Welcome to the final installment of our NBA’s Top 100 Players rankings for the 2024-25 season! Now, in the part 3, let us reveal the highly anticipated top 20 players in the league.
41. Mikal Bridges
Bridges has recently been traded for Kevin Durant and subsequently moved to the Knicks over the summer in exchange for five first-round draft picks. Such a transaction is indicative of acquiring talent that can significantly alter the trajectory of a franchise. While one might argue that Bridges does not fit this description, he is, in fact, one of the most valuable role players for a team aspiring for a championship. The steep price for Bridges is attributed to his exceptional and versatile defensive skills, coupled with a 3-point shooting ability that approaches reliability. He excels both with and without the ball, is capable of defending the best perimeter players on opposing teams, and poses a significant threat from beyond the arc if left unguarded.
42. Scottie Barnes
Last year, only five players managed to average a minimum of 19 points, eight rebounds, and six assists. Among them was Barnes, a first-time All-Star, who stood alongside notable players such as Nikola Jokic, Luka Doncic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Domantas Sabonis. In addition to his impressive averages, which included 1.5 blocks per game, Barnes distinguished himself in a league of his own. Furthermore, his exceptional defensive capabilities, characterized by remarkable mobility, range, and athleticism across various positions, undoubtedly contributed to the Toronto Raptors’ decision to sign him to a five-year, $225 million maximum extension. He has now become the face of the franchise.
43. Jaren Jackson Jr.
One silver lining to the lost season Memphis just endured? It created a whole lot of opportunities for Jaren Jackson Jr. to work on creating his own shots. Less than half of his 2-pointers were assisted last season. He’d never come close to that before, and he nearly doubled his career-high in post-ups. Memphis was so depleted that he did these things relatively inefficiently, but hopefully the full-strength Grizzlies can actually take advantage of all of those reps Jackson got. We know he can defend. Though his shooting has declined, he’s at least proven willing to fire away from deep. If he can also create some of his own offense inside of the arc as well, he’ll be right back in the All-Star mix.
44. James Harden
Harden’s journey in basketball led him to Los Angeles last season, marking his fourth team in as many years. Despite the new environment, the season concluded similarly to previous ones. In the last two matches of the Clippers’ first-round playoff series, both resulting in defeats, Harden managed to score 23 points on 28 attempts, contributing to a six-game exit against the Mavericks. With Paul George departing for Philadelphia this summer, Harden will be required to assume a greater scoring responsibility than he has in recent seasons if the Clippers wish to maintain their competitiveness in the Western Conference.
45. Desmond Bane
Bane is one of the league’s premier shooters — he’s made 41.5% of his 3s in his career, including 43.4% on catch-and-shoot attempts — and he took yet another step forward as a creator in Year 4, increasing his usage to 27.3% (with only a slight dip in efficiency). It is notable, too, that while the on-ball uptick happened out of necessity in the absence of Ja Morant, the Grizzlies’ franchise player was willing to defer to Bane at times when they shared the floor.
46. OG Anunoby
OG Anunoby epitomizes the 3-and-D player archetype. He reliably converts 36-40% of his three-point attempts at a relatively high volume and possesses the ability to defend all five positions on the court. This is the essence of Anunoby’s contribution, and it constitutes the primary focus of his game. Although there have been indications of a desire to enhance his offensive repertoire while in Toronto, Anunoby appears to have embraced a role in New York that primarily positions him as a spot-up shooter who capitalizes on defensive closeouts. While he may not be a consistent 20-point scorer and concerns regarding his durability persist, the 3-and-D skill set is one that every team covets. A player who excels in this capacity holds significant value, irrespective of any additional skills he may or may not possess.
47. Alperen Sengun
Sengun’s breakout season was unfortunately truncated, yet he still managed to secure a commendable third place in the Most Improved Player voting. He frequently draws comparisons to Nikola Jokic, largely due to his exceptional court vision and passing abilities, which resemble those of the three-time MVP. However, Sengun possesses a unique style that positions him as a foundational player for Houston’s future. His combination of strength and finesse around the basket makes him a challenging opponent to defend when he receives the ball in motion.
Additionally, he excels in rebounding and effectively positions his teammates for high-percentage shots. From a statistical perspective, his performance over the first three years of his career aligns closely with Jokic’s early achievements. While he may not be on a consistent path toward MVP honors, being mentioned alongside a potential Hall of Famer is undoubtedly a positive indication of his talent.
48. Evan Mobley
Evan Mobley, a talented center, is often compared to a power forward due to his versatility. While his jump shot is a point of discussion, his overall offensive skills, including pick-and-roll play and finishing around the rim, are impressive. Mobley’s defensive abilities, similar to Bam Adebayo, make him a valuable asset. The key to unlocking his full potential lies in freeing him from the limitations of playing alongside another center, allowing him to showcase his shooting range and overall impact on the game.
49. Cade Cunningham
Cade Cunningham has significantly improved his efficiency since his rookie season, despite playing on a struggling Pistons team. He showcased his potential as a franchise player, with impressive shooting and playmaking abilities. With a new coach, Cunningham is expected to continue his growth and gain more recognition as one of the league’s top young talents.
50. Brandon Ingram
Ingram is a systematic midrange scorer who possesses the skills of an exceptionally qualified support player; however, he lacks the ability to lead an entire offensive unit effectively. This limitation poses a significant challenge, as he tends to thrive when he has the influence of a superstar over ball possessions. Consequently, his fit in New Orleans appears problematic, as he must transition into a role as an off-ball, secondary playmaker and shooter, particularly alongside Zion Williamson, who deserves greater creative freedom. It would not be unexpected if Ingram were to be traded prior to the signing of his next contract.
