As the upcoming NBA season approaches, players and rankings have begun to take center stage. Noteworthy among the rankings are Kyrie Irving, Tyrese Maxey, Donovan Mitchell, Tyrese Haliburton, Ja Morant, and others who have demonstrated exceptional skill and significant contributions to their respective teams.
Kyrie Irving's Resurgence
Kyrie Irving continues to be a standout, ranked 10th among guards and 25th in the top 100 NBA players. His performance has been pivotal for the Mavericks, a sentiment echoed by Jasmyn Wimbish: "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 Takes the Stage
Following James Harden's departure, Tyrese Maxey stepped up for the Philadelphia 76ers. Ranked 9th among guards and 24th overall, Maxey thrived in his more prominent role, a journey highlighted by 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." His significant improvement has certainly caught the attention of many within the league.
Donovan Mitchell's Career Highs
Last season, Donovan Mitchell demonstrated his all-around skill set, achieving career highs in assists, rebounds, and steals. Ranked 8th among guards and 19th overall, Mitchell’s performance carried the Cleveland Cavaliers. Brad Botkin aptly describes his dominance, 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 Impact
Tyrese Haliburton of the Indiana Pacers is another player making waves, ranked 7th among guards and 17th overall. Despite suffering an injury midway through the season, Haliburton's impact was undeniable. Sam Quinn highlights his significance: "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’s Rollercoaster Ride
Ja Morant, holding the 6th spot among guards and 16th overall, has experienced a tumultuous two seasons with injuries and suspensions, playing only 70 games. Jack Maloney emphasizes his potential: "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 Star
Ranked 5th among guards and 14th overall, Devin Booker has arguably become one of the most underrated players in the league. Jasmyn Wimbish underscores his capabilities: "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." His transition into the point guard role for Phoenix has only added to his value.
Jalen Brunson's Playoff Brilliance
Jalen Brunson has cemented his place among the elite guards, ranked 4th and 13th overall. His playoff performance was exceptional, scoring 40 points or more in four consecutive games. James Herbert captures the historical significance: "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 scoring prowess under pressure has made him a key player to watch.
Stephen Curry’s Timeless Talent
Stephen Curry, at 36 years old, still ranks highly at 3rd among guards and 6th overall. Curry's unmatched movement and shooting ability continue to define his legacy. Brad Botkin points out, "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's Dominance
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander sits 2nd among guards and 4th overall, demonstrating his offensive prowess by leading the NBA in drives for the fourth consecutive season. James Herbert highlights his efficiency: "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 Rising Star
At just 25 years old, Luka Doncic is at the peak of his career, ranked 1st among guards and 3rd overall. Doncic's exceptional year saw him leading the league in scoring. Jasmyn Wimbish remarks on his unique playstyle: "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 season draws closer, these rankings highlight the immense talent and potential each player brings to their teams. With such notable performances in the past season, fans eagerly await what the next chapter will bring for these NBA stars.