The NBA season is upon us, and as the excitement builds, the discussions around player rankings have already begun to stir up conversations. One of the more surprising developments is the omission of Dillon Brooks from the Rockets in the Top 100 players list. Despite his absence, Jasmyn Wimbish notes that "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 underscores the often challenging task of quantifying a player's value beyond mere scoring.
Meanwhile, young talent Andrew Nembhard of the Pacers has secured the 94th spot on the list. His placement highlights his growing importance to the team. As James Herbert elaborates, "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 reflects the strategic importance of having a reliable partner for a rising star like Haliburton.
Nic Claxton of the Brooklyn Nets, coming in at 91st, continues to intrigue fans and analysts alike with his skill set. "He has shown off his handles in transition, and he has kind of incredible touch around the basket, but Claxton's usage rate has yet to rise above 15.6%," Herbert points out. His relatively low usage rate suggests that Claxton still has untapped potential that could be pivotal for the Nets as they navigate the season.
Jerami Grant, who found himself ranked 78th, has also been a topic of debate. Brad Botkin raises the question: "Can the Blazers find a trade that works after committing way too much money to Grant last summer?" This question speaks to the ongoing balancing act teams must perform between managing salary caps and maximizing on-court performance.
Isaiah Hartenstein, ranked 73rd, has caught the attention of analysts for his defensive prowess. Sam Quinn notes that "He's a defensive metrics darling -- D-EPM rated him the second-best defender in basketball last season behind only Jonathan Isaac." Hartenstein's strong defensive metrics reflect his invaluable role in anchoring the Knicks’ defense.
In the middle of the pack, Khris Middleton lands at the 61st spot. "Middleton is moving into a different phase of his career, one where he is firmly a third option for the Bucks," says Jack Maloney. This shift points to evolving team dynamics as Middleton readjusts to his new role alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jrue Holiday.
Another player undergoing changes is Draymond Green, ranked at 56th. Brad Botkin provides an interesting statistic: "Quietly, Green shot nearly 40% from 3 last season on over two attempts a game." This new facet of Green's game shows that even established players can continue to evolve and adapt their playing style.
Ranked closely behind Green, Herbert Jones takes the 60th spot. Sam Quinn succinctly captures his unique impact: "There isn't another Herb Jones out there." His distinctive style and effectiveness ensure that Jones will remain an integral part of the New Orleans Pelicans' strategies.
Jalen Brunson’s ascent to 13th place on the list speaks volumes about his remarkable performance. Last season, he achieved an extraordinary feat, as highlighted by Herbert: "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." Coupled with his recent four-year, $156.5 million extension, Brunson’s position emphasizes his value and growing influence in the league.
Topping the list is Nikola Jokic of the Nuggets, a player whose excellence is difficult to overstate. Brad Botkin captures the essence of Jokic’s place in the NBA: "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 unparalleled skill set firmly place him at the pinnacle of modern basketball.
As the new NBA season unfolds, these rankings and the narratives around them will undoubtedly continue to evolve. Players like Brooks, Claxton, and Hartenstein, often just outside the spotlight, have significant roles to play, while stars like Jokic, Brunson, and Green continue to shape the league’s future. The dynamic nature of the NBA ensures that every game, every play, and every player contributes to the ever-changing tapestry of the sport.