The NBA's 2024-25 season is set to tip off in just five weeks, with training camps and preseason games looming, basketball aficionados have much to look forward to. October 4 marks the start of the preseason, setting the stage for what promises to be a highly competitive year in professional basketball.
This season, the highly anticipated top 100 players list has been unveiled by a panel 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. Notably, every NBA team boasts at least one player in this illustrious group, underscoring the league's depth of talent.
Team Dominance and Representation
The New York Knicks, New Orleans Pelicans, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Minnesota Timberwolves each feature six players on the list, the highest representation among all teams. The Boston Celtics are close behind with five players making the cut. On the other hand, the Milwaukee Bucks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Memphis Grizzlies, Sacramento Kings, Orlando Magic, Dallas Mavericks, Denver Nuggets, Indiana Pacers, and Houston Rockets see four of their players in the top 100.
Contrastingly, the Utah Jazz, Brooklyn Nets, Detroit Pistons, and Washington Wizards each have only one player making the grade. This disparity highlights the varied distribution of elite talent across the league's franchises.
Veterans and Rising Stars
Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant continue to secure their positions as top-10 players, demonstrating their enduring impact on the game. Draymond Green, entering his 13th season, remains a key figure to watch. Meanwhile, Khris Middleton and Bradley Beal have seen a dip in their rankings this year, reflecting the ever-changing dynamics of player performance and perception.
Zion Williamson’s career-high 70 games last season signals his growing presence, while Austin Reaves of the Lakers, who played all 82 games and averaged 15.9 points per game, underscores the contribution of dependable talents. Alperen Sengun of the Rockets is coming off a breakout season, hinting at more significant achievements on the horizon.
Near Misses and Future Stars
Jalen Brunson and Victor Wembanyama narrowly missed breaking into the top 10, signaling their potential for climbing the ranks in the near future. The Celtics’ Jrue Holiday and Derrick White are poised to lead their team in a pivotal 2025 season, aiming for championship glory.
Analysis and Unanimous Decisions
In a strong show of consensus, Nikola Jokic was unanimously selected by the panel as the top player for the upcoming season. His outstanding performance and consistency make him a deserving choice and one to watch as the season unfolds.
As the 2024-25 NBA season approaches, fans, analysts, and players alike are abuzz with anticipation. The blend of established stars, seasoned veterans, and emerging talents sets the stage for a captivating season of basketball.