The NBA’s 30 finest guards, ranked for the 2022-2023 season

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September 30, 2022

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The duties of NBA guards have modified over time. Not is the purpose guard at all times a real flooring normal solely tasked with establishing his teammates. Capturing guards can’t simply be scoring assassins who function out of the midrange like they did within the 90s — they want to have the ability to area the ground for teammates, tackle more durable defensive assignments, and flesh out their very own self-creation alternatives offensively primarily based on workforce wants.

The purpose of this put up is to rank the perfect guards within the NBA for a way they’ll carry out within the 2022-2023 season. This listing doesn’t embrace Paul George, Jimmy Butler, DeMar DeRozan, or LeBron James, as a result of I’m contemplating them wings. The honorable mentions on this listing embrace Lonzo Ball (factoring in his harm), Tyler Herro, Malcolm Brogdon, Gary Trent Jr., Anfernee Simons, Kyle Lowry, and Alex Caruso.

Right here’s our listing of the top-30 guards within the NBA proper now.

30. Klay Thompson – Golden State Warriors

It’s a outstanding achievement for Thompson to nonetheless be one of many higher guards within the league after lacking consecutive seasons with a torn ACL and Achilles. He’s not as harmful as he was earlier than the accidents, however Klay stays a high-volume and extremely correct three-point shooter who proved he can nonetheless compete on the level of assault defensively within the playoffs. Even when he’s not as dynamic as he as soon as was, Thompson appears like he nonetheless has some good years left.

29. Marcus Good – Boston Celtics

Good is the heart-and-soul of the Boston Celtics, and the reigning Defensive Participant of the Yr, however he’s additionally a lot extra than simply that. The 6’4 bulldog has turned himself into a reliable three-point shooter on quantity, and his protection can span the positional spectrum in a approach most different guards might’t dream of. Good’s influence will at all times be greater than his field rating numbers.

28. De’Aaron Fox – Sacramento Kings

Fox will solely be 24 years outdated to start out the season, but it surely already appears like his profession is at an early crossroads. His three-point shot deserted him final yr, and his playmaking numbers dipped too with extra cramped halfcourt spacing in Sacramento. Fox remains to be one of many quickest gamers within the league with the ball in his arms, and needs to be a monster rim attacker as he continues to enter his prime. The Kings want him to regain his standing as one of many league’s higher younger guards if their playoff desires are ever going to turn into a actuality.

27. Jalen Brunson – New York Knicks

NBA: Minnesota Timberwolves at Dallas Mavericks

Brunson parlayed a fourth-year leap with the Mavericks into a brand new $104 million deal to be the centerpiece of the Knicks. The phrase ‘artful’ was made to explain Brunson’s sport: he’s by no means had elite pace, isn’t actually a quantity three-point menace, and is usually one of many smallest gamers within the flooring. Regardless of all that, Brunson is solely actually good at selecting his spots to seek out his personal scoring, is aware of the right way to set up his workforce’s offense, and usually performs with high-IQ. The Mavs will miss him, and New York will likely be completely happy to have him.

26. C.J. McCollum – New Orleans Pelicans

C.J. McCollum has at all times been a strolling bucket. The 6’3 guard made his identify as a microwave scorer enjoying subsequent to Damian Lillard in a pint-sized Portland backcourt, and he appeared to be rejuvenated after getting traded to the Pelicans at midseason. With a workforce of huge, bad-ass enforcers round him, McCollum’s shot creation abilities spiked for each himself and others. He’s by no means been probably the most environment friendly scorer, or a plus defender, however when your workforce wants a bucket, there are numerous worse choices than simply giving CJ the ball.

