NBA high 100 gamers: Brandin Podziemski amongst 5 second-year gamers who can soar into subsequent yr's rankings

Our CBS Sports NBA Top 100 player rankings got here out this week, and we have analyzed the record in a number of alternative ways. From who had been the biggest risers and fallers, the highest 10 gamers 22 and under, in addition to the highest gamers 35 and older. 

Whereas the 2024-25 High 100 continues to be contemporary in our minds, it already has us interested by subsequent yr’s record and who has the potential to leap into the rankings. Particularly taking a look at some incoming sophomores who might make the leap into our rankings. 

Our record already options Victor Wembanyama, Chet Holmgren, Brandon Miller and Dereck Lively II, who confirmed us sufficient of their rookie season for us to assume they’re worthy of constructing the High 100. However listed here are a number of extra names — listed in no explicit order — from the 2023 NBA Draft who, relying on how the upcoming season goes, may very effectively see their identify within the High 100 subsequent yr.

You may make a case for Podziemski to make this yr’s High 100, however he ended up coming in at No. 102 on our record, so he simply missed the lower. However the stars are aligning for Podz to be on the High 100 subsequent yr. Klay Thompson’s departure to the Mavericks leaves a gap on the second guard spot subsequent to Stephen Curry, and the Warriors expect Podziemski to fill it. 

Podziemski had a standout rookie marketing campaign, showcasing his capability as a shot creator, one thing Golden State desperately must take a number of the weight off Curry’s again. He assaults mismatches and might take bigs one-on-one to the rim, whereas he also can spot up within the nook for a 3-pointer. Podziemski isn’t the shooter Thompson is, however he is extra versatile on offense than Thompson. He was extremely environment friendly in scoring final season, however the huge query will likely be if he can keep that effectivity whereas mainly doubling his manufacturing. 

Given the rookie season Henderson had, it could in all probability take fairly a bit for him to leap into the High 100. Nevertheless it’s not out of the realm of risk for him to do a whole 180 and get on this record. There have been definitely some lows from Henderson’s first yr, however he additionally confirmed flashes of why he was third off the board within the 2023 draft. His athleticism is off the charts, and he has the velocity to get previous guys to the rim. There is a motive he drew comparisons to Russell Westbrook previous to the draft.

However Henderson’s going to wish to enhance vastly on the subject of his effectivity, choice making and reducing down on turnovers. He will get to the rim, however as soon as there, his ending price is extremely low, and also you’d hope that improves as he will get extra expertise. The identical goes for turnovers and decision-making. These are all components of improvement for a younger participant, and if we see these developments in a giant approach, Henderson may very well be within the High 100 subsequent yr.

The Warmth threw the gambit at Jaquez and he handed with flying colours — or at the least one of the best you may hope for a rookie. He began when Jimmy Butler was injured, got here off the bench and led the second unit in scoring, stood within the nook to knock down 3s, and was at the least a mean defender on the perimeter to offer sufficient resistance to larger guards making an attempt to get by him. Jaquez was a chameleon for a Warmth staff that wanted him to suit into a number of completely different roles based mostly on accidents.

Jaquez will in all probability fill the identical position this season, that of a Swiss Military Knife, except accidents or any main trades occur for the Warmth. The place he may enhance is his consistency in 3-point capturing. Jaquez had actually scorching stretches, like when he shot 39.2% from deep over 15 video games in November. However there have been additionally longer chilly stretches, like from January to March, the place he shot 25.8% from past the arc. Jaquez is not a quantity 3-point shooter, however turning into extra dependable from there would open up the extra thrilling a part of his sport, which is attacking closeouts and driving to the rim with nice confidence and power.

Wallace had a season that may very well be characterised as forward of schedule, which falls proper in step with a Thunder staff that gave the impression to be in that very same class as they completed with the No. 1 seed within the West. His offensive position was restricted, primarily getting used as a catch-and-shoot 3-point menace, the place he compelled opposing groups to defend him past the arc, as he shot almost 42% from deep. 

Wallace was used sparingly on offense, however when he was known as upon to knock down a shot, he delivered at a excessive price, and that is all you’ll be able to ask for. The place Wallace actually excelled was on protection, the place he grew to become more and more essential within the playoffs. Wallace truly contained Kyrie Irving, making life troublesome for a man who has one of many craftiest handles within the league. If that is the place to begin for Wallace on protection, and if he is additionally capable of develop extra as a playmaker, then I would be extremely stunned to not discover him amongst the High 100 subsequent yr. 

Thompson’s sure to make common appearances on All-Defensive groups sooner or later. Who is aware of, perhaps he’ll make one subsequent season! No, actually, he is that good defensively. Thompson has a novel mixture of measurement, velocity, athleticism, and power. I am positive you’ve got heard that about all wings who’re 6’7 and have an identical construct and talent, however actually, there aren’t many guys who can observe down a block the way in which Thompson does. Or defend with such nice fundamentals and anticipation to deflect passes, or typically be disruptive in the way in which Thompson is.

The one flaw, or moderately dim spot in an in any other case beaming rookie marketing campaign, is Thompson’s capturing. He shot 13.8% from 3-point vary, however he additionally tried simply 58 3s final season. That is not his sport, however he will must develop at the least a serviceable shot from there with the intention to maintain defenders sincere. He can bully his solution to the rim, and he is such an elite athlete that his finishes depart you in awe. However that turns into more and more troublesome when opposing groups are loading the paint, daring you to shoot. But when Thompson improves as a shooter, whereas additionally projecting to be an elite defender, then he’ll discover his approach on the High 100.

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