The NBA is entering the 2025-26 season sooner rather than later. The league is packed with elite floor generals ready to make their mark, and the role of the point guard has never been more crucial. With so much competition, ranking the top 25 point guards for the upcoming season is no easy task.
- 1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
- 2. Luka Doncic
- 3. Cade Cunningham
- 4. Jalen Brunson
- 5. Stephen Curry
- 6. Devin Booker
- 7. Ja Morant
- 8. Kyrie Irving
- 9. Trae Young
- 10. LaMelo Ball
- 11. Tyrese Maxey
- 12. De’Aaron Fox
- 13. James Harden
- 14. Jamal Murray
- 15. Derrick White
- 16. Darius Garland
- 17. Zach LaVine
- 18. Tyler Herro
- 19. Immanuel Quickley
- 20. Alex Caruso
- 21. CJ McCollum
- 22. Dejounte Murray
- 23. Jalen Suggs
- 24. Payton Pritchard
- 25. Fred VanVleet
Some legendary point guards, like Stephen Curry, are still at the top of their game, while others are young, hungry, and ready to make their mark. This list sets us up for success heading into 2025-26, so let’s dive in, with a reminder that Tyrese Haliburton and Damian Lillard won’t make the cut due to their season-ending injuries.
1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
2024‑25 Season Averages: 32.7 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 6.4 APG, 1.7 SPG, 1.0 BPG
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has officially become the league’s best point guard, coming off a season where he averaged nearly 33 points while still playing elite defense en route to the MVP, scoring champion, NBA champion, and Finals MVP for the Thunder.
His ability to score at all three levels, draw fouls at will, and lead Oklahoma City’s dominance makes him the most complete two-way point guard in the NBA right now. We won’t say that we saw it coming, but SGA always had the skills to be a top-tier star, but he has raised his level tremendously, intending to win his second-straight MVP.
2. Luka Doncic
2024‑25 Averages: 28.2 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 7.7 APG, 1.8 SPG, 0.4 BPG
Luka Doncic’s raw numbers remain otherworldly, nearly averaging a triple-double with 28/8/8 last season while controlling every aspect of Dallas’ offense. Though defense is still not his calling card, we expect better production since he will enter the 2025-26 campaign in the best shape of his career.
Doncic can dictate pace and single-handedly bend defenses, which means the Los Angeles Lakers have the second-best point guard in the world heading into next season. The key for Luka is to reach an MVP level because he is good enough to carry the team to the NBA Finals alongside LeBron James.
3. Cade Cunningham
2024‑25 Averages: 26.1 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 9.1 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.8 BPG
Cade Cuningham took a monster leap in 2024-25, posting superstar-level numbers with over nine assists per game while proving he can be a franchise cornerstone and potentially, a top-10 player in the world in due time.
His size and control give Detroit a true cornerstone, and his growth as a closer pushes him into the top-three conversation for this season. We can’t wait to see what Cade can do because his improvement has been sudden and, quite frankly, ridiculously impressive.
4. Jalen Brunson
2024‑25 Averages: 26.0 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 7.3 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.1 BPG
Jalen Brunson is still the heartbeat of the New York Knicks, pairing toughness with scoring efficiency that has thrust him into the top-five conversation. Averaging 26 points and over seven assists last season, Brunson is still the man.
He blends leadership and big-moment poise, and there might not be a better clutch player right now. Brunson has to carry somewhat of a lighter load next season under Mike Brown, and while we anticipate his numbers dropping a bit, his impact certainly won’t.
5. Stephen Curry
2024‑25 Averages: 24.5 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 6.0 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.4 BPG
Even at this stage of his career, Stephen Curry remains the ultimate floor-spacer and one-man offense for the Warriors to complete the top five. His 24.5 points per game don’t fully capture the gravitational pull he exerts every night, because his presence alone gives defenders nightmares.
Curry has kept Golden State competitive and will remind everyone that age hasn’t dulled his generational impact next season. The key for Curry is to stay healthy and available because, hopefully, Steve Kerr can lighten his load to preserve him for the playoffs.
6. Devin Booker
2024‑25 Averages: 25.6 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 7.1 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.2 BPG
Devin Booker’s forced transition into more of a lead guard has been seamless, averaging 25.6 points with seven assists while still providing his usual scoring fireworks last season. The Suns’ offense thrives when the ball is in his hands, mainly because they don’t trust anyone else.
With Jalen Green arriving, Booker’s ability to switch between playmaker and killer scorer will absolutely be necessary. What keeps him near the top tier is Booker’s sheer talent because he will look to earn some MVP-caliber flowers at some point.
7. Ja Morant
2024‑25 Averages: 23.2 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 7.3 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.2 BPG
Back from suspension, Ja Morant reestablished himself as one of the most electrifying players in the league before injuries derailed his season again. His 23 points and 7 assists per game come with relentless rim pressure and unmatched speed in the open floor, so he’s must-watch TV.
