With NBA training camps in full swing and the regular season just weeks away, the league is buzzing with optimism. The San Antonio Spurs, for instance, are riding high on last year’s 34-win jump, with newfound veteran leadership and the full clearance of superstar Victor Wembanyama after a scary bout with deep vein thrombosis. But while teams are getting ready for tip-off, a familiar debate is already heating up: the annual player rankings from outlets like ESPN, especially when promising rookies and young sophomores are thrown into the mix.

These lists often prioritize breakout potential and offseason headlines. This year, the list starts from 100 to 51, featuring Spurs guard Stephon Castle at No. 99, marking his debut on the list after an unranked 2024. The No. 4 pick in 2024 started 47 games, notched 26 games with 20-plus points, and became the fourth Spur to win Rookie of the Year, joining David Robinson, Tim Duncan, and Victor Wembanyama. ESPN’s Michael C. Wright noted Castle’s defensive prowess and fantasy projection of 15.8 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 4.4 assists.

NBA Retweet posted on X: “ESPN has ranked Stephon Castle, the reigning ROTY, 99th in the NBA. 😳 Notable players ranked above Castle: • Devin Vassell – 94th • Mitchell Robinson – 92nd • Zach Edey – 88th • Jonas Valanciunas – 87th • Josh Hart – 69th • Paul George – 54th • Cooper Flagg – 52nd”. Cooper Flagg, the Mavericks’ rookie, lands at No. 52, the only rookie listed. ESPN’s Tim MacMahon called Flagg “the most anticipated American prospect since LeBron James,” highlighting his role as a point forward under Jason Kidd. 

Stephon Castle, the reigning Rookie of the Year, averaged 14.7 points and 4.1 assists on 42.8% shooting, leading his class in points with 1,190 points and 74 steals. Cooper Flagg, the No. 1 pick, brings hype as a 6-foot-9 point forward with Wooden Award credentials from Duke, where he averaged 19.2 points and 7.5 rebounds. ESPN’s latest Top 100 list for 2025-26, released today, stirs controversy by placing these young talents in unexpected spots.

Devin Vassell, San Antonio’s second-longest tenured player, lands at No. 94. The sixth-year veteran has averaged up to 19.5 points per game. The list also includes Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg at No. 52, the only rookie ranked, ahead of veterans like Paul George and Zion Williamson. Flagg’s placement draws comparisons to Jason Kidd’s development of Giannis Antetokounmpo as Kidd plans to use the 18-year-old as a point forward on a playoff-aspiring roster.

With De’Aaron Fox acquired at the deadline, Castle’s sophomore leap could build on his versatility, Dylan Harper drafted as No. 2, and Flagg, hailed as the most anticipated American prospect since LeBron James, joins a veteran Mavericks squad with Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving.

Fans react to Cooper Flagg’s ranking 

By placing Cooper Flagg at No. 52, above proven players like Paul George, Zion Williamson, LaMelo Ball at 63rd, Tyler Herro at 68th, Bradley Beal at 86th, and Jrue Holiday at 91st, ESPN has ignited backlash in the basketball community. Fans and analysts decry the perceived injustice to veterans. One user said, “Coop at 52 over proven NBA players? 🤨 what sense that make“. 

One netizen stated, “Ranking hype levels at an all-time high 😅 Let the kid play first!” Flagg’s Duke stats of 19.2 points on 38.5% from three, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists earned him the Wooden Award, joining elites like Kevin Durant and Zion Williamson. His Summer League averages of 20.5 points and 4 assists showcase potential, but critics question ranking him over NBA champions like Draymond Green and Alex Caruso. Stephon Castle’s No. 99 ranking draws similar ire from Spurs fans. A netizen said, “castle way too low he should be top 60“. 

Another Spurs fan echoed, “castle too low”. Minnesota Timberwolves players Jaden McDaniels and Naz Reid also suffer, ranked below Flagg despite Reid’s 14.2 points and Sixth Man award extension. ESPN labels Flagg a “generational talent,” but the list overlooks playoff performers like Myles Turner and Isaiah Hartenstein.

One exclaimed, “Wow this Castle and Devin disrespect!!” Castle’s efficiency, 42.8% field goal, 28.5% from three, needs work, but his defensive impact and 1,190 rookie points merit higher placement, especially above unproven talents.

Cooper Flagg’s arrival is undoubtedly a moment of electric hype, but ESPN’s list is a reminder that there’s a growing disconnect between what the media anoints and what proven players earn. While the NBA’s future is about tantalizing potential, the value of playoff-tested veterans like Paul George and championship-winners like Jrue Holiday remains in the numbers that matter most—the ones in the win column.