The NBA landscape is gearing up for another thrilling season, and the rankings of top players are already sparking discussions. Among guards, the competition is fierce, with several athletes making significant strides and cementing their places in the league.
The Young Guards on the Rise
Tyrese Maxey and Donovan Mitchell have had breakout seasons that earned them respectable spots in the upcoming season's rankings. Maxey, now ranked 9th among guards and 24th overall, stepped up for the Philadelphia 76ers following James Harden's departure. "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," noted Jack Maloney. Maxey's newfound prominence in the team has been crucial for the 76ers, and his growth is evident in his performance.
Mitchell, on the other hand, is ranked 8th among guards and 19th overall. His remarkable rise is attributed to career highs in assists, rebounds, and steals. Brad Botkin observed, "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 has shown that he can lead and innovate on the court.
Veterans Holding Their Ground
Stephen Curry and Luka Doncic continue to dominate the guard rankings, showcasing experience and enduring talent. Curry, ranked 3rd among guards and 6th overall, remains a pivotal player despite being 36 years old. "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," highlighted Brad Botkin. Curry’s ability to create scoring opportunities from virtually any situation makes him indispensable to the Golden State Warriors.
Doncic, at just 25, is already ranked 1st among guards and 3rd overall, marking him as a standout player for the season. Jasmyn Wimbish elaborates on his prowess, saying, "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 remarkable statistics and leadership on the court are a testament to his growing legacy.
Mid-Career Surge
Devin Booker and Jalen Brunson have both experienced significant upward trajectories in their careers. Booker, ranked 5th among guards and 14th overall, took on the role of point guard for the Phoenix Suns last season, resulting in a career-high in assists. Jasmyn Wimbish commented on his performance, saying, "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."
Brunson, placing 4th among guards and 13th overall, has also been making headlines. His playoff performances were particularly noteworthy, as James Herbert mentions, "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 consistent high-level play has been instrumental for his team’s success.
Consistency Amidst Challenges
Meanwhile, Ja Morant, who holds the 6th spot among guards and 16th overall, has had to navigate injuries and suspensions, playing only 70 games in the last two seasons. Jack Maloney noted, "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 talent remains undeniable, and his potential return to peak form is highly anticipated.
Undeniable Talent
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Tyrese Haliburton have also demonstrated exceptional skill and impact. Gilgeous-Alexander, ranked 2nd among guards and 4th overall, led the NBA in drives for the fourth straight year. "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," remarked James Herbert. His all-around performance continues to make him a key player to watch.
Haliburton, holding the 7th rank among guards and 17th overall, has proven his worth despite an injury last season. Sam Quinn shared, "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 contributions to the Indiana Pacers have been significant, showcasing his ability to influence both ends of the floor.
As the NBA prepares for another season, the ranking of guards reveals a blend of seasoned veterans, rising stars, and consistent performers. Their performances will undoubtedly shape the narratives and outcomes of the upcoming games, promising fans an exhilarating season ahead.