The upcoming NBA season is generating significant buzz, with prominent names like Kyrie Irving, Tyrese Maxey, and Luka Doncic all taking center stage in various rankings. The evaluations of these players not only serve as a reflection of their past performances but also set the stage for the storylines to follow in the new season.
Kyrie Irving: Crafting Another Stellar Chapter
Sitting 10th among guards and 25th overall, Kyrie Irving continues to be a captivating figure in the NBA. As Jasmyn Wimbish points out, "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, Irving's blend of experience and skill remains invaluable, solidifying his position as a pivotal player for the Mavericks.
Tyrese Maxey: Rising to Prominence
Following the departure of James Harden, Tyrese Maxey has firmly established himself as a key player for the Philadelphia 76ers. Ranked 9th among guards and 24th in the top 100, Maxey's leap into the No. 2 role was marked by impressive growth. Jack Maloney notes, "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 recognition underlines Maxey's rising trajectory and his potential to further elevate his game in the seasons to come.
Donovan Mitchell: Mastering His Craft
Ranked 8th among guards and 19th overall, Donovan Mitchell continues to make waves with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Last season, Mitchell achieved career highs in assists, rebounds, and steals, showcasing his all-around capabilities. Brad Botkin affirms, "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." Mitchell's evolution into a complete player makes him a formidable force in the Cavaliers' lineup.
Tyrese Haliburton: Overcoming Obstacles
Coming in at 7th among guards and 17th overall, Tyrese Haliburton's season with the Indiana Pacers was marked by resilience. Despite an injury midway through the season, Haliburton's impact was undeniable. Sam Quinn encapsulates this well: "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." Haliburton’s ability to bounce back makes him a player to watch in the coming season.
Ja Morant: A Rollercoaster Journey
Holding the 6th spot among guards and ranking 16th overall, Ja Morant's journey has been a mix of highs and lows. With struggles stemming from injuries and suspensions, Morant has only played 70 games over the last two seasons. Jack Maloney highlights, "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: Underappreciated Excellence
Devin Booker, ranked 5th among guards and 14th in the top 100 players, consistently demonstrates elite performance. Booker embraced the point guard role last season for the Phoenix Suns. Jasmyn Wimbish describes him as "arguably 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 versatility and scoring prowess make him a critical asset for the Suns.
Jalen Brunson: A Playoff Phenomenon
Jalen Brunson's performance has catapulted him to 4th among guards and 13th overall. His standout moment came during the playoffs, scoring 40 points or more in four consecutive games. James Herbert points out, "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." This remarkable feat underscores Brunson's exceptional scoring ability under pressure.
Stephen Curry: The Evergreen Star
Ranking 3rd among guards and 6th overall, Stephen Curry remains a marvel at 36 years old. Brad Botkin states, "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." Even as he ages, Curry’s unparalleled talent and leadership continue to drive the Golden State Warriors.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: A Defensive Powerhouse
Sitting 2nd among guards and 4th overall, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's all-around game, especially his defense, stands out. James Herbert remarks, "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 dominate both ends of the court makes him one of the league’s most complete players.
Luka Doncic: Unstoppable Force
Ranked 1st among guards and 3rd overall, Luka Doncic is coming off the best statistical year of his career, leading the league in scoring. At just 25 years old, Doncic remains a force to be reckoned with. As Jasmyn Wimbish notes, "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 blend of youth and phenomenal skill positions him as a cornerstone for the Dallas Mavericks.
These rankings and evaluations set the stage for a thrilling NBA season ahead, with each player poised to make significant impacts in their respective roles. The dynamics within each team and how these stars will navigate the competitive landscape promises to be a compelling narrative to follow.