Ranking The Best NBA Point Guards By Tiers For The 2022-23 Season

The 2022-23 season has gotten off to a blazing start as numerous players have had career-best starts to the season. The 2022-23 season has seen many point guards emerge as some of the best talents in the NBA, with high-scoring outbursts and incredible displays of playmaking and defense. The boom in production from the point guard position has not only made the NBA championship race blow right open, but All-Star voting in each conference is sure to have a snub or two.

Today, we will put 30 of the best point guards so far in the 2022-23 season into tiers. These tiers will be broken down into 5 different levels ranging from the elite guards in the game to the average starters and quality starters so far this season. It will be interesting to see not only where your favorite guards land on our list but also where they compare to where we had them in our preseason rankings. Clearly, all 30 of these point guards possess NBA-level skills, but some are far more advanced at their jobs than others.

Here are the NBA’s point guards put into tiers based on how they have played so far in the 2022-23 season.

Tier 5

Cole Anthony, Kyle Lowry, Monte Morris, Cameron Payne, Kevin Porter Jr., Reggie Jackson, Tre Jones, Bones Hyland, Collin Sexton

Tier 5 begins with point guards this season who are on the higher end of players coming off the bench or the lower end of starters in the NBA this season so far. The first point guard we have on this tier is Cole Anthony, who has played just 20 games so far this season and made only 3 starts. Anthony is currently averaging 12.6 PPG, 4.5 RPG, and 4.5 APG and shooting 43.6% from the field. Anthony is seeing even more minutes on the court than last season but is producing at a much lower level. The decision between him and Markelle Fultz for the Magic may be one that is done sooner rather than later.

The next point guard we have chosen to place on Tier 5 is a bittersweet selection. Kyle Lowry has been high on this list before but has suffered a slip down to the last tier in 2022-23. Lowry is averaging 13.4 PPG, 4.5 RPG, and 5.7 APG shooting just 40.8% from the field this year in 34 starts. The Heat have struggled to start the 2022-23 season and are currently 8th in the East with a 20-19 record. The Heat may look to move Lowry in return for a younger player who can help run the offense.

Monte Morris of the Washington Wizards is the next member of Tier 5 in his first full season with the team. After a season that saw him start 74 games for the Denver Nuggets, Morris has started 34 games for the Wizards so far this season. His scoring is down from last year, as he is averaging just 9.8 PPG on 45.4% shooting. He is averaging more assists with 5.4 APG and rebounds with 3.5 RPG. Morris is doing a decent job with the Wizards but is still on the lower echelon of point guards for the 2022-23 season.

Cameron Payne is in his 4th season with the Phoenix Suns in 2022-23 and has done a decent job of filling in for Chris Paul to start the season. Payne has started 14 games for the Suns and come off the bench in 14 games. He is currently averaging 12.1 PPG and 5.3 APG, which are both better than his 2021-22 output. His play hasn’t been enough to help Phoenix pick up the pace in the West, as they have dropped to 20-19 on the season and 8th in the Conference standings.

Kevin Porter Jr. is an unfortunate and frustrating addition to Tier 5. This is a player who should be working on his case for Tier 3 rather than fighting for his life in Tier 5. Now in his 3rd season with the Rockets, Porter Jr. is having the best complete season of his career with 19.3 PPG, 5.5 RPG, and 5.8 APG, which are all career-highs. However, his play has had little to no impact on winning as the Rockets are once again among the worst teams in basketball at 10-28 on the year. While Porter Jr. isn’t fully to blame for the Rockets’ poor play, one has to wonder if he would be better off somewhere else.

In the final year of his deal with the Clippers, Reggie Jackson is doing himself no favors as far as securing another one with Los Angeles. Jackson has taken a significant step back through 36 games in 2022-23, averaging just 12.1 PPG and 3.8 APG. Jackson has been the Clippers’ starter over most of the last 2 seasons, and despite their success in 2022-23, Jackson is not the answer for them moving forward beyond this year.

