NBA top 100 2024-2025 illustration
NBA top 100 2024-2025 illustration
1 min
The Washington Post’s Top 100 list projects the premier NBA talents for the 2024-25 season. The rankings, compiled by national NBA writer Ben Golliver, are meant to assess each player’s relative value without regard to his specific role or teammates.
Among the factors considered: last year’s performance, current health status, injury history, age, consistency, contributions to winning, ability to make teammates better, off-court concerns and postseason performance. Each player’s traditional per-game statistics, advanced metrics and offensive and defensive impact were included in the assessment. Salary, expected earning power and projected growth or decline beyond the 2024-25 season were not considered.
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All rookies were excluded. Players who are sidelined to open the season — such as Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard and Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis — have had their rankings adjusted to account for their absences. Stats shown are from the 2023-24 season, and the smaller boxes indicate changes from last season’s rankings.
Rankings were set Oct. 20. Ages are as of Oct. 22, opening night.
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100
NEW
Jonathan Kuminga
PF, Golden State Warriors
Age
22
PPG
RPG
APG
2.2
The path has finally cleared for Kuminga to prove his formidable athletic gifts can translate into positive two-way impact.
99
NEW
Miles Bridges
PF, Charlotte Hornets
Age
26
PPG
21
RPG
7.3
APG
3.3
Though Bridges was productive in his return from a lengthy domestic violence suspension, his reputation may never recover.
98
↓40
Klay Thompson
SF, Dallas Mavericks
Age
34
PPG
RPG
APG
2.3
An offseason move should help the three-point specialist escape the long shadow cast by his achievements in the Bay Area.
97
↓12
Tobias Harris
PF, Detroit Pistons
Age
32
PPG
17.2
RPG
APG
The veteran forward needed a fresh start after his highly criticized 76ers tenure ended with the worst postseason run of his career.
96
↓18
Jerami Grant
PF, Portland Trail Blazers
Age
30
PPG
21
RPG
APG
2.8
Grant’s summer vacation always begins in April because he lacks the vision and force to carry a good offense.
95
NEW
Jabari Smith Jr.
PF, Houston Rockets
Age
21
PPG
RPG
APG
The 2022 lottery pick would fit in any team context, but he must learn to bend the game to his will.
94
↓19
Kyle Kuzma
PF, Washington Wizards
Age
29
PPG
RPG
APG
4.2
Washington's lack of talent has left Kuzma miscast as the No. 1 option when he is really a third scorer.
93
NEW
Josh Hart
SG, New York Knicks
Age
29
PPG
9.4
RPG
8.3
APG
4.1
During the 2024 playoffs, the scrappy 6-foot-4 wing was the only player besides Nikola Jokic to average 10-plus rebounds in 10-plus games.
92
↓37
Deandre Ayton
C, Portland Trail Blazers
Age
26
PPG
RPG
APG
1.6
Portland needed far more than empty-calorie production from Ayton, who was ill-equipped to serve as a leader on a rebuilding team.
91
↓15
Nikola Vucevic
C, Chicago Bulls
Age
33
PPG
18
RPG
APG
Though Vucevic remains a double-double machine, he has lost ground on more modern centers who can shoot threes and block shots.
90
NEW
Malik Monk
SG, Sacramento Kings
Age
26
PPG
RPG
APG
5.1
This keep-it-simple bucket-getter has emerged as a perennial sixth man of the year candidate since his 2022 arrival in Sacramento.
89
NEW
Collin Sexton
SG, Utah Jazz
Age
25
PPG
18.7
RPG
2.6
APG
4.9
The scoring-minded guard has proved to be a more willing distributor in his two seasons with the rebuilding Jazz.
88
↓14
Nic Claxton
C, Brooklyn Nets
Age
25
PPG
RPG
9.9
APG
2.1
The last man standing after Brooklyn's messy overhaul is a defensive lynchpin who excels at blocking shots.
87
NEW
Brandon Miller
SF, Charlotte Hornets
Age
21
PPG
RPG
APG
The 2023 No. 2 pick arrived as a ready-made perimeter scorer, but he must show progress as a downhill threat, rebounder and distributor.
86
↑6
Keegan Murray
PF, Sacramento Kings
Age
24
PPG
RPG
APG
1.7
Elevating from solid starter to true standout will require Murray to consistently put pressure on the rim.
