As the anticipation for the upcoming NBA season reaches its peak, player rankings provide a fascinating glimpse into the league's hierarchy. This year, the guard position, known for its blend of leadership and scoring prowess, is under the spotlight. The rankings reveal not only the talent but also the evolving roles and achievements of several standout players.
Kyrie Irving: Master of Handles
Kyrie Irving, who ranks 10th among guards and 25th overall, continues to be heralded for his extraordinary skill set. According to Jasmyn Wimbish, "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." Despite the Dallas Mavericks' struggles, it is clear that Irving's individual brilliance remains unchallenged.
Tyrese Maxey: Rising Star
Tyrese Maxey, positioned just above Irving at 9th among guards and 24th overall, has blossomed into a key player for the Philadelphia 76ers. Maxey's elevation came in the wake of James Harden's departure, which allowed him to step into a more prominent role. Jack Maloney notes, "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." Maxey's rapid development and accolade hint at a promising future for the young guard.
Donovan Mitchell: Taking Control
Ranked 8th among guards and 19th overall, Donovan Mitchell of the Cleveland Cavaliers had a career-defining season. Mitchell's performance was marked by career highs in assists, rebounds, and steals. As Brad Botkin observes, "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 ability to dominate as the Cavaliers' lone playmaker underscores his significant impact on the team.
Tyrese Haliburton: Precision and Impact
Tyrese Haliburton secured the 7th spot among guards and 17th overall, despite facing an injury midway through the season. His impactful play with the Indiana Pacers remains noteworthy. 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 offensive efficiency and leadership on the court make him a critical asset for the Pacers.
Ja Morant: Highs and Lows
Ja Morant's exhilarating play has earned him the 6th rank among guards and 16th overall. However, Morant's journey has not been without challenges as he has struggled with injuries and suspensions, playing only 70 games in the last two seasons. Jack Maloney aptly comments, "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." Morant's resilience and potential to return to top form remain central to the Memphis Grizzlies' hopes.
Devin Booker: Underrated Excellence
Devin Booker, who ranks 5th among guards and 14th overall, has transitioned into a point guard role for the Phoenix Suns. His versatility and scoring ability are often underappreciated. 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." His all-around game continues to elevate the Suns' prospects.
Jalen Brunson: Playoff Heroics
Jalen Brunson, ranked 4th among guards and 13th overall, surged as a key player during the playoffs. His scoring bursts were historical. James Herbert recalls, "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 clutch performances are a testament to his elite capabilities.
Stephen Curry: Ageless Wonder
Stephen Curry remains an offensive powerhouse, securing the 3rd rank among guards and 6th overall at 36 years old. Brad Botkin emphasizes, "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 enduring excellence is a cornerstone for the Golden State Warriors.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: Relentless Driver
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's stellar performance positions him 2nd among guards and 4th overall. Known for his relentless drives, Gilgeous-Alexander led the NBA in this category for the fourth consecutive season. 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 comprehensive game underscores his value to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Luka Doncic: Unstoppable at 25
At the top of the guard rankings and 3rd overall is Luka Doncic, who is fresh off the best statistical year of his career. Doncic's scoring prowess was unparalleled, as he led the league in scoring. 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." Doncic's combination of skill, poise, and youth make him a formidable force in the NBA.
The upcoming season promises to be enthralling, with these guards playing pivotal roles for their respective teams. Their rankings not only reflect past achievements but also set the stage for the competitive dynamics to unfold on the court.