As the upcoming NBA season draws near, anticipation heightens with every ranking reveal and player review. Among guards, the shifting dynamics have highlighted some standout performers who are expected to make significant impacts on their teams.
Kyrie Irving: Still a Masterclass in Handling
Ranked 10th among guards and 25th in the top 100 NBA players for the upcoming season, Kyrie Irving continues to prove his worth. As Jasmyn Wimbish noted, "he put together one of his best seasons to date without ruffling any feathers... Irving still has the best handle in the league, can easily get to the rim and score from all three levels."
Tyrese Maxey: Philadelphia's Rising Star
Tyrese Maxey's ascent is one of the more intriguing stories. Ranked 9th among guards and 24th overall, Maxey has thrived since taking on a more prominent role in Philadelphia following James Harden's departure. Jack Maloney emphasized his growth: "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."
Donovan Mitchell: A Dominant Force in Cleveland
Donovan Mitchell, ranked 8th among guards and 19th overall, had a career season last year, achieving highs in assists, rebounds, and steals. Brad Botkin captured his prowess: "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, Mitchell's impact was undeniably significant.
Tyrese Haliburton: Injury and Impact
Ranked 7th among guards and 17th overall, Tyrese Haliburton showed his value with the Indiana Pacers despite dealing with an injury midway through the season. Sam Quinn highlighted his contribution: "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 absence on the court was certainly felt.
Ja Morant: A Rollercoaster Ride
Ja Morant, holding the 6th spot among guards and 16th overall, has faced his share of challenges with injuries and suspensions, playing only 70 games in the last two seasons. Jack Maloney points out the intrigue around him, "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: A Point Guard Evolution
Devin Booker, ranked 5th among guards and 14th overall, has arguably become one of the most underrated players in the league. Taking on the role of point guard for Phoenix last season, Booker thrived. Jasmyn Wimbish reflected this, "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: Playoff Prowess
Jalen Brunson places 4th among guards and 13th overall. His playoff performances were remarkable, as James Herbert notes, "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 ability to elevate his game under pressure sets him apart.
Stephen Curry: The Timeless Shooter
Even at 36 years old, Stephen Curry, ranked 3rd among guards and 6th overall, remains an offensive powerhouse. Brad Botkin describes his unique influence: "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."
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: A Statistical Marvel
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, sitting 2nd among guards and 4th overall, has etched his name amongst the NBA's elite. Last season, he led the NBA in drives for the fourth straight year. James Herbert succinctly sums up his impact, "Last year's MVP runner-up... shot 69% at the rim and 51% from midrange... nobody recorded more steals than Gilgeous-Alexander."
Luka Doncic: A Rising Legend
At just 25 years old, Luka Doncic, ranked 1st among guards and 3rd overall, is coming off the best statistical year of his career. As Jasmyn Wimbish put it, "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 led the league in scoring and remains a transformative figure for the Mavericks.
As the season approaches, the performances of these guards will undoubtedly be pivotal in shaping the fortunes of their respective teams. Their rankings reflect not only their past accomplishments but also the high expectations for their future contributions.