Join us as we explore the rankings of these three NBA superstars and their prospects for the 2024-25 season.
61. Khris Middleton
The recent seasons of Middleton’s career have regrettably been characterized by his struggles to remain on the court. He demonstrated his enduring talent during the playoffs, especially with his remarkable performance in Game 3 against the Pacers, showcasing that he can still produce moments of brilliance, albeit less frequently. With the combination of injuries, advancing age, and the addition of Damian Lillard, Middleton is transitioning into a new stage of his career, where he has solidified his role as the third option for the Bucks.
62. Jaden McDaniels
Many recognize McDaniels as one of the premier perimeter defenders in the league, collaborating with Anthony Edwards to establish one of the top two ball-pressure duos, alongside Boston’s Jrue Holiday and Derrick White. However, McDaniels’ contributions extend beyond defense. He recorded a minimum of 21 points in four playoff games and achieved 18 points in another, while successfully making 43% of his three-point attempts during the postseason. His development as a driver and individual shot creator is evident. He is undoubtedly an exceptionally valuable player.
63. Aaron Gordon
When people say they want a player to be a star in his role, they are talking about Aaron Gordon. He was overtasked as an actual star in Orlando but has settled in as the perfect complement to Nikola Jokic with the Nuggets. A top-end athlete with great size and instincts, Gordon owns all the margins. The cutting lanes. The defense he can play without the offensive responsibility. His anticipatory chemistry with Jokic is nearing Curry-Draymond levels. Lobs are being thrown blindly. Teams will be striving for this kind of “fit” home run for years to come.
64. Myles Turner
Turner and Tyrese Haliburton have formed a highly effective offensive partnership in Indiana. The center poses a significant threat as both a pick-and-pop player and a roller, having converted 37.5% of his catch-and-shoot three-point attempts last season. However, it raises questions as to why he has not been as impactful defensively in recent times. Should he regain his defensive prowess, and if the Pacers improve their overall defensive performance, he could be poised for a substantial contract next summer.
65. Alex Caruso
Caruso’s emergence as an elite 3-point shooter with a commendable volume last season represented a significant advancement among role players in the NBA. While he had already established himself as the premier guard defender in the league, he previously sought to contribute offensively through more nuanced methods. Although excelling as a cutter and a facilitating passer is beneficial, there are limited avenues to influence an offense when the defense is reluctant to mark you.
66. Brandon Miller
The ceiling for his potential is remarkably elevated. Miller will not reach the age of 22 until November, yet he demonstrated as a rookie his preparedness to handle all challenges presented by the Hornets. Frequently, he took on the responsibility of guarding the opposing team’s leading perimeter player. With LaMelo Ball sidelined for a significant portion of the season and Terry Rozier traded in January, he often assumed the role of Charlotte’s primary playmaker. Standing at 6 feet 7 inches, this wing player is poised to become a foundational element of the franchise, possessing the ability to create opportunities for himself and others while effectively defending multiple positions. It will be intriguing to observe the extent of his development in his second year.
67. Devin Vassell
For those who watched the Spurs to observe Wemby, the sight of the 6-foot-5 wing executing pick-and-rolls alongside him may have been particularly captivating. Vassell, now 24, has significantly developed his skills as a playmaker. As he has enhanced his physical strength, his abilities as a driver and finisher have also progressed. However, there remains potential for further development in terms of applying pressure on the rim, and he has yet to fully realize the defensive capabilities that were highlighted as key attributes during his time as a prospect. Nevertheless, both his future and that of San Antonio appear to be exceptionally promising.
68. Michael Porter Jr.
Porter stands at 6 feet 10 inches and is an exceptional shooter, a rare talent in the league. However, his contributions extend little beyond this skill. Given the substantial financial commitment the Nuggets have made to him, it is imperative that he evolves into more than just a one-dimensional scorer who falls short of All-Star status. The Nuggets are facing financial constraints, and Porter’s $200 million contract has already resulted in the loss of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.
69. Bradley Beal
There was great debate regarding Phoenix’s decision to trade for Beal, given his injury history, inability to credibly defend, and overlap in position between him and Devin Booker. Those are all valid concerns, but Beal did have his most efficient season ever last year on a team that won 49 games. He missed 29 of them, but his performance when he was healthy makes you wonder how much better the Suns would’ve been had he been available more often. Beal is a threat from beyond the arc, can score on or off the ball and does enough of the little things to make him a quality starter on a contending team.
70. Jalen Suggs
Jalen Suggs, despite initial offensive struggles, has proven his worth in the NBA primarily due to his exceptional defensive skills. While his offensive game has improved, he might not develop into a primary ball-handler as initially anticipated. However, his combination of elite perimeter defense and consistent 3-point shooting makes him a valuable asset to the team. Recognizing his strengths as a shooting guard rather than a point guard has helped Suggs fulfill his potential.