25. Tyrese Haliburton – Indiana Pacers

Haliburton has a little bit of an oddball talent set for a guard: he’s not nice at attacking the rim, has by no means generated a major variety of free throws, and thrives with bounce passes which can be imagined to be appeared down on by coaches. So why is he nonetheless so efficient? Haliburton has nice dimension, an impressive really feel for the sport on each ends, and is a profession 41 p.c three-point shooter. Almost all of NBA Twitter agreed the Kings had been going to remorse buying and selling him, whereas the Pacers really feel like they’ve a foundational piece to construct round after buying him at midseason. Learn the good work of Caitlin Cooper on Haliburton at Indy Cornrows beneath:

24. Jordan Poole – Golden State Warriors

Memphis Grizzlies v Golden State Warriors - Game Three

The Warriors had three lottery picks within the years following Kevin Durant’s departure and Klay Thompson’s harm points, but it surely was a draft choose on the very finish of the primary spherical that noticed them discover a future star in Poole. After a tough rookie season, Poole made strides in Yr II and exploded in Yr III as one of many league’s finest microwave scorers. With deep capturing vary and unbelievable shiftiness as a ball handler, Poole’s instantaneous offense makes Golden State even more durable to defend. How good he can ultimately turn into rests on his capability to enhance his personal protection.

23. Desmond Bane – Memphis Grizzlies

Memphis Grizzlies v New Orleans Pelicans

The Grizzlies are one of many league’s sharpest groups within the draft, and Bane could go down as their finest choose ever. Chosen with the final choose of the primary spherical in 2020, Bane emerged as a knockdown shooter and feisty level of assault defender in his second season final yr. Bane has additionally made actual strides together with his personal self-creation, giving the Griz the secondary ball handler they at all times wanted subsequent to Ja Morant. That sound you hear is each workforce within the NBA kicking themselves for passing on this man.

22. Tyrese Maxey – Philadelphia 76ers

Miami Heat v Philadelphia 76ers - Game Six

When Maxey entered the 2020 NBA Draft, groups noticed him as a guard who wasn’t a ok facilitator to play the purpose, wasn’t sufficiently big to play the 2, and couldn’t shoot properly sufficient to area the ground. How unsuitable they had been. Maxey blossomed into one of many league’s breakout stars in his second season as a quick and shifty ball handler with outstanding scoring instincts across the basket. His three-point enchancment — from 30 p.c as a rookie to 42 p.c final yr — opened up the remainder of his sport, and allowed him to flourish. Daryl Morey’s finest transfer in Philly thus far has been nabbing Maxey with the No. 21 general choose.

Tier 4: Can carry a workforce on the suitable night time

21. Dejounte Murray – Atlanta Hawks

Murray was one other late first spherical choose who first made his mark on the defensive finish as an extended and agile guard who thrived entering into the passing lanes. Simply as his offense was beginning to tick up, he tore his ACL and missed the entire 2018-19 season. Murray returned from the harm higher than ever, and final season he averaged greater than 20 factors per sport for the primary time in his profession whereas main the league in steals. The Hawks gave the Spurs three first spherical picks to amass him this offseason, the place he joins Trae Younger in one of many league’s scariest backcourts. How Murray seems to be in additional of an off-ball position will likely be fascinating to watch, however there aren’t many higher two-way guards on this listing.

20. Cade Cunningham – Detroit Pistons

It was straightforward to see Cade Cunningham was going to be a stud from his high school days with Montverde. The Detroit Pistons tabbed him to be their new franchise star after profitable the 2021 draft lottery, and he largely lived as much as the hype as a rookie. A giant 6’6, 220 pound guard, Cunningham pressures opposing defenses with the ball in his arms with the specter of his scoring and his passing. He’s a greater exterior shooter than his rookie numbers (31 p.c from three) point out, and he’s already strong defensively. Count on even greater issues in Yr II.

19. LaMelo Ball – Charlotte Hornets

There’s nobody fairly like LaMelo Ball. He’s arguably the perfect 6’8 ball handler on the earth, throws passes nobody else sees, and has improved to turn into an excellent three-point shooter (39 p.c on 7.5 makes an attempt per sport final yr) regardless of his funky kind. His creativity and improvisation abilities make him one of many league’s most thrilling younger gamers. If he improves his personal halfcourt scoring, there’s no ceiling on how nice the 21-year-old can turn into.

18. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – Oklahoma City Thunder

When will we lastly get to see Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in significant video games? Since being traded from the Clippers to the Thunder within the Paul George deal, SGA has been caught on a workforce actively attempting to tank. It’s a disgrace, as a result of the 6’6 Canadian is likely one of the league’s best possible younger guards. SGA is so good at entering into the tooth of the protection and beating them with funky finishes and off-beat assaults. He averaged a career-high 24.5 factors per sport final yr even whereas his three-point stroke dropped from 41 p.c to 30 p.c. Gilgeous-Alexander’s finest ball remains to be in entrance of him, and his expertise deserves to be seen on an even bigger stage.

17. Anthony Edwards – Minnesota Timberwolves

Charlotte Hornets v Minnesota Timberwolves

Edwards is likely one of the league’s greatest athletic freaks. At 6’4, 225 kilos, the guard combines a blazing first step with highly effective rim assaults and swish agility across the basket. His three-point shot is already changing into a energy after hitting almost 36 p.c of his pictures from behind the arc on high-volume (8.4 makes an attempt per sport) final season. Nonetheless solely 21 years outdated, Edwards is the league’s most bodily imposing guard, and remains to be simply beginning to faucet into his huge expertise.

16. Fred VanVleet – Toronto Raptors

Philadelphia 76ers v Toronto Raptors - Game Four

VanVleet’s resolution to bet on himself within the draft would have been thought-about an enormous success simply by carving out a profession as a rotation participant. As a substitute, he’s morphed into an NBA champion, an All-Star, and now one of many leaders of a resurgent Raptors workforce after Kawhi Leonard’s departure. The 6’1 guard is a harmful high-volume three-point shooter, a heady facilitator, and performs greater than his dimension defensively. If the Raptors shoot up the East standings this yr as some count on, VanVleet will likely be in the midst of the motion.

Tier 3: Stars who aren’t superstars

15. Jamal Murray – Denver Nuggets

2021 NBA Playoffs - Portland Trail Blazers v Denver Nuggets

Jamal Murray’s torn ACL simply earlier than the 2021 playoffs interrupted two potential title runs for the Denver Nuggets. As he lastly returns to the courtroom this yr, it appears like Denver’s championship probabilities once more hinge on how good he may be subsequent to two-time MVP Nikola Jokic. Murray has by no means been the perfect at producing paint touches or attending to the road, however his pull-up three-point capturing makes him a menace to attain anytime he crosses halfcourt. The Nuggets have all of the items in place this season if Murray can regain the shape he confirmed pre-injury.

14. Darius Garland – Cleveland Cavaliers

Philadelphia 76ers v Cleveland Cavaliers

A participant as small as Garland must be remarkably expert to be an efficient NBA participant, and Cleveland’s 22-year-old flooring normal has confirmed he’s precisely that. Garland has gotten higher and higher in every of his first three NBA seasons, and earned his first All-Star nod final yr. He’s one of many league’s quickest and shiftiest ball handlers, a harmful pull-up shooter, and a gifted playmaker for his teammates. With Donovan Mitchell arriving subsequent to him within the Cavs’ backcourt, Garland ought to be capable of lower down his turnover points and dial up the specter of his personal scoring and passing that makes him so robust to defend.

13. Zach LaVine – Chicago Bulls

Zach LaVine isn’t simply identified for dunking anymore. The 27-year-old guard enters his prime with a loaded bag of scoring tips: he’s a speedy driver who can effortlessly get to the rim, he’s fleshed out his midrange scoring arsenal, and he can rip three-pointers whether or not he’s pulling up or recognizing up. LaVine has put up large scoring numbers on spectacular effectivity over the previous few years, but it surely appears like he can’t climb any increased on this listing with no standout exhibiting within the playoffs. LaVine has the sport to be a giant star — he simply must show it on the largest levels.

12. Bradley Beal – Washington Wizards

Washington Wizards v New Orleans Pelicans

Beal had averaged 30+ factors per sport in consecutive seasons earlier than seeing his manufacturing and effectivity drop off final yr earlier than accidents caught up with him. The Wizards signed him to a brand new $251 million extension that features a uncommon no-trade clause anyway this offseason, establishing Beal because the franchise star for a workforce with none actual desires of contending. It’s a disgrace we will’t see Beal competing deep into the playoffs in a secondary position, but it surely’s unattainable to be mad at him for cashing these checks.