85
NEW
Jalen Johnson
SF, Atlanta Hawks
Age
22
PPG
16
RPG
8.7
APG
3.6
What a come up: Two years after Johnson took fewer than five shots per game, he enters this season as Trae Young's sidekick.
84
↑11
Jalen Green
SG, Houston Rockets
Age
22
PPG
19.6
RPG
5.2
APG
3.5
The 2021 No. 2 pick looks like a lost cause one month and a future franchise player the next.
83
NEW
Devin Vassell
SG, San Antonio Spurs
Age
24
PPG
19.5
RPG
3.8
APG
4.1
Vassell has developed into an exciting backcourt scorer, though his playmaking for others still leaves a lot to be desired.
82
↓15
Marcus Smart
SG, Memphis Grizzlies
Age
30
PPG
RPG
2.7
APG
4.3
The 2022 defensive player of the year should be fully motivated after watching the Celtics win a title without him.
81
NEW
Lu Dort
SG, Oklahoma City Thunder
Age
25
PPG
10.9
RPG
3.6
APG
1.4
The chronically underrated Dort is a brick wall defender with quick hands, quicker feet and every trick in the book.
80
↑1
Anfernee Simons
PG, Portland Trail Blazers
Age
25
PPG
22.6
RPG
3.6
APG
5.5
Simons’s gifts as a scorer would create more buzz if he could feign interest on the defensive end and put together a complete season.
79
NEW
Donte DiVincenzo
SG, Minnesota Timberwolves
Age
27
PPG
15.5
RPG
3.7
APG
2.7
The much-improved shooter will join his fifth team in five seasons fresh off a career year with the Knicks.
78
NEW
RJ Barrett
SF, Toronto Raptors
Age
24
PPG
RPG
5.4
APG
3.3
The Raptors desperately need the serviceable Canadian wing to become a star, but odds are he continues to leave everyone wanting more.
77
↓4
CJ McCollum
SG, New Orleans Pelicans
Age
33
PPG
20
RPG
4.3
APG
4.6
Despite a feathery shooting touch that has aged well, the undersized McCollum will soon be ready for his sixth man era.
76
↑10
D'Angelo Russell
PG, Los Angeles Lakers
Age
28
PPG
18
RPG
3.1
APG
6.3
Russell's annual disappearing acts in the playoffs have obscured the progress he has made fitting in next to the Lakers' superstars.
75
↓5
Trey Murphy III
SF, New Orleans Pelicans
Age
24
PPG
14.8
RPG
4.9
APG
2.2
Murphy, a big wing with bounce and range, seems poised for a breakthrough season if he can shake off pesky health problems.
74
↑17
Jaden McDaniels
SF, Minnesota Timberwolves
Age
24
PPG
10.5
RPG
3.1
APG
1.4
While disruptive defense is his calling card, McDaniels's timely scoring contributions were crucial to Minnesota's playoff success.
73
↓19
Austin Reaves
SG, Los Angeles Lakers
Age
26
PPG
15.9
RPG
4.3
APG
5.5
While Reaves gets targeted on defense, he brings enough offensively on and off the ball to be a quality third option for a winner.
72
↑10
Immanuel Quickley
PG, Toronto Raptors
Age
25
PPG
17
RPG
3.8
APG
4.9
The Raptors made a $175 million bet that Quickley will be the two-way guard capable of leading their push back to relevance.
71
NEW
Jalen Suggs
PG, Orlando Magic
Age
23
PPG
12.6
RPG
3.1
APG
Rather than developing into a franchise point guard, the highly touted Gonzaga product has exhibited a Jrue Holiday-like commitment to perimeter defense.
70
NEW
Naz Reid
C, Minnesota Timberwolves
Age
25
PPG
RPG
APG
1.3
Reid's impressive rise to sixth man of the year prompted hundreds of Minnesota fans to tattoo his name on their bodies.
69
↓24
Draymond Green
PF, Golden State Warriors
Age
34
PPG
8.6
RPG
7.2
APG
6
To maintain a spot on this list as he progresses through his mid-30s, Green must stop sabotaging his team with suspension-worthy antics.
