The anticipation surrounding our annual Top 100 NBA player rankings has reached an all-time high, and this year’s list did not disappoint. Highlighting notable shifts and unexpected movements, the 2023-24 season's list presents an intriguing picture of the league's evolving talent landscape.
Victor Wembanyama's Meteoric Rise
The most notable leap comes from Victor Wembanyama, who has jumped from 58th to an impressive 12th position. This ascendancy can be attributed to his outstanding performance post-All-Star break, where he averaged 23.5 points, 12 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 4.5 blocks, and 1.5 steals per game. His unparalleled combination of size and skill has set him apart in a league brimming with talent.
"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," noted Sam Quinn, capturing the essence of Wembanyama's unique impact on the game.
His rapid development has been a significant talking point in basketball circles. "He is the ultimate marriage of size and skill, the culmination of everything this sport has been building towards for the past decade," Quinn elaborated, underscoring the transformative potential Wembanyama holds.
Holmgren and Others On the Rise
Another remarkable ascension is that of Chet Holmgren, who climbed from 68th to 30th, solidifying his trajectory toward being a mainstay at the All-Star Game. "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," stated Jasmyn Wimbish, recognizing his prowess on both ends of the court.
Alperen Sengun also deserves mention, moving from 85th to 47th. His strength and finesse around the rim have made him a formidable presence. "Sengun's strength and finesse around the rim make it difficult to defend him when he catches the ball on the move," remarked Wimbish, emphasizing his offensive capabilities.
Tyrese Maxey is another player who has made a significant leap, from 60th to 24th. His contributions and consistency have not gone unnoticed, making him one of the most talked-about players this season.
New Entrants into the Rankings
Several players have moved into the rankings from previously unranked positions. Brandon Miller, Jalen Suggs, and Coby White secured spots at 66th, 70th, and 71st respectively, showcasing their hard-earned recognition in the league.
Isaiah Hartenstein also made a significant entry at 73rd, while Derrick White and Jalen Williams moved to 36th and 37th respectively, marking their steady rise in the NBA hierarchy.
Falling out of Favor
On the flip side, some notable players have dropped out of the rankings. Andrew Wiggins and Josh Giddey, previously positioned at 48th and 61st, are now unranked. Wiggins' absence can be partially attributed to personal challenges. "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," explained Brad Botkin, offering context to Wiggins' ranking.
Brook Lopez experienced a significant drop from 50th to 88th, and Marcus Smart fell from 56th to 93rd. Zach LaVine, once ranked 43rd, now finds himself at 76th, while Klay Thompson slipped to 99th from his former position of 67th. Bradley Beal also faced a notable decline, moving from 38th to 69th.
Chris Paul and Malcolm Brogdon have both exited the rankings, with Botkin noting, "Brogdon is a good player but not a top-100 guy under these conditions."
Draymond Green's Movement
Draymond Green, who has shifted from 30th to 56th, remains a key player but is now positioned lower than in previous years. This change may reflect the evolving dynamics within his team and the broader league.
Meanwhile, Derrick White's rise to 36th indicates his increasing significance and consistent performance, rounding out a list filled with both emerging stars and seasoned veterans adjusting to the ever-competitive environment of the NBA.
This year's rankings showcase the unpredictability and excitement inherent in professional basketball, highlighting the athleticism and resilience of its players as they continue to push the boundaries of the sport.