11. Donovan Mitchell – Cleveland Cavaliers

Cleveland Cavaliers Introduce Donovan Mitchell

Donovan Mitchell has had a pair nice playoff runs in his profession earlier than seemingly quitting on the Jazz within the postseason final yr. Cleveland despatched a ton of belongings to Utah to amass him this offseason, the place they hope Mitchell may be the ultimate main piece of a workforce with desires of professional Japanese Convention rivalry. A crafty downhill driver and terrifying three-point menace on pull-ups, Mitchell has all of the strikes to be an elite scorer. The following step is enhancing defensively as he begins his backcourt partnership with Garland, and determining the right way to turn into a greater playmaker for his bigs in Cleveland than he was in Utah.

10. Chris Paul – Phoenix Suns

Phoenix Suns v New Orleans Pelicans - Game Three

Keep in mind the Chris Paul vs. Deron Williams arguments of the mid-00s? One in all them is on the celeb preventing circuit now, whereas the opposite was nonetheless ok to energy the Phoenix Suns to probably the most common season wins within the NBA final season. CP is beginning to decelerate barely at age-37, however he’s nonetheless a can’t-miss midrange scorer, a maestro as a facilitator, and the craftiest participant within the league at drawing fouls. Paul doesn’t have a hoop, however he’s finished every little thing else a guard can do on this sport.

9. Jrue Vacation – Milwaukee Bucks

Vacation is maybe the perfect defensive guard of his technology, and nonetheless gifted sufficient to pop off for 20 factors on any given night time. His outstanding two-way contributions helped energy the Bucks to the 2021 championship, and he solely bought higher final yr as an out of doors shooter and set-up man. Vacation isn’t the flashiest participant on this listing, however what number of of those guys do you belief extra in a giant playoff sport? He’s as battle-tested and dependable as any guard within the league this facet of Stephen Curry.

Tier 2: These guys are superstars on offense, however not at all times full gamers

8. Kyrie Irving – Brooklyn Nets

Kyrie Irving’s expertise is unattainable. He’s top-of-the-line ball handlers ever, he has limitless capturing vary, and he might need probably the most ridiculous layup package deal of all-time. Irving has confirmed himself on the league’s greatest levels, but it surely appears like he has to do it yet again after sabotaging the Nets’ season by refusing to get the Covid vaccine final yr. At this level, Irving is as well-known for his off-court controversies as his spectacular talent. He’s nonetheless one of many league’s finest guards, however he must be obtainable sufficient to show it this season.

7. James Harden – Philadelphia 76ers

It wasn’t way back that Harden was simply a top-five general participant within the NBA. At this level, he must show he nonetheless has the juice to even be a top-five guard. Harden undoubtedly misplaced a little bit of explosiveness as a driver and finisher final season, however he can nonetheless be efficient even when he’s not in peak kind. It’s straightforward to neglect that Harden is likely one of the finest quantity exterior shooters in league historical past, and he additionally stays a heady playmaker within the pick-and-roll. The Sixers is usually a championship contender this yr, however it can solely occur if Harden reasserts himself as one of many league’s greatest stars.

6. Devin Booker – Phoenix Suns

2022 NBA Playoffs - Phoenix Suns v Dallas Mavericks

Devin Booker has been one of many league’s most dependable backcourt scorers for thus a few years, and he’s nonetheless solely 25 years outdated. A throwback capturing guard who wins with robust shot-making and elite footwork, Booker continues to fine-tune his sport year-over-year. After chopping again his turnovers and enhancing defensively final season, the Suns want Booker to proceed to develop within the face of some decidedly bad vibes across the workforce. The excellent news for Phoenix is that Booker by no means lets them down.

5. Ja Morant – Memphis Grizzlies

Golden State Warriors v Memphis Grizzlies - Game Two

Ja Morant is the NBA’s modern-day human spotlight reel, a 6’3 guard able to flying excessive above the rim for game-changing performs. Morant improved his sport in virtually each space final season, and the Grizzlies shot up the Western Convention standings together with him. It’s value noting that Memphis nonetheless had a 20-5 file final season when Morant was out of the lineup with accidents, which speaks to each the group’s depth and Morant’s personal defensive points. It’s laborious to nitpick with a younger star so thrilling, although. Every little thing Morant does will likely be must-see TV for the foreseeable future.

