As the upcoming NBA season approaches, the spotlight intensifies on the league's premier guards. The rankings offer insights into both their past performances and expectations for the future. Among these elite players, Kyrie Irving, Tyrese Maxey, Donovan Mitchell, Tyrese Haliburton, Ja Morant, Devin Booker, Jalen Brunson, Stephen Curry, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Luka Doncic command attention.
Kyrie Irving: A Consistent Presence
Ranked 10th among guards and 25th in the top 100 NBA players, Kyrie Irving continues to be a critical asset for the Mavericks. As Jasmyn Wimbish notes, "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." While Irving remains a significant force on the court, maintaining his position will require staying injury-free through the demanding season ahead.
Tyrese Maxey: A Rising Star
Tyrese Maxey's meteoric rise in Philadelphia was both unexpected and much-needed. Ranked 9th among guards and 24th overall, Maxey stepped up following James Harden's departure. Jack Maloney observes, "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 performance will be critical for the 76ers as they navigate their future configurations.
Donovan Mitchell: Cleveland’s Lone Playmaker
Holding the 8th spot among guards and 19th overall, Donovan Mitchell's impact on the Cleveland Cavaliers cannot be overstated. 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." Mitchell’s ability to consistently dominate both ends of the court will be crucial for Cleveland as they aim for competitiveness.
Tyrese Haliburton: Overcoming Adversity
Ranked 7th among guards and 17th overall, Tyrese Haliburton showed immense promise with the Indiana Pacers despite dealing with injuries. As Sam Quinn mentions, "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 full-season health could be pivotal for the Pacers' ambitions this year.
Ja Morant: Electrifying Yet Unpredictable
Positioned at 6th among guards and 16th overall, Ja Morant remains one of the league's most exhilarating talents. However, his struggles with injuries and suspensions leave a cloud over his otherwise stellar performance. Jack Maloney captures the duality of Morant’s career: "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: Consistent and Underrated
Ranked 5th among guards and 14th overall, Devin Booker has steadily solidified his reputation as one of the NBA’s most reliable players. Jasmyn Wimbish echoes this sentiment: "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." Phoenix's hopes will largely rest on Booker’s continued excellence.
Jalen Brunson: Playoff Performer
Placing 4th among guards and 13th overall, Jalen Brunson's playoff performance has been nothing short of historic. James Herbert highlights, "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." His ability to maintain such a high level of performance throughout the regular season and playoffs will be central to his team's successes.
Stephen Curry: The Ageless Wonder
At 36 years old, Stephen Curry continues to defy age-related expectations, ranking 3rd among guards and 6th overall. Brad Botkin remarks, "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." As Golden State reconfigures its roster, Curry’s role remains pivotal.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: Breakout Star
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has risen to 2nd among guards and 4th overall, showcasing his ability to lead on both ends of the court. James Herbert states, "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 comprehensive game will make him a cornerstone for the Thunder's future.
Luka Doncic: The Benchmark
Luka Doncic sits atop the list, ranked 1st among guards and 3rd overall. At just 25 years old, Doncic is already a dual-threat with his scoring and playmaking. As Jasmyn Wimbish puts 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’s trajectory continues to ascend, setting a high bar for guards across the league.
The upcoming season promises to be a riveting showcase of talent, drama, and competition among the NBA's elite guards. With each player bringing unique strengths and narratives, fans have much to look forward to on the hardwood.