks."
Draymond Green, often a polarizing figure, makes his appearance at 56th. Botkin highlighted a nuance in Green's game, noting, "Quietly, Green shot nearly 40% from 3 last season on over two attempts a game."
Herbert Jones, ranked 60th, is recognized for his unique presence on the court. Sam Quinn's simple yet profound statement, "There isn't another Herb Jones out there," encapsulates the player's distinctiveness.
At number 13, Jalen Brunson has not only made significant strides in his career but also recently secured a four-year, $156.5 million extension. James Herbert was effusive in his praise: "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."
And at the pinnacle of the list, Nikola Jokic of the Nuggets reigns supreme as the number one player. Brad Botkin offered an intriguing perspective on Jokic's mindset, "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 NBA Top 100 list continues to be a fertile ground for reflection and discussion, highlighting the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of the league. As the season unfolds, these rankings will undoubtedly become a benchmark for evaluating performance, with players striving to justify their positions or rise to new heights.