Overview

• ESPN released its 2025–26 NBA Rank for players 100–51, placing Spurs guard Stephon Castle at No. 99 and teammate Devin Vassell at No. 94.
• Top draft pick Cooper Flagg debuted at No. 52 as the only rookie in this tranche, with ESPN’s Tim MacMahon calling him the most anticipated American prospect since LeBron James.
• Social media reaction focused on Flagg’s positioning ahead of established names such as Paul George and Zion Williamson, and some Spurs fans argued Castle was underranked.
• ESPN’s Kevin Pelton outlined likely newcomers to next year’s top 100, highlighting prospects and young players including Dylan Harper and Donovan Clingan.
• Pelton also noted significant volatility in the rankings, with 25 players in this year’s top 100 who were unranked a year ago.