ESPN's Top 100 ranking features five Milwaukee Bucks, including one at the top spot

The new kid on the block is Bobby Portis. The 28-year-old was unranked in the Top 100 last season, and the fact that he’s now listed at No. 81 speaks volumes of the pivotal role he will play for Milwaukee this term.

According to ESPN, this could be the year that Portis wins the coveted Sixth Man title. Milwaukee lost depth when they traded for Damian Lillard, which means that they could lean on Portis more in the second unit.

Brook Lopez, Khris Middleton, Damian Lillard All in Top 100

Next up on the list is center Brook Lopez, who has been deemed the 69th-best player in the NBA for 2023-24. Jrue Holiday’s departure further emphasizes Lopez’s rim protection down low, and he too could be in for a big year for the Bucks.

Khris Middleton comes in at No. 46, which some might consider to be a bit low considering what the three-time All-Star has done over the past few years. Unfortunately for him, these past couple of seasons have also seen him sit out significantly due to injury, which is why he will need to prove himself (and his health) this season.

New Bucks recruit Damian Lillard just falls short of the Top 10. He will settle for the 14th spot, which is the same ranking he got last season. Depending on how you view it, the fact that he’s still No. 14 now that he’s teamed up with Giannis could be a good or a bad thing.

Giannis Is Still No. 1

It’s not a complete shock that Antetokounmpo is ranked as the top player in the NBA yet again. Then again, you have to note that he bettered No. 2-ranked player Nikola Jokic “by one of the slimmest margins in NBA rank history.”

Giannis is still the top dog, but it’s Jokic who’s going to be defending a title. I’m pretty sure Antetokounmpo would love to switch places with the Denver Nuggets superstar if given the opportunity.