Tre Jones of the San Antonio Spurs has taken over as the starter for the Spurs in just his 3rd season. Jones has made 37 starts in 2022-23, the first season after Dejounte Murray was traded to Atlanta in a sign of rebuilding times for the Spurs. Jones is having a decent beginning to his career as a starter averaging 12.8 PPG, 6.5 APG, and 1.4 SPG so far in 2022-23. Jones and the Spurs are thought to be in a tanking year in hopes of landing top prospect Victor Wembanyama.

The next of Tier 5 may just be the best player in Tier 5 and one that comes off the bench for the best team in the Western Conference. Bones Hyland is in his 2nd year with the Denver Nuggets but already has people buzzing around the league about his talent. Hyland has appeared in 29 games for the Nuggets this year off the bench and is averaging 13.4 PPG and 3.4 APG, which is up from his rookie season. Hyland will be stuck behind Jamal Murray as long as he is in Denver, but he is a perfect bench option for them in 2022-23.

The final member of Tier 5 is also someone who made his debut for a new franchise in 2022-23. Collin Sexton was sent to the Utah Jazz as part of the deal that sent Donovan Mitchell to Cleveland this offseason. Sexton is coming off the bench for the most part in Utah but is still producing quite well for them. He is averaging 14.1 PPG and 2.9 APG in 39 appearances for the 19-21 Jazz. Look for Sexton to be one of the pieces on the move if the Jazz decide to blow up their roster at the trade deadline.

Tier 4

Malcolm Brogdon, Chris Paul, Jamal Murray, Tyrese Maxey, D’Angelo Russell, Russell Westbrook, Marcus Smart, Fred VanVleet

Tier 4 kicks off with one of the better Sixth Man candidates in the Eastern Conference. Malcolm Brogdon has appeared in 32 games off the bench for the Boston Celtics so far in 2022-23 and has made a significant impact on their second team. Brogdon is averaging 13.1 PPG, 4.2 RPG, and 3.8 APG so far this year and is shooting a scintillating 42.1% from beyond the arc. He has also been especially smart with the ball, committing the least amount of turnovers since 2019-19.

One player that it hurts to put as low as Tier 4 is Chris Paul. Out of respect for his unbelievable career, Paul was elevated one tier instead of dipping to the average/slightly above tier. Paul has struggled in 2022-23, missing a large chunk of the first months of the season due to injury. Paul has missed 14 games but started all 25 other contests and is averaging 13.4 PPG, 8.6 APG, and 1.5 SPG. His impact has been felt far less than at any other point in his career as the Suns have struggled to a 20-19 start to 2022-23.

Jamal Murray is back to action after missing over a year of play due to a severe knee injury. Murray is helping the Nuggets for sure as they sit atop the Western Conference in the standings. Murray is averaging 18.0 PPG, and a career-high 5.6 APG in 30 starts so far this season but is shooting just 44.0% from the field on 15 attempts. Murray can easily leapfrog a few guys to land himself in Tier 3, but he has not yet returned to All-Star-caliber form.

Realistically, Tyrese Maxey should be elevated to Tier 3 or Tier 2. He has been that good since being thrust into the starting point guard and shooting guard roles the last 2 seasons with the 76ers. Maxey recently returned to action after missing 18 games with an injury that cost him a spot higher than Tier 4. He is averaging a career-high 21.2 PPG and 4.2 APG on 45.0 % shooting and 40.4% shooting from three.

D’Angelo Russell has been at the center of trade speculation and rumors for the past season and a half now with the Minnesota Timberwolves. After a rough performance in the first round of the playoffs in 2022, Russell looked to redeem himself with an improved Timberwolves lineup. Instead, Russell is having his lowest output since 2018 with the Nets. Minnesota is struggling, and Russell has still shown flashes of being Tier 4 worthy, but the trigger needs to be pulled on a deal at some point.

