Who Are the Best Point Guards in the NBA Right Now? A Complete 2024 Analysis

As I sit down to analyze the current landscape of NBA point guards in 2024, I can't help but draw parallels to that incredible PLDT comeback story from volleyball. You know the one - where they had to mount multiple comebacks, particularly in those final two sets, to put away a gutsy Kobe Shinwa side in straight sets. That's exactly what separates good point guards from truly elite ones in today's NBA - the ability to engineer comebacks, control the game's tempo, and close out opponents when it matters most. Having followed the league religiously for over fifteen years and having played point guard through college, I've developed a keen eye for what makes certain floor generals stand out in this golden era of guard play.

When we talk about the best point guards right now, we're essentially discussing masters of controlled chaos. The position has evolved so dramatically that today's elite point guards need to be scoring threats, defensive disruptors, and emotional leaders all wrapped into one package. Take Stephen Curry for instance - at 36 years old, he's still putting up ridiculous numbers that defy conventional wisdom about aging curves for smaller guards. Last season he averaged 28.4 points while shooting 42.7% from three-point range on nearly 12 attempts per game. Those aren't just All-Star numbers - they're video game statistics that continue to rewrite the record books. What often gets overlooked in Curry's case is his improved defensive positioning and his incredible off-ball movement that creates advantages even when he doesn't have the rock. I've always believed Curry's greatest impact isn't just his shooting but how he warps entire defensive schemes just by existing on the court.

Then there's Luka Dončić, who technically plays point guard despite having the size and versatility of a forward. At just 25, Luka already plays with the sophistication of a ten-year veteran, averaging those mind-boggling triple-doubles that have become almost routine for him. His 34.2 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 9.8 assists per game last season placed him in rarefied air historically. Watching Luka operate reminds me of a chess grandmaster - he's always three moves ahead, using hesitation dribbles and changes of pace to manipulate defenders like pawns. I've had debates with colleagues about whether Luka's defensive limitations keep him from the top spot, but honestly, his offensive creation is so historically significant that it outweighs those concerns for me. The Mavericks' offense completely collapses without him on the floor, which speaks volumes about his value.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander represents the new breed of point guards who combine old-school mid-range mastery with modern efficiency. His ascent to MVP candidacy hasn't surprised me one bit - I actually predicted his breakout two seasons ago when he started showing those subtle hesitation moves and developed that unblockable pull-up jumper. SGA's numbers - 31.7 points on 54.6% shooting from the field - are remarkable considering he doesn't rely heavily on three-point shooting. What impresses me most about him is how he's transformed the Thunder from rebuilders to contenders almost single-handedly. His defensive impact often goes unnoticed too, as he led all guards in steals last season with 2.1 per game while consistently taking on the toughest perimeter assignment.

The conversation about elite point guards wouldn't be complete without mentioning Tyrese Haliburton, who has revolutionized pace and playmaking in Indiana. His assist-to-turnover ratio of 4.1 last season was simply phenomenal, and he did it while maintaining efficient scoring numbers. Haliburton's unique release point on his jumper initially concerned some scouts, but I've always appreciated how he's turned what others saw as a weakness into a distinctive strength. The way he pushes tempo and creates early-offense opportunities reminds me of Steve Nash in his prime, though Haliburton possesses better size and length defensively.

What fascinates me about today's point guard landscape is how these players embody that comeback mentality I mentioned earlier - much like PLDT's resilient performance. When games get tight in the fourth quarter, the truly great point guards elevate their play rather than shrink from the moment. Damian Lillard, despite being 33, continues to deliver in clutch situations, shooting 48.2% in the final five minutes of close games last season. His deep range and fearless mentality create gravitational pulls that benefit everyone around him. I've always been partial to guards who want the ball when everything's on the line, and Dame absolutely fits that description.

The evolution of defensive requirements for point guards also deserves attention. Where we once accepted defensive limitations from offensive maestros, today's elite point guards like Jrue Holiday and Marcus Smart have raised the standard for two-way play. Holiday's ability to guard multiple positions while maintaining offensive efficiency makes him invaluable to championship aspirations. Having covered the Celtics during Smart's Defensive Player of the Year season, I witnessed firsthand how a point guard's defensive intensity can transform an entire team's identity.

As we look toward the future, I'm particularly excited about emerging talents like Cade Cunningham and Scoot Henderson, who represent the next wave of complete point guards. Cunningham's size and playmaking vision at 6'7" create mismatches we've rarely seen at the position, while Henderson's explosive athleticism and improving jumper suggest stardom awaits. Having studied their development closely, I believe both have franchise-altering potential if they continue refining their decision-making and consistency.

Ultimately, determining the "best" point guard depends heavily on what you value most - scoring explosion, playmaking genius, defensive prowess, or some combination of all three. For my money, the complete package currently resides in Oklahoma City with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, though Luka's historic offensive production makes that debate incredibly compelling. What's undeniable is that we're witnessing one of the most talented point guard eras in NBA history, with each elite performer bringing their unique style and strengths to the position. The constant across all these players remains that clutch gene - that ability to mount comebacks and close out games that separates the very good from the truly great, much like that memorable PLDT performance that inspired this analysis in the first place.