Tier rankings are a valuable tool to help prepare for fantasy basketball drafts. Grouping similar players into tiers makes it easier for managers to make quick decisions during drafts, which never go as planned. With the 2023-24 NBA season rapidly approaching, the next position in this series is shooting guards.
Note that this fantasy basketball tier ranking series sorts players based on their projected primary position this season. A player’s position can vary across fantasy sites, so other position eligibility is listed in brackets. Also, tiers don’t necessarily correspond to rounds.
Fantasy Basketball 2023-24 Draft Tiers: Shooting Guards
Tier 1
Stephen Curry – Even at 35, Curry still provides top fantasy value thanks to his scoring production, three-point shooting, efficiency, playmaking, and rebounding. Injuries are his most concerning downside (especially with his pesky ankle history), and he played under 60 games last season. Moreover, with the arrival of Chris Paul, his role may change a bit.
Anthony Edwards [SF] – After a career season, Edwards is poised to take another leap this year. He posted excellent defensive stats while also thriving on the offensive end. His playmaking duties could increase, but his usage may drop slightly with Karl-Anthony Towns healthy. Turnovers are another issue; however, his durability and potential outweigh that negative.
Tier 2
Devin Booker [SF] – The Suns had a busy offseason retooling their roster, which should impact Booker’s role. Bradley Beal is projected to play point, but still expect an uptick in Booker’s assists. However, his scoring may decrease slightly next to his co-stars. Regardless, he is still a high-value pick who is well-rounded and in his prime.
Donovan Mitchell [PG] – After landing with the Cavaliers last season, Mitchell had a career year, particularly offensively. He posted highs in points, field goal percentage, three-point percentage, and steals. Mitchell proved to be one of the top scorers in the NBA, and his durability is another bonus. His fantasy value would benefit from more assists and rebounds.
Kyrie Irving [PG] – Irving is always a risky pick because of his antics and suspensions, but he’s a fantasy god when on the court. He consistently puts up solid stats in essentially every category while minimizing turnovers. Irving’s role alongside Luka Doncic should be clearer now that they’ve had the offseason to adjust.
Tier 3
Dejounte Murray [PG] – Murray was traded to the Hawks following his breakout season with the Spurs in 2021-22. As a result of joining Trae Young in the backcourt, his production dropped. However, he still put up impressive stats in several categories with solid efficiency. The loss of John Collins could also present more opportunities for Murray.
Jaylen Brown [SF] – The Celtics made two major offseason acquisitions, and this amount of star power will impact Brown’s usage and impact. Nevertheless, he is an exceptional scorer and rebounder who also contributes threes and steals. He slightly improved his efficiency last season, but his splits could still benefit from another jump.
Tier 4
Zach LaVine [SF] – Even with the Bulls’ logjam at the guard spot, LaVine is projected to have the same usage. His most valuable aspect is his versatility, as he is an offensive juggernaut through his scoring, efficiency, and playmaking. He can also rack up rebounds and can collect steals.
Paul George [SF] – Injuries have been the most frustrating thing about drafting George, who is an excellent pick for fantasy managers when healthy. The last time he played over 60 games was in 2018-19, and it’s unlikely he’ll do so this year. When healthy, expect him to post great numbers in points, rebounds, assists, threes, and steals.
Jordan Poole [PG] – This season, Poole has the opportunity to lead a team’s offence for the first time in his career. He put up impressive stats throughout his time with the stacked Warriors, and now he can be unleashed with the rebuilding Wizards. Expect a jump in his points and assists as his usage increases, and hope that his shot selection and splits improve.
Tier 5
Josh Giddey [PF, PG] – The most significant advantages of drafting Giddey are his multi-position eligibility and versatility. Entering his third season, he’ll remain a top option for the Thunder. He was close to averaging a triple-double last season, and his assists should increase with the Thunder’s new talent. Giddey’s three-point and free-throw shooting are his biggest weaknesses.
Tyler Herro [PG] – After losing several key players over the offseason, the Heat will rely heavily on their stars, including Herro. Many are still skeptical about his value, but he posted great numbers in points, rebounds, and assists while in a lesser role last season. He’s also one of the NBA’s premier three-point shooters, and his splits are solid.
Tyrese Maxey [PG] – 2022-23 was a career-best season for Maxey. He missed some time due to injuries but was a three-point threat and a top scoring option for the 76ers. He’s poised to take another jump this season as he looks to take on more playmaking duties. Maxey’s role could also change depending on what happens with James Harden.
OG Anunoby [SF] – The departure of Fred VanVleet should set Anunoby up with more playmaking opportunities. Last season, his impact was mainly felt as a 3-and-D threat, even leading the league in steals. Injuries have plagued Anunoby’s career, but he’s a valuable fantasy option thanks to his increased role this year.
Anfernee Simons [PG] – The Damian Lillard trade has finally opened up an opportunity for the Trail Blazers’ youth to shine, namely Simons. He took his game to a new level last year, indicating that he could have another breakout with increased usage. Simons’ offensive arsenal and potential raises his draft stock this season.
Jalen Green [PG] – Green didn’t have the leap many expected in his sophomore season, but he was still a solid fantasy option. His stats mostly remained the same, except his points increased, and his efficiency slightly dipped. His subpar shooting splits are the biggest hindrance to his game.
Tier 6
Spencer Dinwiddie [PG] – With the Nets, Dinwiddie is one of the team’s top options offensively. The veteran’s role could change as Ben Simmons returns to the court (that is if he stays healthy). Consistency has been an issue for him in the past, and it may plague him again this year, along with inefficient shooting.
