By ESPN, 2024-10-16 19:00:00
由生成式人工智能翻译，译文内容可能不准确或不完整，以原文为准。
NBA 球员排行榜迎来第 14 个赛季，我们将评选出联盟中最优秀的球员。本赛季哪些球员进入了前 100 名？
尼古拉·约基奇、扬尼斯·阿德托昆博、谢伊·吉尔杰斯-亚历山大和卢卡·东契奇等 MVP 竞争者排在什么位置？哪些年轻球星首次亮相？作为 NBA 历史得分王的勒布朗·詹姆斯，在本该追平历史出场纪录的第 22 个赛季，他的排名是上升还是下降？
为了得到最终的 NBA 球员排行榜预测，我们邀请专家小组对超过 15,000 种可能的球员组合进行了投票。投票者被问及“哪位球员在 2024-25 赛季会表现得更好？”，并预测每位球员在本赛季的表现。
我们的倒计时从排名第 100-51 名的球员开始，现在继续公布第 50-11 名，这份榜单包括一位前 MVP、四位卫冕冠军和一位即将成为超级巨星的划时代大个子。ESPN 将于周四继续公布 2024-25 赛季的十佳球员。
注：ESPN 的 NBA 球员排行榜专家小组由 150 多名记者、编辑、制片人和分析师组成，他们根据球员在 2024-25 赛季的预计贡献（质量和数量）对球员进行排名。
NBA 球员排行榜：第 100-51 名 | 2025 年谁将崭露头角？
50. 拉梅洛·鲍尔(LaMelo Ball)，后卫，夏洛特黄蜂
2023 年 NBA 排名： 48
鲍尔在 20 岁时就成为了全明星球员，但在过去的两个赛季中，由于脚踝伤势，他总共只打了 58 场比赛。在鲍尔作壁上观的这两个赛季里，重建中的黄蜂队总共输掉了 116 场比赛。这位 2021 年的年度最佳新秀在上赛季的 22 场比赛中场均得到 23.9 分、8.0 次助攻和 5.1 个篮板。现在，黄蜂队和鲍尔都迎来了他的第四个赛季，他们都期待着一个全新的、健康的开始。黄蜂队迎来了新的管理层，首先是聘请了主教练查尔斯·李，他们希望看到他们的这位当家控球后卫保持健康。– 奥姆·扬米苏克
49. 阿龙·戈登(Aaron Gordon)，前锋，丹佛掘金
2023 年 NBA 排名： 51
阿龙·戈登可能是联盟中最有价值的角色球员，但随着肯塔维奥斯·考德威尔-波普的离开，本赛季他可能要承担更多的责任。戈登将不得不承担起球队的防守重任，提高上赛季 29% 的三分球命中率，并继续与尼古拉·约基奇保持不可思议的化学反应。戈登有资格签署续约合同，他在经历了一个充满悲伤的夏天后进入了新赛季，他的兄弟德鲁在一次车祸中丧生。为了纪念他的兄弟，戈登将自己的球衣号码从 50 号改为 32 号。– 扬米苏克
48. 朱利叶斯·兰德尔(Julius Randle)，前锋，明尼苏达森林狼
2023 年 NBA 排名： 45
这位 29 岁的球员在尼克斯的六个赛季中经历了动荡的时刻，尤其是在季后赛中。但毫无疑问，球队在上个季后赛中怀念他的组织进攻和次要得分能力，而兰德尔则在护理他脱臼的肩膀。兰德尔曾两次入选 NBA 最佳阵容，近年来一直是联盟中最健康的球员之一，现在他来到了明尼苏达，将与冉冉升起的超级巨星安东尼·爱德华兹并肩作战。兰德尔的到来将如何影响森林狼的进攻空间，这将是一件值得关注的事情，但他的传球能力被低估了，他有潜力在很大程度上帮助球队的进攻。– 克里斯·赫林
47. 埃文·莫布里(Evan Mobley)，前锋，克利夫兰骑士
2023 年 NBA 排名： 40
莫布里在 2023 年入选了 NBA 最佳防守阵容一阵，并在过去两个赛季中继续在克利夫兰排名前十的防守体系中发挥着重要作用。本赛季，当莫布里在场时，骑士队每 100 回合丢掉 112.5 分，而当他担任中锋时，这一数据为 110.5 分。莫布里的跳投命中率从前两个赛季的 32% 提高到了本赛季的 36%，并且在常规赛最后 12 场比赛中，他的三分球命中率达到了 46%。“我会说篮板球和推动力是第一位的，”新任主教练肯尼·阿特金森在被问及他希望莫布里首先为自己的比赛增添什么时说道。– 鲍比·马克斯
46. 克里斯塔普斯·波尔津吉斯(Kristaps Porzingis)，中锋，波斯顿凯尔特人
2023 年 NBA 排名： 62
在奇才队默默无闻地度过了一年半之后，波尔津吉斯去年夏天来到了波士顿，他很高兴能回到一支有冠军实力的球队，并且想要证明自己可以帮助球队达到这样的高度。尽管由于伤病缺席了季后赛的大部分比赛，但他还是做到了这一点，他在 NBA 总决赛第一场比赛中的传奇回归帮助波士顿队获得了总冠军。不过，本赛季全联盟的一个大问题是，在今年夏天接受腿部手术后，他复出后的状态如何。– 蒂姆·邦坦普斯
45. 德玛尔·德罗赞(DeMar DeRozan)，前锋，萨克拉门托国王
2023 年 NBA 排名： 39
上赛季效力于公牛队时，德玛尔·德罗赞不得不承担起所有的进攻重任——他是芝加哥队中唯一一个场均得分超过 20 分的球员，而饱受伤病困扰的公牛队整个赛季都在苦苦挣扎。随着他在萨克拉门托开启新的篇章，国王队将寻求最大限度地发挥他的进攻才能，并吸引包夹以减轻德阿隆·福克斯和多曼塔斯·萨博尼斯的压力。球队还将利用德罗赞作为一名组织者——国王队认为他在比赛中的这一方面被低估了。– 肯德拉·安德鲁斯
44. 杰伦·威廉姆斯(Jalen Williams)，前锋，俄克拉荷马城雷霆
2023 年 NBA 排名： 95
威廉姆斯在排名中跃升了 51 位，因为他继续快速成长为一名攻防俱佳的球员。在获得年度最佳新秀亚军后，威廉姆斯在进步最快球员的评选中排名第四，他在得分（场均 19.1 分）、助攻（4.5 次）和效率（真实投篮命中率 62.1%）方面都取得了显著进步，同时通常承担着第二难的防守任务。他还成为了一个冷酷无情的终结者，在关键时刻 68.3% 的投篮命中率下得到 82 分，是联盟前 65 名关键时刻得分手中投篮命中率最高的。– 蒂姆·麦克马洪
43. 德章泰·穆雷(Dejounte Murray)，后卫，新奥尔良鹈鹕
2023 年 NBA 排名： 60
穆雷在上赛季场均得到职业生涯最高的 22.5 分，并将他的三分球出手次数提高到每场 7.1 次，同时保持了自 2019-20 赛季以来的最高三分球命中率（36.3%）。鹈鹕队篮球运营执行副总裁大卫·格里芬称穆雷为“一名精英级别的组织者”，并认为他的组织能力是球队的一大需求，尤其是在比赛最后时刻，这也是新奥尔良交易得到他的原因。穆雷的领导能力和攻防两端的实力应该会提高鹈鹕队在攻防两端的水平，而且他在锡安·威廉姆森、布兰登·英格拉姆和 CJ·麦科勒姆身边也不乏进攻选择。– 迈克尔·莱特
42. 帕斯卡尔·西亚卡姆(Pascal Siakam)，前锋，印第安纳步行者
2023 年 NBA 排名： 25
在赛季中期从多伦多被交易到步行者后，西亚卡姆是球队打进东部决赛的驱动力。今年夏天，步行者与这位两届 NBA 最佳阵容前锋续签了一份顶薪合同，预计他将成为这支年轻的步行者队的定海神针，帮助球队在令人惊讶的季后赛成功基础上再接再厉。– 贾马尔·科利尔
41. 詹姆斯·哈登(James Harden)，后卫，洛杉矶快船
2023 年 NBA 排名： 43
在上赛季初被交易到快船队后，哈登在家乡找到了新生。虽然他的数据从 2022-23 赛季效力于 76 人队时的场均 21.0 分、联盟最高的 10.7 次助攻和 6.1 个篮板下降到上赛季的 16.6 分、8.5 次助攻和 5.1 个篮板，但当快船队状态最佳时，哈登在组织进攻方面的影响是不可否认的。一旦哈登与科怀·伦纳德、保罗·乔治和拉塞尔·威斯布鲁克配合默契，这位控球后卫就帮助球队从 11 月下旬到 2 月初打出了 26 胜 5 负的战绩。虽然他在接到球后的大空位三分球出手时看起来有些不适应，但随着乔治和威斯布鲁克的离开，以及伦纳德对自己的膝盖炎症持谨慎态度，哈登现在可以像在休斯顿时那样，更多地扮演控球得分手的角色。– 扬米苏克
40. 布兰登·英格拉姆(Brandon Ingram)，前锋，新奥尔良鹈鹕
2023 年 NBA 排名： 27
英格拉姆本赛季下滑了 13 位，因为他的得分（20.8 分）、篮板（5.1 个）和助攻（5.7 次）都比上赛季有所下降。这位前榜眼的三分球命中率（35.5%）也有所下降，尽管这位老将的两分球命中率达到了职业生涯最高的 53.4%。由于新的劳资协议，英格拉姆的前途未卜。他有资格签署一份为期四年、价值 2.08 亿美元的续约合同，但鹈鹕队也有可能让英格拉姆在下个休赛期成为完全自由球员，或者在交易截止日前以低于价值的价格将他交易出去。德章泰·穆雷的加盟为球队提供了另一个进攻威胁点，再加上锡安·威廉姆森和 CJ·麦科勒姆，这只会提高英格拉姆增加产出的可能性。– 莱特
39. 德里克·怀特(Derrick White)，后卫，波士顿凯尔特人
2023 年 NBA 排名： 未上榜
怀特是今年榜单中排名最高的去年未上榜球员，这对那些质疑他为何一开始没有上榜的人来说是一个肯定。怀特在上赛季的进攻端做出的贡献，以及他入选美国队顶替科怀·伦纳德，并与霍勒迪和塔图姆一起在巴黎夺得金牌，都很快打消了人们对他的价值的怀疑。– 邦坦普斯
38. 米卡尔·布里奇斯(Mikal Bridges)，前锋，纽约尼克斯
2023 年 NBA 排名： 33
布里奇斯在担任布鲁克林主要组织者时表现不佳，他的有效投篮命中率创下职业生涯新低的 52.1%，失误数也创下职业生涯新高，这证明了这一点。但布里奇斯的招牌——除了他是联盟的铁人之外——一直是防守。在尼克斯队，他将与奥吉·阿努诺比搭档侧翼，纽约队可能会拥有联盟中最好的防守侧翼组合。看到布里奇斯在本赛季的进攻效率有所提高也就不足为奇了，因为尼克斯队需要更少的创造力和他在菲尼克斯展示的精英级别的 3D 球员的能力。– 赫林
37. 特雷·杨(Trae Young)，后卫，亚特兰大老鹰
2023 年 NBA 排名： 27
杨上赛季只打了 54 场比赛已经足够令人担忧了，但亚特兰大在这 54 场比赛中只赢了 22 场，这更令人不安。他场均 25.7 分和 10.8 次助攻的数据在统计表上看起来很不错——这标志着他连续第二个赛季场均至少得到 25 分和 10 次助攻——但他相对平庸的投篮命中率（整体命中率 43%，三分球命中率 37.3%）让他的光芒黯淡了一些。随着德章泰·穆雷现在去了新奥尔良，杨应该会更多地控球。杨与状元秀扎克·里萨切的配合程度将影响他未来的排名。– 戴夫·麦克梅纳明
36. 朱·霍勒迪(Jrue Holiday)，后卫，波斯顿凯尔特人
2023 年 NBA 排名： 26
一年前，霍勒迪还在适应从密尔沃基雄鹿队到凯尔特人队（中间还去了波特兰开拓者队）的旋风般的一系列操作。虽然在波士顿承担的进攻任务略轻导致他的排名略有下降，但霍勒迪的价值得到了无数制胜球的肯定，这些球帮助波斯顿队获得了创纪录的第 18 座 NBA 总冠军奖杯。– 邦坦普斯