4. Damian Lillard – Portland Trail Blazers

Los Angeles Clippers v Portland Trail Blazers

Damian Lillard’s legacy is already safe. His a number of series-ending walk-off buzzer-beaters will likely be proven without end, and he’s in all probability already earned the title of the best Portland Path Blazer ever. Now 32 years outdated, the query for Lillard is much less about him and extra concerning the franchise he’s synonymous with: can Portland construct one other contender earlier than Dame Time cedes to Father Time? The Blazers gave Lillard an infinite contract extension to make sure he’s going to be round long-term — would one other franchise even tackle that monetary dedication in a commerce? — but it surely’s laborious to see a path to actual success in a loaded Western Convention. Lillard likes to say that he doesn’t run the grind, and that’s a very good factor as a result of the grind feels prefer it’s solely going to get tougher within the close to future.

3. Trae Younger – Atlanta Hawks

Trae Younger launched into the stratosphere by main his Atlanta Hawks on an unbelievable run to the 2021 Japanese Convention Finals. The Hawks couldn’t reside as much as loftier expectations the next season, however Younger had his strongest particular person marketing campaign but, setting career-highs in factors, assists, two-point discipline aim share, three-point discipline aim share, and free throw share. The Hawks gave Younger the backcourt mate he’s been searching for with their daring commerce to amass Dejounte Murray this summer season, and now the strain is on once more to point out that 2021 was no fluke. Younger’s profession will finally be judged by how he influences workforce success, the identical bar each different celebrity should clear, however for now the 24-year-old can say only a few gamers within the league stress opposing defenses with their scoring and passing as a lot as he does.

Tier 1: A championship workforce can revolve round them

2. Luka Doncic – Dallas Mavericks

2022 NBA Playoffs - Dallas Mavericks v Phoenix Suns - Game Five

Luka Doncic poses issues that merely don’t have a solution. A prodigious expertise from his teenage years starring with Real Madrid, Doncic has already absolutely harnessed his powers within the NBA at age-23. At 6’7, 230 kilos, he combines ridiculous crowning glory with deep vary on his bounce shot and performs with a artistic aptitude that may’t be matched. He’s simply too large, too expert, and too artful for even the league’s greatest and most dangerous ass defenders. It’s a query of when, not if, Doncic wins an MVP, and the Mavs ought to already be feeling strain to assemble a championship-level core round him. Dallas has a good-not-great roster round him proper now, however Luka’s singular brilliance will nonetheless give them an opportunity to compete deep within the playoffs.

1. Stephen Curry – Golden State Warriors

2022 NBA Finals - Golden State Warriors v Boston Celtics

Stephen Curry spent a couple of years wandering the NBA desert. Kevin Durant had left Golden State for Brooklyn in free company, Klay Thompson missed consecutive seasons with two devastating accidents, and Curry himself performed all of 5 video games in 2019-2020 due to a damaged hand. The Warriors vacillated from the worst workforce within the league to 1 simply exterior the playoffs in that point, all whereas Curry’s greatness bubbled earlier than the floor

Lastly final season, every little thing began to fall again in place. Thompson returned, one among their younger draft picks popped with the emergence of Jordan Poole, and the entrance workplace did a greater job of discovering gamers who might mesh with Curry’s otherworldly expertise. Steph took it from there, authoring one other historic playoff run and mercifully profitable the primary Finals MVP of his profession as he captured his fourth ring. His 43-point masterpiece in Recreation 4 in opposition to the Celtics modified the NBA Finals, and once more asserted Curry’s place in historical past. He is likely one of the biggest basketball gamers of all-time, and he’s nonetheless bought quite a bit left within the tank at age-34.

Imitators will maintain popping up, however there is just one Steph. Curry as soon as mentioned of himself that he has nothing to show and quite a bit left to perform. The remainder of the league stays on watch. Curry’s Warriors run the NBA till additional discover.