The rankings and achievements of NBA players are always a topic of heated discussion as each season brings its own set of triumphs and setbacks. Heading into the upcoming season, a detailed examination of top NBA guards offers fascinating insights into their evolving roles and performances.
Kyrie Irving's Persistent Impact
Kyrie Irving's prowess remains indisputable as he is ranked 10th among guards and 25th overall. Jasmyn Wimbish aptly captures Irving’s essence, stating, "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 the Dallas Mavericks falling short of their championship ambitions last season, Irving’s individual brilliance continues to shine through.
Tyrese Maxey's Meteoric Rise
At 9th among guards and 24th in the top 100, Tyrese Maxey has clearly benefitted from increased responsibility. Following James Harden's departure, Maxey flourished as the No. 2 option for the Philadelphia 76ers. Jack Maloney succinctly describes this transition: "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." His significant improvement has been a catalyst for Philadelphia, who now lean heavily on his versatility and scoring ability.
Donovan Mitchell’s Dominance
Donovan Mitchell’s upward trajectory remains unhindered, as he holds the 8th spot among guards and is 19th overall. Mitchell registered career highs in assists, rebounds, and steals last season, cementing his role as the primary playmaker for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Brad Botkin captures his influence perfectly: "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 offensive talents make him a focal point for Cleveland's strategy moving forward.
Tyrese Haliburton’s Resilient Season
Ranked 7th among guards and 17th overall, Tyrese Haliburton’s season with the Indiana Pacers was nothing short of impactful, despite suffering an injury midway. Sam Quinn highlights his importance: "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 contribute both as a scorer and playmaker has been invaluable for the Pacers.
Ja Morant's Rollercoaster Journey
Ja Morant, ranked 6th among guards and 16th overall, has seen his share of ups and downs, struggling with injuries and suspensions over the past two seasons, limiting him to 70 games. Jack Maloney notes, "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." How Morant bounces back will undoubtedly be a storyline of interest this season.
Devin Booker’s Underrated Excellence
Devin Booker, placed 5th among guards and 14th overall, has taken on new responsibilities by stepping into the role of point guard for Phoenix. Jasmyn Wimbish remarks, "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 consistent scoring and playmaking make him a linchpin for the Suns.
Jalen Brunson’s Playoff Heroics
Jalen Brunson occupies the 4th spot among guards and 13th overall. Known for his scoring prowess, he had a remarkable postseason, scoring 40 points or more in four consecutive playoff games. James Herbert notes, "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." His offensive capabilities were on full display during the most critical moments.
Stephen Curry’s Ageless Brilliance
Stephen Curry, aged 36, is still a force to be reckoned with, ranking 3rd among guards and 6th overall. Brad Botkin comments, "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 ensures that he remains the cornerstone of the Golden State Warriors.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Defensive Mastery
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, ranked 2nd among guards and 4th in the top 100, continues to demonstrate his multifaceted skills. James Herbert captures his impact, "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 blend of offense and defense makes him one of the most well-rounded players in the league.
Luka Doncic’s Unstoppable Ascent
Finally, Luka Doncic stands as the top guard and 3rd overall player, coming off the best statistical year of his career. At just 25 years old, Doncic led the league in scoring, and Jasmyn Wimbish aptly summarizes his extraordinary talent, "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 blend of poise and skill continues to render him virtually unguardable.
These rankings and insights not only highlight the individual brilliance of these players but also underscore their critical roles and the varying dynamics they bring to their respective teams. As the new season approaches, fans and analysts alike will be keenly observing how these guards and their teams navigate the challenges ahead.