Guard Rankings for Upcoming NBA Season Highlight Emerging and Established Stars
As the upcoming NBA season draws near, the ranking of guards reveals a mix of both rising stars and established veterans who continue to make substantial impacts on the court. Among these players are Kyrie Irving, Tyrese Maxey, Donovan Mitchell, Tyrese Haliburton, Ja Morant, Devin Booker, Jalen Brunson, Stephen Curry, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Luka Doncic. Each player brings a unique set of skills and accomplishments that contribute to their high rankings.
The Elite Guards of the NBA
Kyrie Irving, ranked 10th among guards and 25th overall, remains a player with unparalleled handling skills. 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... Irving still has the best handle in the league, can easily get to the rim and score from all three levels." Irving’s ability to maintain top performance while adapting to team dynamics keeps him in the upper echelons of the NBA rankings.
One spot ahead of Irving in both guard and overall rankings is Tyrese Maxey. Ranked 9th among guards and 24th overall, Maxey stepped up significantly after 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," Jack Maloney observed. Maxey's rise demonstrates his ability to seize opportunities and thrive under increased responsibility.
Donovan Mitchell, who places 8th among guards and 19th overall, has been a key player for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Last season, Mitchell achieved career highs in assists, rebounds, and steals, all while performing as the lone playmaker for his team. Brad Botkin highlighted Mitchell's impact, stating, "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."
Rising Stars Making a Statement
Tyrese Haliburton's impactful season with the Indiana Pacers, despite an injury, ranks him 7th among guards and 17th overall. Sam Quinn pointed out, "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 contribute significantly even while facing challenges underscores his potential and resilience.
Ja Morant, who is 6th among guards and 16th overall, remains one of the most exhilarating players to watch despite struggling with injuries and suspensions. He has played only 70 games in the last two seasons. Reflecting on Morant’s abilities, Jack Maloney remarked, "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’s versatility for the Phoenix Suns secures him the 5th spot among guards and 14th overall. Jasmyn Wimbish commented on Booker's underrated status: "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." His consistent performance and adaptability continue to make him a key player for the Suns.
Jalen Brunson’s remarkable playoff performances propel him to the 4th position among guards and 13th overall. James Herbert noted, "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 ability under playoff pressure showcases his elite talent.
The Top Three Guards Setting the Bar
Stephen Curry, even at 36 years old, retains his position as one of the best guards in the league, ranked 3rd among guards and 6th overall. His reputation as an offensive dynamo is well-deserved, according to Brad Botkin: "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’s impressive performance last season places him 2nd among guards and 4th overall. "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," observed James Herbert. Gilgeous-Alexander’s relentless drive and efficiency make him a formidable presence on the court.
At the pinnacle of the guard rankings is Luka Doncic, ranked 1st among guards and 3rd overall. Doncic is coming off the best statistical year of his career and led the league in scoring. Jasmyn Wimbish highlighted 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." Doncic’s combination of skill, poise, and youth sets him apart as the leading guard.
Conclusion
As the new NBA season approaches, these top-ranked guards demonstrate a blend of seasoned expertise, emerging prowess, and undying competitiveness. Fans and analysts alike will be closely watching to see how these standout players continue to shape the game and elevate their teams to new heights.