68
=
Tyler Herro
SG, Miami Heat
Age
24
PPG
20.8
RPG
5.3
APG
4.5
Herro's production has plateaued, raising the possibility that he isn’t making the most of his considerable offensive gifts.
67
↓26
Khris Middleton
SF, Milwaukee Bucks
Age
33
PPG
15.1
RPG
4.7
APG
5.3
Once known for his quiet reliability, the three-time all-star must earn back the benefit of the doubt after a pair of injury-plagued seasons.
66
NEW
Herb Jones
SF, New Orleans Pelicans
Age
26
PPG
11
RPG
3.6
APG
2.6
The 2021 second-round pick boasts an exceptional motor and has made strides as an outside shooter.
65
↑6
Myles Turner
C, Indiana Pacers
Age
28
PPG
17.1
RPG
6.9
APG
1.3
The NBA's biggest Lego aficionado has been a key building block in Indiana's transition to a run-and-gun style.
64
=
Michael Porter Jr.
SF, Denver Nuggets
Age
26
PPG
16.7
RPG
7
APG
1.5
Porter's long-range sniping can be back-breaking for opposing defenses, but his lack of physicality is costly in the playoffs.
63
NEW
Coby White
PG, Chicago Bulls
Age
24
PPG
19.1
RPG
4.5
APG
5.1
The 2024 most improved player runner-up is in line for another usage bump following DeMar DeRozan's departure.
62
NEW
Alex Caruso
SG, Oklahoma City Thunder
Age
30
PPG
10.1
RPG
3.8
APG
3.5
Caruso's menacing on-ball pressure earned all-defense honors the past two seasons even though he played for sub-.500 Chicago teams.
61
↑1
OG Anunoby
PF, New York Knicks
Age
27
PPG
14.7
RPG
4.2
APG
2.1
Despite an imposing frame that has made him a coveted and versatile defender, Anunoby has averaged just 52 games over the past four seasons.
60
=
Jarrett Allen
C, Cleveland Cavaliers
Age
26
PPG
16.5
RPG
10.5
APG
2.7
Allen's lunchpail approach on the back line has anchored a top-10 defense for three straight seasons in Cleveland.
59
↓17
Zach LaVine
SG, Chicago Bulls
Age
29
PPG
19.5
RPG
5.2
APG
3.9
Tepid trade interest in LaVine served as a reminder that the high-volume scorer is a poor defender who has exactly one career playoff win.
58
↓26
Bradley Beal
SG, Phoenix Suns
Age
31
PPG
18.2
RPG
4.4
APG
5
Beal better rebound after his first Suns campaign was marred by back problems and a sloppy showing in the playoffs.
57
↓26
Brandon Ingram
SF, New Orleans Pelicans
Age
27
PPG
20.8
RPG
5.1
APG
5.7
An anachronistic shot diet and spotty defensive effort have prevented Ingram from developing into a franchise player.
56
↑9
Kristaps Porzingis
C, Boston Celtics
Age
29
PPG
20.1
RPG
7.2
APG
2
Porzingis found a perfect home with the Celtics, who were uniquely equipped to maximize his stretch-five skills and to withstand his nagging injuries.
55
↓12
LaMelo Ball
PG, Charlotte Hornets
Age
23
PPG
23.9
RPG
5.1
APG
8
Charlotte's captivating playmaker has fallen short of his considerable pre-draft hype because of major health concerns in three of his four seasons.
54
↓7
DeMar DeRozan
SF, Sacramento Kings
Age
35
PPG
24
RPG
4.3
APG
5.3
DeRozan has averaged at least 20 points per game for 11 straight seasons, capitalizing on the NBA’s scoring boom to extend his prime.
53
↓16
Darius Garland
PG, Cleveland Cavaliers
Age
24
PPG
18
RPG
2.7
APG
6.5
Garland is poised to bounce back after a broken jaw caused his efficiency and impact numbers to plummet last season.
52
=
Fred VanVleet
PG, Houston Rockets
Age
30
PPG
17.4
RPG
3.8
APG
8.1
Houston's hefty investment in the hard-nosed guard paid off when he lifted the perennial bottom-dwellers back to respectability last season.
51
↑2
Franz Wagner
SF, Orlando Magic
Age
23
PPG
19.7
RPG
5.3
APG
3.7
After three seasons of increasing responsibility, the active German forward is one more leap away from all-star consideration.
