The anticipation for the 2024-25 NBA season is reaching fever pitch, with the start just five weeks away. As training camps loom and preseason action kicks off on October 4, fans and analysts alike are eagerly dissecting what promises to be an electrifying season packed with drama and high-stakes competition.
One of the most eagerly awaited components of the preseason chatter is the annual unveiling of the top 100 players list. This year’s list, meticulously curated by a team of esteemed analysts including Brad Botkin, James Herbert, Jack Maloney, Sam Quinn, Jasmyn Wimbish, Bill Reiter, John Gonzalez, Ashley Nicole Moss, Adam Finkelstein, and Avery Johnson, carries intriguing insights and considerable weight.
The Notable Absentees and Rising Stars
Notably, this year’s list sees no rookies making the cut, which might come as a surprise to some. However, the list boasts at least one player from every NBA team, signifying a wide distribution of talent across the league. Leading the pack in team representation are the New York Knicks, New Orleans Pelicans, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Minnesota Timberwolves, each with six players on the prestigious list. Close behind are the Boston Celtics with five players, while several teams, including the Milwaukee Bucks and the Cleveland Cavaliers, have four players each.
Veterans and Milestones
As the season approaches, seasoned players like Draymond Green prepare to embark on their 13th NBA season. Meanwhile, titans of the court, Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant, retain their positions among the top 10 players, continuing to command respect and admiration with their enduring prowess.
Zion Williamson also made headlines last season by playing a career-high 70 games, a notable achievement for the young star often beset by injuries. Austin Reaves of the Los Angeles Lakers distinguished himself with impressive averages of 15.9 points per game, featuring in all 82 games last season. Across the league, Alperen Sengun of the Houston Rockets is coming off a breakout season, adding another layer of excitement for Rockets fans.
Mavericks' Milestone and Shifting Rankings
Dereck Lively II played a pivotal role in the Dallas Mavericks' remarkable run to the NBA Finals last season, marking a high point in his career and setting the stage for what could be a promising future. On the other hand, Khris Middleton and Bradley Beal’s rankings have slipped this year, perhaps reflecting the fiercely competitive nature of the league and the ever-shifting landscape of player performance.
Two notable players who narrowly missed cracking the top 10 are Jalen Brunson and Victor Wembanyama, both of whom have exhibited tremendous potential and are worth keeping an eye on in the upcoming season.
Teams Poised for Greatness
The Celtics, with stellar players like Jrue Holiday and Derrick White, are geared up for a championship charge in 2025. Meanwhile, teams like the Utah Jazz, Brooklyn Nets, Detroit Pistons, and Washington Wizards, each with just one representative on the top 100 list, will be looking to leverage their key players to make significant strides this season.
In an unprecedented consensus, Nikola Jokic has been unanimously selected by the panel of experts as the top player for the upcoming season. Jokic’s exceptional skills and on-court intelligence continue to place him in a league of his own, reinforcing his position as a player to watch.
As the 2024-25 NBA season draws nearer, the energy is palpable. The amalgamation of seasoned veterans, rising stars, and strategic team compositions sets the stage for what promises to be an unforgettable season of basketball. The countdown has begun, and the court is ready.