Our annual Top 100 NBA player rankings have become a much-anticipated tradition, showcasing comprehensive evaluations that reflect an aggregate projection of player performances. This year's list has revealed some eye-catching moves, indicative of the ever-evolving nature of the sport and the dynamic talent within the league.
Victor Wembanyama's Stellar Rise
The most significant leap in this year’s rankings belongs to Victor Wembanyama. Vaulting from 58th to 12th, Wembanyama's rise has been nothing short of meteoric. Following the All-Star break, his performance on the court was phenomenal, averaging 23.5 points, 12 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 4.5 blocks, and 1.5 steals per game. This impressive stat line has cemented his reputation as a game-changing talent. As Sam Quinn succinctly puts 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 emphasizes, "He is the ultimate marriage of size and skill, the culmination of everything this sport has been building towards for the past decade."
Intriguing Developments in the Rankings
Other notable climbers include Chet Holmgren, who has escalated from 68th to 30th. Holmgren’s multifaceted skill set is a major factor in his rise. "Holmgren has the on-and-off-ball skills to easily scale up and down depending on the situation," notes Jack Maloney. Jasmyn Wimbish adds, "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."
Further down the list, Alperen Sengun has made a significant jump from 85th to 47th, thanks to his robust performance and tactical finesse. Wimbish explains, "Sengun's strength and finesse around the rim make it difficult to defend him when he catches the ball on the move." Tyrese Maxey also had an incredible rise, moving from 60th to 24th, demonstrating his growing influence on the court.
This year, the list saw several players move from previously unranked positions into notable spots. Brandon Miller, Jalen Suggs, and Coby White are now ranked 66th, 70th, and 71st, respectively, showcasing their continued development and emerging prominence.
Noticeable Drops and Departures
On the flip side, several players experienced significant drops in their rankings. Andrew Wiggins, previously ranked 48th, has moved out of the rankings. Wiggins' situation has been particularly complex, with personal challenges affecting his on-court presence. Brad Botkin details, "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." Josh Giddey, formerly 61st, also finds himself unranked this year.
Established names like Brook Lopez and Marcus Smart have seen significant declines, falling from 50th to 88th and 56th to 93rd, respectively. Zach LaVine also slipped from 43rd to 76th, while Klay Thompson, once ranked 67th, is now positioned at 99th. Bradley Beal dropped significantly from 38th to 69th.
Additionally, Chris Paul and Malcolm Brogdon have moved out of the rankings. Botkin’s assessment of Brogdon was candid: "Brogdon is a good player but not a top-100 guy under these conditions."
Other players who experienced ranking changes include Derrick White and Jalen Williams, now ranked 36th and 37th, respectively, and Isaiah Hartenstein who is positioned at 73rd. Derrick White in particular made a strong impression, moving up to 36th.
Draymond Green’s trajectory has also been noteworthy, sliding from 30th to 56th. His lower ranking reflects a nuanced career stage as he adapts to changing team dynamics and personal performance metrics.
This year’s Top 100 NBA player rankings depict an ever-changing landscape where talent, performance, and circumstances combine to reshape the narrative. As the season unfolds, these shifts remind us of the human aspect of professional sports, where triumphs and challenges coexist within the fabric of the game.