As we approach the upcoming NBA season, the rankings of the league's top players stir up excitement and debate among fans and analysts alike. This year, the guard position showcases an intriguing mix of rising stars and established veterans, each bringing unique talents and storylines to the forefront.
The Dark Horse: Tyrese Maxey
Tyrese Maxey, ranked 9th among guards and 24th overall, stands out as a key player due to his impressive leap in performance. Following the departure of James Harden, Maxey stepped up as Philadelphia's No. 2 man. His enhanced role led to him clinching the Most Improved Player award. As noted by Jack Maloney, "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 progression highlights his growing importance and potential for further impact in the league.
Consistent Excellence: Donovan Mitchell
Ranked 8th among guards and 19th overall, Donovan Mitchell continues to impress. Last season, he achieved career highs in assists, rebounds, and steals, solidifying his position as a versatile playmaker for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Mitchell’s ability to control the offense and his dynamic scoring ability were emphasized by Brad Botkin, who remarked, "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." With his consistent improvement, Mitchell remains a formidable force on the court.
The Rising Star: Tyrese Haliburton
Tyrese Haliburton, ranked 7th among guards and 17th overall, had an impactful season with the Indiana Pacers despite an injury midway through. Sam Quinn highlighted Haliburton’s offensive contributions, stating, "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 ability to influence the game significantly, even in the face of adversity, marks him as a rising star to watch.
Challenges and Potential: Ja Morant
Holding the 6th spot among guards and ranked 16th overall, Ja Morant's career has been marked by brilliance and setbacks. Injuries and suspensions have limited him to just 70 games over the past two seasons. Jack Maloney captures the essence of Morant’s situation by noting, "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." The upcoming season will be crucial for Morant's narrative, as he aims to reclaim his position as one of the league’s elite guards.
Leadership in Versatility: Devin Booker
At 5th among guards and 14th overall, Devin Booker has evolved into a multifaceted player for the Phoenix Suns, assuming the role of point guard last season. Jasmyn Wimbish emphasized Booker's underrated status, stating, "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 ability to adapt and excel in various roles underscores his invaluable contribution to the Suns.
Playoff Performances: Jalen Brunson
Ranked 4th among guards and 13th overall, Jalen Brunson’s playoff performance for the New York Knicks was nothing short of historic. According to James Herbert, "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 knack for stepping up in high-pressure situations makes him a vital player for the Knicks' aspirations.
Veteran Mastery: Stephen Curry
At 36 years old, Stephen Curry remains one of the most influential players in the NBA, ranking 3rd among guards and 6th overall. Curry's unparalleled movement and shooting ability continue to make him a cornerstone for the Golden State Warriors. Brad Botkin reflects on Curry's impact, stating, "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." Despite his age, Curry’s performance remains critical to the Warriors’ success.
The Dominator: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Sitting 2nd among guards and 4th overall, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s consistent excellence cannot be overstated. Last season, he led the NBA in drives for the fourth consecutive year and recorded the most steals in the league. James Herbert highlights his achievements, "Last year's MVP runner-up... shot 69% at the rim and 51% from midrange... nobody recorded more steals than Gilgeous-Alexander." His all-around prowess positions him as one of the most dominant guards in the league today.
The Prodigy: Luka Doncic
Ranked 1st among guards and 3rd overall, Luka Doncic continues to defy expectations with his exceptional play. At just 25 years old, Doncic is coming off the best statistical year of his career and led the league in scoring. Jasmyn Wimbish eloquently captures his unique 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 ability to dominate the game at his own pace sets him apart as the premier guard in the NBA.
As the new NBA season approaches, these rankings shed light on the remarkable talent and diverse storylines among the league's top guards. From rising stars to seasoned veterans, each player brings something unique to the court, promising an exciting season ahead for fans and teams alike.