The landscape of the NBA is often shaped by the stellar performances and evolving roles of its top-tier players. As we approach the new season, the rankings of the league's elite talent offer a glimpse into who may dominate the court and the storylines that will unfold. Notably, the guard position is stacked with names that have both made headlines and set benchmarks in the basketball world.
Kyrie Irving's Expertise and Value
Kyrie Irving, known for his exceptional handles and scoring ability, ranks 10th among guards and 25th overall. Jasmyn Wimbish aptly notes, "he put together one of his best seasons to date without ruffling any feathers... The Mavericks certainly wouldn't have made it to the NBA Finals without him... Irving still has the best handle in the league, can easily get to the rim and score from all three levels." At 36, Irving continues to be a key figure in his team’s strategy and success.
Tyrese Maxey's Rising Star
Tyrese Maxey is another guard who has rapidly ascended the ranks. Placed 9th among guards and 24th overall, Maxey stepped into a significant role last season. Following James Harden's departure, he emerged as Philadelphia's No. 2 option and excelled in his expanded responsibilities. Jack Maloney highlights this in saying, "After James Harden's departure, Maxey stepped into the No. 2 role in Philadelphia last season and made the leap... rewarded with the Most Improved Player award."
Donovan Mitchell's All-Around Game
In Cleveland, Donovan Mitchell is ranked 8th among guards and 19th overall. His last season was marked by career highs in assists, rebounds, and steals and a stellar performance as the lone playmaker. Brad Botkin describes Mitchell’s impact, "Mitchell registered career highs... he assumed total control of the offense... he is virtually unstoppable when he gets going downhill as a pull-up shooter." His dynamic playstyle continues to make him a focal point for the Cavaliers.
Tyrese Haliburton's Steady Influence
Tyrese Haliburton finds himself at 7th among guards and 17th overall with a season that was hampered by injury but still impactful. His tenure with the Indiana Pacers was cut short by an injury on January 9, yet he averaged 23.6 points per game, contributing significantly to his team's offense. Sam Quinn remarks, "When Tyrese Haliburton got hurt on Jan. 9, he was averaging 23.6 points per game... that's a total of 55.9 points of offense generated."
Ja Morant's Excitement and Challenges
Ranked 6th among guards and 16th overall, Ja Morant has struggled with injuries and suspensions, playing only 70 games over the last two seasons. Despite this, he remains one of the league's most thrilling players to watch. Jack Maloney points out, "At his best, Morant is one of the most exciting guards in the league... whether or not Morant can return to an All-NBA level is one of the biggest storylines to watch."
Devin Booker's Underrated Excellence
Devin Booker, stepping into the point guard role for Phoenix, is ranked 5th among guards and 14th overall. Despite being underrated by some, Booker had a season marked by remarkable performances and played a pivotal role in his team's success. Jasmyn Wimbish asserts, "Booker has arguably become one of the most underrated players in the league... he’s liable to drop 40+ points on you... it resulted in a career-high year in assists for Booker."
Jalen Brunson's Playoff Prowess
Jalen Brunson, ranked 4th among guards and 13th overall, shined in the playoffs, making history with four consecutive 40-point games. James Herbert admires his performance, noting, "In May, Brunson became the fourth player in NBA history... to score 40 points or more in four consecutive playoff games... he had a total of 16 40-point games in 2023-24."
The Artistry of Stephen Curry
Stephen Curry continues to mesmerize fans and opponents alike, ranking 3rd among guards and 6th overall. At 36, his inimitable movement and pure shot-making talent cement his place among the greats. Brad Botkin adds, "Curry is still an offense unto himself with his inimitable movement and pure shot-making talent... he needs better talent around him to make his way back into title contention."
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's Defensive Mastery
Ranked 2nd among guards and 4th overall, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the NBA in drives for the fourth straight year and displayed exceptional defensive skills. James Herbert states, "Last year's MVP runner-up... led the NBA in drives for the fourth straight season... shot 69% at the rim and 51% from midrange... nobody recorded more steals than Gilgeous-Alexander."
Luka Doncic Dominates
Luka Doncic, who is only 25, is ranked the top guard and 3rd overall. Coming off the best statistical year of his career, he led the league in scoring and continued to play at his own unhurried pace. Jasmyn Wimbish captures his essence, "Even after six years in the league... he plays at the pace of paint drying on a wall, and yet... the most elite defenders couldn't stop him... he's still only 25 years old."
As the new NBA season looms, these rankings and performances set the stage for what promises to be an exciting display of talent and competition. From veterans like Stephen Curry to rising stars like Tyrese Maxey, the league's guards are poised to captivate fans and make their mark on the history books.