Morant’s ability to score and create plays makes him a nightmare to defend when fully engaged, and we hope that he stays focused. If he does, there isn’t a reason why the athletic phenom can’t prove to us he belongs in the top five.
8. Kyrie Irving
2024‑25 Season Averages: 24.7 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 4.6 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.5 BPG
Kyrie Irving’s 2024-25 season was another reminder that his shot-making and finishing package remains one of the most unstoppable skillsets in basketball. Unfortunately, a knee injury ruled him out of what was going to be a very promising campaign.
Averaging nearly 25 points while dealing with the absence of Luka in Dallas, Kyrie’s blend of artistry and experience keeps him firmly in the top-10. Next season, Irving hopes to return from injury and guide a new era with the Mavericks.
9. Trae Young
2024‑25 Averages: 24.2 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 11.6 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.2 BPG
No guard in the league dishes out dimes like Trae Young, leading the NBA with 11.6 assists per game while still chipping in 24 points. The disrespect Young receives has to stop because he is an entire offensive system on his own.
His defense remains a liability, but his offensive vision and ability to orchestrate plays for everybody make him one of the purest playmakers in the game. With added reinforcements around him, this is Young’s chance to prove he can be a franchise player for a playoff team again.
10. LaMelo Ball
2024‑25 Averages: 25.2 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 7.4 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.3 BPG
Despite Charlotte’s struggles, LaMelo Ball shines individually, averaging 25 and 7 despite a lack of sheer talent around him besides Brandon Miller. His passing creativity and deep shooting range make him a constant highlight machine, and that won’t change in 2025-26.
If his health holds up, he’s set to rise even higher on this list. Ball has all the offensive tools in his bag to make an All-NBA Team, although what could take him to a different level is contributing to winning more games.
11. Tyrese Maxey
2024‑25 Averages: 26.3 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 6.1 APG, 1.8 SPG, 0.4 BPG
Tyrese Maxey’s breakout was undeniable, 26.3 points with elite efficiency and relentless pace, even when playing on a very poor 76ers team last season. His combination of speed, improved playmaking, and defensive effort made him the perfect modern guard, and we expect more improvements coming.
He looks poised to remain Philly’s franchise cornerstone because Joel Embiid’s health likely won’t hold up again. As long as Maxey has the ball in his hands, he will be able to create offense singlehandedly for himself or anyone on the team.
12. De’Aaron Fox
2024‑25 Averages: 23.5 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 6.3 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.4 BPG
De’Aaron Fox is a great point guard, make no mistake about that. Even with a mid-season trade last season, he showed enough to convince us that he is still within the conversation of the top 10.
Pairing blazing speed with consistent mid-range and three-point shooting growth, Fox hopes to be the playmaking force behind Victor Wembanyama’s Spurs next season. He’s a fearless scorer who thrives in crunch time, making him one of the most clutch guards in the league as well.
13. James Harden
2024‑25 Averages: 22.8 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 8.7 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.7 BPG
Though his days of averaging 30 are gone, James Harden’s 22/8/6 line while making the All-Star Team proves he’s still an offensive hub. He’s reinvented himself as more of a table-setter while keeping defenses honest with his shooting, showing his game still ages well even into his mid-30s.
Next season, The Beard will likely do more of the same with some better teammates around him. At 36, however, there might be some slight decline in production, but not enough to boot him from the 13th spot in our rankings.
14. Jamal Murray
2024‑25 Averages: 21.4 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 6.0 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.5 BPG
Jamal Murray is Denver’s secondary star, thriving next to Nikola Jokic as the perfect playoff-ready guard. Even if his regular-season production comes and goes, we always count on Murray to perform in the biggest games.
His 21 points per game don’t tell the full story since his ability to elevate in big moments keeps him one of the league’s most feared performers with the game on the line. In 2025-26, Murray will be a difference-maker as the season gets closer to ending rather than during the start.
15. Derrick White
2024‑25 Averages: 16.4 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 4.8 APG, 0.9 SPG, 1.1 BPG
Yes, Derrick White isn’t a flashy scorer, but his defense, versatility, and ability to impact both ends are what make him invaluable for the Celtics. Averaging 16 points while chipping in across the board, he has cemented himself as one of the NBA’s most underrated and reliable guards.
We believe White influenced winning more than the players below him, even if his production might not match on paper. The Celtics can’t afford to let him go because replacing a two-way star with sheer unselfishness is a very rare commodity in the NBA these days.
16. Darius Garland
2024‑25 Averages: 20.6 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 6.7 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.1 BPG
Darius Garland’s smooth offensive game and playmaking touch keep him highly respected, and he drops out of the top-15 only because of his lack of sheer defensive impact compared to a player like Derrick White.
