This season’s guards have been exceptional, performing at a level that leaves fans absolutely buzzing. Imagine watching Stephen Curry nail those 30-foot shots; that guy is redefining what we think is possible in basketball. Curry's shooting percentage from beyond the arc hovers around 43%, which is mind-blowing when you consider the league average sits at about 36%. How does he maintain such unbelievable stats? Well, his shooting technique, quick release, and off-ball movement ensure that he’s always a threat.
Back in 2018, James Harden had one of his most incredible seasons, scoring on average 36.1 points per game. That was some next-level efficiency, especially given how much he handled the ball. Most players struggle with maintaining their shooting percentage when they have such high usage rates, but Harden shattered those norms. When you look at true shooting percentage (TS%), Harden was at 61.6% that season, which is just wild, because it factors in free throws and three-point shots – making it a much better indicator of a player's scoring efficiency.
Fast forward to today, and the new generation is coming in hot. Think Ja Morant, who brings in electrifying speed and hops that remind me of a young Derrick Rose. What’s impressive about Ja is his ability to elevate a team; Memphis saw their offensive rating jump when he was on the floor, translating into more wins. The stats show that with Ja, the Grizzlies had approximately a 5-point better net rating compared to when he was off the court. That's an outstanding impact for a young star.
Then there’s Luka Dončić, who entered the league and made everyone rethink what a guard should be. This guy logged a triple-double almost every other game; it felt like you could count on it. As of the end of the 2022 season, Luka averaged 28.4 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 8.7 assists per game. These numbers are not just good; they’re unprecedented for a guard his age. It's no wonder many consider him the future face of the NBA.
We can’t ignore veterans like Chris Paul. This man’s IQ and vision are off the charts. When CP3 joined the Phoenix Suns, their assist-to-turnover ratio skyrocketed, showing just how much he values ball control. The Suns went from being an average team to title contenders in just one season, and Paul's leadership was a huge contributing factor. Looking at player efficiency ratings (PER), Chris Paul consistently ranks in the top 20, proving that even at an older age, he's a crucial factor in any team's success.
Do you think Kyrie Irving deserves a mention here? Absolutely. Kyrie is often criticized for his off-court antics, but when he’s on the hardwood, the man is poetry in motion. During the 2021 season, he became one of the few members of the 50-40-90 club, meaning he shot 50% from the field, 40% from three, and 90% from the free-throw line. This is a statistical milestone that highlights his shooting prowess and overall efficiency.
Let’s take it back to the East for a moment. Trae Young from the Atlanta Hawks has also been turning heads. Trae’s ability to orchestrate an offense and shoot from anywhere on the court makes him so unpredictable. During the 2020-2021 season, Trae averaged 25.3 points and 9.4 assists per game. Those numbers aren’t just good; they're elite. The way he distributes the ball while still getting his shots up is reminiscent of Steve Nash but with a modern twist.
Another fascinating player is Ben Simmons, who, despite his shooting woes, is one of the better defensive guards we’ve seen in recent times. With an average of nearly 2 steals per game and the ability to guard almost every position, he’s made his mark by disrupting the opposition's game plan. It’s worth noting that during the 2020 season, his defensive win shares were among the highest in the league, spotlighting his defensive impact.
One cannot end this discussion without mentioning Damian Lillard. Dame has an ability to show up in clutch moments that are unparalleled. Remember when he hit that 37-footer to eliminate the Thunder in the 2019 playoffs? Those moments define him. In terms of clutch stats, Lillard led the league in the final 5 minutes of close games for several seasons. His leadership and willingness to take – and make – big shots are the reason why he’s considered one of the best in the game.
When you talk about the best guards in the NBA, you’re dealing with an evolving list that changes season by season. Luka Dončić keeps growing, Ja Morant keeps soaring, and veterans like Chris Paul and Stephen Curry keep dominating. It truly is a golden era for guard play in the NBA. For more in-depth analysis and highlights, arena plus is your go-to destination for everything basketball.