Best NBA point guards for 2026-27: Ranking all 30 starters from Luka Doncic to LaMelo Ball originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
In continuing with our annual tradition, Sporting News is ranking every projected starter at every position for the 2026-27 season. Point guard is always the most impressive list, and we are beginning there once again.
Over half of this list will likely receive All-Star consideration this season. The top three with be in the MVP race. There is a high bar to be the lead ballhandler in the NBA these days.
Here is each team's starting point guard, ranked from best to worst.
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NBA point guard rankings 2026-27
Mar 25, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) during the second quarter aagainst the Boston Celtics TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images
1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Thunder
The two-time defending MVP and last year's Clutch Player of the Year repeats as our No. 1 starting point guard. He's a surgical offensive player, slithering to his favorite midrange spots, getting to the rim, or utilizing his improved 3-point shot. His elite two-way impact is unmatched among point guards, anchoring a terrific Thunder team.
2. Luka Doncic, Lakers
Doncic is coming off a season in which he finished fourth in MVP voting. He should be even better this season. He's arguably the best one-on-one scorer in the league, able to manipulate defenses with his craft and technique. With better shooting and a more talented big man in Walker Kessler, he has a chance to have a monster year.
3. Jalen Brunson, Knicks
Brunson is one of the league's toughest competitors. He doesn't let his 6-2 size prevent him from getting the first hit in on offense, pounding his way to his favorite spots on the court. On the other end, he sacrifices his body, taking charges at one of the highest rates in the league. When crunch time hits, there isn't a more reliable weapon on the floor. He knows how to win, and he never backs down from the biggest moments.
4. Cade Cunningham, Pistons
Cunningham has cemented himself as a bona fide superstar. His size, vision, and scoring versatility make him a nightmare matchup. The Pistons took a huge leap up to 60 wins last season with him as their offensive engine. He can make every pass in the book, and he plays an important role in one of the league's best defenses.
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5. Stephen Curry, Warriors
At age 38, Curry is still the most dangerous shooter on the planet along with one of the most well-conditioned. His constant movement on offense stresses out defenses that are solely keyed in on stopping him. Knee issues have limited his availability, but that hasn't affected his remarkable 3-point touch.
6. Tyrese Haliburton, Pacers
Fully recovered from the Achilles injury that cost him all of last season, Haliburton returns as one of the purest passers and most dynamic transition threats in the league. His pull-up 3-point shooting, careful stewardship of the basketball, and electric passing should take the Pacers from the bottom of the standings to a scary playoff team.
7. Tyrese Maxey, Sixers
Maxey's elite speed, scoring, and shooting ability make him a perfect complementary star or primary option. He can explode for 40 on any given night while also spacing the floor for Philadelphia's other stars. And he's made himself into a competent defender despite not having great size on that end of the floor.
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8. Devin Booker, Suns
Booker remains one of the best shot creators in the league entering his 12th season. He's a terrific three-level scorer that can burn teams in a number of ways, whether it's using his textbook jumper or putting his head down and getting to the rim. He led a surprisingly feisty Suns team to 45 wins last season, distributing a team-high six assists to go along with his 26 points per game.
9. LaMelo Ball, Wolves
There isn't a more creative player in the league than Ball, who routinely finds passes and shots that nobody else is doing. His one-legged 3's, audacious passes, and transition wizardry should pair extremely well offensively with his new Wolves teammates, giving him a chance to shine on a big stage.
10. Jamal Murray, Nuggets
Murray made the first All-Star game of his career last season and finished runner-up in the Clutch Player of the Year voting but ended his year on a sour note with poor playoff shooting. That shouldn't take away too much from the regular season, where his two-man game with Nikola Jokic was unstoppable. He's capable of carrying the scoring load on some nights, and his pick-and-roll acumen is excellent.
