2024 Rankings: Point Guards

The point guard position in the NBA is brimming with talent, showcasing a dynamic blend of scoring prowess and playmaking ability. Gone are the days of the traditional point guard; today’s stars are expected to dominate in multiple facets of the game. From veteran leaders to emerging superstars, let’s dive into the rankings and see how the top 30 point guards in the league stack up.

Note these rankings are mostly influenced by the 2024 season, but previous seasons do play a factor.

-Games played is factored in.

#30 T.J McConnell

10.2pts, 5.5ast, 1stl

The Pacers’ veteran backup had his best season for Indiana as they made a surprise run to the Eastern Conference. He continually made winning plays, highlighted by his closeout performance in Game 6 against Milwaukee. Constantly disrupting possessions for opposing guards and getting steals. While being a non-shooting threat, he often finds driving lanes to the basket, giving him the nod here at 30.

#29 Russell Westbrook

11.1pts, 4.5ast, 5reb

While he’s not at his once MVP level, Russ still has plenty to offer and is now transitioning into a bench role. He can still get to the rim at a high rate to create offence for himself and others while continuing to be one of the best rebounding guards in basketball. His below-average efficiency and shooting see him in more limited roles offensively, but he showed he can still perform in big moments, scoring 28 points or more in three consecutive games against Phoenix without Kawhi Leonard and Paul George in Round One.

#28 Malcolm Brogdon

15.7pts, 5.5ast, 41%3pt

Coming off his Sixth Man of the Year season, Brogdon was sent to the Blazers, where he put up similar statistics, now playing primarily as a starter. Unfortunately, he only managed 39 games as he continues his trend of being unable to put together full seasons. He’s a great shooter and playmaker and more of a traditional point guard. Let’s hope we see more of him this season.

#27 Marcus Smart

14.5pts, 4.3ast, 2.1stl

Just like his former teammate Brogdon, Smart was also moved on from the Celtics last off-season to a new situation. He continues to be one of the best defensive guards in the league, averaging 2 steals a game, and should pair well next to Morant next season when both are back healthy after Smart played just 20 games. Due to their injuries, both he and Brogdon find themselves lower on this list.

#26 Josh Giddey

12.3pts, 4.6ast, 6.4reb

Giddey’s season was well covered in the media this season; unfortunately, for the wrong reasons. However, his on-court play was still positive. His non-shooting was amplified in the playoffs, but he remains one of the smartest players in the game with his combination of size and passing while continuing to be a strong rebounder for his position. His minutes declined throughout the season and he is now in Chicago, where I suspect he’ll have a bounce-back season.

#25 Mike Conley

11.4pts, 5.9ast, 44%3pt

The veteran guard led the ship for the rising Timberwolves this season as the prime facilitator on the Western Conference finalist side. Shooting a career-high 44% from three on five attempts a night provided the Wolves with a great balance of shooting and playmaking, sharing the backcourt with superstar Anthony Edwards. At 36 years of age, Conley proved he’s got plenty left to give and will also play a mentorship role for draftee Rob Dillingham this year.

#24 Tyus Jones

12pts, 7.3ast, 41%3pt

Jones continued his career of being one of the most efficient floor generals, leading the league in assist-to-turnover ratio. Being moved to Washington saw him with more opportunity, leading to averaging career highs in numerous statistical categories including points, assists, and shooting percentages. At times throughout the year, he was the one stable player on the Wizards and has now just signed with the Suns on a cheap deal, where he’ll make a huge impact setting up their star players.

#23 Collin Sexton

18.7pts, 4.9ast, 39%3pt

Like many players on the Jazz in recent seasons, Sexton’s play has been overlooked by many basketball fans. He’s always been a capable scorer and refound some of that form this season, increasing his three-point volume back to what it was in Cleveland. I still believe he’s got a higher defensive upside than what he’s shown so far in his career, which he’ll need to tap into to find winning success. But for now, he’s a quality player stuck on a pretty bad roster in Utah.

#22 Terry Rozier

19.8pts, 5.6ast, 36%3pt

Rozier started the year on fire, averaging 23 points a game on the Hornets as he continued to progress as one of the best scorers in the league at his size. A mid-season trade saw him arrive in Miami to give the Heat a much-needed scoring punch. However, Rozier struggled in Miami with less opportunity, dropping to 16 points a night and shooting just 42% from the floor. An off-season with the Heat should see him build cohesion with the unit and find a balance between the two versions of himself that he displayed last year.

#21 D’Angelo Russell

18pts, 6.3ast, 41%3pt

A very up-and-down season, highlighted by the mainstream media in Los Angeles, Russell continues to be a talking point for the Lakers. While being in trade rumours for a lot of the season, he still had a very effective season, having some crazy games throughout the year and making a ton of ridiculous jump shots, highlighted by his 44-point game leading the Lakers to beat Milwaukee without LeBron. However, he struggled in the playoffs, dropping to 14 points a game and only 31% from three, leading to his name being in trade rumours again this off-season.

