N.B.: Jayson Tatum, Tyrese Haliburton, Kyrie Irving, Damian Lillard, DeJounte Murray and Fred VanVleet are not included in this edition of the Top 100 due to serious injuries that cast a shadow over their seasons.
90 - Brandon Miller (Charlotte Hornets) - Down 17 places
It's easy to forget, but it took a certain Victor Wembanyama to prevent the former Alabama star from being drafted No. 1 in 2023. The first season was full of hope, but the second was cut short by injury after 27 games. The third should see him bounce back, because if physical problems prevail, he'll inevitably end up in the bust category.
2024/2025 stats: 21.0 points, 4.9 rebounds, 35.5% shooting
Projection for 2025/2026: 22.0 points per game
89 - Bennedict Mathurin (Indiana Pacers) - NEW ENTRY
The Pacers' sixth man has settled in nicely and is coming off an NBA final. But during the playoffs, while his team put in one outstanding performance after another, his stats and importance dropped unexpectedly.
Consistency is the cornerstone of performance, and that's what the Canadian needs to establish himself as the driving force behind his team, especially in the absence of Tyrese Haliburton.
2024/2025 stats: 16.1 points, 34% three-point percentage
Projection for 2025/2026: Sixth Man of the Year candidate
88 - Miles Bridges (Charlotte Hornets) - NEW ENTRY
Everything has been said about the unpleasant, off-court drama around the Hornet. On the court, however, there's not much to say: a player capable of averaging 20 points on a team in distress.
Charlotte has a lot of capable players offensively, but they're looking for leaders. Is it too much to ask for him to make an impact other than in the press?
2024/2025 stats: 20.3 points, 7.5 rebounds
Projection for 2025/2026: 23.0 points per game, leads Hornets to the playoffs
87 - Andrew Wiggins (Miami Heat) - NEW ENTRY
We tend to forget it, but we're talking about a No. 1 draft pick. Praised for his role in the Warriors' 2022 title win, which earned him an All-Star selection, he hasn't had the same output since.
Now he's been in Miami for a few months, on a team on the downward slope, where he could be a fundamental part of the team. If he raises his game...
2024/2025 stats: 18.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 37.4% three-point percentage
Projections for 2025/2026: 20.0 points per game, 40% three-point percentage
86 - Klay Thompson (Dallas Mavericks) - Down 10 places
It's not the end for Killa Klay yet. But he signed for Dallas to win another title, and the transfer of you-know-who has put the brakes on those ambitions for the time being.
The prevailing slump in Texas has had an impact on Thompson's role, but the Mavs are constantly proclaiming their title ambitions, and for that to happen, he will have to play his part to perfection. And confirm that he is anything but finished.
2024/2025 stats: 14 points, 39.1% three-point percentage
Projection for 2025/2026: 20.0 points per game, 40% three-point percentage
85 - Jrue Holiday (Portland Trail Blazers) - Down 62 places
In the space of four years, the two-time All-Star has become both an indispensable point guard and a bargaining chip. Now he's in Portland to run the shop until prodigy Damian Lillard returns.
He knows how to guide youngsters, but is he still capable of becoming a quality point guard and returning to the level that earned him two stars? We bet he can.
2024/2025 stats: 11.1 points, 3.9 assists
Projection for 2025/2026: 15.0 points, 10.0 assists per game
84 - De'Andre Ayton (Los Angeles Lakers) - Up 3 places
It's easy to forget, but we're talking about a No. 1 draft pick. Except that after reaching the NBA Finals in three years, he has done nothing but disappoint.
Dumped by Portland, he has a prime rebounding opportunity with the Lakers, where he will be fed by two of the best passers in the world. All the same, it looks very much like a last chance...
2024/2025 stats: 14.4 points, 10.2 rebounds
Projection for 2025/2026: 20.0 points per game, 13.0 rebounds per game
83 - Michael Porter Jr. (Brooklyn Nets) - Down 6 places
We tend to forget it, but we're talking about a player who was once projected No. 1 in the draft. The famous 'third man' of the Nuggets' title in 2023 has never really confirmed that status over the last two seasons, nor his contract, although he has not shown any signs of a jump in his game.
This prompted Denver to part with him in exchange for a cheaper version. Now he's in Brooklyn, in a team undergoing reconstruction, where he'll surely be putting in his 20 points a game. But is he capable of better leadership?
2024/2025 stats: 18.2 points, 7 rebounds, 39.5% three-point percentage
Projection for 2025/2026: 20.0 points per game, 40% three-point percentage, Nets' No. 1 asset
82 - Daniel Gafford (Dallas Mavericks) - Up 8 places
A valuable, reliable player who, unlike his team, earns his place without making any noise. This season, it will be time to test the combination with Anthony Davis and Cooper Flagg, in which he can clearly shine.
Provided he stays on his feet, as his start to the season will be delayed by a bad ankle. But his shooting percentage makes him a blind menace.
2024/2025 stats: 12.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 70.2% shooting.
Projection for 2025/2026: 15.0 points per game, 75.0% shooting
81 - Jaden McDaniels (Minnesota Timberwolves) - Up 15 places
A somewhat frustrating player with undeniable potential who remains one of the best man-to-man defenders in the NBA.
But we're inevitably asking for more, especially as he plays for one of the major teams in the terrible Western Conference. It's in attack that he absolutely must assert himself, to become the perfect complement to Edwards and Randle. All that's left to do is to do it.
2024/2025 stats: 12.7 points, 5.7 rebounds
Projection for 2025/2026: 18.0 points per game, Defensive Player of the Year candidate