ESPN recently put out their annual list predicting the top 100 NBA players for the upcoming season. Just like any subjective list, ESPN’s list is never without controversial placements. There are players who appear to be ranked far too high or far too low. From young up-and-coming players to aging veterans, ESPN’s list offers an all-encompassing look at the league as it currently stands. Additionally, ESPN’s list always acts as a bit of fuel to the ever-burning fire of healthy NBA debate.
For the 2024-2025 iteration of ESPN’s list, the Chicago Bulls have two representatives. That is a drop off from last year’s list, which featured three Bulls players (Nikola Vucevic at #75, DeMar DeRozan at #39, and Zach LaVine at #38). In this year’s list, Coby White and LaVine are the only two players holding it down for the Windy City. Generally speaking, I do think it’s a bit greedy to claim that a team coming off a 10th place finish in their respective conference, and a below .500 record, is deserving of more than two top 100 players. In the case of the Bulls, due to one specific incoming player, I do believe they are the exception. Below I will be debating the rankings of both White and LaVine. I also making the case for Josh Giddey to be included somewhere within the top 100.
Two Bulls Find their Way Onto ESPN’s Top 100 Players List
Zach LaVine: ESPN Rank #74
Following a significant injury, LaVine is clearly being penalized for his lack of availability last year. For a player of LaVine’s caliber, there’s just no other explanation or justification for LaVine falling from #38 to #74 on ESPN’s list. While it’s understandable to hold LaVine accountable for his lack of availability last year, ESPN’s list is supposed to be a projection of what is to come during the upcoming year. And I think it’s fair to assert that a healthy LaVine is far better than the 74th best player in the world. LaVine is still just 29 years old. While he may no longer ‘fit’ necessarily on the current version of the Bulls, he’s still a heck of a talented player.
If Zach LaVine is back to full health, which all indications suggest, there’s no reason to believe he’s no longer an All-Star level talent. His team and situation may prevent him from being viewed in that light, or receiving that level of acclaim. The fact remains, LaVine is still a star in this league. Despite LaVine’s career trajectory taking a downward turn last year, it wasn’t long ago—back in 2022-2023—that he was a healthy supplier of nearly 25/5/5 a night. A slight drop in LaVine’s ranking is understandable. Being placed below players like Jalen Green (69), Brandon Miller (68), and Malik Monk (65), feels a bit drastic. For my money, LaVine would feel much more accurately ranked within the #70-60 range.
Coby White: ESPN Rank #58
After a second-place finish in last season’s Most Improved Player of the Year, White finds himself on ESPN’s top 100 players list. After not making the list for the first five years of his career, White lands all the way at #58. White’s high ranking is understandable given his breakout 2023-24 campaign. He established himself as not only a rotation-worthy player, but a starter with potential star upside. White’s ranking reflects that of an up-and-coming player who is recognized around the league as a true difference maker.
With all that being said, White’s ranking still feels a bit optimistic. White is undoubtedly a player on the rise. The strong averages he put up last year—19.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 4.5 assists— are impressive. Even if his usage continues to increase, and his scoring average climbs into the mid-20s, he still feels slightly overrated at #58. White showed last year that he had another gear to his game. He showed that he was not just a heat-check off the bench scorer, but a player capable of much more. In order to justify ranking ahead of players like Draymond Green (66), and Desmond Bane (60), White will have to show that he has yet another gear in his game. For my money, White would feel much more accurately ranked within the #65-60 range.
The Case for Josh Giddey
Giddey, who was flipped for Alex Caruso (#59 on ESPN’s list in his own right), deserves to be the third member of the Bulls within the top 100. Coming off a disappointing season, Giddey averaged career-lows of 12.3 points, 4.8 assists, and 6.4 rebounds. He also played a career-low 25.1 mpg. Giddey’s slight step back in production had more to do with the direction of the Thunder, than Giddey actually regressing from a skills standpoint. Giddey remains limited by a less than spectacular outside jumper. He is still a dominant and dynamic playmaker. As a member of the Bulls, his skill set should be much more of a fit.
Still just 21 years of age, Giddey’s best years remain ahead of him. Despite Giddey falling out of favor in Oklahoma City, his career trajectory is still firmly pointing upwards. Fairly healthy throughout the majority of his career, don’t be surprised if Giddey is one of Billy Donovan’s most reliable players. He could return to being a regular triple-double threat. A player as dependable as Giddey should have no trouble finding his way into the top 100 players. He could have replaced an aging veteran player like Mike Conley (98) or Jonas Valanciunas (91). Giddey should be featured in next year’s list, no questions asked. I believe he will find himself within the top 80 of next year’s list.
