The NBA offseason is always a time of reflection and anticipation. As we gear up for the upcoming season, player rankings provide a snapshot of expectations and excitement. This year, the competition among guards is particularly intense, with familiar faces and rising stars vying for top honors.
Emerging Guards Grab Attention
Kyrie Irving, a perennial talent, finds himself ranked 10th among guards and 25th overall. Jasmyn Wimbish captures his essence perfectly: "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... Irving still has the best handle in the league, can easily get to the rim and score from all three levels."
Tyrese Maxey, stepping into the spotlight following James Harden's departure, has soared to 9th among guards and 24th overall. Jack Maloney notes, "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." Maxey's transition into a more prominent role and subsequent recognition as the Most Improved Player underscores his significant contributions and growth.
Veteran Consistency and Young Talent
Donovan Mitchell, ranked 8th among guards and 19th overall, had a season marked by exceptional individual achievements. Brad Botkin highlights, "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." Acting as the lone playmaker for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Mitchell's ability to lead and excel is unmistakable.
Tyrese Haliburton, sitting at 7th among guards and 17th overall, had an impactful season with the Indiana Pacers despite an injury midway through the season. Sam Quinn emphasizes, "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 performance showcases his influence on both ends of the court.
At 6th among guards and 16th overall, Ja Morant has captured attention with his electrifying play. Nonetheless, injuries and suspensions have limited his availability, playing only 70 games in the last two seasons. Jack Maloney observes, "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 Performers Take Center Stage
Devin Booker, ranked 5th among guards and 14th in the top 100 NBA players, has emerged as one of the most underrated talents in the league. "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," notes Jasmyn Wimbish. Tasked with the point guard role for Phoenix last season, Booker rose to the occasion, showcasing impressive versatility.
Jalen Brunson, at 4th among guards and 13th overall, made headlines with his playoff performances. James Herbert details, "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 scoring prowess, especially under high-pressure situations, cements his status as an elite guard.
Ranking 3rd among guards and 6th overall, the 36-year-old Stephen Curry continues to be a significant force. Brad Botkin succinctly states, "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 and Luka Lead the Pack
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, holding the 2nd spot among guards and 4th overall, has shown remarkable consistency and excellence. James Herbert praises, "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 impeccable stats highlight his dominance and impact on the game.
Finally, Luka Doncic tops the guard rankings and sits at 3rd overall. Coming off the best statistical year of his career and leading the league in scoring, Doncic's accomplishments are nothing short of spectacular. Jasmyn Wimbish aptly captures his prowess: "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."
As the new NBA season approaches, the guard position is clearly stacked with talent, both seasoned veterans and emerging stars ready to make their mark. This mix of experience and youthful exuberance promises fans an enthralling and competitive season ahead.