The NBA season is upon us, and discussions around player rankings continue to heat up. Several notable players have found their place among the league's elite, though some names have stirred debate, leading to varying opinions among analysts and fans alike.
Dillon Brooks of the Houston Rockets notably did not make it into the Top 100 players list this year. Despite his absence, Jasmyn Wimbish defends his contributions, stating, "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 prowess remains a key part of his game and the Rockets' strategy.
Meanwhile, Andrew Nembhard of the Indiana Pacers has secured the 94th spot. James Herbert, shedding light on Nembhard's fit with the Pacers, remarked, "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 role may be crucial in balancing the offensive load for the Pacers this season.
Nic Claxton of the Brooklyn Nets found himself ranked 91st. Despite his relatively low usage rate, Herbert appreciates his skill set, "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%." Claxton's development will be worth observing as the season progresses.
Jerami Grant of the Portland Trail Blazers comes in at 78th. His contract situation has been a topic of discussion, with Brad Botkin questioning the team's financial decisions, "Can the Blazers find a trade that works after committing way too much money to Grant last summer?" Grant's performance this season will be a significant factor in that evaluation.
Isaiah Hartenstein of the New York Knicks achieved the 73rd spot, thanks to his defensive skills. Sam Quinn highlights his value, mentioning, "He's a defensive metrics darling -- D-EPM rated him the second-best defender in basketball last season behind only Jonathan Isaac." Hartenstein's defensive abilities will undoubtedly contribute to the Knicks' efforts this year.
Turning our attention to the Milwaukee Bucks, Khris Middleton is ranked 61st. Jack Maloney reflects on Middleton's evolving role with the team, "Middleton is moving into a different phase of his career, one where he is firmly a third option for the Bucks." His experience and ability to adapt will be essential for Milwaukee's ambitions.
Right behind Middleton, Herbert Jones of the New Orleans Pelicans is positioned at 60th. Sam Quinn succinctly captured the uniqueness of his contributions, stating, "There isn't another Herb Jones out there." Jones' distinctive style and impact on the court are irreplaceable for the Pelicans.
Golden State Warriors' Draymond Green comes in at 56th. Brad Botkin provides an interesting stat, "Quietly, Green shot nearly 40% from 3 last season on over two attempts a game." Green's shooting accuracy adds another dimension to his well-known defensive expertise.
The New York Knicks' Jalen Brunson has soared to the 13th spot after a standout season. In a historical feat, "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," notes James Herbert. Moreover, Brunson recently secured a four-year, $156.5 million extension, underscoring the team's commitment to his future.
Lastly, at the pinnacle of the rankings, Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets is recognized as the number one player. Brad Botkin reflects on Jokic's unique mentality, "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." This humility and focus are what set Jokic apart as a true leader on the court.
As the NBA season kicks off, these rankings and insights provide a snapshot of the league's diverse talents and dynamics. With seasoned veterans and rising stars all battling it out, the upcoming games promise to deliver unforgettable moments and intricate storylines.