Warriors dominate SI’s top-100 list

With a month left until the 2017-18 NBA season begins, it’s officially the time of year to rank players. Ranking players is a slightly silly exercise, and one that angers nearly every fan base, but it’s also a lot of fun.

Of course, if you’re a fan of the Golden State Warriors, and get the pleasure of having your favorite players crowd the top of every list, then it’s even more fun. Enjoy it, folks – it won’t last forever.

After ESPN put five Warriors in its top-50, Sports Illustrated unveiled its player rankings, with virtually identical results. While the two publications saw the rest of the league in dramatically different lights, both saw the Dubs nearly the same.

Kevin Durant and Draymond Green earned the same rankings in both lists, 2^nd and 10^th respectively. SI had Stephen Curry rising one spot, to 3^rd, while Klay Thompson fell one spot, to 20^th. Andre Iguodala rounded out Golden State’s contingency, earning a ranking of 46^th, three spots lower than ESPN listed him.

It’s shocking how quickly change comes in this league. Three years ago, SI made its list prior to the first season of the Steve Kerr era. That year, Andrew Bogut was ranked 65^th, David Lee 60^th, Klay 54^th, Iguodala (projected to still be a starter) 29^th, and Curry 8^th. Draymond was nowhere to be found, and Durant, while still ranked 2^nd, was wearing a different team’s jersey.

It will be interesting to see how the Warriors populate these lists in a year or two. Will they continue rising, or will there be regression? Will names such as Patrick McCaw and Jordan Bell join the ranks?

Only time will tell. For now, let’s enjoy the riches we so fortunately have.