35. 斯科蒂·巴恩斯(Scottie Barnes)，前锋，多伦多猛龙
2023 年 NBA 排名： 63
在他的第三个赛季，巴恩斯从一个有趣的新秀成长为一名实至名归的全明星球员，他在得分（场均 19.9 分）、篮板（8.2 个）、助攻（6.1 次）、抢断（1.3 次）和盖帽（1.5 次）方面都创下了职业生涯新高。上赛季，唯一一位场均至少得到 19 分、8 个篮板、6 次助攻、1 次抢断和 1 次盖帽的球员是谁？扬尼斯·阿德托昆博。多伦多队已经将巴恩斯视为下一支争冠球队的核心，并在 7 月份与他签署了一份顶薪续约合同。在上赛季交易截止日前，球队接连送走了老将奥吉·阿努诺比和帕斯卡尔·西亚卡姆，换来了伊曼纽尔·奎克利、RJ·巴雷特和几个选秀权，以便在未来几年与巴恩斯搭档。现在，多伦多队希望巴恩斯能够再次跃升至 NBA 最佳阵容的行列。– 邦坦普斯
34. 鲁迪·戈贝尔(Rudy Gobert)，中锋，明尼苏达森林狼
2023 年 NBA 排名： 64
在经历了在森林狼队艰难的过渡赛季后，戈贝尔成为了 NBA 最佳防守阵容的定海神针，并获得了他的第四个最佳防守球员奖，追平了历史纪录。他还连续第八个赛季场均得到两双（14.0 分和 12.9 个篮板）。有一种说法是戈贝尔在季后赛中会被对手打爆，但在他的 512 分钟出场时间里，明尼苏达队净胜季后赛对手 95 分，而在没有他的 256 分钟里，他们净负 28 分。– 麦克马洪
33. 劳里·马尔卡宁(Lauri Markkanen)，前锋，犹他爵士
2023 年 NBA 排名： 28
马尔卡宁在经过重新谈判和续约后签署了一份为期五年、价值 2.38 亿美元的合同，这有力地证明了爵士队相信这位 27 岁的前锋在球队完成重建后可以成为一名基石球员。像马尔卡宁这样全面的 7 英尺得分手并不多，他在犹他爵士队的两个赛季里场均得到 24.5 分，投篮命中率为 49.0%，三分球命中率为 39.5%，罚球命中率为 88.5%。– 麦克马洪
32. 凯登·霍姆格伦(Chet Holmgren)，前锋，俄克拉荷马城雷霆
2023 年 NBA 排名： 73
在脚伤迫使霍姆格伦缺席了他的第一个职业赛季后，这位身材瘦长的 7 英尺新秀的表现非常值得期待。他打了所有 82 场比赛，是雷霆队取得 17 场胜利的进步，成为有史以来最年轻的头号种子的主要原因。霍姆格伦是 NBA 历史上第二位在一个赛季中至少得到 200 次助攻、150 次盖帽和 100 记三分球的球员。另一位是圣安东尼奥的维克多·文班亚马(Victor Wembanyama)，他力压霍姆格伦获得了年度最佳新秀。– 麦克马洪
31. 贾马尔·穆雷(Jamal Murray)，后卫，丹佛掘金
2023 年 NBA 排名： 17
穆雷的场均得分（21.2 分）和场均助攻（6.5 次）都创下了职业生涯新高，并且是上赛季仅有的三位场均至少得到 20 分、6 次助攻和三分球命中率达到 40% 的球员之一。但穆雷在掘金队第二轮输给森林狼队的比赛中，他的表现并不像季后赛时的穆雷，他在那轮系列赛中场均得到 18.4 分，三分球命中率只有 33%，而在今年夏天的奥运会上，他代表加拿大队场均只得到 6.0 分。穆雷说他现在很健康，并且在新赛季开始时，他已经恳求他的队友们要抓住掘金队目前拥有三届 MVP 尼古拉·约基奇的夺冠窗口期。– 扬米苏克
30. 卡尔-安东尼·唐斯(Karl-Anthony Towns)，中锋，纽约尼克斯
2023 年 NBA 排名： 20
在从明尼阿波利斯转会到麦迪逊广场花园后，唐斯离开了刚刚经历了 20 年来最成功赛季的球队，加入了一支希望成为半个世纪以来最好的尼克斯队的球队。这位自称是史上最会投篮的大个子在上赛季的三分球命中率为 41.6%。这位前肯塔基 Wildcats 球员应该很适合这支拥有很多 Villanova Wildcats 球员的球队，尤其是控球后卫杰伦·布伦森。– 麦克梅纳明
29. 多曼塔斯·萨博尼斯(Domantas Sabonis)，前锋，萨克拉门托国王
2023 年 NBA 排名： 22
当你看到萨博尼斯上赛季的数据时，很难理解他为什么在排名中下降了 7 位。他领跑联盟的三双次数（26 次）和两双次数（77 次），并且连续 61 场比赛得到两双——这是现代 NBA 历史上最长的连续两双纪录。从 1 月份到赛季结束，他还领跑联盟的助攻榜。但是，他和国王队在本赛季都处于被审视的状态，因为他们在上赛季没有进入季后赛，而且他们承受着更大的压力，需要证明他们仍然是西部顶级球队的竞争者。– 安德鲁斯
28. 吉米·巴特勒(Jimmy Butler)，前锋，迈阿密热火
2023 年 NBA 排名： 12
巴特勒继续保持着全明星级别的竞技状态。上赛季，他是仅有的八位场均至少得到 20 分，并且投篮命中率达到 40%，罚球命中率达到 85% 的球员之一。然而，排名下降 16 位以及人们对他未来的担忧，是巴特勒的年龄以及更重要的，他的出勤率造成的。巴特勒在 9 月份年满 35 岁，并且在过去的四个赛季中，每个赛季都没有打满 65 场比赛。巴特勒的投篮命中率从 54% 下降到 50%，这主要是因为他在篮筐附近的终结能力下降了。– 马克斯
27. 锡安·威廉姆森(Zion Williamson)，前锋，新奥尔良鹈鹕
2023 年 NBA 排名： 57
威廉姆森上升了 30 位，这要归功于他本赛季的出勤率。这使得这位前状元秀能够持续展示他惊人的天赋。威廉姆森出场了职业生涯最高的 70 场比赛，场均得到 22.9 分和 5.8 个篮板，帮助新奥尔良队在他效力期间第二次打进了季后赛。球队高层表示，2024 年的休赛期将是威廉姆森职业生涯中最关键的一个休赛期，尤其是在他在附加赛中受伤，导致他无法参加季后赛之后。威廉姆森在今年夏天做出了回应，他每天进行两次训练，并且采取了更健康的饮食，这让他变得更加强壮，并且有望在排名中再次提升。– 莱特
26. 德阿隆·福克斯(De’Aaron Fox)，后卫，萨克拉门托国王
2023 年 NBA 排名： 23
福克斯在上赛季有一个火热的开局，他在前七场比赛中场均得到 31.8 分——包括在对阵马刺队的比赛中得到 43 分。他本赛季场均得到 26.6 分，并且以场均 2.0 次抢断领跑联盟。尽管这位国王队的当家控球后卫一直在进步，但球队无法复制 2023 年的季后赛成功。– 安德鲁斯
25. 凯里·欧文(Kyrie Irving)，后卫，达拉斯独行侠
2023 年 NBA 排名： 34
欧文超凡的个人能力从未受到过质疑，但去年，由于人们对他出勤率和影响比赛胜负的能力的质疑，他的排名下滑到了第 34 位。作为回应，他成为了独行侠队与卢卡·东契奇一起打进总决赛的驱动力，因为这对搭档被证明是非常合拍的。他们成为了联盟中得分最高的二人组，欧文场均贡献 25.7 分，真实投篮命中率为 60.8%，同时成为了独行侠队的精神领袖。– 麦克马洪
24. 保罗·班凯罗(Paolo Banchero)，前锋，奥兰多魔术
2023 年 NBA 排名： 30
两年前，保罗·班凯罗获得了年度最佳新秀奖，并成为了 NBA 历史上最年轻的率领球队在得分、篮板和助攻方面都领跑全队的球员。上赛季，他首次入选全明星阵容，并且帮助魔术队重返季后赛，带领奥兰多队在对阵骑士队的系列赛中打到了第七场。本赛季，东部的竞争将更加激烈，但班凯罗和魔术队都还有很大的提升空间。– 安德鲁斯
23. 达米安·利拉德(Damian Lillard)，后卫，密尔沃基雄鹿
2023 年 NBA 排名： 14
利拉德承认，他在密尔沃基的第一个赛季并不容易。在波特兰度过了 11 个赛季后，他在训练营开始前被交易，并且一直没有找到自己的节奏。利拉德场均得到 24.3 分和 7.0 次助攻，这让他获得了 2024 年全明星赛的首发资格。他在密尔沃基有一些高光时刻，但随着他努力寻找与球星扬尼斯·阿德托昆博之间的化学反应，他远没有达到他过去几年那样的统治力。– 科利尔
22. 科怀·伦纳德(Kawhi Leonard)，前锋，洛杉矶快船
2023 年 NBA 排名： 24
上赛季，当伦纳德健康的时候，他看起来就像那位两届总决赛 MVP 一样，是一名攻防俱佳的统治级前锋。他场均得到 23.7 分、6.1 个篮板和 1.6 次抢断，投篮命中率为 52.5%，三分球命中率为 41.7%。他打了 68 场比赛，这是他自 2016-17 赛季以来的最高纪录。但到了常规赛末期，他接受了手术修复的右膝出现了炎症，这让他缺席了最后八场比赛。他在首轮对阵达拉斯的第二场和第三场比赛中复出，但在六场系列赛的剩余比赛中都没有出场。伦纳德说，他现在对炎症的控制得更好了，感觉也很好，但快船队没有冒险，他们在季前赛中让这位球星慢慢恢复状态。本赛季伦纳德的健康状况如何还有待观察，但这位 33 岁的球员决心在本赛季后期保持健康，因为他在过去两个赛季中都因为右膝伤势只打了 2 场季后赛。– 扬米苏克
21. 保罗·乔治(Paul George)，前锋，费城 76 人
2023 年 NBA 排名： 18
乔治现在已经 34 岁了，在与 76 人队签署了一份为期四年的顶薪合同后，他来到了自己的第四支球队。在快船队度过了一个令人失望的赛季，他的排名下滑了几位，现在，他和 76 人队都希望这次新的合作能够帮助双方实现多年来一直梦寐以求的 NBA 总决赛突破。– 邦坦普斯
20. 贾·莫兰特(Ja Morant)，后卫，孟菲斯灰熊
2023 年 NBA 排名： 35
莫兰特在上赛季只打了 9 场比赛的情况下，排名是如何上升了 15 位的？因为他不需要像一年前那样因为禁赛而缺席本赛季的前 25 场比赛。他也从导致他 2023-24 赛季提前报销的肩部手术中完全康复了。莫兰特有能力重新加入到关于联盟顶级后卫和美国最优秀年轻球员的讨论中来。– 麦克马洪
19. 泰瑞斯·马克西(Tyrese Maxey)，后卫，费城 76 人
2023 年 NBA 排名： 42
马克西上赛季取得了又一次飞跃，他首次入选全明星阵容，成为了全明星球员，并且在费城 76 人队首轮输给纽约尼克斯队的系列赛中，由于乔尔·恩比德受到伤病困扰，他有一些非常出色的表现。因此，马克西在今年夏天理所当然地得到了一份顶薪合同，他与恩比德和保罗·乔治一起组成了 NBA 中可以说是最好的三巨头，现在，他的目标是再次跃升至 NBA 最佳阵容的行列。– 邦坦普斯
18. 巴姆·阿德巴约(Bam Adebayo)，中锋，迈阿密热火
2023 年 NBA 排名： 16
期待阿德巴约成为最佳防守球员的候选人。阿德巴约是仅有的七位在半场对位中至少防守过 175 次后卫、前锋和中锋球员的球员之一。根据 Second Spectrum 的数据，作为防守球员，他将对手的有效投篮命中率限制在 48%，在至少干扰 800 次投篮的球员中排名前十。本赛季，当阿德巴约在场时，热火队的防守效率排名联盟第二。– 马克斯
