The NBA season is set to return with a highly anticipated start in just five weeks, and excitement is building as training camps loom on the horizon. As the preseason tips off on October 4, fans and analysts are already buzzing about the potential outcomes and key players to watch.
One of the major talking points leading into the 2024-25 season is the release of this year’s top 100 players list, compiled by a team of seasoned analysts including Brad Botkin, James Herbert, Jack Maloney, Sam Quinn, Jasmyn Wimbish, Bill Reiter, John Gonzalez, Ashley Nicole Moss, Adam Finkelstein, and Avery Johnson. Notably, the list excludes any rookies, focusing solely on established talents.
In an impressive show of depth across the league, every NBA team has at least one player featured in the top 100. The New York Knicks, New Orleans Pelicans, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Minnesota Timberwolves lead the pack with six players each, while the Boston Celtics follow closely with five. Teams such as the Milwaukee Bucks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Memphis Grizzlies, Sacramento Kings, Orlando Magic, Dallas Mavericks, Denver Nuggets, Indiana Pacers, and Houston Rockets each have four players represented.
Significant individual milestones and performances from the previous season have also been highlighted. Draymond Green, for instance, enters his 13th NBA season, underscoring his enduring presence in the league. Meanwhile, Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant continue to assert their dominance, maintaining their status as top-10 players.
Among the rising stars, Zion Williamson stands out after playing a career-high 70 games last season, indicating both his resilience and growing impact on the court. Austin Reaves of the Los Angeles Lakers also had a notable season, averaging 15.9 points per game and impressively participating in all 82 games.
The Houston Rockets' Alperen Sengun is coming off a remarkable breakout season, showcasing his potential to become a key player. On the other hand, Dereck Lively II made a significant contribution to the Dallas Mavericks' run to the NBA Finals last season, enhancing his reputation in the league.
However, not all news is about ascent. Khris Middleton and Bradley Beal have experienced a dip in their rankings this year, a reminder of the fiercely competitive nature of the NBA. Conversely, Jalen Brunson and Victor Wembanyama were on the verge of breaking into the top 10, reflecting their impressive performances and near-elite status.
Looking towards team dynamics, the Boston Celtics appear particularly poised for a championship run in 2025 with Jrue Holiday and Derrick White set to lead the charge. The duo's leadership and playmaking abilities will be crucial for the Celtics as they strive for success.
In contrast, the Utah Jazz, Brooklyn Nets, Detroit Pistons, and Washington Wizards face a more challenging landscape, each team having just one player feature in the top 100 list. This could indicate a steeper climb for these teams as they work to build around their key players.
Central to the upcoming season's narrative is Nikola Jokic, who was unanimously selected by the panel of experts as the top player. Jokic's all-around game and consistent excellence have set him apart as the player to watch, underscoring his pivotal role in the Denver Nuggets' ambitions.
As the NBA gears up for another season filled with high stakes and electrifying performances, fans can look forward to witnessing how these rankings and individual player developments will influence the league dynamics. The stage is set for a thrilling 2024-25 season with narratives that promise to capture the essence of competition and skill within the NBA.