The NBA Season Kicks Off: Notable Rankings and Insights
As the NBA season gears up, player rankings have sparked discussions and debates among fans and analysts alike. Several notable players either climbed or slipped through the ranks, with some surprising inclusions and unexpected omissions.
Dillon Brooks of the Houston Rockets, for instance, did not make the Top 100 players list. Despite this, Jasmyn Wimbish notes that "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." Brooks remains a pivotal figure for the Rockets, especially given his defensive prowess.
On a brighter note, Andrew Nembhard of the Indiana Pacers secured the 94th spot on the list. James Herbert emphasizes Nembhard's significance, 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 highlights Nembhard's potential impact for Indiana.
Meanwhile, Nic Claxton of the Brooklyn Nets landed at 91st. Herbert sheds light on Claxton's role, mentioning, "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 skills are evident, but there's room for growth in his overall game.
Jerami Grant of the Portland Trail Blazers finds himself ranked 78th. However, questions loom over his future with the team. Brad Botkin asks, "Can the Blazers find a trade that works after committing way too much money to Grant last summer?" The Blazers will need to navigate these financial decisions carefully.
Isaiah Hartenstein from the New York Knicks is ranked 73rd. Sam Quinn praises Hartenstein, stating, "He's a defensive metrics darling -- D-EPM rated him the second-best defender in basketball last season behind only Jonathan Isaac." This statistic underscores Hartenstein's defensive value to the Knicks.
At 60th, Herbert Jones of the New Orleans Pelicans stands out, with Quinn asserting, "There isn't another Herb Jones out there." Such unique talent makes Jones an irreplaceable player for New Orleans.
Just above Jones, at 61st, is Khris Middleton of the Milwaukee Bucks. Jack Maloney reflects on Middleton's evolving role, saying, "Middleton is moving into a different phase of his career, one where he is firmly a third option for the Bucks." This transition marks a new chapter for Middleton as he adapts to his changing role in Milwaukee.
Draymond Green, landing at 56th, quietly continues to impact games for the Golden State Warriors. Botkin notes, "Quietly, Green shot nearly 40% from 3 last season on over two attempts a game." Green's improvement in shooting adds another layer to his already multifaceted game.
A major leap forward is seen with Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks, who skyrocketed to the 13th spot. Brunson's performance has been stellar, culminating in a significant contract extension. He recently secured a four-year, $156.5 million extension, demonstrating his value to the Knicks. Herbert also highlights Brunson's historic playoff performance, saying, "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." This achievement cements Brunson's place among the league's elite.
Finally, at the pinnacle of the list is Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets, taking the number one spot. Botkin comments on Jokic's unique attitude, stating, "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 humility and focus on team play resonate deeply with fans and analysts alike.
As the NBA season unfolds, these rankings will continue to evolve, reflecting the dynamic and unpredictable nature of the league. Fans can expect an exciting season as players strive to improve their standings and make a significant impact on their respective teams.