The anticipation for the upcoming NBA season is palpable, with rankings providing a glimpse of the elite performers expected to shine on the court. Among the top guards, the list features familiar faces as well as rising stars who have carved out significant roles on their respective teams.
Emerging Talents and Established Veterans
At the summit, Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks is ranked first among guards and third overall. Coming off the best statistical year of his career, Doncic led the league in scoring. Despite being only 25, he has firmly established himself as a force in the league. As Jasmyn Wimbish noted, "he plays at the pace of paint drying on a wall, and yet... the most elite defenders couldn't stop him."
Hot on his heels is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, placed second among guards and fourth overall. Last season, he led the NBA in drives for the fourth consecutive year, showcasing his relentless aggression and precision. The MVP runner-up also demonstrated remarkable efficiency, shooting 69% at the rim and 51% from midrange. His defensive prowess was on full display, with nobody recording more steals than him, as pointed out by James Herbert.
Veteran Savvy Meets Youthful Exuberance
Stephen Curry, despite being 36 years old, continues to dazzle with his inimitable movement and shot-making talent, securing the third spot among guards and sixth overall. Brad Botkin remarked, "Curry is still an offense unto himself... he needs better talent around him to make his way back into title contention."
Jalen Brunson, claimed the fourth spot among guards and 13th overall. His remarkable playoff performance, where he scored 40 points or more in four consecutive games, cemented his status as a clutch performer. His consistent scoring ability was highlighted by James Herbert, who noted, "he had a total of 16 40-point games in 2023-24."
Devin Booker rounds out the top five guards and sits 14th in the overall rankings. Booker took on the role of point guard for the Phoenix Suns last season, leading to a career-high in assists. Jasmyn Wimbish emphasized Booker's scoring capability, stating, "he's liable to drop 40+ points on you."
Guarding Glory
Ja Morant, ranking sixth among guards and 16th overall, has faced challenges with injuries and suspensions, playing only 70 games in the last two seasons. Despite this, his dynamic play makes him one of the most exciting guards to watch. "Whether or not Morant can return to an All-NBA level is one of the biggest storylines to watch," observed Jack Maloney.
Tyrese Haliburton, placed seventh among guards and 17th overall, had an impactful season with the Indiana Pacers despite an injury. Before getting hurt, he was averaging 23.6 points per game, generating a total of 55.9 points of offense. Sam Quinn provided context on Haliburton's significance, emphasizing his offensive output.
Donovan Mitchell, ranked eighth among guards and 19th overall, registered career highs in assists, rebounds, and steals last season. His role as the lone playmaker for the Cleveland Cavaliers showcased his ability to assume total control of the offense. Brad Botkin noted Mitchell's capacity to be "virtually unstoppable when he gets going downhill as a pull-up shooter."
Rising Stars Set to Shine
Tyrese Maxey, who stepped up in the absence of James Harden, ranks ninth among guards and 24th overall. Maxey's promotion to the No. 2 role in Philadelphia was a significant leap, rewarded with the Most Improved Player award. Jack Maloney highlighted his achievement, stating, "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."
Rounding out the top ten guards is Kyrie Irving, ranked 25th overall. Irving continues to exhibit the best handle in the league, combining agility and scoring ability. Jasmyn Wimbish noted, "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."
As the new NBA season tips off, these rankings set the stage for a thrilling journey. From veterans like Curry to rising stars like Gilgeous-Alexander and Maxey, fans can expect high-octane performances and pivotal moments that define careers.