17. 多诺万·米切尔(Donovan Mitchell)，后卫，克利夫兰骑士
2023 年 NBA 排名： 15
米切尔在上赛季打出了职业生涯第二高的场均得分（26.6 分），并且在季后赛中场均得到 29.6 分——这两项成就都应该让他排名上升。然而，对耐久性的担忧让他下滑了两位。米切尔在 2023-24 赛季的出场次数（55 场）是他职业生涯中第二少的，并且在全明星赛后一直受到左膝伤势的困扰。他在 3 月 4 日接受了富血小板血浆注射治疗左膝骨 contusion。根据 Second Spectrum Sports 的数据，米切尔在全明星赛后的上篮和扣篮次数减少了 3.2 次，命中率为 44%。在全明星赛之前，米切尔的命中率为 64%。– 马克斯
16. 泰瑞斯·哈利伯顿(Tyrese Haliburton)，后卫，印第安纳步行者
2023 年 NBA 排名： 21
在上赛季前半段，哈利伯顿是联盟中绝对最好的球员之一。他带领步行者队打进了首届季中锦标赛的冠军赛，并且是印第安纳队强大的进攻体系的发动机，他理所当然地被拿来与史蒂夫·纳什相提并论。但在 1 月初对阵凯尔特人队的一场比赛中，他不慎滑倒，从那以后，哈利伯顿一直在努力恢复身体健康。但在入选 NBA 最佳阵容、获得超级顶薪合同并在今年夏天赢得一枚金牌后，现在的问题是，哈利伯顿能否摆脱伤病的困扰，重新向这份榜单的前十名发起冲击。– 邦坦普斯
15. 德文·布克(Devin Booker)，后卫，菲尼克斯太阳
2023 年 NBA 排名： 11
在过去的六个赛季中，布克一直是得分稳定的典范，每个赛季的场均得分都在 25.6 分到 27.8 分之间。在参加了巴黎奥运会的美国队后，布克受到了主教练史蒂夫·科尔的称赞，因为他除了得分之外的其他方面——组织进攻、顽强的防守和球场意识——都帮助球队赢得了金牌。他的排名略有下降是因为球队的战绩，他从 2021 年总决赛中砍下 40 分，到去年首轮就被横扫出局。但这位 27 岁的球员正处于巅峰期的边缘。– 麦克梅纳明
14. 杰伦·布朗(Jaylen Brown)，后卫，波斯顿凯尔特人
2023 年 NBA 排名： 19
在上赛季开始之前，关于布朗和凯尔特人队有很多疑问。他和杰森·塔图姆能够取得突破，赢得总冠军吗？如果他们不能，会发生什么？布朗值那个夏天签下的那份让他成为那个赛季联盟收入最高的球员的大合同吗？作为回应，布朗再次入选了全明星阵容，获得了东部决赛和 NBA 总决赛的 MVP，并且帮助凯尔特人队获得了创纪录的第 18 座总冠军奖杯。– 邦坦普斯
13. 安东尼·戴维斯(Anthony Davis)，前锋，洛杉矶湖人
2023 年 NBA 排名： 10
戴维斯刚刚度过了他职业生涯中最好的一个赛季，他场均得到职业生涯最高的 12.6 个篮板，外加 24.7 分、3.5 次助攻和 2.3 次盖帽。而且他打了 76 场比赛——创下了职业生涯新高。在 2020 年夺冠后经历了一段伤病缠身的艰难时期后，戴维斯用自己的表现提醒所有人，他是联盟中最具统治力的攻防俱佳的球员之一。这位 31 岁的球员应该还有很多精彩的篮球要打，因为湖人队希望在新教练达尔文·哈姆的带领下重返争冠行列。– 麦克梅纳明
12. 杰伦·布伦森(Jalen Brunson)，后卫，纽约尼克斯
2023 年 NBA 排名： 32
在尼克斯队的第二个赛季，布伦森首次入选全明星阵容，并在 MVP 评选中排名前五。这位身材矮小的后卫是一个进攻万花筒，他可以用无可挑剔的脚步移动和一系列高水平的假动作在狭小的空间里运球，创造出得分角度。他在季后赛中打出了历史级的表现，成为了继迈克尔·乔丹之后第一位在季后赛中连续四场比赛得分超过 40 分的球员，他也因此成为了超级巨星。– 赫林
11. 维克多·文班亚马(Victor Wembanyama)，中锋，圣安东尼奥马刺
2023 年 NBA 排名： 47
这位 2023 年的状元秀已经积累了一年的经验，他将在本赛季冲击这份榜单的第一名。这位 2023-24 赛季全票当选的年度最佳新秀在 NBA 的第一个赛季就打出了历史级的表现，他的数据与马刺队名人堂球员大卫·罗宾逊和蒂姆·邓肯相比毫不逊色。本赛季，文班将有很多机会完成空中接
点击查看原文：NBA Rank 2024-25 - Player rankings from 50 to 11
NBA Rank 2024-25 - Player rankings from 50 to 11
NBA Rank is back for its 14th season counting down the best players in the league. Who made this season’s cut of the top 100?
Where do MVP contenders such as Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Luka Doncic check in? Which young stars are making their debut? Did LeBron James rise or fall down our list as the NBA’s all-time leading scorer embarks on his record-tying 22nd season?
To get the final NBA Rank prediction, we asked our expert panel to vote on player vs. player matchups from more than 15,000 possible pairings. Voters were asked, “Which player will be better in 2024-25?” and had to predict how each player will perform this season.
Our countdown kicked off with our ranking of players Nos. 100-51 and continues with Nos. 50-11, a list that includes a prior MVP, four reigning champions and a once-in-a-generation big man on the verge of superstardom. The rollout continues Thursday with ESPN’s top 10 players of 2024-25.
Note: ESPN’s NBA Rank panel, comprising more than 150 reporters, editors, producers and analysts, was asked to rank players based on their predicted contributions – quality and quantity – for the 2024-25 season only.
NBA Rank: Nos. 100-51 | Who’s next in 2025?
50. LaMelo Ball, G, Charlotte Hornets
2023 NBA Rank: 48
After becoming an All-Star in his second season at 20 years old, Ball has logged a total of 58 games combined in the past two seasons because of ankle injuries. The rebuilding Hornets also lost a total of 116 games over those two seasons while Ball watched from the sideline. The 2021 Rookie of the Year averaged 23.9 points, 8.0 assists and 5.1 rebounds in 22 games last season. Now the Hornets and Ball, entering his fourth season, are hoping for a fresh and healthy start. A new regime has taken over in Charlotte, starting with the hiring of coach Charles Lee, and it will want to see its franchise point guard healthy. – Ohm Youngmisuk
49. Aaron Gordon, F, Denver Nuggets
2023 NBA Rank: 51
Aaron Gordon might be the most valuable role player in the league, but he might have to do even more this season with Kentavious Caldwell-Pope’s departure. Gordon will have to lead the team on defense, improve on last season’s 29% 3-point shooting and still play with the incredible chemistry that he has with Nikola Jokic. Gordon, who is eligible to sign an extension, is entering this season off an emotional summer in which his brother Drew died in a car crash. Gordon has changed his jersey number from 50 to 32 to honor his brother. – Youngmisuk
48. Julius Randle, F, Minnesota Timberwolves
2023 NBA Rank: 45
