Top Ten Point Guards Heading into the 2023-24 NBA Season

Hey readers! The 2022-23 NBA Season recently came to its conclusion and now better than ever is a perfect chance to look at the performances of this past season’s players. We saw a lot of improvement from guys expected to break out, as well as others who shocked the world. The first position group we’ll be looking at are point guards, and these are the top ten point guards heading into next season!

Honorable Mentions:

• Darius Garland (CLE)- (21.6 ppg, 7.8 apg, 2.7 rpg)
• Tyrese Haliburton (IND)- (20.7 ppg, 10.4 apg, 3.7 rpg)
• Jrue Holiday (MIL)- (19.3 ppg, 7.4 apg, 5.1 rpg)
• James Harden (PHI)- (21.0 ppg, 10.7 apg, 6.1 rpg)

All four of these point guards were All-star caliber this year, and each could be a member of this list. Darius Garland was a great second option to Donovan Mitchell as they led the Cavaliers to their first playoffs since LeBron left the franchise in 2018. Tyrese Haliburton took the reins of the Indiana Pacers, making his first All-star game and leading them one spot away from a play-in game. Jrue Holiday once again showed how he is a star in his role. He’s regarded as one of the best perimeter defensive guards of all time and we saw that once again this season. When he was needed as a third option he could be that. When both Giannis and Khris Middleton got hurt, he took over the team, which led to him making his first All-star game since 2013. James Harden led the NBA in assists once again, helping Embiid win his first MVP and playing a big role as the number one option when they were without the center in the playoffs. These four are talented in their own right, but unfortunately did not crack the top ten. Now that we have the honorable mentions out of the way, onto the list!

10. Jamal Murray (DEN)

• RS Stats: 20.0 ppg, 6.2 apg, 4.0 rpg (45.8/39.8/83.3 shooting splits)
• PS Stats: 26.1 ppg, 7.1 apg, 5.7 rpg (47.3/39.6/92.6 shooting splits)
• Ceiling: #9, Floor #10

After coming off a torn ACL and missing over a season and a half, there was a huge challenge ahead looming for Jamal Murray. Not only did he have to get back to his regular season level of play, but with that came the expectations of being the same player he was in the 2020 postseason, where he averaged nearly twenty-seven points per game in the bubble helping the Denver Nuggets make the Western Conference Finals. Like most players, it took plenty of time for him to emerge back into an All-star caliber guard after injury. He ended the regular season averaging twenty a game on very good efficiency. In the playoffs however, once again, Murray took his game to the next level. Not only did his points per game increase by over six points, but he maintained and actually improved his efficiency. Now an NBA champ, Jamal is a great second option to Nikola Jokic and sometimes the first option. The reason why he’s tenth on this list is because despite his postseason play, he hasn’t yet performed that way in the regular season, like the guys in front of him. If we see that level of play from this upcoming October to April, Jamal will definitely rise up on this list.

9. Jalen Brunson (NYK)

• RS Stats: 24.0 ppg, 6.2 apg, 3.5 rpg (49.1/41.6/82.9)
• PS Stats: 27.6 ppg, 5.6 apg, 4.9 rpg (47.4/32.5/91.2)
• Ceiling: #9, Floor: #10

Going into this NBA season, Brunson was considered to be the most overpaid player in the league. When he signed his contract with New York, many Knicks fans including Stephen A. Smith were baffled. However, Brunson’s talent was on display prior, and not many took notice. The postseason before this signing, Brunson averaged nearly twenty-two points per game throughout the whole postseason, and in the first round vs Utah while Luka Doncic dealt with injury, Brunson averaged 27.8 points, 4.8 assists, and 4.2 rebounds as the number one option with great efficiency. Despite how great he was that postseason, we saw him truly take over this season. He became a household name not only just for the Knick fans, but the whole city of New York. Unfortunately, he was robbed of an All-star spot, but everyone now can see that he’s of that caliber. In the playoffs, he took his game to the next level leading the Knicks to their first series win since 2013 while once again improving his scoring when it was needed the most. Brunson’s only just getting started, and will continue ascending from here as one of the premier guards in the league.

