The Guard Standouts for the Upcoming NBA Season
As the NBA prepares for another thrilling season, the spotlight is on the guards who have demonstrated exceptional prowess on the court. From seasoned veterans to emerging stars, these players have set the bar high with their electrifying performances and game-changing skills.
Kyrie Irving and Tyrese Maxey: Rising to the Challenge
Kyrie Irving, who is ranked 10th among guards and 25th overall, continues to be a critical asset for the Mavericks. 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." At 36, Irving still possesses the best handle in the league and consistently scores from all three levels.
On the other hand, Tyrese Maxey has been making waves in Philadelphia, stepping into a more prominent role following James Harden's departure. Ranked 9th among guards and 24th in the top 100, Maxey's impressive leap earned him the Most Improved Player award. As Jack Maloney observed, "Maxey stepped into the No. 2 role in Philadelphia last season and made the leap... rewarded with the Most Improved Player award."
Donovan Mitchell and Tyrese Haliburton: Key Playmakers
Donovan Mitchell, ranked 8th among guards and 19th overall, has carved out a place for himself as the lone playmaker for the Cleveland Cavaliers. His career highs in assists, rebounds, and steals last season illustrate his ability to take total control of the offense. Brad Botkin highlights that Mitchell "assumed total control of the offense... he is virtually unstoppable when he gets going downhill as a pull-up shooter."
Tyrese Haliburton is another name to watch, ranked 7th among guards and 17th overall. Despite an injury midway through the season, Haliburton had a significant impact with the Indiana Pacers. Sam Quinn emphasized his impressive stats before the injury: "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 and Devin Booker: Thrilling the Fans
Ja Morant holds the 6th spot among guards and is 16th overall, despite struggling with injuries and suspensions. Over the last two seasons, he has only played 70 games. Nevertheless, his exciting style of play keeps fans on the edge of their seats. Jack Maloney states, "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, ranked 5th among guards and 14th overall, took on the role of point guard for Phoenix last season, resulting in a career-high year in assists. Jasmyn Wimbish rightly points out that Booker "has arguably become one of the most underrated players in the league... he’s liable to drop 40+ points on you."
Jalen Brunson: A Playoff Powerhouse
Ranked 4th among guards and 13th overall, Jalen Brunson's performance in the playoffs was nothing short of spectacular. In May, he became only the fourth player in NBA history to score 40 points or more in four consecutive playoff games. James Herbert notes, "He had a total of 16 40-point games in 2023-24."
Stephen Curry: The Veteran Star
Stephen Curry, even at 36, remains one of the most dynamic players in the league, ranking 3rd among guards and 6th overall. His movement and shot-making talent are unparalleled. Brad Botkin aptly describes Curry's impact: "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 and Luka Doncic: Leading the Pack
Sitting 2nd among guards and 4th overall, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was last year's MVP runner-up. Leading the NBA in drives for the fourth consecutive season, he showcased an impressive all-around game. James Herbert highlights his dominance: "Shot 69% at the rim and 51% from midrange... nobody recorded more steals."
Finally, Luka Doncic, ranked 1st among guards and 3rd overall, is coming off the best statistical year of his career. At only 25 years old, Doncic led the league in scoring and continues to be a formidable presence. Jasmyn Wimbish encapsulates his unique style: "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."
As the new NBA season approaches, these guards promise to deliver extraordinary performances, captivating fans and setting new benchmarks in the sport.