#20 Fred Van Vleet

17.4pts, 8.1st, 1.4stl

Freddy was the Rockets’ big signing last season as they tried to become more competitive. His experienced presence on the young team had a big influence as they rose from 22 to 41 wins. He had a career high in assists, being the general on a side that has a lot of moving parts and young assets to manage. He’s been an inefficient scorer throughout his career, keeping him from getting higher on this list, but will remain a key player and mentor in Houston.

#19 Coby White

19.1pts, 5.1ast, 4.5reb

The Most Improved runner-up and many fans’ deserved winner, White enjoyed a breakout season in Chicago and was a bright spot in a rather bleak season. Given a starting role this season, he made the most of it, increasing his points per game by nearly 10. His playmaking also developed, given more on-the-ball responsibilities with the Lavine injury. White holds the key as the primary playmaker this upcoming season. With DeRozan now in Sacramento, he’s someone Bulls fans can rally behind.

#18 Lamelo Ball

23.9pts, 8ast, 5.1reb

Ball continued to show flashes of his brilliance this season with an action-packed style of basketball. Everyone knows the talent he has, but unfortunately, he suffered season-ending injuries for a second year in a row with ongoing ankle problems. Based purely on talent, Ball would be higher on this list, but with only 58 games played over the past two seasons, I can’t justify him any higher. He must have an injury-free campaign in the upcoming season before Charlotte might have to start having difficult conversations; let’s hope he does. The league’s better when the Ball brothers are healthy.

#17 C.J. McCollum

20pts, 4.6ast, 42%3pt

While being made to play out of position, in my opinion, he continues to perform at a high level in sharing primary ball-handling responsibilities on the Pelicans. McCollum increased his three-point volume and had a career-high percentage this season, benefiting from the point Zion experiment. With Dejounte Murray arriving in town and young wings deserving more opportunity, McCollum’s upcoming role seems uncertain.

#16 James Harden

16.6pts, 8.5ast, 5.1reb

Just one week into the NBA season, the 76ers and Clippers agreed on the deal to send Harden to LA after he and Daryl Morey’s relationship became “irreparable.” The Clippers emerged as one of the West’s top teams in the regular season, with Harden’s playmaking expertise and scoring punches a main catalyst. While he’s not the scorer he once was, he remains an All-Star talent with natural playmaking gifts and the ability to get downhill, where he plays the lob or floater game perfectly.

#15 Cade Cunningham

22pts, 7.5ast, 3.6reb

The former number overall pick returned from injury this season and started to show us all what he’s capable of. He looked the most confident in his jump shot we’ve seen and continued to show us his ability to find driving lanes to score and playmake, using his 6’6″ frame to his advantage. There are still some questions over his efficiency and turnover rate, but with a better team around him, I’ve got no doubt he can progress into an elite player in the league.

#14 Darius Garland

18pts, 6.5ast, 37%3pt

Garland endured a tough year this season, breaking his jaw, which left him in a bad way and caused him to miss a chunk of the season. I’m giving him the benefit of the doubt with his spot here, as it’s well known the injury had effects on him, losing 12 pounds while out. He remains an elite natural playmaker in addition to his scoring touch, which we’ll hopefully see more of in a confident Garland this season. I’m a believer in the talent, but he’s got a lot of pressure to perform, now with multiple playoff disappointments.

#13 Dejonte Murray

22.5pts, 6.4ast, 1.4stl

A career-high scoring season from Murray wasn’t enough to get Atlanta into the playoffs. In just two seasons sharing the backcourt with Trae Young, they only found themselves with two wins in playoff basketball. After announcing himself as one of the league’s best defenders with the Spurs, Murray showed the league he’s a skilful scorer, averaging over 20 points and hitting back-to-back game-winning shots this season. He’ll need to find a balance between both sides of the game to find success on the Pelicans.

#12 Jrue Holiday

12.5pts, 5.4reb, 42%3pt

A player every team dreams of having, Holiday deservedly achieved his second career ring this season. Playing within a star-studded Celtics side, he played more off the ball, becoming a highly effective cutter and shooting a career-high 42% from three, as the Celtics’ style of offence demands. Holiday received buzz as a potential Finals MVP candidate with how strong his performances were after two games, playing his well-known suffocating defence on Kyrie Irving and the Mavericks while scoring the ball effectively as well.

#11 Ja Morant

25.1pts, 8.1ast, 9 games

Before everyone freaks out, Morant is here purely due to only playing 9 games last year with his suspension and then shoulder injury. I think he and the next 6 players are really close, but I have no doubt he’ll challenge for a top-5 ranking this time next year. In his limited games, he showed no signs of rust, at his explosive best, notably his 34-point game performance in his first game back against the Pelicans, which included the game-winning shot. I love the way Morant plays and hope he can have a distraction-free season.

