As the NBA season approaches, the rankings of the league's top guards and overall players have stirred substantial discussion among basketball enthusiasts and analysts alike. Here's a closer look at some standout players and the narratives shaping their careers.
Kyrie Irving: Still a Star
Ranked 10th among guards and 25th overall, Kyrie Irving remains a vital player for the Mavericks. His contributions are undeniable, demonstrated by his phenomenal ball-handling skills and ability to score from all levels. As Jasmyn Wimbish noted, "Irving still has the best handle in the league, can easily get to the rim and score from all three levels." His remarkable season performance has been pivotal, making a deep postseason run without causing any ripples within the team dynamic.
Tyrese Maxey's Meteoric Rise
Tyrese Maxey's rise to prominence is a story worth telling. Ranked 9th among guards and 24th overall, Maxey has truly flourished since James Harden's departure from the Philadelphia 76ers. With a more prominent role, he has thrived. Jack Maloney notes, "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." His progress not only reflects his individual talent but also speaks volumes about his adaptability and readiness to seize opportunities.
Donovan Mitchell: A Commanding Presence
Donovan Mitchell holds the 8th rank among guards and 19th overall. Last season, he set career highs in assists, rebounds, and steals, assuming complete control of the Cleveland Cavaliers’ offense. Brad Botkin captured his excellence, 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." Mitchell's ability to lead and perform under pressure solidifies his status as one of the league's elite guards.
Tyrese Haliburton: Overcoming Adversity
Ranked 7th among guards and 17th overall, Tyrese Haliburton's season with the Indiana Pacers was nothing short of impactful, despite battling an injury midway through the season. Sam Quinn highlighted his impressive stats, "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." His resilience in overcoming adversity accentuates his value to the Pacers and his potential for future seasons.
Ja Morant's Unyielding Talent
Ja Morant ranks 6th among guards and 16th overall, despite struggling with injuries and suspensions. He's only played 70 games over the last two seasons, but his talent remains unquestioned. Jack Maloney aptly described 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 electrifying playstyle continues to captivate fans, even as they wait for his full return.
Devin Booker: Underappreciated Excellence
Devin Booker, ranked 5th among guards and 14th overall, has taken on a point guard role with the Phoenix Suns. His scoring ability is indisputable, as Jasmyn Wimbish stated, "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." Booker's versatility and scoring prowess ensure he remains a critical figure for the Suns.
Jalen Brunson's Playoff Prowess
Ranked 4th among guards and 13th overall, Jalen Brunson's performance in the playoffs has been exceptional. James Herbert emphasized, "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 offensive output in high-stakes situations underscores his importance to his team’s postseason success.
Stephen Curry: Ageless Wonder
Stephen Curry, at 36 years old, still ranks 3rd among guards and 6th overall. Brad Botkin's words are a testament to Curry's enduring talent, "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 influence on the game remains profound, as he continues to defy age and maintain his elite status.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's Defensive Dominance
Sitting 2nd among guards and 4th overall, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's contributions go beyond scoring. Last season, he led the NBA in drives for the fourth consecutive year, with James Herbert noting, "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 all-around game makes him indispensable to his team.
Luka Doncic: The Present and Future
At just 25 years old, Luka Doncic has already cemented his place at the top, ranked 1st among guards and 3rd overall. Jasmyn Wimbish captures his unparalleled impact, "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 incredible season, where he led the league in scoring, is a testament to his growing legacy and future potential.
These rankings not only highlight the individual talents of these guards but also reflect their essential roles within their respective teams. As these players continue to make their mark, fans and analysts alike eagerly anticipate the heights they will reach in the seasons to come.