ESPN has put out their annual NBA Rank for the 2024-25 season. In it, they predicted who would be the top 100 players for the upcoming season. Here are 10 of the biggest snubs from their list.
Biggest Snubs From ESPN’s NBA Rank 2024-25
Nic Claxton, Brooklyn Nets
Still just 25 years old, Nic Claxton seemed to regress a bit in 2023-24. The previous season, the 6-foot-11 center finished fifth in Most Improved Player and ninth in Defensive Player of the Year voting. He still finished last season eighth in blocks and fifth in field goal percentage last season (was second and first respectively in 2022-23).
Tobias Harris, Detroit Pistons
Over the last few seasons, Tobias Harris has been seen in the light of disappointing, overpaid player. Some may still see him that way after the 32-year-old agreed on a two-year, $52 million deal with Detroit. Harris has been a mostly durable player though that has averaged at least 17 points in six of the last seven seasons.
Jalen Johnson, Atlanta Hawks
It was a breakout third season for Jalen Johnson in 2023-24. The 20th pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, Johnson received well more than double the playing time of 2022-23 and finished with averages of 16.0 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 3.6 assists. With Dejounte Murray being traded to New Orleans, Johnson will likely have an even larger role.
Jonathan Kuminga, Golden State Warriors
Jonathan Kuminga has been a player that fans have wanted to see Steve Kerr give more minutes to. He was in and out of the starting lineup last season and averaged 16.1 points in 26.3 minutes per contest. A more reliable three-point shot would do wonders for the 22-year-old forward.
Kyle Kuzma, Washington Wizards
Yes, Kyle Kuzma plays on a moribund Washington franchise. Yes, many question why he wouldn’t want to be traded to the Mavericks last season. Kuzma is similar to a player like Jerami Grant. Their value would be much more recognized on a better team even as their numbers would inevitably dip.
T.J. McConnell, Indiana Pacers
Now 32 years old, T.J. McConnell is a master at weaving through a defense to get himself or a teammate a shot in close. The Knicks had few answers for McConnell in the 2024 Eastern Conference Semifinals. With a game not necessarily predicated on athleticism, Indiana signed McConnell to a seemingly team-friendly four-year, $44.8 million extension,
Trey Murphy III, New Orleans Pelicans
Entering his fourth season, Trey Murphy III has knocked down 39.2% of his career three-point tries. The 6-foot-8 forward has also become a solid defender that rarely fouls. While he will miss the start of the regular season with a hamstring injury, Murphy III has looked the part of top-100 player the last two seasons.
Collin Sexton, Utah Jazz
Collin Sexton somewhat quietly put together a nice 2023-24 season for the Jazz. In 78 games (51 starts), he posted averages of 18.7 points and 4.9 assists. The 25-year-old guard does an excellent job putting pressure on opposing defenses, resulting in a good amount of free-throw attempts.
Devin Vassell, San Antonio Spurs
Much like Murphy III, Devin Vassell will miss the start of the season (stress reaction in right foot). The 24-year-old shouldn’t be sidelined for a lengthy amount of time though. His fourth NBA season in 2023-24 consisted of numerous career-highs including points (19.5), assists (4.1), and field goal shooting (47.2%).
Ivica Zubac, Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers full-time starting center the last three seasons, Ivica Zubac averaged a career-best 11.7 points per contest. While not a high-usage player on offense, he shot 64.9% from the field last season. Still just 27 years old, Zubac should be entering the prime of his career, and he agreed to a three-year, $58.6 million extension this offseason.
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