As the NBA season approaches, player rankings have become a hot topic of conversation among fans and analysts alike. Several guards have distinguished themselves, making significant strides in their careers and cementing their places among the league’s elite. This season, the spotlight falls on dynamic players such as Kyrie Irving, Tyrese Maxey, Donovan Mitchell, Tyrese Haliburton, Ja Morant, Devin Booker, Jalen Brunson, Stephen Curry, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Luka Doncic.
Kyrie Irving
Ranked 10th among guards and 25th overall, Kyrie Irving remains one of the most dazzling players in the NBA. Despite the tumultuous nature of his career, 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.” At 36, Irving’s skill set and finesse still place him firmly among the league's top guards.
Tyrese Maxey
Tyrese Maxey’s rise has been nothing short of meteoric. Ranked 9th among guards and 24th overall, Maxey stepped into a significant role following James Harden's departure from Philadelphia. Jack Maloney aptly summarizes Maxey’s growth: “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.” This recognition is a testament to his hard work and burgeoning talent.
Donovan Mitchell
Donovan Mitchell, ranked 8th among guards and 19th overall, had a standout season with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Brad Botkin highlights Mitchell’s achievements: “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.” A career year in assists, rebounds, and steals illustrates Mitchell’s all-around excellence and leadership on the court.
Tyrese Haliburton
Ranked 7th among guards and 17th overall, Tyrese Haliburton made a significant impact with the Indiana Pacers. Despite suffering an injury midway through the season, Haliburton’s performance was stellar. As Sam Quinn notes, “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 contribute significantly to both scoring and playmaking underlines his value to the Pacers.
Ja Morant
Despite facing challenges with injuries and suspensions, Ja Morant remains a top-tier guard, ranking 6th among guards and 16th overall. Maloney 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 potential to electrify and influence games is undoubted, making him a pivotal player for the Grizzlies.
Devin Booker
Devin Booker, sitting 5th among guards and 14th in the top 100, continues to elevate his game. Booker took on the role of point guard for Phoenix last season, further showcasing his versatility. "Booker has arguably become one of the most underrated players in the league," notes Wimbish. "He’s liable to drop 40+ points on you... it resulted in a career-high year in assists for Booker." His ability to score and facilitate makes him an invaluable asset for the Suns.
Jalen Brunson
Jalen Brunson, ranked 4th among guards and 13th overall, had a phenomenal playoff run, scoring 40 points or more in four consecutive games. James Herbert highlights his achievements: "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 scoring prowess and consistency have made him a linchpin for his team.
Stephen Curry
The ever-dazzling Stephen Curry continues to defy age, ranking 3rd among guards and 6th overall at 36. Brad Botkin captures Curry's 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." Curry remains a defining figure in the league, capable of transforming games with his extraordinary shooting.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, 2nd among guards and 4th in the top 100, has proven to be one of the most efficient and formidable players in the NBA. "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," says Herbert. His ability to dominate both ends of the floor underscores his elite status.
Luka Doncic
At the pinnacle of the guard rankings is Luka Doncic, 1st among guards and 3rd overall. Doncic’s impressive statistical year, leading the league in scoring, cements his place as one of the foremost players in the league. "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," observes Wimbish. At only 25 years old, Doncic’s potential continues to soar, making him a cornerstone for the future of the NBA.
The rankings and narratives around these guards highlight a blend of seasoned skills, youthful potential, and extraordinary performances that set the stage for an exciting NBA season. Each player, with their unique abilities and standout moments, contributes to the riveting landscape of professional basketball.