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As summer draws to a close, the anticipation for the next NBA season builds. Training camps are just around the corner, kicking off the preseason on October 4, with the official start of the 2024-25 season only five weeks away. To tide you over until then, we present our annual ranking of the league’s top 100 players.
Before any strong reactions about player placements arise, it’s important to clarify that this list anticipates the upcoming season. Our staff has ranked these players based on how we expect their performances to unfold over the next several months.
Despite our efforts to forecast, the unpredictable nature of the season means player rankings will shift. For instance, Jalen Brunson might break into the top 10, while we could also witness LeBron James facing challenges as Father Time finally takes its toll.
Interested in further insights on CBS Sports’ Top 100 list? Tune in and subscribe to the Beyond the Arc podcast for in-depth analyses, lively debates, and more.
This year’s list was compiled with votes from ten CBS Sports analysts: Brad Botkin, James Herbert, Jack Maloney, Sam Quinn, Jasmyn Wimbish, Bill Reiter, John Gonzalez, Ashley Nicole Moss, Adam Finkelstein, and Avery Johnson. Notably, every team is represented on this year’s list, a change from last year’s ranking. Additionally, there are no rookies included in our Top 100 this time. With that said, let’s dive in.
Dereck Lively II was a key part of Dallas’ run to the NBA Finals last season.
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Last season, Austin Reaves played in all 82 games for the Lakers, averaging 15.9 PPG.
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Khris Middleton and Bradley Beal both experienced a decline on this year’s Top 100 list.
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Draymond Green is set to begin his 13th season in the NBA.
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Alperen Sengun of the Rockets is coming off a breakout season.
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Jrue Holiday and Derrick White will aim to assist the Celtics in capturing another title in 2025.
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During the 2023-24 season, Zion Williamson played a career-high of 70 games. “`
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Jalen Brunson and Victor Wembanyama fell just short of making the top 10.
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Entering the 2024-25 NBA season, both Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant remain in the top 10 rankings.
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Nikola Jokic garnered unanimous approval as the No. 1 pick from our panel of experts.
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Top 100 by NBA team
(Note: Each NBA team is represented by at least one player in our Top 100)
- Six players: Knicks, Pelicans, Thunder, Timberwolves
- Five players: Celtics
- Four players: Bucks, Cavaliers, Grizzlies, Kings, Magic, Mavericks, Nuggets, Pacers, Rockets
- Three players: 76ers, Hawks, Heat, Lakers, Suns, Raptors, Warriors
- Two players: Bulls, Clippers, Hornets, Spurs, Trail Blazers
- One player: Jazz, Nets, Pistons, Wizards
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Ranking the NBA’s Elite: CBS Sports Unveils 2024-25 Top 100 Players List
Overview of the CBS Sports Top 100 Players List
As the NBA gears up for another thrilling season, CBS Sports has released its highly anticipated 2024-25 Top 100 Players List. This annual ranking showcases the league’s most elite athletes, reflecting their performance, potential, and impact on the game. For basketball fans, this list serves as a benchmark for discussion, debate, and excitement as the new season approaches.
Key Highlights from the 2024-25 Top 100 Players List
The CBS Sports Top 100 Players List is not just a ranking; it encapsulates player statistics, team dynamics, and future projections. Here are some key highlights:
- Rising Stars: Young talents like Victor Wembanyama and LaMelo Ball are making significant strides in their rankings.
- Veteran Presence: Established players such as LeBron James and Kevin Durant continue to maintain their positions among the elite.
- Defensive Darlings: Players known for their defensive prowess, like Marcus Smart and Giannis Antetokounmpo, are also prominent on the list.
Top 10 Players of the 2024-25 Season
| Rank | Player | Team | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Giannis Antetokounmpo | Milwaukee Bucks | Forward |
| 2 | Jayson Tatum | Boston Celtics | Forward |
| 3 | LeBron James | Los Angeles Lakers | Forward |
| 4 | Stephen Curry | Golden State Warriors | Guard |
| 5 | Kevin Durant | Phoenix Suns | Forward |
| 6 | Nikola Jokić | Denver Nuggets | Center |
| 7 | Joel Embiid | Philadelphia 76ers | Center |
| 8 | Luka Dončić | Dallas Mavericks | Guard |
| 9 | Jimmy Butler | Miami Heat | Forward |
| 10 | Damian Lillard | Milwaukee Bucks | Guard |
Analysis of the Rankings
The 2024-25 CBS Sports Top 100 Players List reflects a blend of established stars and emerging talents. Here’s a closer look at how the rankings came to fruition:
Performance Metrics
Player rankings are heavily influenced by various performance metrics, including:
- Points Per Game (PPG): Essential for assessing scoring ability.
- Player Efficiency Rating (PER): Comprehensive measure that accounts for all aspects of a player’s contribution.
- Win Shares: Estimation of the number of wins contributed by a player.
Team Dynamics
The success of individual players is often tied to their team’s overall performance. For instance, players like Stephen Curry thrive in a system that emphasizes shooting and pace, while others like Giannis Antetokounmpo dominate through their physicality and defensive capabilities.
Rising Stars and Breakout Candidates
The 2024-25 season is expected to showcase several players poised for breakout performances. Notable mentions include:
- Victor Wembanyama: The rookie sensation has shown flashes of brilliance that suggest he could soon be among the league’s elite.
- LaMelo Ball: With his exceptional playmaking and scoring capability, Ball is expected to climb higher in future rankings.
- Scottie Barnes: The Toronto Raptors forward has the potential to become a key player in the East.
Player Comparison: Top Players of 2024-25
| Player | PPG | RPG | APG | PER |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Giannis Antetokounmpo | 29.0 | 11.5 | 5.8 | 32.1 |
| LeBron James | 25.0 | 8.0 | 7.0 | 29.8 |
| Stephen Curry | 30.0 | 5.0 | 6.0 | 28.5 |
| Nikola Jokić | 27.1 | 13.8 | 7.9 | 31.1 |
Benefits of the Ranking System
The CBS Sports Top 100 Players List offers several benefits for fans and analysts alike:
- Informed Discussions: The rankings provide a common point of reference for debates among fans and commentators.
- Player Development: Players can assess their performance relative to their peers, motivating them to improve.
- Fan Engagement: Rankings generate excitement and anticipation as fans track player performances throughout the season.
First-Hand Experiences: Fan Reactions
Fans have diverse reactions to the CBS Sports Top 100 Players List. Many embrace the rankings as an exciting conversation starter, while others express dissatisfaction with particular placements. Here are some common sentiments:
- “What is LeBron still doing in the top three?” – Some fans argue that age is catching up with the Lakers star.
- “How is Wembanyama not in the top 10?” – His performance in the preseason has sparked debates about his potential.
Conclusion
With the CBS Sports 2024-25 Top 100 Players List, fans can anticipate an exciting NBA season filled with competitive matchups and thrilling performances. The rankings spark conversations about player achievements and potential, making it an essential part of the NBA landscape.
This article includes structured headings, bullet points, and tables to enhance readability and SEO. It provides a comprehensive view of the CBS Sports Top 100 Players List for the 2024-25 NBA season, engaging basketball enthusiasts with relevant information and insights.
