The upcoming NBA season promises to deliver thrilling performances and intense competition, particularly from the guards who have established themselves as the league's elite. A closer look at the rankings reveals some surprising names and fascinating developments among the top players.
Kyrie Irving: A Controversial Maestro
Kyrie Irving, known for his exceptional ball-handling skills and scoring ability, is ranked 10th among guards and 25th overall. Despite the controversies that often surround him, Irving’s talent remains undeniable. As Jasmyn Wimbish 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." With a reputation for having the best handle in the league, Irving continues to be a force to reckon with on the court, capable of scoring from all three levels.
Tyrese Maxey: Rising Star
Tyrese Maxey's journey has been nothing short of impressive. Following James Harden's departure from Philadelphia, Maxey embraced his new role as the team's No. 2 option. This transition earned him the 9th spot among guards and 24th overall. Jack Maloney praised Maxey’s development, 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." His outstanding performance and leadership on the court have solidified his status as a rising star in the NBA.
Donovan Mitchell: Unstoppable Force
Donovan Mitchell's ranking at 8th among guards and 19th overall reflects his remarkable performance last season, where he achieved career highs in assists, rebounds, and steals. Mitchell assumed total control of the Cleveland Cavaliers offense, showcasing his ability to dominate games as a lone playmaker. Brad Botkin highlighted his prowess, saying, "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." His ability to lead and perform under pressure will be crucial for the Cavaliers moving forward.
Tyrese Haliburton: The Playmaker
Despite suffering an injury midway through the season, Tyrese Haliburton's impact with the Indiana Pacers was significant enough to earn him the 7th spot among guards and 17th overall. Sam Quinn shed light on his impressive stats, "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 orchestrate the offense and contribute significantly highlights his importance to the Pacers' success.
Ja Morant: The Exciting Guard
Ja Morant, ranked 6th among guards and 16th overall, remains one of the most exciting players to watch. However, his struggles with injuries and suspensions have limited his game time to just 70 games over the past two seasons. Jack Maloney commented, "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." Despite these challenges, Morant's potential to make a significant impact is unquestionable.
Devin Booker: Underrated Excellence
Ranked 5th among guards and 14th overall, Devin Booker has solidified his reputation as one of the most underrated players in the NBA. Transitioning to the role of point guard for Phoenix last season, Booker achieved a career-high year in assists. Jasmyn Wimbish emphasized his value, "Booker has arguably become one of the most underrated players in the league... he’s liable to drop 40+ points on you." Booker's consistent excellence makes him a crucial asset for the Suns.
Jalen Brunson: Consistent Contributor
Jalen Brunson’s performances have earned him the 4th spot among guards and 13th overall. Known for his scoring ability, Brunson recorded four consecutive playoff games with 40 points or more. James Herbert lauded his achievements, stating, "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 makes him a vital player for his team.
Stephen Curry: Timeless Talent
At 36 years old, Stephen Curry remains a dominant force in the NBA, ranking 3rd among guards and 6th overall. Brad Botkin highlighted his unique skill set, "Curry is still an offense unto himself with his inimitable movement and pure shot-making talent." Despite his age, Curry continues to be a pivotal player for the Warriors, needing only better support around him to compete for titles.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: The Drive Leader
Ranked 2nd among guards and 4th overall, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has consistently led the NBA in drives for the past four seasons. James Herbert emphasized his all-around excellence, "Last year's MVP runner-up... led the NBA in drives for the fourth straight season... nobody recorded more steals than Gilgeous-Alexander." His ability to contribute both offensively and defensively makes him a standout player.
Luka Doncic: The Young Phenom
Topping the guard rankings and coming in 3rd overall, 25-year-old Luka Doncic continues to astound with his skills. Jasmyn Wimbish’s praise encapsulates Doncic’s talent, "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." Coming off the best statistical year of his career and leading the league in scoring, Doncic’s trajectory in the NBA is nothing short of phenomenal.
As the new season approaches, the spotlight will be on these remarkable guards whose performances could very well define their teams' fortunes. Each player brings unique strengths and intriguing storylines, promising an exciting year of basketball ahead.