Ranking the NBA's Elite Guards for the Upcoming Season
As the NBA season approaches, the debate rages over who reigns supreme among the league's guards. The rankings provide not only a snapshot of individual brilliance but also a narrative of rising stars and seasoned veterans. Let's delve into the top guards and their respective standings for the upcoming season.
Kyrie Irving: The Maverick Who Keeps Giving
Kyrie Irving has consistently demonstrated his exceptional skills, landing him 10th among guards and 25th overall. According to Jasmyn Wimbish, "[Irving] 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 years old, fans can still expect dazzling performances from Irving in the seasons to come.
Tyrese Maxey: Philadelphia's Rising Star
Following James Harden’s departure, Tyrese Maxey has stepped up to fill the void with remarkable flair. Not only is he ranked 9th among guards and 24th in the top 100 NBA players, but he was also awarded the Most Improved Player accolade. As Jack Maloney highlights, "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."
Donovan Mitchell: Cleveland's Mainstay
Ranking 8th among guards and 19th overall, Donovan Mitchell had an admirable season. Last season saw Mitchell hitting career highs in assists, rebounds, and steals, solidifying his role as the Cleveland Cavaliers’ principal playmaker. Brad Botkin notes, "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."
Tyrese Haliburton: Overcoming Obstacles with the Pacers
Tyrese Haliburton stands as the 7th guard and 17th overall. Despite an injury midway through the season with the Indiana Pacers, Haliburton made a monumental impact. Sam Quinn reveals, "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."
Ja Morant: A Story of Talent and Trials
Holding the 6th spot among guards and 16th overall, Ja Morant’s journey has been one of both brilliance and adversity. Over the last two seasons, he played only 70 games due to injuries and suspensions. Yet, he remains one of the league's most electrifying players. Jack Maloney remarks, "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."
Devin Booker: Phoenix's Multifaceted Guard
Devin Booker’s adaptability has earned him the 5th spot among guards and 14th in the top 100. Taking on the role of point guard for Phoenix last season, Booker demonstrated his underrated prowess. 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."
Jalen Brunson: The Playoff Performer
Jalen Brunson has captivated fans, landing him 4th among guards and 13th overall. His playoff performance was nothing short of spectacular. James Herbert chronicles, "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."
Stephen Curry: The Ageless Wonder
At 36, Stephen Curry’s ranking remains impressive as he sits 3rd among guards and 6th overall. His unrivaled offensive skills continue to shine. Brad Botkin sums it up, "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."
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: The Dynamic Drive Leader
Ranking 2nd among guards and 4th overall, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's stats speak for themselves. He led the NBA in drives for the fourth consecutive season. According to James Herbert, "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."
Luka Doncic: The Pinnacle of Guard Performance
Luka Doncic tops the list of guards and is 3rd overall in the NBA player rankings. At just 25 years old, Doncic is coming off his best statistical year and led the league in scoring. Jasmyn Wimbish captures his essence perfectly, "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."
The upcoming NBA season promises thrilling performances and unforgettable moments from these elite guards. Each one's journey and achievements add unique dimensions to the ever-evolving narrative of basketball excellence.