The 29-year-old had turbulent moments during his six-season run with the Knicks; particularly in the playoffs. But the team undoubtedly missed his playmaking and secondary scoring this past postseason while Randle nursed his dislocated shoulder. Randle, a two-time All-NBA selection who has generally been one of the healthiest players in the league in recent years, now heads to Minnesota, where he’ll play alongside rising superstar Anthony Edwards. It will be worth seeing how Randle’s presence impacts the Wolves’ spacing, but his passing is underrated and he has the potential to help the team’s offense a considerable amount. – Chris Herring
47. Evan Mobley, F, Cleveland Cavaliers
2023 NBA Rank: 40
Mobley earned All-NBA Defensive first-team honors in 2023 and has continued to play a big role in Cleveland’s top-10 defense the past two seasons. The Cavaliers gave up 112.5 points per 100 possessions when Mobley was on the court this season and 110.5 when he played center. Mobley’s jump shots improved from 32% his first two seasons to 36% this year and he shot 46% from 3 in the final 12 games of the regular season. “I would say the rebound and push is number one,” new head coach Kenny Atkinson said when asked about what he wants to see Mobley add to his game first. – Bobby Marks
46. Kristaps Porzingis, C, Boston Celtics
2023 NBA Rank: 62
After spending a year and a half in relative obscurity with the Wizards, Porzingis arrived in Boston last summer excited to be back on a championship-caliber team and with a point to prove that he could help push a franchise to those heights. Despite missing a large chunk of the playoffs with injuries, he managed to do just that, with his legendary return in Game 1 of the NBA Finals helping spur Boston to the title. One of the big questions across the league this season, though, is his form when he returns later this year after having offseason leg surgery. – Tim Bontemps
45. DeMar DeRozan, F, Sacramento Kings
2023 NBA Rank: 39
With the Bulls last season, DeMar DeRozan had to shoulder all of the offensive weight – he was the only player in Chicago to average over 20 points per game as the injury-riddled Bulls struggled all year. As he begins a new chapter in Sacramento, the Kings will look to maximize his offensive talents and draw double-teams to help take pressure off of De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis. The team will also use DeRozan as a playmaker – an area of his game Sacramento feels is underrated. – Kendra Andrews
44. Jalen Williams, F, Oklahoma City Thunder
2023 NBA Rank: 95
Williams jumped 51 spots in the rankings by continuing his rapid ascension into becoming an elite two-way player. After a Rookie of the Year runner-up season, Williams finished fourth in Most Improved Player voting, making significant leaps in scoring (19.1 points per game), assists (4.5) and efficiency (62.1% true shooting) while typically taking the second-toughest perimeter defensive assignment. He also emerged as a cold-blooded closer, scoring 82 points on 68.3% shooting in clutch situations, the best field goal percentage among the league’s top 65 clutch scorers. – Tim MacMahon
43. Dejounte Murray, G, New Orleans Pelicans
2023 NBA Rank: 60
Murray averaged a career-high 22.5 points last season and cranked up his 3-point volume to 7.1 attempts per game while drilling his highest percentage (36.3%) from deep since the 2019-20 season. David Griffin, the Pelicans’ executive vice president of basketball operations, calls Murray “an elite playmaker” and saw his playmaking skills as a major need, especially down the stretch of tight games, which is why New Orleans traded for him. Murray’s leadership and two-way ability should improve the Pels on both ends of the floor, and he has no shortage of targets in Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum. – Michael Wright
42. Pascal Siakam, F, Indiana Pacers
2023 NBA Rank: 25
Siakam was a driving force in the Pacers’ run to the conference finals after joining the team via midseason trade from Toronto. Indiana re-signed Siakam to a maximum contract extension this summer, and the two-time All-NBA forward is expected to be a steadying presence for a young Pacers team trying to build off its surprise playoff success. – Jamal Collier
41. James Harden, G, LA Clippers
2023 NBA Rank: 43
