The commencement of the NBA season brings with it anticipation and excitement as fans look forward to showcasing their favorite stars. While some players are basking in deserved recognition on the Top 100 players list, others, like Dillon Brooks of the Rockets, find themselves on the outskirts despite their significant on-court contributions.
Jasmyn Wimbish, reflecting on Brooks’ omission, noted, "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." It's clear Brooks' tenacity and defensive prowess remain highly valued, even if he didn't make the list.
Notable Rankings and Player Insights
Andrew Nembhard of the Pacers managed to secure the 94th spot, a testament to his value next to Tyrese Haliburton. James Herbert emphasized Nembhard’s importance, stating, "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 defensive backbone could prove vital for the Pacers moving forward.
Nic Claxton of the Brooklyn Nets is another intriguing presence, coming in at 91st. He’s known for his incredible touch around the basket and his ball-handling skills in transition, though his usage rate remains relatively low at 15.6%. As Herbert noted, "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%."
Jerami Grant’s situation with the Trail Blazers is another topic of discussion. Brad Botkin posed a critical question: "Can the Blazers find a trade that works after committing way too much money to Grant last summer?" Ranked 78th, Grant’s future with the team remains uncertain, adding an element of intrigue to Portland's roster decisions.
Isaiah Hartenstein of the New York Knicks is ranked 73rd, celebrated for his defensive prowess. As Sam Quinn highlighted, "He's a defensive metrics darling -- D-EPM rated him the second-best defender in basketball last season behind only Jonathan Isaac." This recognition places him among the elite in defensive efficiency, making him indispensable to the Knicks' strategy.
Khris Middleton, ranked 61st, finds himself in a transitional phase with the Milwaukee Bucks. Jack Maloney illuminated Middleton's evolving role: "Middleton is moving into a different phase of his career, one where he is firmly a third option for the Bucks." Despite changes in his role, Middleton remains a key figure in Milwaukee's lineup.
At 60th, Herbert Jones stands out as a unique player impossible to replace. "There isn't another Herb Jones out there," Quinn remarked, underscoring Jones’ irreplaceable value. His distinct contributions continue to set him apart from his peers.
Meanwhile, Draymond Green holds the 56th spot, proving his ongoing versatility and impact. Notably, Botkin pointed out, "Quietly, Green shot nearly 40% from 3 last season on over two attempts a game," showcasing an often-overlooked aspect of Green’s game that adds depth to his offensive repertoire.
Jalen Brunson is another player drawing significant attention, especially after securing the 13th spot on the Top 100 list and a massive four-year, $156.5 million extension. Herbert noted, "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," marking a stellar achievement that underscores his value and impact on the court.
At the apex of this list stands Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets, the reigning number one player. His unassuming attitude towards his accolades only adds to his appeal. As Brad Botkin astutely observed, "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 prowess and humility combine to make him a formidable force in the league.
As the NBA season unfolds, fans will be keenly watching these players, both those who made the list and those who narrowly missed it, to see how their performances shape their teams' fortunes. Each player’s contribution, highlighted in various aspects, adds an intricate layer to the evolving narrative of the season. The debates, the plays, and the dynamics continue to make the NBA a thrilling spectacle.