Our annual Top 100 NBA player rankings have become a much-anticipated tradition among basketball enthusiasts.
This year's list reflects an aggregate projection that captures the dynamic landscape of the NBA. Notably, Victor Wembanyama made the most significant leap, vaulting from 58th to 12th in the rankings. His performance after the All-Star break was nothing short of remarkable, averaging 23.5 points, 12 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 4.5 blocks, and 1.5 steals per game. "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," remarked Sam Quinn. Indeed, Wembanyama epitomizes the ultimate marriage of size and skill—what the sport has been building towards for the past decade.
Another player who impressed this year is Chet Holmgren, who moved up from 68th to 30th in the rankings. Holmgren’s trajectory suggests he could become a regular at the All-Star Game and a fixture in end-of-season awards like All-NBA and All-Defense. As Jasmyn Wimbish pointed out, "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."
Alperen Sengun also saw a significant climb, moving from 85th to 47th. Sengun's strength and finesse around the rim make him a nightmare for defenders once he catches the ball on the move. His increased ranking is a testament to his unique skill set and the challenges he poses to opposing defenses.
Tyrese Maxey’s rise cannot be overlooked either. Moving from 60th to 24th, Maxey’s improvement is emblematic of his tenacity and skill development over the season. Brandon Miller, Jalen Suggs, and Coby White also made notable entrances into the rankings from previously unranked positions, securing the 66th, 70th, and 71st spots, respectively.
Notable Movement
The shifting landscape of the rankings also saw some players moving down or out. For instance, Andrew Wiggins, previously ranked 48th, and Josh Giddey, formerly 61st, are now unranked. Wiggins's personal challenges, including the passing of his father and multiple leaves of absence, have undoubtedly affected his performance. "His father, former NBA player Mitchell Wiggins, recently died, and Andrew had taken multiple leaves of absence the past two years as his father's health was in decline," noted Brad Botkin.
Meanwhile, veteran players Brook Lopez and Marcus Smart saw substantial drops—Lopez from 50th to 88th and Smart from 56th to 93rd. Zach LaVine slipped from 43rd to 76th, and Klay Thompson, once ranked 67th, has now found himself at 99th. Bradley Beal also experienced a decline, falling from 38th to 69th. Additionally, Chris Paul and Malcolm Brogdon moved out of the rankings altogether.
Steady Climbs and Consistency
On the other hand, some players demonstrated consistency or steady improvement. Derrick White jumped to 36th, showcasing his evolving skill set. Jalen Williams, who moved to 37th, further solidified his place among the NBA's elite. Draymond Green adjusted his positioning, moving from 30th to 56th, but still remains an influential figure on the court.
Holmgren's versatility was eloquently summarized by Jack Maloney: "Holmgren has the on-and-off-ball skills to easily scale up and down depending on the situation." This adaptability is increasingly crucial in today's NBA, where multi-faceted players are prized.
In a league where player rankings are subject to the volatility of performance, injuries, and personal circumstances, this year’s list reflects both the emerging talent and the shifting dynamics among established players. As fans and analysts alike eagerly await the next season, one thing is clear: the NBA continues to evolve, and so do its stars.