Harden found new life in his hometown after he was traded early last season to the Clippers. While his numbers dipped slightly from 21.0 points, a league-leading 10.7 assists and 6.1 rebounds per game with the Sixers in 2022-23 to 16.6 points, 8.5 assists and 5.1 rebounds last season, Harden’s playmaking impact was undeniable when the Clippers were at their best. Once Harden got comfortable with Kawhi Leonard, Paul George and Russell Westbrook, the point guard helped orchestrate a 26-5 run from late November to early February. While he looked uncomfortable at times on wide-open catch-and-shoot 3s, Harden now will get to play more like he did in Houston as a ball-dominant scorer, with George and Westbrook gone and Leonard being cautious with his knee inflammation. – Youngmisuk
40. Brandon Ingram, F, New Orleans Pelicans
2023 NBA Rank: 27
Ingram fell 13 spots this season because of his decline in points (20.8), rebounds (5.1) and assists (5.7) from the previous season. The former No. 2 pick’s 3-point field goal percentage (35.5%) dipped as well, despite the veteran knocking down a career-best 53.4% on 2-point field goals. Uncertainty abounds for Ingram because of the new CBA. He’s eligible to sign a four-year extension worth $208 million, but there’s a chance the club could let Ingram hit unrestricted free agency next offseason or move him under value at the deadline. The Dejounte Murray addition provides another attacking threat along with Zion Williamson and CJ McCollum, which should only improve Ingram’s prospects for increased production. – Wright
39. Derrick White, G, Boston Celtics
2023 NBA Rank: NR
White being the highest-ranked player who wasn’t on this list a year ago is affirmation for those who questioned why the versatile guard wasn’t on it to begin with. Any doubts about his value quickly dissipated thanks to White’s contributions on offense last season, not to mention his selection to replace Kawhi Leonard on Team USA, where he – along with Holiday and Tatum – claimed gold in Paris. – Bontemps
38. Mikal Bridges, F, New York Knicks
2023 NBA Rank: 33
Bridges struggled at times as Brooklyn’s primary playmaker, as evidenced by his career-low 52.1% effective field goal percentage and career high in turnovers. But Bridges’ calling card – aside from his status as the league’s iron man – has been defense. Playing alongside OG Anunoby on the wing for the Knicks, New York could have the best defensive wing combo in the league. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Bridges’ offensive efficiency increase this season, with the Knicks needing less creation and more of the elite 3-and-D play he showcased in Phoenix. – Herring
37. Trae Young, G, Atlanta Hawks
2023 NBA Rank: 27
Young appearing in only 54 games last season was concerning enough, but Atlanta winning only 22 of those games was even more troubling. His averages of 25.7 points and 10.8 assists sparkle on the stat sheet – marking the second straight season he averaged 25 and 10 – but his relatively pedestrian shooting numbers (43% overall and 37.3% from 3) dulls that shine just a bit. With Dejounte Murray now in New Orleans, Young should get the ball in his hands more. How well Young vibes with No. 1 pick Zaccharie Risacher will impact his future ranking. – Dave McMenamin
36. Jrue Holiday, G, Boston Celtics
2023 NBA Rank: 26
A year ago, Holiday was adjusting to the whirlwind sequence that saw him go from the Milwaukee Bucks to the Celtics – by way of the Portland Trail Blazers – in a matter of days. While handling a slightly smaller offensive role in Boston led to a slight dip in his rankings, Holiday’s value was confirmed by the countless winning plays he made to help Boston claim its record-setting 18th NBA title. – Bontemps
35. Scottie Barnes, F, Toronto Raptors
2023 NBA Rank: 63
In his third season, Barnes went from an intriguing young player to a deserving All-Star, averaging career highs in points (19.9), rebounds (8.2), assists (6.1), steals (1.3) and blocks (1.5) per game. The only other player to average at least 19 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal and 1 block per game last season? Giannis Antetokounmpo. Toronto has bet on Barnes being the face of its next contending team, giving him a max contract extension in July. And the franchise moved on from veterans OG Anunoby and Pascal Siakam in back-to-back moves before last season’s trade deadline, bringing back Immanuel Quickley, RJ Barrett and several draft picks to pair with Barnes over the next few years. Now, Toronto will be hoping Barnes can make another leap into All-NBA territory. – Bontemps
34. Rudy Gobert, C, Minnesota Timberwolves
2023 NBA Rank: 64
After a difficult transition year with the Timberwolves, Gobert anchored the NBA’s top-ranked defense en route to collecting his record-tying fourth Defensive Player of the Year award. He also averaged a double-double (14.0 points, 12.9 rebounds per game) for the eighth straight season. There’s a narrative that Gobert gets played off the floor in the playoffs, but Minnesota outscored playoff foes by 95 points in his 512 minutes and were minus-28 in 256 minutes without him. – MacMahon
