The top 10 NBA point guard list has had the most shake up in recent memory heading in 2023. From John Wall optimists, to Kyrie Irving pessimists; A lot of uncertainty regarding the position has been addressed as we head towards the all-star break. You’re going to see many differences between the top 10 NBA point guards 2023 rankings than that of the 2021-2022 season.
Is this finally the year we have a shake up for the no.1 spot?
How I rank the top 10 NBA point guards of 2023.
Once I establish who is actually listed at point guard, I begin the analysis process. The analysis process includes historical performance, skill, arsenal, health and availability, and near future expectations.
Before diving in to our top 10 point guard rankings of 2023, note that if a player is not on this list, he may be found in our upcoming shooting guard list.
Here are the top 10 NBA point guards rankings of 2023.
10. De’Aaron Fox – Sacramento Kings
Fox is one of those players whose popularity is still impacted by his college days. Up until this season, I haven’t really been too impressed with his game. Fox is benefitting from the Kings’ shift in mindset. The Kings now rank 7th in AST%, which explains why their offense is much more fun to watch. Fox is beniffiting from this, improving his 3P% from .297 to .339.
I’m always worried about point guards who tremendously rely on their speed, like Rajon Rondo and John Wall. The good news for Fox is he has a lot of tools to succeed, and the potential to improve.
9. Darius Gardland- Cleveland Cavaliers
Darius Gardland is the second most underrated point guard in the NBA. He is a very high IQ player who might be one of the closest things we have to a true point guard in today’s NBA. With a .400 3P%, he is a tremendous offensive fit playing alongside Mitchell.
If the Cavaliers are going to go far this post season, they’re going to need Gardland to continue to play this efficiently. The Cavaliers cannot solely rely on Mitchell. The good news is, they have a top 10 2023 point guard they can trust in Garland.
8. Jamal Murray – Denver Nuggets
In my estimation, Jamal Murray is the most underrated point guard in the NBA. Coming off a devastating knee injury, many fans have forgotten about the arsenal this elite competitor has. Picking the Denver Nuggets to come out of the western conference this season was predicated on Jokic’s brilliance, and Murray returning to form.
Murray has the ability to score with the best of them. The Nuggets are 2nd in AST%, trailing only the champs. They can score the heck out of the basketball. In the clutch, let’s see if Murray is still the point guard I think he is.
This may surprise you, but I’d rather have Murray over the next guy on this top 10 NBA point guards 2023 rankings.
7. Ja Morant- Memphis Grizzlies
Ja Morant is ranked as a top 3 NBA point guard by thousands of NBA fans. Fortunately, Per Sources is here to bring you all back to reality. He is very young and is continuing to learn. He is surrounded by a team that has proven they can win at a high clip without him. He has yet to impress any of us in a big game or on the big stage.
I’ve watched him get repeatedly spanked by teams like the Mavericks and Celtics. He has yet to correct some his selfish tendencies down the stretch. Sacrificing your body is not the path to longevity and greatness. I worry about Ja more than I am impressed by him.
The good news is, he has a lot of time to improve and the potential to prove me wrong.
6. Trae Young – Atlanta Hawks
I know you’re mad I ranked Young over Morant, but it’s not ridiculous as you may think. Trae Young is much more controlled and a much better shooter from distance. The Grizzlies are team who play tough, where the Hawks play with finesse. Finesse is hard to get right and we can make the argument that the pieces around Young may not always work to his advantage.
I’m also curious why he always starts the year slow and picks up after the all-star break, similar to Damian Lillard. I’ve also seen Young carry the Hawks in the regular season and post season; something I have not seen Morant do.
Unfortunately, the Hawks play similar to the James Harden Rockets. This is a big reason why Young is not as efficient as he could be. I believe for Young to find post season success, there will need to be a shift in coaching philosophy.
5. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander- Oklahoma City Thunder
Per Sources fans may think I don’t know how good SGA is because of how little I cover him on social media. It’s hard to cover a team which has little intention of winning. As we all know, Per Sources Misses Nothing.
Gilgeous-Alexander is a bucket. His arsenal has no limits. He can score and assist with the best of them. On a winning team, I’m curious what he could do. If there was one player in the the Lakers should consider giving up their two first round picks for, its Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
4. Damian Lillard – Portland Trail Blazers
Although Gilgeous-Alexander is at his heels, I still have to give the nod to Lillard at this point. Lillard’s resume, experience, and arsenal have had him a staple in my top 3 NBA point guard rankings over the last few seasons. You know how Damian Lillard is and you know what time it is.
Lillard is a bucket, but these next three are something else.
3. Kyrie Irving- Brooklyn Nets
The only thing shutting down Irving this season is his social media presence. The Brooklyn Nets have turned their season around, winning 12 straight, a large part due to Irving’s brilliance. When locked in, Kyrie Irving is one of the best to ever do it. His offensive game has no weaknesses. He can score on anyone. He is clutch. He is winning.
After years of getting yelled at for ranking Lillard over Irving, I may finally get yelled at for ranking Irving over Lillard.
It’s a breath of fresh air to see what Kyrie Irving can do in a contract year. It’s sad when you think about how he doesn’t do this as often as he should.
2. Steph Curry- Golden State Warriors
For the first time in many years, I am not ranking Wardell Stephen Curry II as the best point guard in basketball. Steph Curry is an NBA legend. He is a top 5 point guard of all time and a top 10 player of all time in my estimation. He is the greatest shooter of all time. He is one of the most skilled players of all time. He is a proven winner and MVP. I have no knocks on Steph Curry. If you told me he’s still the best, I won’t argue with you.
Steph Curry is a legend, but you know who I have as no.1.
1. Luka Dončić- Dallas Mavericks
If you’ve been following Per Sources for a while, you know I consider Dončić the best player in basketball. In fact, I believe he is better than that. Magic, Bird, Jordan, Kobe, Duncan, James, Curry, and now we have Antetokounmpo and Dončić . The game of basketball is in great hands.
Dončić is a nightmare matchup for anyone he faces. It’s sad to see what his surrounding cast consists of. The reality is, they had no business being in the western conference finals last year. Dončić will need to pull off another heroic effort to carry the Mavericks anywhere this spring. If anyone can do it, it’s him.
Luka Magic is a dangerous passer, elite scorer, and one of the most clutch players we have ever seen. At 6’7, he is a nightmare for any defender. Luka Dončić will be the best point guard in the NBA for many years to come.
Honorable mentions.
I’d like to start by giving an honorable mention to Chris Paul. Chris Paul is a legend of the sport. However, this season has plagued him with injuries. That, on top of his age, is the reason I’m leaving him off these rankings.
Honorable mentions also go out to Maxey, Smart, Brunson, Ball, Holiday, Westbrook, Haliburton and whoever plays point guard for the Raptors.
The NBA is in another golden age of point guards.
It’s insane when you think about how deep the point guard position is in today’s NBA. From the defensive brilliance of Smart and Holiday to LaMelo’s offensive arsenal and Maxey’s elite speed. Russell Westbrook is still a legend in my books. The NBA is in great hands.