As the NBA season approaches, fans and analysts alike are delving into player rankings and examining who stands out among the league's elite. This year, several guards have shown remarkable prowess, establishing themselves as top contenders in the NBA's competitive landscape. Here's a deep dive into the top-ranked guards and their recent performance highlights.
Tyrese Maxey's Rise in Philadelphia
Tyrese Maxey's journey in Philadelphia has been nothing short of impressive. Following the departure of James Harden, Maxey stepped into a more prominent role, embracing the responsibility that came with it. "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. This leap not only improved his ranking but also earned him the ninth spot among guards and 24th overall in the top 100 NBA players for the upcoming season.
Donovan Mitchell's Multifaceted Game
Donovan Mitchell's performance last season was remarkable, as he registered career highs in assists, rebounds, and steals. "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," said Brad Botkin. Ranked eighth among guards and 19th overall, Mitchell's ability to take on the role of the lone playmaker for the Cleveland Cavaliers has solidified his standing as a top guard.
Tyrese Haliburton's Impactful Season
Tyrese Haliburton also had an impactful season with the Indiana Pacers, despite an injury midway through the season. Ranked seventh among guards and 17th overall, Haliburton showcased his offensive prowess before getting hurt. As Sam Quinn highlighted, "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 Challenges and Potential
Ja Morant, holding the sixth spot among guards and 16th overall, has had his share of challenges. Over the past two seasons, he has struggled with injuries and suspensions, playing only 70 games. Nevertheless, his potential remains undeniable. "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," observed Jack Maloney.
Devin Booker's Underrated Excellence
Devin Booker, ranked fifth among guards and 14th overall, continues to be one of the league's most underrated players. His transition to the point guard role for Phoenix showcased his versatility. "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," pointed out Jasmyn Wimbish.
Jalen Brunson's Playoff Heroics
Jalen Brunson, who places fourth among guards and 13th overall, made history in the playoffs. "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," highlighted James Herbert. This feat underlines his scoring ability and his significance to his team.
Stephen Curry's Timeless Talent
Stephen Curry, renowned for his shooting prowess, ranks third among guards and sixth overall at 36 years old. Despite his age, Curry continues to perform at an elite level. "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," stated Brad Botkin.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: The Driving Force
Taking the second spot among guards and fourth overall, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been a driving force on the court. Last season, he 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," emphasized James Herbert.
Luka Doncic's Stellar Season
Finally, Luka Doncic stands at the pinnacle, ranked first among guards and third overall. At just 25 years old, Doncic is coming off the best statistical year of his career, having led the league in scoring. As Jasmyn Wimbish put 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."
The upcoming season promises to be electrifying as these guards, each with their unique skill sets and stories, aim to leave an indelible mark on the NBA. Their performances will be closely watched as they continue to elevate their games and contribute to their teams' successes.