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11. James Harden, Cavaliers
12. Kyrie Irving, Mavericks
13. Trae Young, Wizards
14. De'Aaron Fox, Spurs
15. Derrick White, Celtics
- Harden can't get to the rim like he used to, but he still can pass the ball at an elite level. His vision, step-back 3's, and pick-and-roll mastery give the Cavs a reliable half-court engine.
- Back healthy after his ACL tear, Irving’s handle, finishing, and shot-making should regain their elite form. He can still take over games in bunches and elevate offenses.
- Young's 3-point shooting and once-devastating floater have taken a step back. He's still a terrific passer whose throw-ahead outlet passes will jump-start the Wizards' offense. His defensive issues keep him lower on this list.
- The last time we saw Fox, he was fighting through injuries and struggling through the Finals. That overshadowed what had been a solid year for him. He's a very good scorer and playmaker who is deadly from the midrange and has the speed to outrun anyone on the floor.
- White is the ultimate two-way glue guy that makes everyone around him better. His killer on-ball and team defense, secondary playmaking, and shooting make him one of the most valuable players for the Celtics.
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16. Darius Garland, Clippers
17. Ja Morant, Blazers
18. Josh Giddey, Bulls
19. Keyonte George, Jazz
20. Fred VanVleet, Rockets
- Garland's durability has been an issue in recent years. He looked healthy for the Clippers though, regaining the quickness, 3-point accuracy, and excellent passing that made him an All-Star in previous years.
- When healthy, Morant was a top-10 talent. That hasn't happened in years, and those injuries have started to take a toll on his special athleticism. Perhaps with a fresh start in Portland, he can regain the rim pressure that made him one of the most exciting guards in the NBA.
- Giddey is a tall, versatile guard who fills every category on the stat sheet. He has thrived in the Bulls' transition-based offense and become a much-improved 3-point shooter.
- George had a breakout year last season, improving his shooting percentages across the board and getting to the free throw line at a terrific rate. He continues to expand his creation and playmaking. The next step for him will be defensive improvement.
- VanVleet is a veteran floor general who brings championship experience, reliable shooting, defensive toughness, and great poise at the end of games.
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21. Dejounte Murray, Pelicans
22. Immanuel Quickley, Raptors
23. CJ McCollum, Hawks
24. Coby White, Hornets
25. Ryan Rollins, Bucks
- Murray’s length, defensive versatility, and secondary creation give New Orleans a reliable starter who can guard multiple positions.
- When healthy, Quickley offers good shooting, secondary facilitation, and solid decision-making. Availability remains the biggest question for Toronto.
- McCollum is still capable of providing instant offense and secondary creation. He has found a good landing spot in Atlanta where he can leverage his experience and shot-making.
- White is a solid starting option due to his excellent shooting ability. He's not the passer that Ball was, but he's a solid pick-and-roll player who can set up his teammates well.
- Rollins has earned the starting nod in Milwaukee with improved decision-making and good defensive activity. He's a good three-level scorer who is still improving at age 24.
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26. Jalen Suggs, Magic
27. Scotty Pippen Jr., Grizzlies
28. Davion Mitchell, Heat
29. Darius Acuff, Kings
30. Mikel Brown Jr., Nets
- Suggs is one of the most talented defensive guards in the league. His all-out style can make it tough for him to stay healthy though, and his shaky 3-point shooting hurts his offensive value.
- Pippen Jr. isn't the player that his dad was, but he is a great defender and a smart playmaker that uses high skill and feel to thrive on the floor.
- Mitchell is an elite point-of-attack defender that has found a home in Miami's tough culture. He has turned himself into a strong 3-point shooter in recent years but isn't a major offensive threat.
- Acuff is a dynamic passer, shooter, and scorer who may take some time to get acclimated to the league. He needs serious work on his defense. But the talent is clearly there, and the No. 7 pick should get plenty of opportunity to play through mistakes.
- Brown has great vision and throws some fun passes. He does take a few too many risks though and will face questions on creating separation and shooting consistency. He should get the starting nod after being selected No. 6 in the 2026 draft.