33. Lauri Markkanen, F, Utah Jazz
2023 NBA Rank: 28
The five-year, $238 million contract Markkanen signed off a renegotiation and extension is strong proof that the Jazz believe that the 27-year-old forward can be a foundation player after the franchise’s rebuild pays dividends. There aren’t many 7-foot scorers as versatile as Markkanen, who has averaged 24.5 points per game on .490/.395/.885 shooting splits in his two seasons in Utah. – MacMahon
32. Chet Holmgren, F, Oklahoma City Thunder
2023 NBA Rank: 73
The slender 7-footer’s rookie season was well worth the wait after a foot injury forced Holmgren to sit out his first year as a pro. He played all 82 games and was a primary reason the Thunder made a 17-win improvement to become the youngest No. 1 seed ever. Holmgren is one of two players in NBA history to record at least 200 assists, 150 blocks and 100 made 3s in a season. The other: San Antonio’s Victor Wembanyama, who won Rookie of the Year over Holmgren.– MacMahon
31. Jamal Murray, G, Denver Nuggets
2023 NBA Rank: 17
Murray averaged career highs in points per game (21.2), and assists per game (6.5) and was one of three players to average at least 20 points, 6 assists and 40% 3-point shooting last season. But Murray didn’t look like Playoff Murray in Denver’s second-round loss to Minnesota, when he averaged 18.4 points and just 33% 3-point shooting, or during the Olympics when he averaged just 6.0 points for Team Canada this summer. Murray said he’s healthy and he has implored his teammates at the start of camp to understand the urgency of taking advantage of the championship window the Nuggets currently have with three-time MVP Nikola Jokic. – Youngmisuk
30. Karl-Anthony Towns, C, New York Knicks
2023 NBA Rank: 20
After changing homes from Minneapolis to Madison Square Garden, Towns leaves a franchise coming off its most successful season in 20 years to join an ensemble of talent hoping to become the best Knicks team in a half century. The self-proclaimed best shooting big man of all time shot 41.6% from 3 last season. The former Kentucky Wildcat should fit right in with the Nova Wildcats, particularly with point guard Jalen Brunson. – McMenamin
29. Domantas Sabonis, F, Sacramento Kings
2023 NBA Rank: 22
When you look at Sabonis’ numbers from last season, it’s not easy to comprehend why he dropped seven positions in the rankings. He led the league in triple-doubles (26) and double-doubles (77) and strung together 61 consecutive double-doubles – the longest streak in modern NBA history. From January to the end of the season, he also led the league in assists. But he and the Kings enter this season under a microscope after not making the playoffs last season and have more pressure to prove they are still in the mix for the top of the West. – Andrews
28. Jimmy Butler, F, Miami Heat
2023 NBA Rank: 12
Butler continues to play at an All-Star pace. Last season, he was one of eight players to average 20 points with 40% on 3-pointers and 85% on free throws. The 16-spot drop and concerns moving forward, however, are a result of Butler’s age and, more importantly, his availability. Butler turned 35 in September and has failed to play more than 65 games in each of the past four seasons. Butler saw his field goal percentage drop from 54% to 50% last season largely because of his struggles at finishing near the rim. – Marks
27. Zion Williamson, F, New Orleans Pelicans
2023 NBA Rank: 57
Williamson rose 30 spots thanks to his availability this season. That allowed the former No. 1 pick the ability to consistently showcase his electric skill set. Williamson played a career-high 70 games, averaging 22.9 points and 5.8 rebounds as New Orleans advanced to its second postseason during his tenure. The club’s brass indicated the 2024 offseason would be the most pivotal of Williamson’s budding career, especially after he suffered an injury in the play-in tournament that left him unavailable for the postseason. Williamson responded with twice-daily workouts this summer and a healthier diet that has rounded him into the type of shape that has him poised for yet another jump in the rankings. – Wright
26. De’Aaron Fox, G, Sacramento Kings
2023 NBA Rank: 23
