The NBA season is upon us, and fans are eagerly awaiting the standout performances of their favorite guards. Among them, a handful of players have distinguished themselves, not just with their on-court talent but also with remarkable statistics and career milestones. Let's dive into the rankings and achievements of some of the league's top guards.
Kyrie Irving: Skill Mastery
Kyrie Irving, currently ranked 10th among guards and 25th overall for the upcoming season, continues to be a pivotal player for the Dallas Mavericks. According to Jasmyn Wimbish, “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.” Known for his unparalleled ball-handling, Irving remains a threat on all three levels of scoring, showcasing why he holds the title of having the best handle in the league.
Tyrese Maxey: The Rising Star
Over in Philadelphia, Tyrese Maxey has swiftly ascended the ranks, now positioned 9th among guards and 24th overall. Following James Harden's departure, Maxey embraced his role as the No. 2 option, leading to his recognition with the Most Improved Player award. As Jack Maloney describes, “Maxey stepped into the No. 2 role in Philadelphia last season and made the leap.” Indeed, his leap in performance has solidified his place as one of the league's rising stars.
Donovan Mitchell: Cleveland's Lone Playmaker
In Cleveland, Donovan Mitchell, ranked 8th among guards and 19th overall, has been the Cavaliers’ linchpin. Last season, Mitchell notched career highs in assists, rebounds, and steals, stepping up as the solo playmaker for his team. 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.” Mitchell's ability to drive the offense singlehandedly underscores his immense value to the Cavaliers.
Tyrese Haliburton: The Pacers' Engine
Tyrese Haliburton, ranked 7th among guards and 17th overall, had a significant impact for the Indiana Pacers, despite being sidelined by an injury midway through the season. Sam Quinn highlighted his importance, saying, “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 generate offense makes him a cornerstone for the Pacers as they look to make a splash this season.
Ja Morant: Electrifying Yet Challenged
Ja Morant, occupying the 6th spot among guards and 16th overall, has had his share of hurdles, playing only 70 games over the last two seasons due to injuries and suspensions. Nevertheless, his dynamic play style continues to captivate. As Jack Maloney points out, “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 league is keenly observing whether Morant can reclaim his full potential this season.
Devin Booker: The Underrated Virtuoso
Devin Booker, ranked 5th among guards and 14th overall, emerged last season as the Phoenix Suns’ point guard. 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.” Booker's ability to handle multiple roles on the court makes him a versatile and crucial player for the Suns.
Jalen Brunson: Playoff Phenomenon
Jalen Brunson sits at 4th among guards and 13th overall, distinguished by his remarkable playoff performances. 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 consistency in high-stakes situations has solidified his reputation as an elite performer.
Stephen Curry: The Ageless Wonder
Ranked 3rd among guards and 6th overall, Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors continues to defy the passage of time. Despite being 36, Curry’s unique combination of movement and shooting remains unparalleled. 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 ability to influence games single-handedly highlights his ongoing significance in the league.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: The Relentless Driver
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander sits 2nd among guards and 4th overall. Last season, he led the NBA in drives for the fourth consecutive year, a testament to his relentless attacking mentality. James Herbert notes, “Last year's MVP runner-up... shot 69% at the rim and 51% from midrange... nobody recorded more steals than Gilgeous-Alexander.” His efficiency and defensive prowess make him a formidable guard.
Luka Doncic: The Slovenian Sensation
At the pinnacle, Luka Doncic is ranked 1st among guards and 3rd overall. Coming off his best statistical season, Doncic led the league in scoring at just 25 years old. Jasmyn Wimbish points out, “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 dictate the game’s tempo and his scoring prowess make him an invaluable player for the Dallas Mavericks.
As the new season unfolds, these guards will undoubtedly be the ones to watch, each bringing unique attributes that could propel their teams to greater heights.