Austin Reaves [SF] – One of the more promising fantasy options is Lakers sensation Reaves. He spent most of last season coming off the bench until after the All-Star break. Here, the sharpshooter posted impressive stats, solidifying himself into a starting role. After securing his bag this offseason, he should see increased usage as he looks to take another leap.
Devin Vassell [SF] – Vassell was on a tear for the Spurs until an injury sidelined him for a chunk of the season. He still managed to have a breakout year, significantly increasing his points and almost doubling his average assists from 2021-22. He also excels at three-point shooting and steals.
Terry Rozier [PG] – Rozier took on a bigger role last year as the Hornets’ top players missed much of the season. His production could take a hit with the team’s stars now healthy and the addition of the 2023 second-overall pick. However, he has established himself as a scorer and playmaker who can rack up steals.
Marcus Smart [PG] – Smart will cover the starting point guard duties until Morant returns. Once he’s back, he likely shift to shooting guard. He’s one of the better defensive guards and an effective contributor on the offensive end.
Tier 7
Jordan Clarkson [PG] – Coming off his best scoring season yet, Clarkson is an integral part of the Jazz’s offence. On top of that, he posted decent numbers in assists and rebounds. He also contributes three-pointers but doesn’t convert them at a high rate.
Jaden Ivey [PG] – Ivey is heading into a promising sophomore season after an outstanding rookie campaign. The return of Cade Cunningham could damper his usage a bit, but Ivey could still increase his scoring and playmaking. The 21-year-old could also benefit from better efficiency.
Shaedon Sharpe [SF] – Entering his second season, Sharpe is bound to have a greater role with the Trail Blazers. He was mainly just a streamer option last year, but a push into the starting lineup opens more chances for him to contribute. He still has a way to go in terms of providing significant fantasy value, but the offensive talent is there.
Kevin Huerter [SF] – This three-point specialist can shoot from range at a high clip. He’s coming off his best offensive season yet, improving his stats in several categories. He’s not a huge source of assists or rebounds, and his free-throw percentage is a bit low.
Bennedict Mathurin [SF] – Even in a bench role last season, Mathurin was a bright spot for the Pacers. He’s a gifted scorer who could step up with the team following the news that Buddy Hield is being shopped. However, assists and turnovers are areas of improvement.
Tier 8
Gary Trent Jr. [PG] – The 3-and-D threat took a step back last season, but the loss of VanVleet should provide him with more scoring and playmaking opportunities. Trent also excels at racking up steals and limiting turnovers.
Bogdan Bogdanovic [SF, PF] – Bogdanovic provided great fantasy value when the Hawks’ stars were out, but he’ll likely primarily be in a bench role this year. He’s a solid scorer who can contribute some rebounds, assists, and threes on decent splits.
Amen Thompson [SF] – Coming out of the Overtime Elite league, Thompson is a highly touted prospect. He’ll likely come off the bench with the Rockets, but he may see some time as a starter. His athleticism and defence are the combo guard’s greatest strengths, but he is an inconsistent shooter.
Norman Powell [SF] – The Clippers are a deep team, but Powell still carved out his own role off the bench. He’s a top offensive contributor with solid splits, but his availability is a concern.
Tier 9
Caris LeVert [SF] – LeVert has had opportunities to step up when the Cavaliers’ stars are out and hasn’t disappointed. Although, the addition of Max Strus could drop his usage. His stats aren’t what they used to be, but he can still provide decent points, assists, rebounds, and threes.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope [SF] – In his first season with the Nuggets, Caldwell-Pope was a 3-and-D threat with solid efficiency. His durability and potential to have increased minutes make him a valuable fantasy pick.
De’Anthony Melton [PG] – Signing with the 76ers allowed Melton more playing time. He is developing into a three-point specialist who can grab steals and contribute rebounds and assists.
Herbert Jones [SF, PF] – Jones took on an extended role last season as the Pelicans dealt with numerous injuries to their stars. He’s excellent defensively, but his usage is in question, with key players now healthy.
Jalen Suggs [PG] – The Magic’s abundance of guards has resulted in a battle for minutes. Suggs should still see solid playing time, that is, if he stays healthy. His defensive contributions are solid, but he has a ways to go offensively.
Tier 10
Gradey Dick [SF] – The Raptors acquired Dick in the 2023 draft, adding a sharpshooter who can rack up threes. He’s a skilled scorer who can crash the boards, and he has the potential to improve his playmaking.
Malik Monk [SF] – The King’s sixth man had one of the best statistical seasons of his career. However, he did see dips in rebounds, threes, and shooting splits compared to his production in 2021-22.
Talen Horton-Tucker [PG] – Entering the final year of his contract, Horton-Tucker is determined to make a splash. He mainly had a bench role last season, but he was a great source of points, assists, rebounds, and some defensive stats in his time as a starter.
Malik Beasley [SF] – Bealey is an established sharpshooter who is a solid source of three-pointers. He also contributes points, but not on the best efficiency. Beasley should see a bench role with the Bucks.
Donte DiVincenzo [SF] – DiVincenzo will fight for minutes in a crowded Knicks backcourt. He posted decent all-around stats with the Warriors; depending on his usage this season, those could improve.
Quentin Grimes [SF] – In year two, Grimes almost doubled his averaged points and assists and increased his threes and rebounds. His stats weren’t glamorous for a starter, but the potential is there.
Alex Caruso [PG] – Caruso is in contention to be the Bulls’ starting point guard, but he’s more likely to be in this role. His value mainly comes from the defensive end, and his averages made most fantasy managers leave him on the waivers last year.
