The upcoming NBA season is already generating significant buzz, and the ranking of top guards sets the stage for intriguing storylines. Among those making headlines is Kyrie Irving, who is ranked 10th among guards and 25th overall. Jasmyn Wimbish 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." Despite his skill, Irving remains somewhat polarizing among commentators and fans, making his performance this season one to watch closely.
Emerging just above Irving is Tyrese Maxey, who is ranked 9th among guards and 24th overall. Maxey's elevation comes on the heels of James Harden's departure from Philadelphia, a move that catapulted him into the No. 2 role last season. Jack Maloney observed, "Maxey stepped into the No. 2 role in Philadelphia last season and made the leap... rewarded with the Most Improved Player award." The increased responsibilities on the court have sharpened Maxey's skills, and anticipation for his continued growth is high.
Donovan Mitchell lands at 8th among guards and 19th overall, a testament to his on-court excellence. As Brad Botkin highlights, "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." Last season, Mitchell's all-around contributions in assists, rebounds, and steals underscored his role as Cleveland's lone playmaker, and expectations for him remain elevated.
Tyrese Haliburton of the Indiana Pacers claims the 7th spot among guards and 17th overall. Despite an injury midway through last season, Haliburton had an impactful presence, averaging 23.6 points per game before his setback. Sam Quinn noted, "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." His ability to influence the game even while sidelined speaks volumes about his talent and potential.
Ja Morant ranks 6th among guards and 16th overall, a position reflecting both his immense talent and his struggles with injuries and suspensions. Over the past two seasons, Morant has played only 70 games. Jack Maloney encapsulates his situation succinctly, "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." Fans and analysts alike are eager to see if Morant can achieve consistency moving forward.
Devin Booker finds himself 5th among guards and 14th in the top 100 NBA players. Taking on the role of point guard for Phoenix last season, Booker delivered a career-high in assists, further solidifying his position among the elite. As Jasmyn Wimbish points out, "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." Booker's versatility makes him a focal point for the Suns' ambitions this season.
Jalen Brunson's exceptional performances have earned him the 4th spot among guards and 13th overall. His ability to score in high-pressure situations has not gone unnoticed. As James Herbert observed, "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." Brunson's reliability in clutch moments cements his status as an invaluable asset for his team.
Stephen Curry's enduring excellence is reflected in his 3rd place ranking among guards and 6th overall. At 36 years old, Curry continues to be a singular offensive force. Brad Botkin aptly describes his prowess, "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." Curry's ability to both lead and inspire remains unmatched, though support from his teammates will be crucial.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander comes in 2nd among guards and 4th overall. Known for his driving ability, he led the NBA in drives for the fourth consecutive year. James Herbert notes, "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." His consistency and performance on both ends of the court have marked him as a standout player.
Luka Doncic tops the guard rankings, coming in 1st and 3rd overall. At merely 25 years old, Doncic is already showing extraordinary promise. Jasmyn Wimbish highlights, "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 best statistical year and his status as last season's scoring leader emphasize his dominant presence in the league.
The rankings and insights into these top guards underscore a season teeming with potential and storylines. From veterans like Curry and Irving to rising stars like Maxey and Gilgeous-Alexander, the upcoming NBA season promises thrilling narratives, remarkable performances, and unforgettable moments on the court.