Biggest snubs from ESPN’s 2024-25 NBA rankings

ESPN has released its annual NBA rankings for the 2024-25 season. In it they predicted who the 100 best players would be in the coming season. Here are 10 of the biggest snubs from their list.

Biggest snubs from ESPN’s 2024-25 NBA rankings

Nic Claxton, Brooklyn Nets

Nic Claxton may only be 25 years old, but he appeared to take a slight step backwards in 2023-24. Last season, the 1.80 meter tall center took fifth place in the Most Improved Player category and ninth place in the Defensive Player of the Year voting. He still finished last season eighth in blocks and fifth in field goal percentage (he was second and first, respectively, in 2022-23).

Tobias Harris, Detroit Pistons

In recent seasons, Tobias Harris has been considered a disappointing, overpaid player. Some may still see him that way after the 32-year-old agreed to a two-year, $52 million deal with Detroit. However, Harris has been a mostly durable player, averaging at least 17 points in six of the last seven seasons.

Jalen Johnson, Atlanta Hawks

It was a breakthrough third season for Jalen Johnson in 2023-24. The 20th pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, Johnson received well over double the playing time in 2022-23, finishing with averages of 16.0 points, 8.7 rebounds and 3.6 assists. With Dejounte Murray being traded to New Orleans, Johnson will likely play an even larger role.

Jonathan Kuminga, Golden State Warriors

Jonathan Kuminga was a player that fans would have liked Steve Kerr to get more minutes for. 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 is playing in a dying Washington franchise. Yes, many are wondering why he didn’t want to be traded to the Mavericks last season. Kuzma resembles a player like Jerami Grant. Their value would be much more recognized on a better team, even if their numbers would inevitably decline.

TJ McConnell, Indiana Pacers

Now 32, TJ McConnell is a master at weaving through a defense to get himself or a teammate a close shot. The Knicks had few answers for McConnell in the 2024 Eastern Conference semifinals. With the game not necessarily focused 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 three-point attempts. The 1.90 meter tall striker has also developed into a solid defender who rarely commits fouls. Although he will miss the start of the regular season due to a hamstring injury, Murphy III has appeared to be a top-100 player over the past two seasons.

Collin Sexton, Utah Jazz

Collin Sexton has somewhat quietly put together a nice 2023-24 season for the Jazz. In 78 games (51 starts), he averaged 18.7 points and 4.9 assists. The 25-year-old guard does an excellent job of putting pressure on the opposing defense, which leads to numerous free throw attempts.

Devin Vassell, San Antonio Spurs

Similar to Murphy III, Devin Vassell will miss the start of the season (right foot stress reaction). However, the 24-year-old should not be sidelined for a long time. His fourth NBA season in 2023-24 included numerous career highs, including points (19.5), assists (4.1) and field goal attempts (47.2%).

Ivica Zubac, Los Angeles Clippers

Ivica Zubac, the Clippers’ full-time starting center for the past three seasons, averaged a career-best 11.7 points per game. Although he is not a high effort player on offense, he shot 64.9% from the field last season. At just 27 years old, Zubac is expected to be in the prime of his career, and this offseason he agreed to a three-year contract extension worth $58.6 million.