The NBA season is upon us, and as teams prepare for another thrilling year, the release of the Top 100 players list has generated considerable buzz. Notably absent from this year’s rankings is Dillon Brooks from the Houston Rockets. While Brooks did not make the cut, Jasmyn Wimbish notes, “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.” This speaks volumes about Brooks' presence on the court, despite not cracking the list.
Andrew Nembhard of the Indiana Pacers, however, did secure a spot, landing at 94th. As James Herbert observes, “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.” This underscores Nembhard's critical role in the Pacers’ strategy moving forward.
Just a few spots above, Nic Claxton of the Brooklyn Nets holds the 91st position. Claxton has shown promise, particularly with his handles in transition and touch around the basket. Yet, as Herbert points out, “Claxton's usage rate has yet to rise above 15.6%,” indicating potential areas for growth in his overall game.
Moving up the list, Jerami Grant of the Portland Trail Blazers is ranked 78th. Brad Botkin questions the Blazers’ commitment last summer, posing, “Can the Blazers find a trade that works after committing way too much money to Grant last summer?” It appears there may be financial considerations at play, which could impact Grant’s future with the team.
Isaiah Hartenstein from the New York Knicks has secured the 73rd spot, earning praise for his defensive capabilities. Sam Quinn highlights his defensive prowess: “He’s a defensive metrics darling -- D-EPM rated him the second-best defender in basketball last season behind only Jonathan Isaac.” Such recognition places Hartenstein among the elite in terms of defensive performance.
Khris Middleton of the Milwaukee Bucks finds himself ranked 61st. Commentary from Jack Maloney suggests Middleton is transitioning into a new role: “Middleton is moving into a different phase of his career, one where he is firmly a third option for the Bucks.” This shift could influence how Middleton approaches the upcoming season.
Meanwhile, Herbert Jones is close behind, ranked 60th. Sam Quinn praises Jones, stating, “There isn't another Herb Jones out there.” A unique player, Jones continues to stand out in the league as a distinct talent.
Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors is at the 56th spot. Brad Botkin notes, “Quietly, Green shot nearly 40% from 3 last season on over two attempts a game.” Known primarily for his defensive acumen and playmaking, Green's improved shooting adds another layer to his already multifaceted skill set.
Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks makes a significant leap, ranked 13th on the list. Recently securing a four-year, $156.5 million extension, Brunson’s value to the Knicks is clear. Herbert describes a remarkable feat, “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.” Such achievements highlight Brunson’s undeniable impact during critical moments.
At the very top, Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets claims the number one spot. Botkin adds an intriguing perspective: “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 and focus on team success over individual accolades underline his unique standing in the NBA.
As the season kicks off, fans and analysts alike will be keeping a close eye on these players. Whether rising stars like Nembhard and Claxton can make bigger strides or established talents like Middleton and Green continue to adapt, the narratives and performances emerging from the Top 100 list will be closely watched throughout the league.