With over six assists and 20 points per game, he continues to provide Cleveland with steady guard play alongside Donovan Mitchell. We love what Garland brings every night, and we expect strong production from him in 2025-26.
17. Zach LaVine
2024‑25 Averages: 23.3 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 4.2 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.2 BPG
Zach LaVine’s role at point guard isn’t traditional, but his scoring ability keeps him relevant in this ranking. Not to mention, he is taking this role out of necessity for the Sacramento Kings.
At 23 points per game with improved playmaking, LaVine gives steady offensive production and remains one of the more explosive athletes at the position. Next season, unless the Kings find their new franchise point guard, LaVine will assume his role as primary playmaker.
18. Tyler Herro
2024‑25 Averages: 23.9 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 5.5 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.2 BPG
Tyler Herro has grown into more than just a shooter, averaging nearly 24 points while contributing as a playmaker and rebounder for the Miami Heat in the absence of a true floor general. The addition of Norman Powell means Herro will take this role again next season.
Miami relies on his ability to generate offense, and his evolving all-around game puts him firmly inside the top-20 among point guards. We have to respect that Herro is taking this role with confidence because he is clearly a natural shooting guard by trade.
19. Immanuel Quickley
2024-25 Averages: 17.1 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 5.8 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.1 BPG
Immanuel Quickley’s rise has been steady, turning himself into a dependable starter with 17 points and nearly 6 assists per game. His defensive hustle and shooting touch give him value on both ends, and his growth trajectory suggests even more upside ahead.
The goal for Quickley is to continue improving his playmaking more than his scoring because the Raptors want a natural floor general to allow Scottie Barnes and Brandon Ingram to shine. If that happens, Quickley could be ranked higher on this list very soon.
20. Alex Caruso
2024-25 Averages: 7.1 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 2.5 APG, 1.6 SPG, 0.6 BPG
Alex Caruso’s numbers don’t tell the entire story, but he is invaluable to the reigning NBA champions. He spots up for threes, hustles for loose balls, and is always available and willing to do the dirty work.
Being a difference-maker for a second championship team means he needs to earn his respect as a top-20 point guard in the NBA right now. Whether he starts or comes off the bench, the All-NBA defender will always have his say on how the game plays out defensively.
21. CJ McCollum
2024-25 Averages: 21.1 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 4.1 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.4 BPG
At this stage, CJ McCollum brings veteran stability and consistent scoring. His 21 points and four assists are proof that he can still be a reliable offensive option, and he brings a level of calmness to the floor that cannot be ignored.
His experience and leadership round out his value beyond the stat sheet as well, so we also value that a little more than just numbers. With the Wizards (or until he is traded), McCollum will help contribute to the growth of the youngsters around him.
22. Dejounte Murray
2024‑25 Averages: 17.5 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 7.4 APG, 2.0 SPG, 0.4 BPG
Dejounte Murray is still one of the league’s most versatile guards, assuming he can stay healthy next season. After all, very few point guards can stuff the box score with rebounds, assists, and steals.
His defensive instincts and ability to guard multiple positions separate him from many peers, even if his scoring output isn’t elite at this point. If Murray can stay healthy, he will easily climb the list, but coming off a torn Achilles tendon won’t be the easiest thing for the former All-Star.
23. Jalen Suggs
2024‑25 Averages: 16.2 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 3.7 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.9 BPG
Jalen Suggs is Orlando’s defensive anchor in the backcourt, averaging nearly a block per game while also improving offensively last season. The Magic have faith in Suggs’ ability to lead an offense, although we need to see improved playmaking before boosting him up the rankings.
Still, his toughness, energy, and growing offensive confidence give the Magic a two-way guard with star potential. Hopefully, Suggs can boost his assist numbers closer to 5 or 6 per game to give him a little more respect at this spot.
24. Payton Pritchard
2024‑25 Season Averages: 14.3 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 3.5 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.2 BPG
Payton Pritchard’s expanded role in Boston has shown his ability to score efficiently and run the offense when needed. The Sixth Man of the Year winner will likely start for Boston if Joe Mazzulla wants Derrick White to shift over to shooting guard, so perhaps we can see an increase in statistical production.
Even if Payton is coming off the bench next season, his shooting and hustle make him a valuable contributor, and his 14 points per game reflect his growth into more than just a bench spark. Either way, Pritchard will make sure his impact is felt on both ends.
25. Fred VanVleet
2024‑25 Season Averages: 14.1 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 5.6 APG, 1.6 SPG, 0.4 BPG
Veteran Fred VanVleet continues to be steady and reliable, even if his scoring has dipped slightly, and we don’t expect the best production of his career in 2025-26 due to age and attrition. However, the Rockets just need him to be available and ready to play.
With nearly six assists and strong perimeter defense, he brings veteran leadership and toughness to Houston, making him a strong presence on and off the floor. There aren’t more experienced floor generals in the NBA, either.
