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, this series kicks off with point 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: Point Guards
Tier 1
Luka Doncic – Doncic is one of the top point guards in the NBA, putting up elite numbers in multiple categories and averaging a near triple-double. While the arrival of Kyrie Irving last season did cause a slight dip in his production, managers can still trust him to stuff the stat sheet. However, durability, free-throw efficiency, and turnovers are concerns.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander [SG] – The young Thunder star took a huge leap last season and was one of the top-ranked fantasy players. Gilgeous-Alexander’s production is only expected to increase as Oklahoma City aims to be a playoff contender. One hindrance to his game is his three-point shooting, but the two-way star makes up for it in several other categories.
Tyrese Haliburton [SG] – Efficiency, well-roundedness, and a stellar assist-to-turnover ratio make Haliburton a highly-touted prospect for fantasy basketball managers. His numbers have progressively climbed each season, and he averaged a double-double in points and assists for the first time in his career last year. However, he only appeared in 56 contests due to multiple injuries.
Tier 2
Damian Lillard – At last, Lillard finds himself on a new team with the Bucks. The 33-year-old’s ability to average over 30 points in 2022-23 on efficient shooting while being a top playmaker and solid rebounder makes him an offensive powerhouse. While he has been one of the top point guards for years, his lofty injury history remains a concern.
LaMelo Ball [SG] – The biggest knock on Ball is his injury history, as ankle issues limited him to playing just 36 games last year. Still, when healthy, he flirted with averaging a triple-double. His shooting splits aren’t the best, but at 22 years old, he has the potential to become a superstar.
Trae Young – Young was one of three players to average double-digit assists last season, and his scoring production, free-throw shooting, and availability were also valuable. With Dejounte Murray joining the Hawks’ backcourt last season, Young’s production decreased slightly, and his shooting efficiency, rebounding, and turnovers are also subpar.
Tier 3
James Harden [SG] – Drafting Harden is risky; he wants out of Philadelphia, yet trade talks are at a standstill. It’s almost certain he’ll eventually be in a new uniform, but until then, he’s a gamble. However, he led the league in assists last season and contributed solid numbers in rebounds, points, and steals. He’s not the elite scorer he used to be, but he still provides high value.
De’Aaron Fox – One of the reasons the Kings were able to snap a 16-year playoff drought was Fox’s All-Star-level play. He improved his game by increasing his efficiency, scoring, rebounds, and assists. Three-point and free-throw shooting are still works in progress, but Fox will lead the team’s offence again.
Jalen Brunson – In his first season with the Knicks, Brunson had a breakout year. His production, particularly in points, assists, and three-pointers jumped, and his shooting splits were solid. Being one of the few stars in New York allowed him to take on a greater role, and he had a career-high usage percentage last season.
Tier 4
Darius Garland – The addition of a superstar in the backcourt with Garland last year resulted in a slight dip in his production. However, he still contributed a near-double-double in points and assists and averaged career-highs in field goal and three-point percentage. He should post about the same averages this year, as the Cavaliers are bringing back almost the same squad.
Cade Cunningham [SG] – The former first-overall pick is returning after playing just 12 games in 2022-23. In that short span, Cunningham was close to averaging a triple-double while also contributing decent numbers defensively. His shooting and lofty injury history in his two-year career are concerning, but if he stays healthy, he looks poised to have a breakout year.
Fred VanVleet – This season, VanVleet finds himself as a leader on a young Rockets team, which should result in an uptick in his assists. He was among the top ten in averaged minutes per game last year with Toronto, although he may not see that with Houston’s depth. His shooting efficiency is his greatest weakness, but he’s a solid two-way player (as evidenced by his steals).
Tier 5
Jrue Holiday [SG] – Holiday is a veteran, consistent contributor, and one of the best defensive point guards. At 33, he is still putting up some of the best numbers of his career. His well-roundedness makes him a reliable selection, but his usage and offensive production may drop slightly with the Celtics.
Jamal Murray [SG] – Arguably one of the most underrated players in the NBA, Murray is coming off a championship after posting great numbers in his first season back from an ACL injury. However, his injury history is something managers should still be mindful of. Murray should see increased usage this year as the Nuggets lost two key players in the offseason.
Bradley Beal [SG] – After being traded to the Suns, Beal’s offensive role will likely be overshadowed next to his two superstar teammates. At least, his assists are expected to increase as he projects to be the starting point guard. Beal’s availability and usage rate are his biggest question marks.
CJ McCollum [SG] – McCollum was able to take on an increased role with the Pelicans as his co-stars missed lots of time throughout the season. The guard’s production could take a hit with two of the team’s top offensive players now healthy. Still, he can be counted on to provide assists, threes, rebounds, and decent shooting splits.
Ja Morant – If Morant weren’t facing a 25-game suspension (missing 30% of the season), he would be ranked much higher. He’ll also have to meet certain conditions before he can return. Once he’s back, the young star should return to his regular form by averaging a near-double-double in points and assists and racking up rebounds and steals.
