Spotlight on the Top NBA Guards for the Upcoming Season
The landscape of the NBA is ever-evolving, with each season bringing forward new narratives and performances that capture the attention of basketball enthusiasts worldwide. As we head into the upcoming season, several guards are poised to make significant impacts. Here, we take a closer look at some of the top-ranked guards and what they bring to the court.
Kyrie Irving: Handling the Pressure
Kyrie Irving finds himself ranked 10th among guards and 25th overall. 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." At 36 years old, Irving continues to be a dynamic presence on the court, showcasing his unrivaled ball-handling skills and scoring ability.
Tyrese Maxey: Stepping Up for Philadelphia
Tyrese Maxey's rise in the ranks has been nothing short of impressive. He sits just above Irving, ranked 9th among guards and 24th overall. Following James Harden's departure, Maxey took on a more prominent role in Philadelphia. As Jack Maloney described, "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." This accolade reflects Maxey's hard work and dedication, making him a player to watch closely this season.
Donovan Mitchell: Cleveland's Lone Playmaker
Donovan Mitchell, ranked 8th among guards and 19th overall, had a season filled with career highs. Brad Botkin highlighted, "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." Last season, Mitchell's role as Cleveland Cavaliers' primary playmaker allowed him to shine, showcasing his scoring and playmaking abilities.
Tyrese Haliburton: Overcoming Adversity
Ranked 7th among guards and 17th overall, Tyrese Haliburton had an impactful season with the Indiana Pacers despite dealing with injuries. Sam Quinn emphasized, "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." Despite the setback, Haliburton's contributions on the court have been significant, making him a crucial player for the Pacers.
Ja Morant: Excitement Amidst Struggles
Ja Morant, holding the 6th spot among guards and 16th overall, has faced his share of challenges. Jack Maloney pointed out, "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." With injuries and suspensions limiting his playtime to only 70 games over the past two seasons, Morant's ability to bounce back will be key to his and his team's success.
Devin Booker: Underrated Excellence
Devin Booker, ranked 5th among guards and 14th overall, took on the role of point guard for Phoenix last season. As Jasmyn Wimbish noted, "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 make him an invaluable asset for the Suns.
Jalen Brunson: Playoff Performer
Jalen Brunson, placing 4th among guards and 13th overall, made headlines with his playoff performances. James Herbert highlighted, "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." Brunson's ability to elevate his game during critical moments sets him apart as a top guard in the league.
Stephen Curry: Ageless Wonder
At 36 years old, Stephen Curry ranks 3rd among guards and 6th overall, proving that age is just a number. Brad Botkin emphasized, "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 unique ability to influence the game through his movement and shooting continues to dazzle fans and opponents alike.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: Consistent Drive
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander sits 2nd among guards and 4th overall, a testament to his consistent performance. James Herbert noted, "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 ability to drive to the basket and his defensive prowess make him an all-around threat on the court.
Luka Doncic: The Top Guard
Leading the pack is Luka Doncic, ranked 1st among guards and 3rd overall. Jasmyn Wimbish captured his essence perfectly, 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." Coming off his best statistical year and leading the league in scoring, Doncic's future in the NBA looks incredibly bright.
As the new season approaches, these guards will undoubtedly continue to captivate audiences with their skill, leadership, and relentless drive. Each player's unique journey and impact on their respective teams promise an exciting season ahead.