As the NBA gears up for another electrifying season, player rankings and performances have garnered considerable attention, with a notable focus on guards. This elite group of players exhibits a blend of youth and experience, and their last season's achievements set high expectations for what's to come.
Kyrie Irving: Proving His Worth
Kyrie Irving may be showing up as the 10th-ranked guard and 25th overall, but his contributions to the Dallas Mavericks remain invaluable. Jasmyn Wimbish aptly noted, "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." His unparalleled handling of the ball continues to capture audiences, as he "still has the best handle in the league, can easily get to the rim and score from all three levels."
Tyrese Maxey: Rising Star
Tyrese Maxey's ascension has been nothing short of impressive. Following James Harden's departure, Maxey stepped up significantly, earning him the 9th spot among guards and 24th overall. Jack Maloney highlighted Maxey's impactful season: "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 development and adaptability make him a young player to watch keenly this season.
Donovan Mitchell: Consistency and Leadership
Ranked 8th among guards and 19th overall, Donovan Mitchell showcased remarkable consistency and leadership last season. His ability to take control of games was evident, as Brad Botkin described: "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 all-around performance, including career highs in assists, rebounds, and steals, positions him as a pivotal figure for the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Tyrese Haliburton: A Force Despite Adversity
Tyrese Haliburton, ranked 7th among guards and 17th overall, had a season marked by both brilliance and setbacks. Despite an injury midway through the season, his impact on the Indiana Pacers was profound. Sam Quinn highlighted Haliburton's value: "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 make a significant difference on the court remains undeniable.
Ja Morant: The Excitement Continues
Holding the 6th position among guards and 16th overall, Ja Morant's journey has been a rollercoaster, marked by incredible highs and unfortunate lows. His struggle with injuries and suspensions has limited his playtime to only 70 games over the last two seasons. However, his potential is unquestionable. Jack Maloney describes him aptly: "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: Underrated Yet Potent
Ranked 5th among guards and 14th overall, Devin Booker's talent often flies under the radar. He took on the role of point guard for Phoenix last season and delivered stunning performances. Jasmyn Wimbish asserted, "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 prowess make him a critical player for the Suns.
Jalen Brunson: A Playoff Specialist
Jalen Brunson, ranked 4th among guards and 13th overall, emerged as a playoff phenomenon. His ability to score was highlighted during the postseason, where he made history. James Herbert reported, "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 clutch performances underline his importance to his team’s success.
Stephen Curry: The Ageless Wonder
Stephen Curry continues to amaze at 36 years old, securing the 3rd spot among guards and 6th overall. Despite his age, Curry remains a dynamic offensive force. Brad Botkin's observation encapsulates Curry's brilliance: "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." His enduring excellence keeps him at the top of his game.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: Dominating the Drives
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, ranked 2nd among guards and 4th overall, demonstrated dominant form last season. Known for leading the NBA in drives for four straight years, his offensive performance is formidable. James Herbert provided a glimpse into his stellar season: "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 comprehensive skill set showcases his elite status.
Luka Doncic: The Pinnacle of Guards
At the pinnacle of the guard rankings, Luka Doncic holds the 1st spot and is 3rd overall. His past season was statistically the best of his career, leading the league in scoring. Jasmyn Wimbish's remarks capture his unique style: "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 exceptional talent continues to set him apart in the NBA landscape.
The upcoming NBA season holds immense promise, with guards taking center stage. Fans can eagerly anticipate another year of jaw-dropping performances, record-breaking moments, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Each player brings a unique flair to the game, making the race for the top as thrilling as ever.