#10 Tyrese Haliburton

20.1pts, 10.9ast, 1.2stl

Haliburton started the season alight, averaging 28 and 11 in the month of November as he featured in early league MVP conversations, with the Pacers making it to the in-season tournament final. Unfortunately, a nagging hamstring injury occurring at the start of 2024 saw Haliburton’s play decline immensely. His scoring suffered, dropping to 16 a game in March and shooting just 27% from three. Despite this, he was still recognised as a third All-NBA performer, speaking to his strong start to the season, and a healthy season will see him continue to elevate.

#9 Tyrese Maxey

25.9pts, 6.2ast, 1stl

With the departure of James Harden in Philadelphia, primary ball-handling responsibilities fell to Maxey this season. He thrived in the role with a career year across major statistical categories and won the Most Improved Player award. When Joel Embiid went down with injury, Maxey kept them afloat in his absence and steered them towards a playoff position, where he gained experience being the number one option. Maxey stepped up in a tough first-round series against the Knicks, averaging just under 30 a game and proved he can be a legit co-star alongside Embiid.

#8 De’Aaron Fox

26.6pts, 5.6ast, 2stl

Fox continued to stake his claim as an All-NBA talent, increasing his points per game to a career-high level as an effective scorer at all three levels. The Kings missed the playoffs this year, losing to the Pelicans in the play-in with Fox’s 35 points not being enough to get them over the line. Defensively, he took a step forward, leading the league in steals and finishing in the top three in steal percentage this season, with him and Keon Ellis forcing turnovers against opposing guards. The Kings will need a strong playoff performance from Fox to hold off these young stars behind him.

#7 Jamal Murray

21.2pts, 6.5ast, 42%3pt

Murray’s regular-season statistics don’t blow you away for a player ranked this highly, but it’s his playoff elevation that places him among the best in the game. However, this season he was unable to elevate too, shooting inefficiently during these playoffs as the Nuggets’ title defence halted in the second round. He actually had the best regular season of his career, shooting career highs in three-point percentage and volume. He proved in the bubble and last season that he’s a playoff riser, so I’ve given him the benefit of the doubt here coming off a championship, but he’ll need another similar 2023 type run to justify a top-10 position.

#6 Damian Lillard

24.3pts, 7ast, 35%3pt

His first season in Milwaukee was a highly interrupted one as Lillard got used to life outside of Portland for the first time in his career. Despite a 30-13 record, the Bucks fired coach Adrian Griffin to bring in Doc Rivers, with a key focus on the chemistry between him and Giannis. A limited training camp meant Dame had a significantly down year; however, this speaks to the level of performance if 24 and 7 is a substantial drop. Despite being older, expect a bounce-back season from one of the game’s greats.

#5 Trae Young

25.7pts, 10.8ast, 37%3pt

Young continues to be a lethal combination of scoring and facilitating as one of the league’s most effective offensive engines. The Murray partnership didn’t work as the two couldn’t coexist effectively, and now Young is on a retooling Atlanta team that got notably younger. While I don’t expect it, Young does possess the offensive talent to get this side into playoff consideration, as he now may have to wait a few more seasons to make it back to the Eastern finals.

#4 Jalen Brunson

28.7pts, 6.7ast, 40%3pt

The pride of New York, Brunson has single-handedly changed the direction of a franchise with his play over the last two seasons. His late-game and playoff heroics have separated him from the chasing pack behind, as his unique style of play has been giving defenders nightmares. Scoring 35 a night against Philly in the best series of the playoffs put any doubt to bed about this guy as a legitimate 1a option on a championship contender. To top it all off, he took a pay cut this summer to help the Knicks continue to build around him, notably reuniting the Villanova squad as Mikal Bridges comes to NYC.

#3 Stephen Curry

26.4pts, 5.1ast, 40%3pt

You could argue Brunson had a better season, but I’m respecting the legend of Curry here. In what was considered a down season, he still managed All-NBA honours and continues to be the most exciting and one of the most impactful offensive players in the league. His play declined in the second half of the season, with many speculating that the significant offensive load was causing fatigue. While they don’t have the roster, I think Curry is still more than capable of leading a team to finals success, as he’s done four times already in case you forgot.

#2 Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

30.1pts, 6.2ast, 53%fg

The young Thunder charged up the standings this season, spearheaded by their perennial MVP candidate Gilgeous-Alexander, who finished in second place only behind Nikola Jokic. The picture of consistency, SGA scored at least 30 points in 51 of 75 games played. Known for his efficient scoring and mastery in the mid-range and at the bucket, he got OKC back to the playoffs for the first time in four seasons. One of the best defenders for his position as well, he and the Thunder project to be championship threats for years to come.

#1 Luka Doncic

33.9pts, 9.8ast, 9.2reb

I mean, just look at those stats. He’s ridiculous and deserves the title of best point guard in the game. But this season won’t be remembered for his MVP-level regular season, but for his playoff performances and success, reaching the NBA Finals. While not obtaining the ultimate goal, this was no doubt a successful season for him and the Mavericks as he struck fear through the gauntlet of teams they went through. He battled through a knee injury during the playoffs, and it’s unknown how much it affected him, but I’ve got no doubt he’ll be back on the big stage.

Thanks for reading, let me know what you thought down below. What stood out to you about my rankings?