The anticipation for the 2024-25 NBA season has reached a fever pitch as fans eagerly await the tip-off, now only five weeks away. Training camps are just around the corner, and the preseason begins on October 4. This season promises to be a thrilling rendezvous of talent and competition, underpinning the excitement that grips the basketball world at this time of year.
In an impressive annual tradition, a panel of esteemed analysts has collaborated to produce the definitive list of the NBA’s top 100 players for the season. Contributors Brad Botkin, James Herbert, Jack Maloney, Sam Quinn, Jasmyn Wimbish, Bill Reiter, John Gonzalez, Ashley Nicole Moss, Adam Finkelstein, and Avery Johnson bring their expertise to bear in shaping this list, a beacon for basketball aficionados seeking to navigate the season’s landscape.
No Rookies On The List
This year's top 100 list bears the singular distinction of featuring no rookies, a testament to the depth and experience valued by the seasoned panel. Each NBA team, however, boasts at least one player in the prestigious compilation, affirming a consistent spread of talent across the league.
Teams With The Most Representation
The New York Knicks, New Orleans Pelicans, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Minnesota Timberwolves each have six players featured, signaling robust cores that could define their upcoming campaigns. The Boston Celtics are not far behind with five players making the cut, emphasizing their quest for excellence.
Six teams, including the Milwaukee Bucks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Memphis Grizzlies, Sacramento Kings, Orlando Magic, Dallas Mavericks, Denver Nuggets, Indiana Pacers, and Houston Rockets each have four players spotlighted. This level of representation underscores the competitive parity among these franchises, promising tightly contested match-ups throughout the season.
Veterans and Rising Stars
Draymond Green enters his 13th NBA season, an enduring symbol of the grit and resilience that has become synonymous with his career. Meanwhile, stalwarts like Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant continue to dominate the upper echelons of performance, securing their status as top-10 players once again.
Zion Williamson stands out for his durability, having played a career-high 70 games last season, a feat that underscores his growth and importance to the Pelicans. Austin Reaves of the Lakers, who averaged 15.9 points per game and completed a full 82-game season, exemplifies consistency and reliability in a demanding league.
Alperen Sengun, emerging from a breakout season with the Rockets, is another name to watch, symbolizing the infusion of young talent eager to make their mark. Dereck Lively II contributed significantly to the Mavericks' run to the NBA Finals last season, highlighting the impact young players can have on elite teams.
Changing Fortunes and New Opportunities
The rankings also reflect changing fortunes, as seen with Khris Middleton and Bradley Beal, both of whom have slipped in their standings this year. Conversely, Jalen Brunson and Victor Wembanyama narrowly missed breaking into the top 10, underscoring the intensely competitive nature of these rankings.
The Celtics’ dynamic duo of Jrue Holiday and Derrick White are poised to lead a determined charge for the championship, indicative of Boston’s high ambitions for the 2025 season.
Lone Representatives
Some teams, however, find themselves less represented. The Utah Jazz, Brooklyn Nets, Detroit Pistons, and Washington Wizards each have just one player on the top 100 list, pointing to areas where these franchises might look to bolster talent and depth in the future.
Unanimous Decision
Notably, Nikola Jokic has been unanimously selected by the panel as the leading player for the upcoming season. As a central figure in the Denver Nuggets' strategy, Jokic’s recognition is a nod to his extraordinary skills and consistent performance, making him a player to watch as the season unfolds.
As the countdown to the new season continues, the stage is set, and the players are ready to etch their names into the annals of NBA history. Each game, each play, holds the promise of something remarkable, making the 2024-25 NBA season one of the most eagerly anticipated in recent memory.