50
↓4
Julius Randle
PF, Minnesota Timberwolves
Age
29
PPG
24
RPG
9.2
APG
5
Randle's battering ram approach is unconventional, but he effectively exploits mismatches, hits the glass and finds the open man.
49
=
Aaron Gordon
PF, Denver Nuggets
Age
29
PPG
13.9
RPG
6.5
APG
3.5
Blessed with the athleticism of a top-five pick and the motor of an undrafted rookie, Gordon has been central to Denver's winning ways.
48
↓4
Dejounte Murray
PG, New Orleans Pelicans
Age
28
PPG
22.5
RPG
5.3
APG
6.4
After two wasted years in Atlanta, an offseason trade granted Murray a chance to win if he is willing to spread the ball around.
47
↑4
Cade Cunningham
PG, Detroit Pistons
Age
23
PPG
22.7
RPG
4.3
APG
7.5
Cunningham displayed playmaking chops and leadership intangibles amid dreadful circumstances, but a No. 1 pick should never lose 28 straight games.
46
↓11
Desmond Bane
SG, Memphis Grizzlies
Age
26
PPG
23.7
RPG
4.4
APG
5.5
Maximizing Bane's lethal shooting and layered offensive portfolio requires playing him in a secondary role.
45
NEW
Alperen Sengun
C, Houston Rockets
Age
22
PPG
21.1
RPG
9.3
APG
5
The Turkish big man has emerged as a stylistic heir to Nikola Jokic and Domantas Sabonis, creative centers who thrive as offensive fulcrums.
44
↓5
Evan Mobley
PF, Cleveland Cavaliers
Age
23
PPG
15.7
RPG
9.4
APG
3.2
Cleveland granted Mobley a maximum extension even though the defensive specialist faces major questions about his positional fit and scoring range.
43
↑29
Derrick White
SG, Boston Celtics
Age
30
PPG
15.2
RPG
4.2
APG
5.2
White's tenacious defense and efficient, low-usage scoring made him an ideal role player for the champion Celtics and the U.S. Olympic squad.
42
↓19
Mikal Bridges
SF, New York Knicks
Age
28
PPG
19.6
RPG
4.5
APG
3.6
Crossing the bridge from Brooklyn to New York should enable Bridges to settle back into a tertiary scoring role that is more his speed.
41
↓14
Jaren Jackson Jr.
PF, Memphis Grizzlies
Age
25
PPG
22.5
RPG
5.5
APG
2.3
Until Jackson conquers his foul trouble demons and polishes his offensive game, the Anthony Davis comparisons will remain out of reach.
40
↑29
Jalen Williams
SF, Oklahoma City Thunder
Age
23
PPG
19.1
RPG
4
APG
4.5
Boston's star forwards are good models for Williams, whose sparkling efficiency and well-rounded contributions to a playoff team are rare at his age.
39
↓23
Jamal Murray
PG, Denver Nuggets
Age
27
PPG
21.2
RPG
4.1
APG
6.5
Murray's roller coaster postseason and forgettable play at the Olympics resurrected old doubts about his ability to be a title team's second option.
38
↑19
Scottie Barnes
SF, Toronto Raptors
Age
23
PPG
19.9
RPG
8.2
APG
6.1
The new face of the Raptors must exhibit better maturity and composure to reach his all-league potential.
37
↓1
Karl-Anthony Towns
C, New York Knicks
Age
28
PPG
21.8
RPG
8.3
APG
3
The smooth-shooting center will be one of the NBA's most scrutinized players thanks to a late-breaking trade from Minnesota.
36
↓6
James Harden
PG, Los Angeles Clippers
Age
35
PPG
16.6
RPG
5.1
APG
8.5
While the 2018 MVP is thrilled to get more shots on the overhauled Clippers, many observers have grown weary of his ball-pounding ways.
35
↓7
Trae Young
PG, Atlanta Hawks
Age
26
PPG
25.7
RPG
2.8
APG
10.8
Young's hyper-dominant offensive approach has generated inflated individual numbers and mediocre team results for three years straight.
34
↑25
Paolo Banchero
PF, Orlando Magic
Age
21
PPG
22.6
RPG
6.9
APG
5.4
The ambitious 2022 No. 1 pick responded to his first all-star selection and playoff appearance by stating his desire to be named MVP one day.
