3 NBA players disrespected in recent top 100 rankings

ESPN recently released its NBA top 100 player rankings, a list it releases annually before the season. The list is filled with superstar talent from across the league.

The ranking included first-time entries, as well as players who have become accustomed to being mentioned on the list. But some players also saw significant drops in their rankings, whether it was justifiable or not. Here are three players who were the most disrespected in this year’s rankings.

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Jalen Williams — No. 25

Jun 22, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams (8) reacts after a play against the Indiana Pacers during the second half of game seven of the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

Jalen Williams missed a majority of the 2025-26 NBA season with wrist and hamstring injuries. Prior to that season, ESPN had Williams listed as the 11th-best player in the league. His limited playing time caused him to drop 14 spots. When Williams was on the court, he looked like the same two-way player who played a key role in the Thunder’s championship run.

Yet ESPN has one of his counterparts, Chet Holmgren, listed above him, along with several other players who could be considered less deserving. The ranking can’t be solely due to his unavailability because ESPN ranked Jayson Tatum at No. 9 despite him missing a majority of the season as well.

Paolo Banchero — No. 36

ESPN ranked Paolo Banchero at No. 36, 13 spots lower than the previous year. Banchero is entering his fifth season in the league with the Orlando Magic after posting impressive numbers. The 23-year-old averaged 22 points, eight rebounds, and five assists last season while leading the Magic to the playoffs.

In spite of his impressive season, ESPN chose to list numerous players above him. Jalen Duren, Amen Thompson, Evan Mobley and Cooper Flagg were all ranked above the former No. 1 overall pick.

LeBron James — No. 18

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) m Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

ESPN had LeBron James listed as the 18th-best player in the league, an extremely high ranking for a 41-year-old. But is it high enough?LeBron is entering Year 24 in the NBA, this time in new threads as he joins the Philadelphia 76ers. Philadelphia is loaded with talent, and it could be the first time in LeBron’s career where he might be the third option.

Regardless, LeBron is coming off a season where he averaged 21 points, six rebounds, and seven assists while taking a step back in the Lakers’ offense. By LeBron’s standards, those numbers aren’t great, but they are still All-Star-level statistics.ESPN ranked Scottie Barnes, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Kevin Durant all above LeBron. LeBron isn’t a top-10 player anymore, but there aren’t 17 players who are more impactful.

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