The annual Top 100 NBA player rankings have become a tradition here at CBS Sports. The 2024-25 version of the list went live on Tuesday morning.
One of the most interesting parts of the process is looking back at last year’s rankings and seeing which players moved the most in either direction. That’s what we’re breaking out here: The 10 biggest risers and fallers from the 2023-24 list to the 2024-25 list.
Reminder, these rankings reflect an aggregate projection of how players will perform this upcoming season. There’s some educated guesswork involved. We’re not just looking at last season and ranking on known quantities. Rookies are eligible for the list, though none made the cut this year.
Last year, three rookies made the list: Victor Wembanayma, Chet Holmgren, and Scoot Henderson. Two of them were sensational in their first NBA campaign, and we collectively project both Wembanyama and Holmgren to be significantly better in Year 2 – as reflected by the combined 84 spots they jumped on this year’s list. With that in mind, let’s get to the 10 biggest risers and fallers from last season to this season.
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Biggest risers
1. Victor Wembanyama: +46 (58 to 12)
Wembanyama catapults 46 spots to just outside the top 10, and for good reason: After the All-Star break, Wembanyama averaged 23.5 points, 12 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 4.5 blocks, and 1.5 steals per game. I can’t imagine you’ll be surprised to hear no one has ever done that for a full season. No one has even come close. If you trim every one of those numbers by 10%, it’s still only been done once… by peak Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
As a reminder, Wembanyama was a rookie. He was playing on a team that was built to lose. We’re not just talking about the next great NBA player here. We’re talking about the sort of player this sport has never seen, the next step in its evolution. He is the ultimate marriage of size and skill, the culmination of everything this sport has been building towards for the past decade. What’s scariest about that absurd post-break stat line isn’t how great it is, but how underwhelming it’s going to look in comparison. In all likelihood, that’s the worst he’s going to be for a long, long time. It might be 15 years before we post another one of these lists that has him outside of the top 10. — Sam Quinn
T2. Chet Holmgren, Thunder: +38 (68 to 30)
The delayed debut for Holmgren, who jumps 38 spots on this year’s top 100, was well worth the wait, as he fit seamlessly into an Oklahoma City team built for sustained success through at least the next decade. He’s 7-foot-1 and yet has the handle of a guard. He can drain a 3-pointer just as simple as he can back someone down in the paint. He has already established himself as one of the best rim protectors in the league, with a knack for perfectly timing blocks, something we rarely see out of players his age. Holmgren is on a career trajectory to be a mainstay at the All-Star Game, as well as a frequenter of end-of-season awards ballots like All-NBA and All-Defense. — Jasmyn Wimbish
T2. Alperen Sengun, Rockets +38 (85 to 47)
Sengun matches Holmgren’s 38-spot leap into the top 50. His breakout season was cut short, but he still did enough to finish third for Most Improved Player. Sengun is often compared to Nikola Jokic, primarily because his court vision and passing echo that of the three-time MVP. But he’s his own player, one that Houston should see as a building block for its future. Sengun’s strength and finesse around the rim make it difficult to defend him when he catches the ball on the move. He’s also a great rebounder and puts teammates in the right spot for easy shots. Statistically speaking, his first three years are on par with what Jokic did, and while he may not be on the perennial MVP trajectory, it’s always a positive when you’re mentioned in the same company as a future Hall of Famer. — Jasmyn Wimbish
4. Tyrese Maxey, 76ers: +36 (60 to 24)
After James Harden’s departure, Maxey stepped into the No. 2 role in Philadelphia last season and made the leap from exciting young prospect to All-Star. For his efforts, he was rewarded with the Most Improved Player award. It will be interesting to see how Maxey’s role changes, if at all, with Paul George’s arrival. The great news for the Sixers is he has the on-and-off-ball skills to easily scale up and down depending on the situation. In fact, he may even be best as a slightly overqualified No. 3 option given his elite catch-and-shoot numbers (44.4% last season). — Jack Maloney
5. Brandon Miller, Hornets: +35 (NR to 66)
Miller didn’t crack our top 100 coming into his rookie season, and all he did was average 17 PPG on 37% 3-point shooting. Miller doesn’t turn 22 until November, and he showed as a rookie that he was ready for everything the Hornets threw at him. He often guarded the opposing team’s top perimeter player, and, with LaMelo Ball out for most of the season and Terry Rozier traded in January, he often functioned as Charlotte’s primary playmaker. The 6-foot-7 wing profiles as a franchise cornerstone, a guy who can create for himself and others and credibly defend multiple positions. — James Herbert Jalen Suggs of the Magic had a significant improvement, moving up by 31 spots to reach number 70. His defensive prowess kept him on the court despite offensive struggles, and his shooting percentages improved last season. While he may not fulfill the point guard role as hoped, his skills as a shooting guard and elite defender make him a valuable player for the team.