Fox got off to a hot start last season, averaging 31.8 points through his first seven games – including 43 points against the Spurs. He finished the season averaging 26.6 points per game and led the league with 2.0 steals per game. Despite the continued improvement of the Kings’ lead guard, the team couldn’t match the postseason success it had in 2023. – Andrews
25. Kyrie Irving, G, Dallas Mavericks
2023 NBA Rank: 34
There has never been any doubt about Irving’s extraordinary skill level, but last year he slid to 34th on this list because of questions about his availability and ability to impact winning. He responded by becoming a driving force in the Mavs’ run to the Finals alongside Luka Doncic, as the pair proved to be a phenomenal fit together. They formed the league’s highest-scoring duo, with Irving contributing 25.7 points per game on 60.8% true shooting while emerging as the Mavs’ emotional leader. – MacMahon
24. Paolo Banchero, F, Orlando Magic
2023 NBA Rank: 30
Two years ago, Paolo Banchero won Rookie of the Year and became the youngest player in NBA history to lead his team in scoring, rebounds and assists. Last season, he made his first All-Star appearance and helped the Magic back into the postseason leading Orlando to Game 7 against the Cavaliers. This season, the East will be even more competitive, but Banchero and the Magic have a high ceiling. – Andrews
23. Damian Lillard, G, Milwaukee Bucks
2023 NBA Rank: 14
Lillard has acknowledged his first season in Milwaukee was not an easy transition. After 11 seasons in Portland, he was traded on the eve of training camp and never found his footing. Lillard averaged 24.3 points and 7.0 assists, which earned him a starting spot in the 2024 All-Star Game. He had some bright moments in Milwaukee, but he was far from the dominant force he had been in years past as he struggled to find his on-court chemistry alongside co-star Giannis Antetokounmpo. – Collier
22. Kawhi Leonard, F, LA Clippers
2023 NBA Rank: 24
When he was healthy last season, Leonard looked like the two-time Finals MVP as a dominant and relentless two-way forward. He averaged 23.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.6 steals and shot 52.5% from the field and 41.7% from 3. He logged 68 games, his most since the 2016-17 season. But toward the end of the regular season, he experienced inflammation in his surgically repaired right knee, costing him the final eight games. He returned for Games 2 and 3 of the first round against Dallas before being held out of the remainder of the six-game series. Leonard says he has a better handle on the inflammation and feels good, but the Clippers are taking no chances as they ease their franchise star through the preseason. It remains to be seen how healthy Leonard will be this season, but the 33-year-old is determined to be available late in the season after logging only two games in each of the past two postseasons because of right knee injuries. – Youngmisuk
21. Paul George, F, Philadelphia 76ers
2023 NBA Rank: 18
Now in his age-34 season, George is on his fourth team after signing a four-year max deal with the 76ers. After a disappointing season for the Clippers saw him drop a couple of spots on this list, he and the 76ers hope this new partnership can create the NBA Finals breakthrough both sides have spent years chasing. – Bontemps
20. Ja Morant, G, Memphis Grizzlies
2023 NBA Rank: 35
How did Morant move up 15 spots after playing only nine games last season? Well, he doesn’t have to sit out the first 25 games of the season with a suspension, as was the case a year ago. He has also fully recovered from the shoulder surgery that ended his 2023-24 campaign prematurely. Morant has the talent to barge back into the conversation about the league’s elite guards and the best young American players. – MacMahon
19. Tyrese Maxey, G, Philadelphia 76ers
2023 NBA Rank: 42
Maxey took another leap last season, exploding into full-blown stardom by making his first All-Star team, and having some remarkable performances in Philadelphia’s first-round loss to the New York Knicks with Joel Embiid limited by injury. As a result, Maxey was deservedly given a full max contract this summer, is part of arguably the best big three in the NBA alongside Embiid and Paul George and is now setting his sights on another leap into All-NBA contention. – Bontemps
18. Bam Adebayo, C, Miami Heat
2023 NBA Rank: 16
Expect Adebayo to be a candidate for Defensive Player of the Year. Adebayo is one of seven players to defend at least 175 shots in half-court matchups against guards, forwards and centers. He held opponents to a 48% effective field goal percentage as the contesting defender, which ranked in the top 10 among players to contest at least 800 shots, according to Second Spectrum. The Heat ranked second in defensive efficiency this season when Adebayo was on the court. – Marks
