With the 2021-22 season approaching its midpoint, we have decided to revisit our rankings of every starter at every position. We have already compared Tyrese Maxey to his fellow point guards. Now, Seth Curry is next in line.
The Sixers have won seven of eight and are surging, with Seth Curry deserving of ample credit for what — to this point — is a career-best season. His chemistry with Joel Embiid has reached new heights, as has Curry’s ability to score and create off the dribble. His reputation has soared accordingly.
With that said, where does the 31-year-old rank against his peers at the two-guard position?
Ranking NBA starting shooting guards — 30. Jalen Suggs, Magic
Jalen Suggs’ tumble to the No. 5 spot on draft night surprised many. He has subsequently struggled to find stable footing in the NBA, with injury already taking a large chunk out of his season. The bare bones of a special player are there, and Suggs investors should maintain long-term confidence. That said, he’s a rookie guard who’s still adjusting to the speed, physicality, and complexity of the NBA game — to the tune of just 12.3 points and 3.6 assists on 33.9 percent shooting.
Ranking NBA starting shooting guards — 29. Malik Monk, Lakers
Malik Monk has taken over the starting gig in LA, and for good reason. He flashed upside in Charlotte, but the Lakers have put him in a true position to succeed — in part due to necessity, and in part due to his hand-in-glove fit with LeBron James, Russell Westbrook, and the Lakers’ core. He’s a dynamic 3-point shooter who can gallop ahead in transition and provide some real juice off the dribble. The Lakers need more firepower offensively, and Monk has provided some where other role players on that team have not. He’s averaging 12.3 points and slashing .474/.408/.851.
Ranking NBA starting shooting guards — 28. Jalen Green, Rockets
The reigning No. 2 pick has been relatively disappointing so far. Many expected him to immediately take the reigns of top scorer in Houston’s offense, but it has been a slow build for Green. He has been extremely inconsistent night to night, with the kind of poise issues that often plague young guards. He will get better, with elite athleticism and shot-making instincts plainly evident in his play, even now. He’s averaging 15.2 points on .397/.311/.821 splits.