33
↓4
Lauri Markkanen
PF, Uah Jazz
Age
27
PPG
23.2
RPG
8.2
APG
2
The Finnish forward flirted with a 50/40/90 shooting season in Utah, but he is better suited to life as a winning team’s second option.
32
NEW
Chet Holmgren
C, Oklahoma City Thunder
Age
22
PPG
16.5
RPG
7.9
APG
2.4
If not for Victor Wembanyama, the Thunder's floor-spacing, shot-blocking center would be the basketball intelligentsia's favorite young prospect.
31
↑19
Rudy Gobert
C, Minnesota Timberwolves
Age
32
PPG
14
RPG
12.9
APG
1.3
Charles Dickens would be impressed: The French center was benched during the Olympics three months after winning his fourth defensive player of the year award.
30
↑3
Jrue Holiday
PG, Boston Celtics
Age
34
PPG
12.5
RPG
5.4
APG
4.8
Young guards take note: Holiday has racked up rings, trophies and gold medals by sharing the ball and acing the toughest defensive assignments.
29
↑9
Kyrie Irving
SG, Dallas Mavericks
Age
32
PPG
25.6
RPG
5
APG
5.2
Brooklyn tumult gave way to Dallas peace for Irving, who helped key an unexpected postseason run before flaming out in the Finals.
28
↓2
Paul George
SF, Philadelphia 76ers
Age
34
PPG
22.6
RPG
5.2
APG
3.5
Signing George was risky business: He has averaged just 53 games over the past five seasons, and his last good playoff run was in 2021.
27
↓13
Kawhi Leonard
SF, Los Angeles Clippers
Age
33
PPG
23.7
RPG
6.1
APG
3.6
It’s virtually impossible to muster optimism for Leonard after knee problems spoiled another playoff run and led to his dismissal from the U.S. Olympic team.
26
↑22
Zion Williamson
PF, New Orleans Pelicans
Age
24
PPG
22.9
RPG
5.8
APG
5
A hamstring injury ended the most complete season of Williamson's career, preventing the 2019 No. 1 pick from making his long-awaited playoff debut.
25
↑31
Tyrese Maxey
PG, Philadelphia 76ers
Age
23
PPG
25.9
RPG
3.7
APG
6.2
Maxey's thrilling all-star breakout rebalanced Philadelphia's karmic ledger after Ben Simmons and Markelle Fultz broke countless hearts.
24
↓6
Pascal Siakam
PF, Indiana Pacers
Age
30
PPG
21.7
RPG
7.1
APG
4.3
Siakam beautifully orchestrated his Toronto exit: A midseason trade to Indiana paid off with a joyride to the East finals and a max contract.
23
↓12
Damian Lillard
PG, Milwaukee Bucks
Age
34
PPG
24.3
RPG
4.4
APG
7
It's make-or-break time for Lillard, who looked totally lost in his first run as Giannis Antetokounmpo’s sidekick.
22
↓13
Jimmy Butler
SF, Miami Heat
Age
35
PPG
20.8
RPG
5.3
APG
5
Butler faces the same contract-year predicament Paul George just navigated: Health and age questions stand in the way of one last windfall.
21
↑3
Ja Morant
PG, Memphis Grizzlies
Age
25
PPG
25.1
RPG
5.6
APG
8.1
The NBA's long-lost superstar will take a second crack at a redemption campaign following two gun suspensions and shoulder surgery.
20
↓1
De'Aaron Fox
PG, Sacramento Kings
Age
26
PPG
26.6
RPG
4.6
APG
5.6
Playoff progress is the next step for Fox, who has diligently improved his durability, earned all-star recognition and evolved into a top-tier producer.
19
↑3
Domantas Sabonis
C, Sacramento Kings
Age
28
PPG
19.4
RPG
13.7
APG
8.2
Thanks to his perfect availability last season, Sabonis became just the third player in 30 years to compile 1,500 points and 1,100 rebounds.
18
↓3
Bam Adebayo
C, Miami Heat
Age
27
PPG
19.3
RPG
10.4
APG
3.9
Defensive versatility makes Adebayo elite, but he can increase his utility by extending his shooting range to the three-point line.