17. Donovan Mitchell, G, Cleveland Cavaliers
2023 NBA Rank: 15
Mitchell averaged the second-highest points in his career this past season (26.6) and 29.6 points in the playoffs – both accomplishments should have him trending higher. However, durability concerns have him dropping two spots. Mitchell played in the second-fewest games in his career in the 2023-24 season (55) and dealt with a left knee injury after the All-Star break. He got a platelet-rich plasma injection on March 4 to treat a left knee bone bruise. Per Second Spectrum Sports, Mitchell averaged 3.2 fewer shots on layups and dunks after the All-Star break, shooting 44%. Before the break, Mitchell shot 64%. – Marks
16. Tyrese Haliburton, G, Indiana Pacers
2023 NBA Rank: 21
Over the first half of last season, Haliburton was one of the absolute best players in the league. He led the Pacers to the championship game of the inaugural in-season tournament, was powering a dominant Indiana offensive attack and drawing deserved comparisons to the likes of Steve Nash. But then came a slip on the court in a game against the Celtics in early January, and Haliburton has spent the rest of the calendar year trying to get his body right. But after being selected for All-NBA, getting a supermax contract and then winning a gold medal this offseason, the question now is whether Haliburton can put those injury woes behind him and renew his push to jump into the top 10 on this list. – Bontemps
15. Devin Booker, G, Phoenix Suns
2023 NBA Rank: 11
Booker has been a model of scoring consistency, averaging between 25.6 and 27.8 points in each of the past six seasons. And after being part of Team USA at the Paris Olympics, Booker was praised by coach Steve Kerr for all the parts of his game besides scoring – playmaking, staunch defense, court awareness – that helped the team win gold. His ranking has regressed ever so slightly because of team success as he went from putting up 40-point games in the 2021 Finals to getting swept out in the first round last year. But at 27 years old he is just scratching the surface of his prime. – McMenamin
14. Jaylen Brown, G, Boston Celtics
2023 NBA Rank: 19
Coming into last season, there were loads of questions about Brown and the Celtics. Could he and Jayson Tatum break through and win a title? What would happen if they couldn’t? Was Brown worth the massive extension he signed that summer that would make him the league’s highest-paid player that season? In response, Brown made another All-Star team, claimed Eastern Conference finals and NBA Finals MVP honors and helped lead the Celtics to their record-setting 18th title. – Bontemps
13. Anthony Davis, F, Los Angeles Lakers
2023 NBA Rank: 10
Davis is coming off one of the best seasons of his career, collecting a personal-best 12.6 rebounds per game, along with 24.7 points, 3.5 assists and 2.3 blocks. All while playing 76 games – a career high. After a rough stretch of injuries following the 2020 title, Davis reminded everyone of his place as one of the most dominant two-way talents in the game. And at 31 years old, Davis should have plenty of meaningful basketball left in him as the Lakers look to return to contention with new coach JJ Redick. – McMenamin
12. Jalen Brunson, G, New York Knicks
2023 NBA Rank: 32
In his second season with the Knicks, Brunson became both a first-time All-Star and finished top five in MVP voting. The undersized guard is an offensive juggernaut who can manipulate tight spaces and create scoring angles with impeccable footwork and an array of high-level fakes. He put up historic showings and ascended to superstardom in the playoffs, becoming the first player since Michael Jordan to score 40 points in four straight playoff games. – Herring
11. Victor Wembanyama, C, San Antonio Spurs
2023 NBA Rank: 47
With a year of experience under his belt, the No. 1 pick from 2023 is coming for No. 1 on this list. The unanimous 2023-24 Rookie of the Year put together a historic first season in the NBA, producing numbers that compared favorably to Spurs Hall of Fame big men David Robinson and Tim Duncan. This season Wemby will see a lot of lob dunk opportunities now that he’s paired with future Hall of Fame point guard Chris Paul. Wembanyama should make a run at surpassing the 254 blocks he notched last season on the way to earning his first NBA All-Star nod, while falling squarely into the MVP conversation. – Wright
By ESPN, via ESPN