The National Basketball Association is brimmed with talent in all five positions. The point guard position specifically is filled with immensely talented players such as Jalen Brunson, Stephen Curry, and Tyrese Haliburton. With that being said, who are the top five point guards heading into the 2024-2025 NBA season?
The Top 5 Point Guards Heading Into The 2024-2025 NBA Season
5. Tyrese Haliburton
Indiana Pacers point guard Tyrese Haliburton has emerged as one of the top point guards in the association after starting his career with the Sacramento Kings. Haliburton is fresh off having led Indiana to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2014.
In 2023, Haliburton earned his second all-star selection and his first All-NBA nod (third-team), by having averaged 20.1 points and 10.9 assists. Notably, his 10.9 assists per game lead the league. The 2020 first-round pick uses his 6’5 frame to oversee defenders and make timely assists. Furthermore, Haliburton shoots efficiently from the field (47.7%) and showcases solid shot selection.
Haliburton and Indiana look to build off of last season’s deep playoff run, as its relatively young roster adds another year of experience under its belt.
4. Stephen Curry
Four-time NBA champion and legendary point guard Stephen Curry is still without a doubt, one of the faces of the league. Despite Golden State having not made the postseason, Curry averaged 26.4 points while having shot 40.8 percent from three-point range. Furthermore, Curry earned a spot on the All-NBA third team, which made it his tenth overall All-NBA selection.
Curry will head into this 16th season and will be without his backcourt running mate Klay Thompson for the first time since 2011. Regardless, Curry still performs at a high level despite being at the ripe age of 36. The two-time MVP displays supreme off-ball movement and effective deep shooting ability that keeps the opposing defense on its toes.
3. Jalen Brunson
New York Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson recently led the Knicks to another solid playoff run. New York won back-to-back first-round playoff series the past two seasons which has catapulted Brunson as one of the league’s rising stars. In 2023, Brunson averaged 28.7 points and 6.7 assists while having earned his first All-NBA team selection (Second-Team).
Brunson recently took a massive pay cut to help New York fill out the roster with solid talent to contend in the eastern conference. The former Dallas Maverick possesses a “win-first” mentality and hopes to lead the Knicks to its first championship since 1973.
2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Oklahoma City guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has emerged as one of the league’s premier players, regardless of position. Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder to the No. 1 overall seed and its first semi-final round appearance since 2016. In 2023, the Thunder guard averaged 30.1 points along with 6.2 assists and was a finalist for the MVP award.
The former Kentucky guard uses his 6’6 length to be an effective defender, which allows him to swipe at the ball and interrupt passing lanes. Gilgeous-Alexander led the league in total steals this past season (150), which is a testament to his defensive ability. Offensively, the Thunder guard shot an efficient 53.5 percent from the field and frequently attacked the rim effectively (23.3 drives per game, 57.3 percent). Notably, his 23.3 drives lead the league.
Gilgeous-Alexander aims to build off of his second first-team All-NBA selection and lift the Thunder to its first NBA finals appearance since 2012.
1. Luka Doncic
Yes, Dallas Mavericks forward Luka Doncic is 6’7, 230 pounds, and not the size of a traditional point guard, but he’s recognized as one of the league’s best scorers and facilitators. Doncic was an MVP finalist last season and averaged 33.9 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 9.8 assists. Furthermore, Doncic earned his fifth first-team All-NBA appearance in only six seasons. In the postseason Doncic led Dallas to a surprising finals appearance.
Doncic’s impact offensively is bar none. At this rate, Doncic, 25, is on the fast track to becoming one of the greatest players in NBA history.
The Last Word
The players mentioned are all on track to make the Basketball Hall of Fame when it’s all said and done. As of now, however, Doncic, Haliburton, Curry, Brunson, and Gilgeous-Alexander are the cream of the crop at the point guard position.
