Our annual Top 100 NBA player rankings have become a much-anticipated tradition in the world of basketball. This year's list, reflecting an aggregate projection, features significant movements and notable shifts. The most eye-catching change is the meteoric rise of Victor Wembanyama, who vaulted from 58th to an astounding 12th place.
After the All-Star break, Wembanyama demonstrated remarkable performance stats, averaging 23.5 points, 12 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 4.5 blocks, and 1.5 steals per game. Sam Quinn encapsulated the impact of his feat, stating, "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." He further elaborated, "He is the ultimate marriage of size and skill, the culmination of everything this sport has been building towards for the past decade."
Another notable rise in this year's rankings is Chet Holmgren, climbing from 68th to 30th. Holmgren's ascension reflects his burgeoning potential and on-court versatility. Jasmyn Wimbish captures his promising trajectory: "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." Jack Maloney added, "Holmgren has the on-and-off-ball skills to easily scale up and down depending on the situation."
The rankings also featured Alperen Sengun, moving substantially from 85th to 47th. His impressive strength and finesse around the rim have made him a formidable opponent. Wimbish commented on Sengun's gameplay, noting, "Sengun's strength and finesse around the rim make it difficult to defend him when he catches the ball on the move."
Tyrese Maxey showcased substantial improvement as well, leaping from 60th to 24th. Additionally, previously unranked players Brandon Miller, Jalen Suggs, and Coby White now find themselves positioned at 66th, 70th, and 71st respectively. Isaiah Hartenstein also made his mark, now sitting at 73rd. Derrick White and Jalen Williams have advanced to 36th and 37th, marking their continued upward trajectories.
However, not all movements are upward. Andrew Wiggins, who previously held the 48th spot, and Josh Giddey, formerly 61st, are now unranked. This marks a notable change in their perceived value on the court.
Brook Lopez fell significantly from 50th to 88th, while Marcus Smart experienced a similar shift, dropping from 56th to 93rd. Zach LaVine slipped from 43rd to 76th, and Klay Thompson, once 67th, now finds himself at 99th. Bradley Beal also experienced a significant drop, moving from 38th to 69th.
Chris Paul and Malcolm Brogdon have also moved out of the rankings. Brad Botkin offered a candid assessment: "Brogdon is a good player but not a top-100 guy under these conditions."
Lastly, Draymond Green experienced a decline from 30th to 56th in the rankings, illustrating the fluid nature of these assessments based on recent performances and future projections.
As the NBA continues to evolve, these rankings reflect the dynamic and ever-changing landscape of professional basketball. The players' positions in the rankings not only highlight their current prowess but also serve as a glimpse into the future potential and ongoing evolution within the sport.