Coby White from the Bulls also saw a jump of 30 spots to reach number 71. He showed remarkable improvement from his previous seasons, becoming the starting point guard for Chicago and increasing his scoring efficiency. His ability to score inside and outside, along with improvements in passing and rebounding, contributed to his rise in the rankings.
Jalen Williams of the Thunder made a notable leap of 28 spots to reach number 37. His performance stats were compared to Kevin Durant’s, showcasing his scoring abilities. While not yet a superstar, Williams has the potential to become an All-Star with his scoring, shooting, playmaking, and defensive skills.
Isaiah Hartenstein of the Thunder also climbed 28 spots to reach number 73. Known for his defensive abilities and rebounding, his scoring range and reliability make him a valuable asset to the team. His floater shot adds versatility to the Thunder’s offense, especially in critical moments.
Derrick White of the Celtics moved up 26 spots to reach number 36. His versatility and role-playing skills have made him an essential player for the team. White’s ability to contribute on both ends of the floor, along with his impressive stats in assists, blocks, and three-point shooting, showcase his value as a top player.
On the other hand, Andrew Wiggins of the Warriors saw a significant drop of 53 spots, falling off the rankings. He has faced personal challenges off the court, which may have impacted his performance. If he can return to his previous form, he has the potential to reclaim a spot in the top 100.
Josh Giddey of the Bulls also experienced a decline of 40 spots, dropping off the rankings. However, his skills with the ball in his hands suggest that he could bounce back if given the opportunity to showcase his talent in Chicago.
Brook Lopez of the Bucks fell 38 spots to number 88. Known for his unique skill set as a rim-protecting center who can shoot threes, Lopez’s contributions on both ends of the floor make him a valuable asset to the team. The 3-point shooting prowess of the player fluctuates, but his versatility inside the arc forces defenses to adapt to his game regardless of his shooting efficiency. While he may not excel in grabbing rebounds himself, his strategic positioning and ability to box out effectively make him a valuable asset as a team rebounder. Widely sought after by many teams, he remains with the Bucks as he enters his 36th season, albeit dropping in our Top 100 list.
Marcus Smart, now with the Grizzlies, has experienced a decline in ranking due to injuries limiting his playing time last season. However, he is expected to reclaim his status as one of the premier perimeter defenders in the league now that he is healthy. His return to the court will be crucial for the Grizzlies as they aim to compete in the competitive Western Conference.
Zach LaVine, despite a drop in ranking, remains a potent scorer known for his efficiency on the court. His ability to score from various areas makes him a threat, especially when attacking the mid-range or driving to the basket. Despite trade rumors, LaVine remains with the Bulls, showcasing his scoring prowess.
Klay Thompson, transitioning to the Mavericks, continues to be a sharpshooter even in a challenging season. His return to form after a lengthy absence has been gradual, but his shooting abilities remain top-notch. With four championships under his belt, Thompson embarks on a new chapter in Dallas, hoping to make a significant impact.
Bradley Beal, now part of the Suns, faced skepticism over his trade due to concerns about his health and defensive capabilities. However, his efficient performance last season on a winning team highlights his scoring prowess and versatility on the court. Beal’s impact on the Suns raises questions about the team’s potential with him in the lineup.
Chris Paul, now with the Spurs, has seen a decline in his ranking as his career progresses. Despite his diminishing skills, Paul’s experience and leadership are valuable assets for a young team like the Spurs. His mentorship and on-court contributions are expected to benefit the team as they navigate the season.
Malcolm Brogdon’s ranking dropped due to uncertainties surrounding his health and potential trade rumors. The Wizards’ player’s status as a top-100 player hinges on his ability to stay healthy and contribute effectively on the court. Brogdon’s role with the team remains uncertain, raising questions about his future in the league.
Draymond Green, a key player for the Warriors, has experienced a decline in ranking as his playing style evolves. Known for his defensive prowess, Green’s offensive skills have improved, with an impressive shooting percentage from beyond the arc. His ability to impact both ends of the court makes him a valuable asset for the Warriors as they navigate the season. content in your own words.