As the excitement builds for the upcoming 2024-25 NBA season, all eyes are on both emerging and established talents, particularly on the young phenom, Victor Wembanyama. Only 20 years old, Wembanyama has rapidly ascended to the 12th spot in the overall rankings, a testament to his undeniable impact on the court.
Wembanyama's post-All-Star break performances have been nothing short of extraordinary, boasting a stat line of 23.5 points, 12 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 4.5 blocks, and 1.5 steals per game. These numbers reflect not just talent but a comprehensive skill set rarely seen in a player of his age. As Sam Quinn aptly 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." Wembanyama's unique abilities are indeed pushing the boundaries of what an NBA player can be.
While Wembanyama's star continues to rise, there are other young players making significant strides. Jalen Green, now 22 years old and ranked 92 in the Top 100, has been lauded by Jack Maloney for being "supremely talented and an unbelievable athlete, even by NBA standards." Another notable mention is Jonathan Kuminga, aged 21 and positioned at 83rd. Kuminga has become an integral part of the Warriors' plans, with Brad Botkin noting that "The Warriors have all resisted Kuminga as a trade chip, believing he can be not just a future tentpole but a key piece of a team that still believes it can make one last run at honest contention."
Further up the rankings, Jalen Johnson holds the 80th spot, while Brandon Miller is at 66th, and Cade Cunningham, at 49th, continues to attract attention. Cunningham, with a new coach this season, is expected to build on his past performances. Jasmyn Wimbish emphasized this potential, stating, "With a new coach, Cunningham can build upon last season and gain more attention." Cunningham's trajectory suggests he could become a staple at the All-Star Game.
Alperen Sengun, ranked 47th, and Chet Holmgren, at 30th, are also worth watching as they contribute significantly to their teams' performances. However, Paolo Banchero has been making headlines for more than just his ranking at 29th. Banchero, who earned the Rookie of the Year title, has been a driving force for the Orlando Magic, leading them to their first playoff appearance in four years. As Wimbish highlighted, "He earned his first All-Star nod and led Orlando to its first playoff appearance in four years."
The league's depth of talent is seen all the way down the rankings. Jabari Smith Jr. may only be 100th, but his placement reflects the competitive nature of today's NBA. Similarly, Dereck Lively II, at 90th, and numerous others are poised to make their mark as the season progresses.
In this constellation of emerging stars, Wembanyama stands out not just for his individual statistics but for what he represents in the evolution of the game. James Herbert's words resonate deeply, "The ceiling is incredibly high." The 2024-25 season promises to be an exciting chapter, with Wembanyama leading a new generation of players who are set to redefine basketball excellence.