NBA Ranking: The Top 27 Point Guards for 2026-27
As the NBA offseason unfolds, we delve into our annual projection of the top players at each position for the upcoming season. This year, we focus on the point guards, a position that is arguably the most loaded in the NBA.
The top three feature MVP-caliber talents, the third-place finisher in this ranking finished in the top 5 in the MVP vote, and a player who just cracked the top 5 led his team to a championship and earned Finals MVP honors.
Notable absences include Kingston Flemings, Andrew Nembhard, and Davion Mitchell.
- Darius Acuff (Sacramento)
Darius Acuff Jr., the reigning No. 7 overall pick, is one of just two rookie point guards in this ranking. Despite a promising freshman campaign at Arkansas, where he led the SEC in points and assists, Acuff's Summer League performance was concerning. He averaged 20.8 points and 4.6 assists but shot just 35% from the floor and 27.8% from three, raising concerns about his tough-shot-making ability.
- Fred VanVleet (Houston)
Coming off a torn ACL and meniscus, VanVleet, now 32, is uncertain about his return. When healthy, he's a bulldog of a point guard with championship experience. VanVleet can hit shots from deep and finish with floaters, while also contributing as a playmaker. His headiness and ability to put teammates in the right positions make him a true floor general.
- Jrue Holiday (Portland)
At 36, Jrue Holiday is the first of three Portland Trail Blazers point guards on this list. With at least one likely to be traded, Holiday proved his worth last season with over 16 points and six assists per game, shooting nearly 38% from three. His scoring, creating, and defending made the Blazers nearly 10 points per 100 possessions better.
- Jalen Suggs (Orlando)
Jalen Suggs, after a strong 2023-24 season, has missed time due to injury. Despite his poor outside shooting and decision-making, Suggs remains a solid starter at the 1 with his quickness and driving ability in the halfcourt.
- Anthony Black (Orlando)
Anthony Black, who had a breakout 2025-26 season, is a versatile point guard with upside. However, he needs to work on his three-pointer, as his 33.8% career average was exposed in the postseason.
- Immanuel Quickley (Toronto)
Immanuel Quickley, with a smooth crossover and quick first step, can hit shots from deep and midrange. His injury troubles late last season cost him the playoffs, but he averaged 17.3 points and 6.0 assists in his first 63 games.
- Payton Pritchard (Boston)
Payton Pritchard, a bench player turned starter, had a career-high 17.0 points per game last season. His team-friendly contract and quick, strong, and bombastic shooting range make him an entertaining lead guard.
- Ja Morant (Portland)
Portland's trade for Ja Morant is a risky move. Morant's injury history and poor decision-making off the court are concerns. His game, dependent on athleticism, raises questions about his future performance.
- Josh Giddey (Chicago)
Josh Giddey, an elite rebounder and playmaker, has improved his outside shooting. Despite lacking defense and athleticism, he can create and hit midrange jumpers, making him an effective player with the ball.
- Darius Garland (LA Clippers)
Darius Garland's injury troubles and mid-season trade affected his 2025-26 output. He's a crafty scorer with a quick crossover and excellent outside shooting. Garland needs to stay healthy to reach his full potential.
- Damian Lillard (Portland)
Damian Lillard's rehab process is promising, and he's expected to return to a high level. Despite his age, Lillard's return to a strong Portland team alongside Morant makes the Blazers potential League Pass darlings.
- Kyrie Irving (Dallas)
Kyrie Irving, returning from an ACL tear, faces challenges to reach All-NBA status. His game, not fully dependent on athleticism, suggests he'll regain All-Star form. Irving's playmaking and difficult shot-making will be on display.
- Derrick White (Boston)
Derrick White, a top two-way guard, excels in defense and help defense. His poor offensive campaign was offset by his impact on both ends, ranking top 25 in BPM and VORP. White's defense and playmaking are expected to remain strong.
- De'Aaron Fox (San Antonio)
De'Aaron Fox, after an All-Star season, struggled in the playoffs due to injury. Despite his blunders, Fox remains an above-average starting point guard with speed and explosiveness.
- Darryn Peterson (Utah)
Darryn Peterson, a promising young talent, lit it up in Summer League. However, his NBA readiness is uncertain, as young point guards often struggle to become stars right away.
- LaMelo Ball (Minnesota)
LaMelo Ball, after a strong season with the Hornets, was traded to the Timberwolves. He'll join Anthony Edwards in a dynamic backcourt with bombastic scoring and elite transition prowess.
- Dylan Harper (San Antonio)
Dylan Harper, a confident and crafty bucket-getter, set age-related records in the playoffs. His ability to hit shots from all over the floor makes him a promising young floor general.
- Trae Young (Washington)
Trae Young's spot is boosted by his reputation. Despite a dud season, he's an All-Star with a history of strong playmaking. Young is expected to regain form on a Wizards team with exciting talent.
- James Harden
James Harden, despite playoff struggles, remains an elite regular-season player. He's a tough shot-maker from three and a strong driver and finisher around the basket.
- Jamal Murray (Denver)
Jamal Murray, an All-Star and All-NBA selection, had a career-high 25.4 points per game last season. His tough-shot-making and midrange shooting make him an elite player.
- Tyrese Haliburton (Indiana)
Tyrese Haliburton, returning from an Achilles tear, is a top floor general. His quickness, shiftiness, and playmaking make him a modern star point guard.
- Stephen Curry (Golden State)
Stephen Curry, a future Hall-of-Famer, just misses the top 5. Despite a slow start, he had a plus-5.4 BPM last season, remaining an elite and impactful player.
- Tyrese Maxey (Philadelphia)
Tyrese Maxey, an electric lead guard, had the best season of his career. His quickness, athleticism, and three-level scoring make him an elite player.
- Jalen Brunson (New York)
Jalen Brunson, a championship-winning point guard, led the Knicks to their first title in over 50 years. His scoring, playmaking, and free-throw shooting make him a top player.
- Cade Cunningham (Detroit)
Cade Cunningham, a 1st Team All-NBAer, averaged 9.9 assists per game last season. His playmaking and scoring make him a special talent.
- Luka Doncic (LA Lakers)
Luka Doncic, a superstar, took a step forward with his fitness. His scoring and playmaking are borderline magical, and he's a tough-shot-maker.
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City)
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the best guard in the sport, has back-to-back MVP trophies and four straight 1st Team All-NBA appearances. His statistical tear and elite talent make him a future Hall-of-Famer.