Tier 6
Chris Paul – The 38-year-old now finds himself on the Warriors with a new role. He’s projected to be a starter, but things could change. Although his fantasy value steadily declines each season, Paul is one of the premier playmakers in the league and still contributes solid stats to other categories. His most significant downsides are his inconsistency and health issues.
Scoot Henderson – The 2023 third-overall pick’s role is finally clear following the Lillard and Holiday trades. Henderson is expected to start for the Trail Blazers, and he’s an NBA-ready all-around contributor, just not from beyond the arc or through his efficiency.
D’Angelo Russell [SG] – While Russell is projected to be the Lakers’ starting point guard, the team made several offseason signings, which could decrease his usage. In his short stint with the team last season, he was a solid scorer, three-point shooter, and facilitator. Russell should produce respectable stats this year but don’t expect much with the team’s loaded offence.
Tyus Jones – As the Wizards enter their rebuilding season, Jones is projected to have a breakout year. After trading all their stars, the 27-year-old will see increased minutes and be tasked with running the offence. Along with his upside, his availability is another benefit for fantasy managers.
Tier 7
Tre Jones – After a breakout season where his minutes almost doubled, Jones has high expectations with the rebuilding Spurs. He’s a great source of assists and steals, although his three-point shooting is a weakness.
Russell Westbrook – This year, Westbrook projects to be the Clippers’ starting point guard (but a Harden trade could change that). His shooting splits, three-pointers, and turnovers are a nightmare for fantasy managers, but he’s still a triple-double machine. Also, he provides more value in points leagues.
Derrick White [SG] – With the Celtics making some changes over the offseason, White has lost the starting point guard role. He may still have the chance to fill in if Holiday is injured, and he put up solid all-around stats when he starts. Nevertheless, he’s a valuable contributor off the bench.
Markelle Fultz [SG] – The Magic have an abundance of guards, but Fultz projects to be a starter. While his lofty injury history and three-point and free-throw efficiency are areas of concern, he is a solid offensive contributor and can rack up steals.
Tier 8
Ben Simmons [PF, SG] – Simmons is now reported to be fully healthy after a pesky back injury significantly limited his abilities the past few seasons. He’s also expected to be the Nets’ starting point guard as he looks to have a bounce-back year. Still, selecting him is a risky move. The former All-Star is a solid all-around contributor, but don’t expect any threes from him.
Collin Sexton [SG] – The past few seasons have been up and down for Sexton, mainly due to injuries. He’s coming off a poor season statistically, but if he can stay healthy, he’s a promising candidate for a breakout with the Jazz.
Mike Conley – Even at 36, Conley is a solid fantasy option thanks to his offensive production and steals. He’s declining but still has some gas left in the tank.
Malcolm Brogdon [SG] – The 2023 Sixth Man of the Year has slowly declined statistically. However, with the Trail Blazers, he should see an increased role. He’s one of the top bench guards in the league, thanks to his production and shooting.
Dennis Schroder – The Raptors signed the 2023 FIBA World Cup champion to fill a VanVleet-shaped hole. While the Schroder won’t have the same production, he should see increased usage and assists.
Tier 9
Jeremy Sochan [PF] – Sochan had a promising rookie campaign, and as a result, he’ll take on more responsibility this season. His shooting splits need work, but he’s a solid scorer, facilitator, and rebounder.
Immanuel Quickley [SG] – Even though he’s coming off the best season of his career, Quickley’s production is expected to stay the same this year. He significantly improved his shooting efficiency and can contribute decent points, assists, rebounds, and steals.
T.J. McConnell – Serving as the primary backup to Haliburton, McConnell is a decent option off the bench with great value in a starting role. His impact has steadily fluctuated, but he’s a reliable source of assists and is efficient.
Kyle Lowry – The 37-year-old veteran should earn the starting point guard role for the Heat. Injuries and inconsistency have plagued Lowry, but he’s a solid defensive guard who can hit threes, grab boards, and dish out assists.
Josh Richardson [SG] – With the Heat losing several key depth pieces, Richardson projects to have a big role to play. The 30-year-old journeyman is a 3-and-D threat.
Cole Anthony – The main thing limiting Anthony’s value is minutes, as the Magic have an overabundance of guards. Still, he provides points and decent splits.
Tier 10
Monte Morris – From a starter to Cunningham’s backup, Morris’ fantasy value is expected to slip this season. However, he’s still a decent option in deep fantasy leagues for a guard who can tally assists with few turnovers.
Gabe Vincent [SG] – Coming off one of the best seasons of his career, Vincent left the Heat and joined a deep Lakers squad. He’ll be a bench piece who provides three-pointers with decent versatility.
Coby White [SG] – The Bulls have a logjam at the guard spot, but White’s recent contract extension is a promising sign that he’ll receive solid minutes. While his stats have decreased yearly, he’s improved his game and shows promise to return to his regular form.
Jevon Carter [SG] – Carter is another Bulls guard who could see some time at a starting spot. He’s expected to see a bigger role with the team, especially as a 3-and-D threat.
