As the NBA gears up for another electrifying season, the rankings of guards and overall players provide a fascinating glimpse into the evolving dynamics of the league. The competition is fiercer than ever, with a mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars making their mark. Here's a detailed look at the top guards and what makes them stand out.
The Emerging Stars
Among the up-and-coming talents, Tyrese Maxey has certainly made a significant impact. Following James Harden's departure, Maxey embraced a more prominent role in Philadelphia, stepping into the No. 2 spot seamlessly. 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." His ranking as the 9th best guard and 24th overall showcases his rapid development and promising future.
Tyrese Haliburton, another young talent, has been nothing short of transformative for the Indiana Pacers. Ranked 7th among guards and 17th overall, Haliburton had an impactful season despite an injury that sidelined him midway through. Sam Quinn highlighted his 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." His ability to influence the game even when not scoring directly speaks volumes about his playmaking skills.
Proven Veterans
Donovan Mitchell continues to solidify his status as a top-tier guard, ranking 8th among guards and 19th overall. Last season was particularly noteworthy for Mitchell, as he reached career highs in assists, rebounds, and steals while shouldering the load as the primary playmaker for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Brad Botkin encapsulated his performance, noting, "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."
Ja Morant, despite battling injuries and suspensions, holds the 6th spot among guards and is 16th overall. When on the court, Morant's electrifying play is undeniably impactful. Jack Maloney remarked, "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."
Elite Offensive Forces
Then there's Devin Booker, who has transitioned into a point guard role for the Phoenix Suns. Ranked 5th among guards and 14th overall, Booker continues to be one of the most lethal scoring threats in the NBA. His playmaking abilities have also seen a marked improvement, as Jasmyn Wimbish observed, "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's heroics during the playoffs have earned him the 4th spot among guards and 13th overall. His incredible scoring feats, particularly in clutch moments, have not gone unnoticed. James Herbert highlighted Brunson's historic performance, saying, "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."
Unmatched Experience
Stephen Curry remains a dominant force, ranking 3rd among guards and 6th overall. At 36 years old, Curry continues to defy age with his unparalleled shooting and movement. Brad Botkin eloquently described his impact, "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."
The Top Two
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's rise has been meteoric, placing him 2nd among guards and 4th in the top 100 NBA players for the upcoming season. His ability to drive to the basket is legendary, having led the NBA in drives for the fourth consecutive year. James Herbert praised his all-around game, noting, "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."
Finally, Luka Doncic tops the list of guards and is ranked 3rd overall. Coming off the best statistical year of his career and having led the league in scoring, Doncic has cemented his status as one of the premier talents in the NBA. Jasmyn Wimbish highlighted his maturity and skill, stating, "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."
This season promises to be an exciting display of talent, with each of these guards bringing their unique strengths to the table. From rising stars to seasoned veterans, the NBA's guard play is set to enthrall fans around the globe.