It is tough to see legends fall and reach the down slopes of their careers. With Russell Westbrook, that had appeared to be the case for him in 2022 after an awful season with the Lakers. In 2022-23, the Lakers are still struggling, but Westbrook has found a new home off the bench. Overall, he is averaging 14.5 PPG, 6.3 RPG, and 7.7 APG. Westbrook is in the final year of his deal with Los Angeles, and any team willing to pay him after this season would do wonders for their bench production.

The 7th member of Tier 4 is the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, Marcus Smart. He is still playing an elite level of defense despite the stats looking a touch worse than in 2022. Smart is manning the floor with the team with the best record in the NBA so far this season and is doing his part to keep it that way. Smart is averaging 11.1 PPG, 7.4 APG, and 1.3 SPG while making an impact with his versatility and instincts on defense.

The final member of Tier 4 is Toronto Raptors point guard Fred VanVleet. For the past 3 seasons, VanVleet had a case to be even higher than this with his timely shooting, great defense, and ability to make his teammates better. The 2022-23 season has been a struggle for Fred, who is producing his worst numbers since 2020. VanVleet is averaging 18.5 PPG, 6.2 APG, and 1.6 SPG so far in 2022-23, as the Raptors have limped to a 16-22 start. VanVleet could be used as a trade chip at this year’s deadline if the ship isn’t righted soon.

Tier 3

De’Aaron Fox, Tyrese Haliburton, Jalen Brunson, LaMelo Ball, Darius Garland, Jrue Holiday

The members of Tier 3 all have a case to be All-Stars this season, and a few should have guaranteed spots. One of the spots that should be given away is to De’Aaron Fox of the Sacramento Kings. As one of the best duos in basketball along with Domantas Sabonis, Fox has led the Kings to their best start to a season in years and is a legitimate pick for Tier 3. Fox is currently averaging 23.9 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 5.9 APG, and 0.9 SPG for the 20-17 Kings.

Tyrese Haliburton is another member of Tier 3 who should have a guaranteed spot in the All-Star Game. Haliburton has led the Pacers to a surprising surge in the East as the NBA’s assist leader at this point in 2022-23. Haliburton is the only player in the NBA right now who is averaging over 20.0 PPG and 10.0 APG while shooting over 40.0% from three. For what he has done to lead the Pacers, his selection for Tier 3 may even be too low.

Jalen Brunson has erupted in his first season as a starter with the New York Knicks in 2022-23. Brunson came to New York after spending his first seasons with the Mavericks in Dallas. Now out of Luka Doncic’s shadow, Brunson is thriving for New york. He is currently averaging 20.8 PPG, 6.5 APG, and 1.0 SPG for the Knicks, who are in the Eastern Conference at this point. Brunson has seemingly found the perfect fit for his skillset, adapting to New York better than most have the past few seasons.

LaMelo Ball is a controversial decision for Tier 3, considering how much time he has already missed this year. Ball has played just 15 games for one of the worst teams in basketball in 2022-23 but has dazzled on the court just as he has the past 2 years. Ball is averaging 23.7 PPG and 8.1 APG so far in 2022-23 and is shooting 36.5% from three on over 11.0 attempts. If any team glaringly needs to make a move to help their star, it is the Hornets with LaMelo Ball.

Darius Garland is the 3rd member of Tier 3 to have a serious case for selection to the All-Star Game. Garland is having an outstanding season for a competitive Cavaliers team who sit at 25-14, which is good for 4th in the East. Garland has started 30 games for the Cavs this year and is averaging 21.4 PPG and 7.8 APG on a career-high 40.0% shooting from three. If he and Donovan Mitchell remain healthy, the Cavaliers are a serious threat to compete for a spot in the NBA Finals.

