As the NBA season approaches, fan excitement and speculation about player rankings are at an all-time high. The latest rankings reveal intriguing shifts and developments, especially among the league's elite guards.
Kyrie Irving and the Mavericks
Kyrie Irving, often the subject of debates due to his polarizing off-court presence, is ranked 10th among guards and 25th overall. Despite the noise, Irving showcased one of his best seasons to date. As Jasmyn Wimbish noted, "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."
Tyrese Maxey: Philadelphia's Rising Star
Tyrese Maxey, a young talent making waves, is ranked 9th among guards and 24th overall. Maxey stepped into a more prominent role in Philadelphia following the departure of James Harden. "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," says Jack Maloney. Maxey's rapid growth and adaptability have made him an indispensable part of the team's core.
Donovan Mitchell: The Lone Playmaker
Donovan Mitchell of the Cleveland Cavaliers holds the 8th spot among guards and is ranked 19th overall. Last season, Mitchell achieved career highs in assists, rebounds, and steals while performing as the lone playmaker for his team. Brad Botkin captures Mitchell's prowess, 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."
Tyrese Haliburton's Unyielding Impact
Tyrese Haliburton, who had a considerable season with the Indiana Pacers, is ranked 7th among guards and 17th overall. Despite suffering an injury midway through the season, Haliburton's impact remained significant. Sam Quinn remarks, "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: Highs and Lows
Ranked 6th among guards and 16th overall, Ja Morant's journey has been a mixed bag of brilliance and setbacks. Plagued by injuries and suspensions, he has played only 70 games in the last two seasons. Nevertheless, Morant's electrifying performances continue to captivate fans. Jack Maloney emphasizes, "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 Maestro
Devin Booker, ranked 5th among guards and 14th overall, took on the role of point guard for Phoenix last season, showcasing his versatility and skill. Jasmyn Wimbish 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: A Historic Playoff Run
Jalen Brunson, placing 4th among guards and 13th overall, had an unforgettable season which culminated in a historic playoff run. "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," notes James Herbert. Brunson's scoring prowess has been instrumental for his team.
Stephen Curry: Eternal Excellence
Stephen Curry, at 36 years old, continues to defy the limitations of age, ranking 3rd among guards and 6th overall. His movement and shot-making talent remain unparalleled. Brad Botkin reflects, "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."
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: Driving Force
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, ranked 2nd among guards and 4th overall, had an outstanding season, leading the NBA in drives for the fourth straight year. James Herbert lauds his performance, saying, "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 Pinnacle of Performance
At just 25 years old, Luka Doncic is already a dominant force, ranked 1st among guards and 3rd overall. Doncic is fresh off the best statistical year of his career, having led the league in scoring. Jasmyn Wimbish captures his brilliance, saying, "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 season kicks off, these exceptional guards are poised to make significant impacts on their teams and the league. Their performances will undoubtedly be a focal point for fans and analysts alike, each game a testament to their enduring talent and hard work.