8. Kyrie Irving (DAL)

• RS Stats: 27.1 ppg, 5.1 apg, 5.1 rpg (49.4/37.9/90.5)
• Ceiling: #6, Floor: #8

Kyrie had a great season offensively once again being one of the most efficient guards in basketball. Unfortunately, drama kept him from having an even better season, as he requested a trade midseason that led him out of Brooklyn and destined towards Dallas. From there he spent the rest of the season trying to build chemistry with Luka Doncic, which led to them missing the play-in, despite him retaining his previous level of play. While he truly is one of one when it comes to skill and talent, what separates himself from the rest of this group is the fact that unlike the others, he hasn’t shown to this day that he can flourish as the number one option on a team. As great as Irving is, he also hasn’t been great in the playoffs in recent years. Ever since leaving Cleveland in an attempt to be that number one option, Irving has been pretty inconsistent in the biggest moments, averaging around only twenty-three points per game, which is a dip in his normal production. As a first option, he hasn’t shown the ability to gather and lead a team to success. As a second option, however, he is arguably the best in the league. When it comes to pure skill and ability, Kyrie is ranked near the top of the league. However, as far as intangibles, leadership, and things that overall make a player, this is where I have him ranked. I think next season will be a big bounce back year for him as he gets more used to playing with Luka and his skillset.

7. Trae Young (ATL)

• RS Stats: 26.2 ppg, 10.2 apg, 3.0 rpg (43.0/33.5/88.6)
• PS Stats: 29.2 ppg, 10.2 apg, 3.7 rpg (40.3/33.3/86.0)
• Ceiling: #6, Floor: #8

Trae Young balled out this season, once again being one of the leaders not only scoring-wise, but also with his facilitating. In recent years he’s been pretty underrated after being so highly talked about the first couple seasons of his career. One main reason for this is his lack of efficiency. By many, he’s known as a three point shooting facilitator. However, as someone who plays at his best when he’s shooting the ball at a high level, he struggled with that a good bit this season. With that being said, when he is on, he’s on, and he’s truly capable of being one of the greatest scorers of our generation. His facilitating, however, is on another level. He finds ways to get his teammates involved and sees openings that only a few players see. He really belongs with Doncic, Jokic, LeBron, and Harden when it comes to the NBA’s best passers and playmakers. One thing about Trae that doesn’t get talked about enough is how he consistently shows up when his team needs him the most. With little help offered, Young was able to take the Boston Celtics to six games while averaging a twenty-nine point double double. Trae like many has a lot to work on; if he becomes more efficient, he truly could be a top 3 guard at his peak.

6. De’Aaron Fox (SAC)

• RS Stats: 25.0 ppg, 6.1 apg, 4.2 rpg (51.2/32.4/78.0)
• PS Stats: 27.4 ppg, 7.7 apg, 5.4 rpg (42.4/33.3/75.6)
• Ceiling: #5, Floor: #8

De’Aaron Fox took a big leap this season, going from an fringe All-star player to a near superstar level guard. Not only did he lead the Kings to their first playoffs in sixteen years, but he also almost took out the defending champions in the first round. One thing that was really showcased this year was his ability to playmake, and his improvement shooting the ball. No longer could defenders leave him open, as he was a legitimate threat from beyond the arc. He was the most clutch player in the NBA, and that level of play carried on into the postseason. His efficiency dipped a bit, but he improved in every single statistical category when the lights were brightest. While the numbers say he is an only decent three point shooter, when it was needed the most, he always came through. One thing I don’t think gets talked about enough is his defensive potential. If he really locked in on that end, I think he could have an all-defensive caliber peak. He’s the quickest player in the sport, and has a frame that most great perimeter defensive guards have. He has a bright future, and as some players start to fall off, I expect him to continue to rise.

5. Ja Morant (MEM)

• RS Stats: 26.2 ppg, 8.1 apg, 5.9 rpg (46.6/30.7/74.8)
• PS Stats: 24.6 ppg, 7.0 apg, 6.8 rpg (42.5/41.9/76.9)
• Ceiling: #4, Floor: #5

I think out of all the guys discussed so far, this guy has the highest potential. We’ve seen him these four years lead this Grizzlies team to one of the top records in consecutive years. His shooting prowess has only increased over the past few years, and we’ve seen him take a leap when it comes to the postseason. The main thing holding him back is his off the court issues. He’ll be missing twenty-five games this upcoming season, which will prevent him from being able to get any All-NBA considerations as well as most likely the All-star game. When he is on the court, though, he’s a superstar. He’s one of the most entertaining players in the league, from his athletic dunks to his flashy passes, he’s must watch tv. When it’s time for the biggest games or moments, he’s always up for the occasion and gives it his all on every play. However, one thing that stands out when watching him is his IQ. As smart as a player he is, he often relies so much on his athleticism and he puts himself in situations that could lead to an injury or him getting hurt. If he learns to not overuse it and save it for when it’s mostly needed, then he’ll have a longer career and be a more successful player.

4. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (OKC)

• RS Stats: 31.4 ppg, 5.5 apg, 4.8 rpg (51.0/34.5/90.5)
• Play-in Stats: 26.0 ppg, 3.0 apg, 6.0 rpg (39/33.3/100)
• Ceiling: #4, Floor: #6

Shai out of everyone on this list is probably the biggest surprise. He wasn’t a highly touted draft pick, and was really known as the guy that was involved in the Paul George-Clippers trade. However, the last couple of seasons and especially this one he’s made a name for himself. The two-way guard increased his points per game from twenty-four to a whopping thirty-one. Many expected the Oklahoma City Thunder to be a tanking team, but Shai had other plans. Not only did they make the Play-in tournament, but they won a game against the New Orleans Pelicans where Shai played like a superstar. His three point shooting could be better, but his midrange shooting improved drastically and he became one of the best players at getting to the free throw line, where he shot over ninety percent. Out of all the guards on this list, Shai probably is not only the best defensively for right now, but also has the best defensive potential overall. If he improves on that end, as well as his three point shooting, he might really make a claim for the best point guard in basketball.

3. Damian Lillard (POR for now)

• RS Stats: 32.2 ppg, 7.3 apg, 4.8 rpg (46.3/37.1/91.4)
• Ceiling: #3, Floor: #3

Damian Lillard once again had a very superb season, with a career-high in his points per game. As he’s been doing for the last decade, he did what he could to make the Trailblazers relevant in such a crowded West. Not only did he average over thirty-two a game, but he also had a seventy-one point game on great efficiency. This really showed people that despite an underwhelming 2021-22 season, he is still a near top ten player in the league. Unfortunately, due to injuries and a lack of true support, Lillard missed the playoffs once again. While many would like to point the finger at the superstar for Portland’s lack of postseason success, let’s not forget how elite he is in the playoffs. He’s still easily one of the most clutch players in basketball, and that was still on display this season. Currently, the superstar point guard is on the move, and hopefully he’ll be traded to a contender that could really give him a chance to prove himself on the biggest stage.

2. Luka Doncic (DAL)

• RS Stats: 32.4 ppg, 8.0 apg, 8.6 rpg (49.6/34.2/74.2)
• Ceiling: #1, Floor: #2

This man continues to take his game to the unbelievable levels every single year. On the offensive side of the ball, Doncic has only a few weaknesses. He’s great in the paint, from three, and a good post playmaker. His creativity sets him apart from most other guards; he often finds players open that even viewers aren’t capable of seeing on the screen. His ability to see a play ahead of time is what makes people compare his skillset to that of LeBron. He constantly makes his teammates better and plays with an energy and fire that’s rare in the league today. For most of the season I had him at the one spot until the Mavericks fell out of the play-in. While this may be a reason for some people to drop him further, it’s important to remember that when he is in the playoffs, he is one of the best and most unstoppbale players in basketball. After all, it was only a year ago that Doncic led the Mavs past the best regular season team in the Phoenix Suns. Luka really is the next generation of the position and I believe after next year he will be the consensus #1 point guard in the league.

1. Stephen Curry (GSW)

• RS Stats: 29.4 ppg, 6.3 apg, 6.1 rpg (49.3/42.7/91.5)
• PS Stats: 30.5 ppg, 6.1 apg, 5.2 rpg (46.6/36.3/84.5)
• Ceiling: #1, Floor: #2

And finally at number one, is arguably the greatest player to play the position. Steph bounced back after having a decent 2022 regular season for his standards, once again averaging nearly thirty points a game on ridiculous efficiency on all levels, especially from three. Despite missing nearly thirty games, he still was third in the league in threes made while maintaining ridiculous efficiency at nearly 43%. While he had a great regular season when he was healthy, his postseason was even more impressive. With Andrew Wiggins taking time off due to a family emergency, and Klay Thompson and Jordan Poole not playing to their standards, Curry brought the team back from an 0-2 deficit against the best offensive team in the league. He really topped it off in Game 7 scoring a record high (at the time) fifty points on the road to beat Sacramento. While this season unfortunately did not end in another championship, Steph did what he could to secure his spot as the best point guard in the sport.

The point guard position is one that continously has changed in the history of basketball. First they were mostly facilitators, but now the position has been revolutionized in ways we never thought possible. All of these guys are great in their own right, and we’ll only see what more impact these players have on future generations going forward.

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