The NBA season is upon us, and as anticipation builds, much attention has turned to player rankings and team compositions. One player whose absence from the Top 100 players list has sparked conversation is Dillon Brooks of the Rockets. Describing Brooks' value, Jasmyn Wimbish asserts, "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." His defensive contributions will be critical for the Rockets as they navigate a challenging season.
On the other hand, Andrew Nembhard of the Pacers secured the 94th spot on the Top 100 players list. His role is considered vital alongside Tyrese Haliburton. James Herbert notes, "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." Nembhard's presence could be a game-changer for the Pacers as they hope to improve their standing.
Nic Claxton, who clinched the 91st spot, has been a subject of intrigue as well. Herbert continues, "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%." This statistic highlights both his potential and the areas needed for growth as he aims to solidify his position within the league.
Jerami Grant of the Trail Blazers, ranked 78th, finds himself in a somewhat precarious situation. Brad Botkin raises a pertinent question: "Can the Blazers find a trade that works after committing way too much money to Grant last summer?" The financial commitment to Grant may indeed dictate the Trail Blazers' flexibility and strategy moving forward.
Isaiah Hartenstein of the Knicks comes in at the 73rd spot, praised for his defensive prowess. Sam Quinn mentions, "He's a defensive metrics darling -- D-EPM rated him the second-best defender in basketball last season behind only Jonathan Isaac." Such defensive capabilities are likely to be invaluable for the Knicks as they build on last season’s successes.
As we move higher up the rankings, Khris Middleton of the Bucks occupies the 61st spot. About his evolving role, Jack Maloney writes, "Middleton is moving into a different phase of his career, one where he is firmly a third option for the Bucks." This shift signifies an important transition, as he supports stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo in their quest for another championship.
Draymond Green, ranked 56th, remains a cornerstone for the Warriors. Botkin points out an often-overlooked aspect of Green's game: "Quietly, Green shot nearly 40% from 3 last season on over two attempts a game." This shooting improvement adds another dimension to Green’s comprehensive skill set, making him an even more versatile asset.
Herbert Jones, holding the 60th spot, is recognized for his uniqueness on the court. Quinn succinctly states, "There isn't another Herb Jones out there." Such singular talent suggests that Jones will continue to be a valuable player moving forward.
Meanwhile, Jalen Brunson rockets up to 13th on the list, illustrating his rapid ascent in the league. Herbert emphasizes Brunson's phenomenal playoff performance, "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." This scoring spree was a testament to his offensive prowess and undoubtedly influenced his recent four-year, $156.5 million extension.
At the pinnacle, Nikola Jokic of the Nuggets is ranked number one. Botkin captures the essence of what makes Jokic exceptional, "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 cornerstone mentality and selfless approach have led the Nuggets to new heights.
As teams and players adjust to these dynamics, the unfolding NBA season promises excitement, drama, and a fresh narrative each game day. Front offices and coaching staffs will be keenly observing how the ranked and unranked players perform, knowing full well that rankings alone do not dictate success but rather collective effort and strategic execution do.