As the upcoming NBA season approaches, the spotlight is firmly on several key guards who have carved out their places in the upper echelons of the league rankings. Each player’s journey to their current standing is a testament to their unique skill sets and remarkable performances, both individually and for their respective teams.
Kyrie Irving: The Artful Dodger
Kyrie Irving, despite the turbulence that often surrounds him, continues to be a beacon of skill and dexterity. Ranked 10th among guards and 25th overall, Irving has demonstrated unparalleled ball-handling and scoring abilities. As Jasmyn Wimbish notes, "he put together one of his best seasons to date without ruffling any feathers... Irving still has the best handle in the league, can easily get to the rim and score from all three levels." This craftsmanship on the court has been integral to his team’s success and his persistent high ranking among NBA peers.
Rising Star: Tyrese Maxey
Tyrese Maxey’s ascension in the league has been nothing short of meteoric. Ranked 9th among guards and 24th overall, Maxey flourished after James Harden’s departure from Philadelphia. As Jack Maloney points out, "Maxey stepped into the No. 2 role in Philadelphia last season and made the leap... rewarded with the Most Improved Player award." His excellent play has solidified his status as a key player to watch in the coming season.
Dominant Donovan Mitchell
Donovan Mitchell, ranked 8th among guards and 19th overall, had a phenomenal season with career highs in assists, rebounds, and steals. Brad Botkin captures Mitchell’s effectiveness succinctly: "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." Mitchell’s role as the lone playmaker for the Cleveland Cavaliers showcases his comprehensive skill set and undeniable value to the team.
Resilient Tyrese Haliburton
Tyrese Haliburton, ranked 7th among guards and 17th overall, made a significant impact with the Indiana Pacers despite battling through an injury midway through the season. His statistics speak volumes about his contributions. As Sam Quinn highlights, "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." Haliburton’s resilience and performance, even in the face of adversity, underline his stature as one of the top guards in the league.
Explosive Ja Morant
Ja Morant holds the 6th spot among guards and is 16th overall. Known for his explosiveness and thrilling play style, Morant has, however, struggled with injuries and suspensions, playing only 70 games in the last two seasons. Jack Maloney captures Morant’s essence well: "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." His ability to overcome these challenges will be crucial for his ranking and contribution to his team moving forward.
Dynamic Devin Booker
Devin Booker, ranked 5th among guards and 14th overall, took on the role of point guard for Phoenix last season. Jasmyn Wimbish notes, "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." His versatility and scoring touch make him an indispensable asset to the Suns.
Clutch Performer Jalen Brunson
Jalen Brunson, ranked 4th among guards and 13th overall, delivered some of the most memorable performances in recent playoff history. James Herbert recounts, "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." This clutch performance cements Brunson’s reputation as a big-time player when it matters most.
Stephen Curry: The Ageless Wonder
Stephen Curry’s ranking of 3rd among guards and 6th overall is a testament to his enduring impact on the game. At 36 years old, Curry continues to redefine what it means to be an elite guard. Brad Botkin aptly captures his essence: "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." His leadership and skill ensure that he remains at the apex of guard play in the NBA.
Unstoppable Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, sitting 2nd among guards and 4th overall, led the NBA in drives for the fourth straight year. His well-rounded game was highlighted by James Herbert: "Last year's MVP runner-up... shot 69% at the rim and 51% from midrange... nobody recorded more steals than Gilgeous-Alexander." These statistics underscore his defensive prowess and offensive efficiency, making him one of the premier players in the league.
Luka Doncic: At the Pinnacle
Luka Doncic, ranked 1st among guards and 3rd overall, is coming off the best statistical year of his career. Doncic’s ability to dominate on the court, even at a relatively young age of 25, has been a cornerstone for Dallas. Jasmyn Wimbish underscores his methodical yet unstoppable style: "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." Doncic’s mesmerizing ability to control the game pace and his scoring efficiency make him the top guard to watch this season.
As these guards prepare for another intense season, their performances will undoubtedly be pivotal in shaping their teams' fortunes. The blend of young talent and seasoned expertise ensures that fans are in for a thrilling ride, with each game offering the potential for breathtaking moments and career-defining plays.