Cade Cunningham skyrocketed to the top 10 in total fantasy points last season.
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The guard position is one where we see some true fantasy versatility. In this article, we’ll group the players into five tiers, including a list of honorable mentions who will also have an impact.
Tier 1
Luka Dončić joined the Lakers last season and finished averaging 52.5 fantasy points per game.
Luka Dončić, Los Angeles Lakers: Reports and photos suggest that Dončić has made great strides in his conditioning and fitness in the offseason, and he’s poised to be the cornerstone of LA’s offense. After his trade from Dallas, Dončić averaged 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds and 7.2 assists, and those numbers could be even higher during his first full year with the team.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder: Last year’s MVP is an obvious selection in the first tier. He led the league in 2024-25 with an average of 32.7 points per game, and the Thunder have locked in that production with a gigantic $284 million extension, making him the highest-paid player in the league.
Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons: Cunningham might not be a universal Tier 1 pick, but it’s hard to dispute his production. He averaged 26.1 points, 9.1 assists and 6.1 rebounds last season, and although staying healthy has been an issue in the past, he returns this season fully healthy and prepared to take the Pistons to the next level.
Tier 2
Stephen Curry put up big numbers in his 16th season in the NBA (19th in total fantasy points).
Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks: Brunson earned All-Star honors after a spectacular bounce-back season for the Knicks. Brunson is an excellent isolation player who rarely coughs up the ball and uses his footwork to acquire open shots. The guard plays max minutes, making durability a slight concern. Still, he’ll remain the primary offensive engine for a team aiming for a return to the postseason.
Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers: Although Cleveland’s fall in the playoffs was a surprise, the team was excellent in the regular season with Mitchell running the show. The All-Star averaged 26.6 points, 6.1 assists and 5.1 rebounds per game last season, leading the Cavs to a stellar 64-18 season. Most of Cleveland’s core returns this year, and Mitchell’s outlook is very bright.
Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks: Young was the NBA’s assist leader last season, marking the third time he’s achieved that feat. He also averaged 24.2 points and 3.1 rebounds again as the Hawks’ primary offensive power source. Amazingly, Young didn’t make the All-Star team last season despite his monster numbers and dime-dropping prowess.
Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors: Curry is at Tier 2 due to his advancing age, but he’ll still be a potent sharpshooter and ball distributor for the Warriors. Curry’s numbers can be erratic occasionally, but few are more productive than Curry when his 3-point shot is dialed in. His ability to drain shots from anywhere makes him a headache for opposing defenses, and he should continue to excel despite the creep of Father Time catching up to him.
Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves: Edwards is a borderline Tier 1 player who is poised to have another breakout year in his sixth season. As the anchor for Minnesota’s offense, Edwards averaged 27.6 points, 5.7 rebounds and 4.5 assists last season and earned his third All-Star appearance. The highlight reel-worthy antics for Edwards should continue in Minneapolis as the team strives for another postseason berth.
Tier 3
LaMelo Ball finished top 20 in fantasy points per game last season (42.9).
De’Aaron Fox, San Antonio Spurs: Shortly after his trade to the Spurs last season, his 2024-25 campaign was cut short due to season-ending surgery on his finger. He’s expected to fully recover and realize his potential with his new team. The Spurs have assembled a young and promising core, and Fox’s assist numbers should soar as he keeps Victor Wembanyama in his sights.
Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns: Booker will be surrounded by new faces this season. Kevin Durant‘s departure results in a huge production gap to be filled, but off-season additions like Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks and Mark Williams will help soften the blow. A heightened leadership role will fall on Booker as the team tries to get back into the playoff picture. Last year’s numbers were on par with previous season averages, and he’s projected to record even higher numbers within the new-look lineup.
LaMelo Ball, Charlotte Hornets: Ankle durability remains a concern for Ball, and he played just 47 games in the 2024-25 season. He’s managed more than 51 games only once over his five-year career. When healthy, Ball is an explosive scorer and apt defender, and Charlotte relies on heavy usage from him to gain an edge against better opponents. He has a spot in this tier based on his raw talent and potential, but he has to stay healthy to earn this position.
Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies: Morant played in 50 games last season, averaging 23.2 points, 7.3 assists and 4.1 rebounds. The Grizzlies struggled to replace Morant in the games he missed, and they’ll continue to suffer if Morant is unable to stay healthy and play consistently. The team has added Ty Jerome to give him additional support.
James Harden, Los Angeles Clippers: Harden turned back the clock last season, averaging 22.8 points and 8.7 assists over 79 games. His 79 appearances marked the veteran’s highest attendance since 2016, and he also made the All-Star team after a five-year absence. Although he’s 36 years old, he’s shown remarkable durability and has a great outlook if he can maintain the clean bill of health.