The final member of Tier 3 is one of, if not the best, perimeter defenders in basketball. In 2022-23, it was asked of Jrue Holiday to step up into a bigger role on offense, considering the injury that sidelines Khris Middleton for a good part of the year. Holiday has answered that call mightily, averaging 18.4 PPG, 7.2 APG, and 1.5 SPG. Holiday has kept the Bucks toward the top of the East with his two-way play and is still one of the 15 best point guards in basketball fairly easily.

Tier 2

Kyrie Irving, Ja Morant, Shai-Gilgeous-Alexander, Damian Lillard, Trae Young

In Tier 2, we begin to uncover the most elite point guards in the entire NBA. Regardless of how you may feel about his views off the court, Kyrie Irving is one of the most skilled players in the game today, and he will be honored as one of the Top 7 point guards in the game. The Brooklyn Nets are one of the hottest teams in basketball, right, and Kyrie has a lot to do with it. He is averaging 26.2 PPG, 5.0 RPG, and 4.6 APG so far in 2022-23 and has the Nets in3rd in the East.

Building on his monster season in 2021-22, Ja Morant has gotten off to a similar start in 2022-23. The reigning Most Improved Player has his sights set on larger goals both individually and on a team level. Morant has the Grizzlies primed to make another push late into the postseason as long as he and his teammates remain healthy. Morant is averaging 27.1 PPG, 6.0 RPG, and 8.0 APG so far in 2022-23 while leading the Grizzlies to a 24-13 record through 37 games.

Shai-Gilgeous-Alexander may split time between the point guard and shooting guard positions, but as a point guard, he is killing it this season. Shai is one of the few players in the NBA who are averaging over 30.0 PPG at this point in time. He is averaging 30.9 PPG, 4.8 RPG, and 5.7 APG on 49.7% shooting through 34 games this year. He has the thunder as one of the more competitive lower-end teams in the NBA right now, with a future as bright as any team in basketball.

Damian Lillard came back in 2022-23 after missing the majority of 2021-22 with an injury to his abdomen. Lillard is still adjusting to being back in the full swing of things but is playing at a high enough level to be ranked in Tier 2, considering his body of work as well. Lillard is averaging 27.4 PPG and 7.2 APG so far in 2022-23 and is shooting 37.1% from three. Portland is fighting for a playoff spot once again with Lillard added back into the lineup, speaking volumes about his impact on winning games.

The final selection to Tier 2 is Trae Young, who has struggled in 2022-23 but is still among the elite point guards in the game. After becoming just the 2nd player in NBA history to lead the NBA in pints and assist in 2022, Young has gotten off to a much slower start in 2022-23. Young is averaging 27.3 PPG and 9.9 APG, but he is shooting the lowest splits of his life at 31.1% from three and 41.6% overall. The Hawks are struggling because of it, but if history has taught us anything, Young can turn everything around in an instant.

Tier 1

Stephen Curry, Luka Doncic

The final 2 players sit atop the NBA hierarchy for point guards all by their lonesome, Stephen Curry and Luka Doncic. Curry’s impact on the game is well documented throughout his career, and his injury in 2022-23 is proving it once again. Curry has been out since December 16th with a shoulder injury but was a clear MVP candidate before he went down. He is averaging 30.0 PPG, 6.6 RPG, and 6.8 APG this season on incredible efficiency shooting the ball. Injured or not, Stephen Curry is Tier 1.

The final member of Tier 1 for NBA point guards is Luka Doncic, who has been the most electrifying player in basketball this year. Once again, he has put the Dallas Mavericks on his back in 2022-23 and elevated them to a Top 6 seed in the West. Doncic is leading the NBA in scoring with 34.3 PPG and has also added 8.8 RPG and 8.9 APG. Doncic is making a serious push for his first MVP award, and that alone has a case to elevate him from Tier 2 last season to Tier 1 this season. Doncic continues to defy logic on the court, going for the NBA’s first-ever 60-point, 20-rebounds, 10-assist triple-double earlier this year. 

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