As the new NBA season approaches, the spotlight shines brightly on the league's top guards. Analysts and fans alike are abuzz with discussions about the players who will undoubtedly influence the season's course. Ranking among these elite athletes, Kyrie Irving, Tyrese Maxey, Donovan Mitchell, Tyrese Haliburton, Ja Morant, Devin Booker, Jalen Brunson, Stephen Curry, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Luka Doncic have all etched their names in the annals of basketball greatness.
Kyrie Irving: Master of Handles
Kyrie Irving, currently ranked 10th among guards and 25th in the top 100 NBA players, had an impressive season that helped elevate the Mavericks. Known for having the best handle in the league, Irving can effortlessly get to the rim and score from all three levels. "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," noted Jasmyn Wimbish.
Tyrese Maxey: Philadelphia's Rising Star
Tyrese Maxey’s ascent has been nothing short of remarkable. Ranked 9th among guards and 24th overall, Maxey seized the opportunity presented by James Harden's departure from Philadelphia, assuming a more significant role in the team. Maxey’s contributions did not go unnoticed; he was awarded the Most Improved Player award. "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," observed Jack Maloney.
Donovan Mitchell: Cleveland’s Lone Playmaker
Ranked 8th among guards and 19th overall, Donovan Mitchell's performance last season for the Cleveland Cavaliers was outstanding. Mitchell registered career highs in assists, rebounds, and steals, demonstrating his versatility and leadership on the court. Brad Botkin highlighted Mitchell’s impact: "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."
Tyrese Haliburton's Impactful Season
Despite an injury midway through the season, Tyrese Haliburton, ranked 7th among guards and 17th overall, continued to leave his mark with the Indiana Pacers. Sam Quinn detailed Haliburton's pre-injury performance, "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: A Rollercoaster Journey
Holding the 6th spot among guards and 16th overall, Ja Morant’s journey has been a mix of brilliance and challenges. Despite struggling with injuries and suspensions, Morant remains one of the league's most electrifying players. Jack Maloney eloquently captured this dichotomy: "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: The Underrated Titan
Devin Booker, ranked 5th among guards and 14th overall, continues to be an invaluable asset for the Phoenix Suns. Taking on the point guard role last season, Booker achieved career-high assists. Jasmyn Wimbish aptly points out, "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: The Playoff Performer
Ranked 4th among guards and 13th overall, Jalen Brunson has established himself as a clutch performer, especially in playoff scenarios. Notably, Brunson scored 40 points or more in four consecutive playoff games. James Herbert remarked, "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."
Stephen Curry: The Ageless Wonder
Stephen Curry continues to defy age and expectations, ranked 3rd among guards and 6th overall. Even at 36, Curry’s offensive prowess remains unmatched. "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," noted Brad Botkin.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: The Dynamic Leader
Ranked 2nd among guards and 4th overall, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the NBA in drives for the fourth consecutive year and was a defensive powerhouse. James Herbert highlighted his exceptional season, "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 Prodigious Talent
At the pinnacle, Luka Doncic stands as the top guard and 3rd overall in the NBA rankings. Coming off the best statistical year of his career and leading the league in scoring, Doncic continues to mesmerize fans and opponents alike. "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," Jasmyn Wimbish remarked.
As the new season unfolds, the performances of these distinguished guards will undoubtedly capture the attention and admiration of the basketball community, setting the stage for yet another thrilling NBA chapter.