The upcoming NBA season is set to showcase some exciting talent among the league's guards. Ranking 10th among guards and 25th overall, Kyrie Irving's skills continue to warrant attention. 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... Irving still has the best handle in the league, can easily get to the rim and score from all three levels."
Tyrese Maxey, ranked 9th among guards and 24th overall, has been climbing the ranks, particularly after stepping up in Philadelphia following James Harden's departure. As Jack Maloney put it, "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 increased role in Philadelphia has provided him with a platform to exhibit his burgeoning skills, marking an impressive stride in his career.
Donovan Mitchell, who holds the 8th spot among guards and 19th overall, posted career highs in several areas last season. Brad Botkin emphasized, "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." As the lone playmaker for the Cleveland Cavaliers, his leadership on the court has been crucial to the team’s dynamics.
Surpassing Mitchell, Tyrese Haliburton is ranked 7th among guards and 17th overall. Despite struggling with an injury midway through the season, Haliburton had a remarkable impact with the Indiana Pacers. Sam Quinn highlighted, "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." This notable contribution illustrates Haliburton’s value to the Pacers, even amid setbacks.
Ja Morant, holding the 6th spot among guards and 16th overall, adds another layer of intrigue to the upcoming season. Although injuries and suspensions have limited him to just 70 games in the past two seasons, his potential remains undeniable. Jack Maloney noted, "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." His return to form will be pivotal for his team’s success.
Sitting at 5th among guards and 14th overall, Devin Booker has taken on an expanded role with Phoenix, effectively transitioning into a point guard last season. Jasmyn Wimbish stated, "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 versatility and scoring ability will be key assets for Phoenix moving forward.
Jalen Brunson, who ranks 4th among guards and 13th overall, has proven his mettle, especially during the playoffs. James Herbert pointed out, "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 performance under pressure demonstrates his growth and resilience on the court.
Stephen Curry, still a dominant force ranked 3rd among guards and 6th overall, continues to showcase why he is one of the greatest players of his generation. At 36 years old, Curry's talent remains undeniable. Brad Botkin remarked, "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." This statement underscores Curry’s continued influence in the league and his team's reliance on his abilities.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, ranked 2nd among guards and 4th overall, has been a standout in the NBA. Last season, he led the league in drives for the fourth straight year. 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." His consistent performance underscores his prowess and value to his team.
At the pinnacle of the guard rankings is Luka Doncic, 1st among guards and 3rd overall. Doncic is coming off the best statistical year of his career and led the league in scoring. Jasmyn Wimbish encapsulated his impact 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." Doncic's ability to dominate the game at such a young age continues to be a marvel and a significant advantage for his team's aspirations.
As the season progresses, the performance of these guards will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the competitive landscape of the NBA. Each player, with their unique strengths and accomplishments, contributes to the rich tapestry of talent and excitement that defines the league. Fans and analysts alike will be eagerly watching how these top-ranked guards influence their teams and the broader NBA narrative in the months to come.