51. Franz Wagner
Wagner’s standout performance at the 2023 FIBA World Cup served as a catalyst for an exceptional season last year. He recorded career-best averages, although his 3-point shooting percentage was at a low point. Alongside Paolo Banchero, he played a pivotal role in guiding the Magic to a playoff berth. Standing at 6 feet 10 inches, he is a forward capable of defending various positions. Despite facing challenges with his 3-point shooting last season, his ability to finish effectively around the basket makes him a challenging player to defend. This offseason, he secured a maximum rookie extension, a decision that reflects the Magic’s belief in him as a foundational player for their future.
52. Dejounte Murray
Murray delivered commendable performance statistics last season, achieving a career-best average of 22.5 points per game while demonstrating his capability as a dependable high-volume 3-point shooter. However, his standing within the league suffered due to the lack of team success, as the Hawks were regarded as one of the most underwhelming teams of the season. While it is undeniable that Murray possesses significant talent, the critical question remains whether his abilities can lead to success. This season will provide an opportunity for Murray to begin anew with the Pelicans.
53. DeMar DeRozan
Amidst the uncertainty that surrounded a Bulls roster in constant flux last season, DeRozan emerged as a stabilizing force for Chicago. He managed to keep a largely average team competitive, bringing the Bulls to the brink of securing the final playoff position in the Eastern Conference. DeRozan’s proficiency in mid-range shooting is unparalleled. Throughout the previous season, he demonstrated remarkable consistency, rarely missing games, and ultimately finished as the runner-up for Clutch Player of the Year. This year, he will be joining a Kings team where his responsibilities may shift considerably; however, one aspect that will remain unchanged is his ability to deliver an efficient 15 to 20 points per game.
54. Julius Randle
Due to a shoulder injury sustained in late January, Randle was unable to participate in the Knicks’ playoff campaign. The team’s impressive performance in his absence may lead some to overlook his significant contributions prior to the injury. In the 2024 calendar year, New York achieved a remarkable record of 12-2 in the 14 games he played, which included two games where he scored 39 points, four additional games with over 30 points, and a triple-double. His absence compelled the Knicks to diversify their offensive strategies; however, as the season concluded, they felt the void of his scoring ability and his knack for attracting double teams. The manner in which he will integrate into the next version of the team remains uncertain, yet he is expected to facilitate easier scoring opportunities for Jalen Brunson, Donte DiVincenzo, and Mikal Bridges.
55. Darius Garland
Who’s more primed for a bounce-back year than Garland? It’s hard to criticize the 24-year-old guard too harshly for his underwhelming 2023-24 season, given that he broke his jaw in mid-December and later had it wired shut. He had to drink his meals through a straw and lost 12 pounds. (While his jaw was healing, he was also unable to lift weights, run, or, naturally, play basketball.) He was never quite himself after returning to the lineup, and it’s difficult to imagine him shooting just 35% on catch-and-shoot 3s in 2024-25. Questions persist about how he fits next to Donovan Mitchell long-term, but, when healthy, Garland fits just fine on the offensive end, as he’s the rare pick-and-roll ballhandler who is also extremely dangerous off the ball and on the move.
56. Draymond Green
One of the quintessential “he’s not what he used to be” players, Green remains a conductor on both ends. He can still guard any position and make impromptu defensive plays in the way Stephen Curry navigates the offensive end of the court on sixth-sense instincts. Quietly, Green shot nearly 40% from 3 last season on over two attempts a game. He knows he needs to be a threat and last season he more aggressively attacked the scoring runways defenses were all to happy to lay out for him.
57. Fred VanVleet
While VanVleet may not have garnered as much attention as the prominent big man Alperun Sengun last season, he arguably served as the most significant catalyst for the Rockets. Although the team featured several players capable of initiating plays, Houston’s offensive performance drastically declined during VanVleet’s time on the bench. In his inaugural season with the franchise, the 30-year-old guard fulfilled the role for which he was acquired. He effectively organized the team, compelled defenders to respect his shooting range from beyond the 3-point line, and applied pressure on opposing ballhandlers at the point of attack. Notably, this marked the first occasion in his eight-year career that he averaged over eight assists per game.
58. LaMelo Ball
Few athletes have captivated the younger fanbase quite like Ball, who consistently delivers spectacular performances. Regrettably, recent years have seen a scarcity of new highlights, as Ball has participated in only 58 games over the past two seasons due to ongoing ankle injuries. In a discussion towards the conclusion of last season, he mentioned the possibility of utilizing ankle braces in the future, which he hopes will enable him to remain active on the court and solidify his reputation as one of the premier point guards in the league.
59. Jarrett Allen
Allen has demonstrated significant improvement as a player since his selection to the All-Star team in 2022, primarily due to his enhanced performance in the short roll. He has subtly advanced as both a scorer and a decision-maker, while continuing to excel as one of the premier rim-protecting centers in the league. With Kenny Atkinson, his inaugural NBA coach, returning to work with him in Cleveland, it is plausible to envision him taking on a greater role as a handoff facilitator. There is also the possibility that he could extend his shooting range.
60. Herbert Jones
There are position-less defenders and then there’s Jones. NBA.com matchup data tracks the players each player spends the most time defending. The top five for Jones could probably be a starting lineup: De’Aaron Fox, Paul George, Karl-Anthony Towns, Devin Booker and Stephen Curry. He spent roughly the same amount of time on Victor Wembanyama, Lauri Markkanen and Tyrese Haliburton. There are other players in the league who can switch onto an eclectic group of opponents on a possession-by-possession basis. There isn’t another Herb Jones out there. Willie Green can make his primary assignment a point guard, a center or anything in between and feel comfortable knowing that he’s getting elite defense out of that matchup.