71. Coby White
Tyrese Maxey’s exceptional All-Star season overshadowed White’s candidacy for the Most Improved Player award in 2024. Just two seasons prior, White averaged a mere 9.7 points while playing the least amount of minutes in his five-year career. However, he secured the starting point guard position for Chicago during training camp and went on to average close to 20 points with impressive shooting efficiency. His explosiveness when driving to the basket, ability to score from long range, and enhancements in passing and rebounding have significantly contributed to his development.
72. Trey Murphy III
In Murphy’s final 24 games of the 2023-24 season, he averaged 18.1 points and 6.2 rebounds in 33.9 minutes while shooting 41.7% from 3-point range at high volume. His usage rate jumped to 18.2% in Year 3 (up from 15.9% the previous season), but that’s still a pretty low number for a player this talented. We know that he has a high release point and incredible gravity as a shooter, and we know that he can attack closeouts and run pick-and-rolls in a pinch. We don’t know, however, what kind of playmaking responsibility he can handle or whether or not New Orleans will put him in a position to test his limits anytime soon.
73. Isaiah Hartenstein
Isaiah Hartenstein is a valuable addition to the Oklahoma City Thunder due to his defensive prowess, rebounding skills, and offensive versatility. His size and defensive metrics make him a formidable force against opponents, while his ability to score from mid-range is a crucial asset for the team, especially in clutch situations.
74. CJ McCollum
A total of seven players have maintained an average of at least 20 points per game over the past nine seasons: LeBron James, Steph Curry, Anthony Davis, Damian Lillard, Paul George, DeMar DeRozan, and CJ McCollum. The experienced shooting guard has established himself as one of the most dependable scorers of his era and has just completed another commendable season with the Pelicans. His proficiency in playing both with and without the ball has significantly contributed to his sustained success, facilitating the Pelicans’ integration of Dejounte Murray.
75. Naz Reid
The current Sixth Man of the Year possesses the capability to be a starter, as evidenced by his performances during the absences of Rudy Gobert or Karl-Anthony Towns. After going undrafted in 2019, he has significantly transformed his physique, enhanced his skills each season, and established himself as one of the premier role players in the league. Reid demonstrates agility that allows him to defend effectively on the perimeter, while also maintaining the strength to secure easy points in the paint. Although it remains uncertain whether he will sustain a 41.4% shooting percentage from beyond the arc, his diverse skill set ensures that his success is not solely dependent on this aspect of his game.
76. Zach LaVine
We only saw LaVine for 25 games last season as he underwent season-ending foot surgery. But when he was healthy, he was among the most efficient scorers in the league. He can make you pay from all three levels but is most dangerous when filling it up from mid-range or attacking the rim. The Bulls were expected to trade him, but he’s back in Chicago with three years and nearly $140 million remaining on his contract after nothing came to fruition.
77. Josh Hart
Is Josh Hart classified as a guard or a forward? “He plays winner,” Steve Kerr remarked during the 2023 FIBA World Cup. This succinct phrase encapsulates the essence of Josh Hart’s impact on the game. The question of whether he is too undersized for a conventional forward role or whether his shooting consistency is lacking becomes irrelevant. He delivers in crucial moments. Josh Hart’s success is evident when it matters most, as he embodies the spirit of a winner. His abilities cannot be reduced to mere statistics, although describing him as an “elite offensive rebounder and transition player who defends multiple positions” provides a solid foundation. Positive outcomes are associated with Josh Hart’s presence on the court. This may stem from his relentless effort or his inherent talent, but ultimately, it culminates in victory.
78. Jerami Grant
The Blazers awarded Grant a five-year, $160 million contract while they were still attempting to optimize their roster around Damian Lillard. However, with the team now entering a rebuilding phase, Grant’s substantial salary no longer aligns with their current strategy. He is undoubtedly a talented player, having averaged 21 points per game with a 40% shooting percentage from beyond the arc last season, complemented by impressive defensive capabilities. The question remains whether the Blazers can secure a trade that is beneficial, given their previous financial commitment to Grant last summer.
79. Austin Reaves
The 2023-24 season was uneven for Austin Reaves. The league-wide shift away from whistles really hurt him — Reaves was an elite mid-range foul grifter during his 2023 ascent. His 3-point shooting regressed to something closer to the mean, and his point-of-attack defense was a problem. But the outline of the sort of player Reaves is going to grow into took shape last season. His best trait offensively is his playmaking. His best trait defensively is chasing shooters. He maximize these traits in a backcourt with D’Angelo Russell. But pair him with a 3-and-D guard that lightens his defensive load and allows him to function as more of a point guard and he’ll take off.
80. Jalen Johnson
Johnson recorded an average of 16 points, eight rebounds, and nearly four assists during the previous season. He is now poised to make a significant leap, potentially entering the realm of fringe All-Star status. His skill set supports this potential, and he will certainly have ample opportunities to showcase it. The Hawks hold him in high regard, which is well-deserved. Reports suggest that he was the only player deemed untouchable by the team this summer. His athleticism allows him to excel in jumping and shooting from long range. Additionally, he possesses strong passing abilities. As a long and athletic defender, he is highly sought after. The key for Johnson is to maintain his health; if he succeeds, his value is likely to increase dramatically.