Jalen Green, Phoenix Suns: Green’s acquisition could prove to be one of the most impactful free agency moves this season, as he will be immediately thrust into a key role with the Suns. While the Rockets were dependent on Green’s production, the Suns are struggling to compensate for the loss of Kevin Durant. The onus will be on Green and Devin Booker to control the team narrative and give them a chance to get back into the playoff hunt.
Tier 4
Tyrese Maxey led the 76ers in fantasy points per game last season (43.6).
Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers: After 53 games, Maxey was too banged up to continue his season. He had re-injured his right finger and had consistent back issues. He’s expected to return fully healthy, but he’ll face competition from players who filled in for him last season, like Quentin Grimes. Maxey and Grimes are expected to share the backcourt this year, and the team will be heavily dependent on their production. The roster is filled with injury-prone stars like Joel Embiid and Paul George, both of whom underwent surgery in the offseason.
Amen Thompson, Houston Rockets: The departure of Jalen Green could result in a breakout year for Thompson, as he’ll be called upon to increase his usage and production. With Fred VanVleet out with a torn ACL, a career season could be in store for Thompson.
Austin Reaves, Los Angeles Lakers: Reaves returns as part of LA’s scoring core. His local popularity almost eclipses LeBron James‘ influence, and his rise to prominence as the team’s third scoring option is a big reason why. Luka Dončić’s arrival was expected to drive down Reaves’ production, but it has had the opposite effect. He’s thriving in the new system, a trend that should continue this season.
Zach LaVine, Sacramento Kings: LaVine joined the team at the trade deadline and made an immediate impact in the final weeks of the season. Over 32 contests, he averaged 22.4 points, 3.5 rebounds and 3.8 assists. The team will try to experiment with Dennis Schröder at point guard, but LaVine will also be in the backcourt driving the action.
Desmond Bane, Orlando Magic: Bane is a pure shooter who has the ability to blow up on any given night, and he was especially effective during Ja Morant’s absences. His move to Orlando is intriguing, and he could be the missing link to fill out the talented core of Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. He should own the off-guard spot alongside Jalen Suggs.
Tier 5
Derrick White and Jaylen Brown will be asked to fill a large gap on the Celtics roster without Jayson Tatum.
Derrick White, Boston Celtics: White will need to assume a larger role this season, as Jayson Tatum is expected to miss the season. The team has also lost Jrue Holiday, although Anfernee Simons came over in that trade. The two of them are expected to lead the backcourt for the Celtics, who may take a step back due to Tatum’s absence.
Anfernee Simons, Boston Celtics: Simons now has a shot to play for a contender, and the seven-year pro could be one of the biggest surprises of the season. He’ll see increased volume with his new team, and will be counted on to help fill the production gap left by Tatum.
Darius Garland, Cleveland Cavaliers: Garland won’t be ready for the start of the season due to his toe injury, which is one reason why his ranking is a bit lower. Last season, he carved a sizeable role in a talent-packed roster, and was an excellent complement to Donovan Mitchell. Mitchell may move to point guard in the opening weeks while Garland remains sidelined, but they’ll welcome him back when he’s ready.
Josh Giddey, Chicago Bulls: Giddey just made the headlines, signing a massive $100 million extension last week. There wasn’t a lot of movement in the Bulls’ rotation during the offseason, although the team parted ways with Lonzo Ball. If healthy, Ball could have cut into Giddey’s time somewhat, but that’s no longer an issue. Giddey thrived with Chicago after falling out of favor in Oklahoma City, averaging 14.6 points, 8.1 rebounds and 7.2 assists over 70 games.
Tyler Herro, Miami Heat: Herro will be even more instrumental to Miami’s success, and we clearly saw his increased usage and production after Jimmy Butler III‘s departure. He averaged a career high in points (23.9) and assists (5.5) last season, and although Norman Powell will help to shoulder the load, Herro will remain the top scoring option for the team.
Jamal Murray, Denver Nuggets: Murray has a reputation as a steady game manager, but his production sometimes flies under the radar. He’s averaged at least 20 points per game for four consecutive years, and his assist totals are almost always consistent. With Nikola Jokić leading the way, the Nuggets are perennial contenders, and Murray will be a key piece of that effort.
Honorable mentions
CJ McCollum, Washington Wizards
Jordan Poole, New Orleans Pelicans
Jaden Ivey, Detroit Pistons
Scoot Henderson, Portland Trail Blazers
Stephon Castle, San Antonio Spurs
Payton Pritchard, Boston Celtics
Jalen Suggs, Orlando Magic
Cam Thomas, Brooklyn Nets
Alex Caruso, Oklahoma City Thunder