With the upcoming NBA season fast approaching, fans and analysts alike are abuzz with rankings and predictions for the league's top performers. This year, several players have made significant strides, as highlighted by both their rankings and accolades from the previous season. Let's take a closer look at some of the standout guards who are poised to make an impact.
Kyrie Irving: Consistency Amidst Controversy
Despite a tumultuous past couple of seasons, Kyrie Irving remains a central figure in the NBA. Ranked 10th among guards and 25th overall, Irving continues to showcase his incredible skill set. 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 excels in ball handling and scoring, proving he can produce at an elite level.
The Rise of Tyrese Maxey
One of the most notable risers is Tyrese Maxey, who finds himself ranked 9th among guards and 24th overall. Maxey took on a more prominent role in Philadelphia following James Harden's departure, stepping into the No. 2 role last season. Jack Maloney highlighted his meteoric rise, stating, "Maxey stepped into the No. 2 role in Philadelphia last season and made the leap... rewarded with the Most Improved Player award."
Donovan Mitchell's Dominance
Ranked 8th among guards and 19th overall, Donovan Mitchell had a career-defining season. Mitchell registered career highs in assists, rebounds, and steals, assuming total control of the Cleveland Cavaliers' offense. As Brad Botkin aptly puts it, “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.”
The Impact of Tyrese Haliburton
Tyrese Haliburton earned the 7th spot among guards and 17th overall, demonstrating his significance to the Indiana Pacers. Despite an injury midway through the season, Haliburton's performance remained impactful. Sam Quinn highlights, "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."
Ja Morant's Fluctuating Fortunes
Ja Morant, ranked 6th among guards and 16th overall, has had a mixed few seasons filled with injuries and suspensions. However, his skill remains unquestionable. Jack Maloney underscores his potential, saying, "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 Stepping Up
Ranked 5th among guards and 14th overall, Devin Booker assumed a new role as the point guard for the Phoenix Suns last season. Jasmyn Wimbish notes, "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."
Jalen Brunson’s Playoff Mastery
Jalen Brunson, who places 4th among guards and 13th overall, had an incredible playoff run. As James Herbert notes, "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 playoff prowess has solidified his status among the elite guards in the league.
Stephen Curry: The Ageless Wonder
At 36 years old, Stephen Curry is ranked 3rd among guards and 6th overall. Brad Botkin eloquently captures Curry's essence, stating, "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 age has not dulled his legendary shooting or movement, remaining a pivotal player for the Golden State Warriors.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Prowess
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander sits 2nd among guards and 4th overall, following a remarkable season where he led the NBA in drives for the fourth straight year. According to James Herbert, "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."
Luka Doncic: The Young Phenom
Topping the ranks at 1st among guards and 3rd overall is Luka Doncic, who, at just 25 years old, is coming off the best statistical year of his career. He led the league in scoring, showcasing his immense talent. Jasmyn Wimbish paints a vivid picture, stating, "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, these rankings and quotes highlight the exceptional talent and captivating narratives that will unfold on the court. With so many players peaking and breaking new ground, fans have every reason to be excited.