17
=
Donovan Mitchell
SG, Cleveland Cavaliers
Age
28
PPG
26.6
RPG
5.1
APG
6.1
While Mitchell is arguably the NBA's best scoring two guard, his undersized stature continues to hold him back in the postseason.
16
↑4
Tyrese Haliburton
PG, Indiana Pacers
Age
24
PPG
20.1
RPG
3.9
APG
10.9
The NBA's assist leader put Indiana on the map, but he must iron out his inconsistent perimeter shooting to enter the top class of initiators.
15
↑6
Jaylen Brown
SF, Boston Celtics
Age
27
PPG
23
RPG
5.5
APG
3.6
The 2024 Finals MVP demonstrated the premium value of a two-way wing throughout Boston's title push, which he cemented with clutch shot-making.
14
↓1
Devin Booker
SG, Phoenix Suns
Age
27
PPG
27.1
RPG
4.5
APG
6.9
Booker drew praise for thriving in a complementary role at the Olympics, but Phoenix needs him to be a more engaged leadership personality.
13
↑21
Jalen Brunson
PG, New York Knicks
Age
28
PPG
28.7
RPG
3.6
APG
6.7
New York's savvy orchestrator skyrocketed into the 2024 MVP conversation just three years after he was coming off the bench in Dallas.
12
↓6
Kevin Durant
SF, Phoenix Suns
Age
36
PPG
27.1
RPG
6.6
APG
5
The "Easy Money Sniper" averaged more points in his age-35 season than any player in NBA history, including LeBron James.
11
↑14
Anthony Edwards
SG, Minnesota Timberwolves
Age
23
PPG
25.9
RPG
5.4
APG
5.1
The charismatic Edwards powered Minnesota to the West finals, becoming just the fourth active player to average 25/5/5 at age 22.
10
NEW
Victor Wembanyama
C, San Antonio Spurs
Age
20
PPG
21.4
RPG
10.6
APG
3.9
The rookie of the decade should make a monster sophomore leap now that he has adjusted to NBA life and has an improved supporting cast.
9
↑1
Joel Embiid
C, Philadelphia 76ers
Age
30
PPG
34.7
RPG
11
APG
5.6
Healthy Embiid has a case for the top five, but life isn't a video game where injuries can be turned off.
8
=
LeBron James
SF, Los Angeles Lakers
Age
39
PPG
25.7
RPG
7.3
APG
8.3
Though the NBA's oldest player might not have the legs for a deep playoff run, he still runs the show better than all but two or three superstars.
7
↓3
Jayson Tatum
SF, Boston Celtics
Age
26
PPG
26.9
RPG
8.1
APG
4.9
Tatum's consistent defensive intensity and improved passing helped him overcome a dreadful shooting slump during Boston's title run.
6
↑1
Anthony Davis
C, Los Angeles Lakers
Age
31
PPG
24.7
RPG
12.6
APG
3.5
Injury hiccups are a constant concern, but not the headline: Davis has effortlessly dominated on both ends for a decade straight.
5
↓2
Stephen Curry
PG, Golden State Warriors
Age
36
PPG
26.4
RPG
4.5
APG
5.1
The "Nuit nuit" detonations at the Olympics were a reminder that Curry's peerless three-point shooting can still decide games at the highest level.
4
↑8
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
PG, Oklahoma City Thunder
Age
26
PPG
30.1
RPG
5.5
APG
6.2
The scintillating and composed Canadian guard must deliver a signature postseason breakthrough to climb any higher.
3
↑2
Luka Doncic
PG, Dallas Mavericks
Age
25
PPG
33.9
RPG
9.2
APG
9.8
Doncic has so thoroughly mastered his craft that he enters every season as a threat to win his first MVP and first title.
2
=
Giannis Antetokounmpo
PF, Milwaukee Bucks
Age
29
PPG
30.4
RPG
11.5
APG
6.5
The punishing and tireless Antetokounmpo is no longer indestructible, and he needs a healthy postseason run to avoid slipping on next year's list.
1
=
Nikola Jokic
C, Denver Nuggets
Age
29
PPG
26.4
RPG
12.4
APG
9
Serbia’s virtuoso center defended his crown as the world's best player by pushing the United States to the brink at the Paris Olympics.
Photographs and images used in photo illustrations by The Washington Post, AP, Getty Images, USA Today Sports.