The anticipation surrounding the upcoming NBA season is palpable, with fans eagerly dissecting player rankings and performances. Among the guards, there's a wealth of talent vying for the top spots, and several names have stood out for their recent accomplishments and projected impact.
Kyrie Irving and Tyrese Maxey: Rising Stars
With Kyrie Irving ranked 10th among guards and 25th overall, his contributions remain invaluable. 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... Irving still has the best handle in the league, can easily get to the rim and score from all three levels." Irving's skill set continues to be a linchpin for his team, underscoring his enduring prowess on the court.
Tyrese Maxey's rise has been meteoric. Ranked 9th among guards and 24th overall, Maxey took on a more prominent role in Philadelphia following James Harden's departure. As Jack Maloney highlights, "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 evolution as a player is evident and his recognition as the Most Improved Player is a testament to his hard work and determination.
Mitchell, Haliburton, and Morant: Impactful Performers
Donovan Mitchell is another guard whose presence cannot be ignored. Ranked 8th among guards and 19th overall, Mitchell achieved career highs in assists, rebounds, and steals last season. Brad Botkin observes that "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 he's capable of shouldering immense responsibility and excelling.
Tyrese Haliburton's season with the Indiana Pacers was nothing short of impactful, even though it was marred by an injury midway. Ranked 7th among guards and 17th overall, Haliburton was averaging impressive numbers before his injury. Sam Quinn reports, "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." Despite the setback, Haliburton's season showcased his potential and the significant contribution he makes when healthy.
Ja Morant, holding the 6th spot among guards and 16th overall, presents a complex narrative. Struggling with injuries and suspensions, he's only played 70 games in the last two seasons. Jack Maloney aptly describes 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." Morant's journey is one of resilience and potential, and fans are eager to see if he can regain his All-NBA form.
Top Tier Guards: Booker, Brunson, and Curry
Devin Booker has seen his role evolve, now being ranked 5th among guards and 14th overall. Last season, he took on the role of point guard for Phoenix. As Jasmyn Wimbish explains, "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 ability to adapt and excel in new roles confirms his versatility and importance to the Suns.
Jalen Brunson, who ranks 4th among guards and 13th overall, is another name that consistently delivers. His playoff performances were particularly noteworthy. James Herbert recalls, "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." Such achievements underscore Brunson's clutch performances and reliability in high-stakes situations.
Stephen Curry continues to defy age-related expectations, ranking 3rd among guards and 6th overall at 36 years old. Brad Botkin captures his essence perfectly: "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." Curry's ability to influence the game single-handedly remains unparalleled, even as the Warriors seek to bolster their roster around him.
Gilgeous-Alexander and Doncic: The Elite Performers
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's impact cannot be overstated. Sitting at 2nd among guards and 4th overall, he led the NBA in drives for the fourth straight year last season. James Herbert notes, "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 consistency and defensive prowess make him a formidable force in the league.
Finally, Luka Doncic, ranked 1st among guards and 3rd overall, continues to push the boundaries of excellence. Coming off the best statistical year of his career and leading the league in scoring, Doncic's performance has been extraordinary. Jasmyn Wimbish remarks, "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 mastery of the game at such a young age sets him apart as one of the premier talents in the NBA.
With such impressive rankings and player stories, the guard position in this NBA season promises thrilling narratives and remarkable performances. The competition is fierce, and the fans can look forward to a season filled with high-octane basketball.