The NBA preseason is set to tip off on October 4, marking the beginning of what promises to be an exhilarating 2024-25 season. With training camps on the horizon and the regular season just five weeks away, teams and players alike are gearing up for another competitive year on the hardwood.
Analysts Release Top 100 Players
Heading into the new season, analysts Brad Botkin, James Herbert, Jack Maloney, Sam Quinn, Jasmyn Wimbish, Bill Reiter, John Gonzalez, Ashley Nicole Moss, Adam Finkelstein, and Avery Johnson have unveiled their list of the top 100 NBA players. Notably, this year's list does not include any rookies, a testament to the ever-deepening pool of seasoned talent in the league.
Every NBA franchise boasts at least one player in the top 100, underscoring the league’s widespread talent distribution. The New York Knicks, New Orleans Pelicans, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Minnesota Timberwolves lead with six players each on the list, a nod to their deep and versatile rosters. Meanwhile, the Boston Celtics have five players making the cut, positioning them as a formidable unit for the upcoming season.
Other teams with significant representation include the Milwaukee Bucks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Memphis Grizzlies, Sacramento Kings, Orlando Magic, Dallas Mavericks, Denver Nuggets, Indiana Pacers, and Houston Rockets, each featuring four players. On the other end of the spectrum, the Utah Jazz, Brooklyn Nets, Detroit Pistons, and Washington Wizards have less depth in this elite group, each with only one player included.
Veterans and Rising Stars
As the NBA narrative continues to evolve, familiar faces remain at the forefront. Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant, both still in the top-10 echelon, continue to defy age and expectations with their remarkable performances. Draymond Green is entering his 13th season, further anchoring his legacy as one of the league's enduring talents.
Among the notable storylines, Zion Williamson, who played a career-high 70 games last season, looks poised to build on his performance. Austin Reaves of the Lakers, who showcased his scoring abilities by averaging 15.9 points per game and playing in all 82 games last season, aims to carry that momentum into the new year.
Alperen Sengun of the Rockets is coming off a breakout season, indicating his rising trajectory in the league. For the Dallas Mavericks, Dereck Lively II played a crucial role in their run to the NBA Finals last season, highlighting his potential as one of the team’s future stars.
Changes in Ranking
Rankings are never static, and this year sees significant movement among several high-profile players. Khris Middleton and Bradley Beal have witnessed a drop in their standings, reflecting either a shift in their performance or the emergence of new talents surpassing them. On the other hand, Jalen Brunson and Victor Wembanyama were on the cusp, narrowly missing out on cracking the top 10, which speaks to their growing impact in the league.
Team Aspirations
The Celtics, with a robust roster that includes Jrue Holiday and Derrick White, are primed to chase a championship in 2025. Their team depth and strategic acumen place them as serious contenders in a fiercely competitive league.
Nikola Jokic, renowned for his extraordinary skills and court vision, has been unanimously selected by the panel of experts as the top player for the upcoming season. His consistent excellence continues to set a high benchmark in the league.
As the 2024-25 NBA season draws near, anticipation builds among fans and analysts alike. With training camps about to commence, teams across the league are focused on fine-tuning their strategies and building the chemistry that will be essential for a strong start. The stage is set for another unforgettable season of basketball.