As the 2023-2024 NBA season approaches, the spotlight is on the league's top guards, with rankings that provide insight into their expected impact on the court. The list reveals familiar faces alongside rising stars, each with unique narratives that highlight their contributions and aspirations for the upcoming season.
Kyrie Irving: A Master of His Craft
Kyrie Irving finds himself ranked 10th among guards and 25th overall. Despite not breaking into the top echelons, his skill set remains undeniable. As Jasmyn Wimbish notes, Irving "put together one of his best seasons to date without ruffling any feathers... Irving still has the best handle in the league, can easily get to the rim and score from all three levels." His performance continues to be pivotal for the Mavericks, who leaned on his versatility en route to their NBA Finals appearance.
Tyrese Maxey: Philadelphia's New Prodigy
Ranking just ahead of Irving, Tyrese Maxey stands 9th among guards and 24th overall. Maxey’s ascent in the rankings is attributed to his increased responsibilities following James Harden's departure from Philadelphia. According to Jack Maloney, "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." Maxey's growth signifies a new era for the 76ers as they rebuild their backcourt.
Donovan Mitchell: Cleveland's Lone Star
Donovan Mitchell, the 8th ranked guard and 19th overall, experienced a breakout season with the Cleveland Cavaliers. His career highs in assists, rebounds, and steals underscore his evolution as a complete player. Brad Botkin praises Mitchell, stating, "he assumed total control of the offense... he is virtually unstoppable when he gets going downhill as a pull-up shooter." As the Cavaliers' primary playmaker, Mitchell’s influence is bound to shape Cleveland's fortunes this season.
Tyrese Haliburton: The Pacers' Cornerstone
Tyrese Haliburton, ranked 7th among guards and 17th overall, had a profound impact on the Indiana Pacers, even while dealing with injuries. Sam Quinn reflects on Haliburton's potential, "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 are essential to the Pacers' ambitions this season.
Ja Morant: Battling Challenges
Ja Morant, holding the 6th spot among guards and 16th overall, continues to captivate fans with his electrifying play style. However, his journey has been marred by injuries and suspensions, limiting him to just 70 games over the past two seasons. As Jack Maloney puts it, "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." His resilience and ability to overcome adversity will be crucial for the Grizzlies.
Devin Booker: The Underrated Maestro
Devin Booker, ranking 5th among guards and 14th overall, stepped into the point guard role for Phoenix last season, a move that showcased his versatility. Jasmyn Wimbish emphasizes Booker’s impact: "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." With his ability to lead and score, Booker remains a linchpin for the Suns.
Jalen Brunson: Playoff Performer
Jalen Brunson, 4th among guards and 13th overall, emerged as a clutch performer in the playoffs. James Herbert recounts Brunson's extraordinary feat: "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." Such performances underscore his value to the Knicks, particularly in high-stakes scenarios.
Stephen Curry: The Timeless Shooter
Stephen Curry, holding the 3rd spot among guards and 6th overall, remains a force even at 36 years old. His unmatched shooting and movement continue to make him a singular offensive threat. Brad Botkin notes, "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 impact on the Warriors is irrefutable, and their success will always be tethered to his enduring brilliance.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: The Relentless Driver
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, ranking 2nd among guards and 4th overall, has become a nightmare for defenses with his relentless driving ability. Last season, he once again led the NBA in drives for the fourth consecutive year. James Herbert lauds, "Last year's MVP runner-up... led the NBA in drives for the fourth straight season... nobody recorded more steals than Gilgeous-Alexander." His consistency and defensive prowess make him an invaluable asset for the Thunder.
Luka Doncic: The Young Maestro
Sitting atop the list of guards and ranking 3rd overall, Luka Doncic is coming off the best statistical year of his career, where he led the league in scoring. Jasmyn Wimbish highlights Doncic's 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... he's still only 25 years old." Doncic's combination of youth and extraordinary talent bodes well for the Mavericks as they seek to capitalize on his prime years.
The 2023-2024 NBA season promises captivating narratives and thrilling performances from these elite guards. Their individual stories and collective impact on their teams will shape the landscape of the league, offering fans much to anticipate and celebrate.