The 2022-23 NBA season is right around the corner. For Philadelphia, that means championship expectations. A big reason for those expectations is the Sixers‘ backcourt, comprised of the old guard (James Harden) and the new guard (Tyrese Maxey).
The Harden-Maxey partnership blossomed quickly last season, with Harden’s playmaking prowess allowing Maxey to focus on his strengths: 3-point shooting and attacking a rotating defense off the catch. Now with a full summer to build chemistry and further the relationship, we could see even more from the duo in 2023.
That being said, where does the Sixers’ backcourt sit in the hierarchy of NBA backcourts? We go through all 30 teams to figure out just how highly Philadelphia’s guards rank.
30. Tre Jones & Josh Primo, Spurs
San Antonio could go a couple different directions here, but with Dejounte Murray no longer on the roster, it’s officially time to embrace the youth movement. Josh Primo showed flashes as the youngest player in the NBA last season. Expect the Spurs to give him plenty of reps in year two. Meanwhile, Tre Jones is a rock-solid floor general who can kick off the rebuild as San Antonio’s stopgap starting point guard.
29. Russell Westbrook & Austin Reaves, Lakers
The Lakers’ starting backcourt isn’t set in stone, but Russell Westbrook is probably going to get the starting nod if he’s still around. Next to him could be any number of players, but the best bet is Austin Reaves. The former second-round pick shined as a rookie, emerging as a consistent two-way wing who can spot-up along the perimeter and feed off of LA’s stars.
28. Kevin Porter Jr. & Jalen Green, Rockets
Kevin Porter Jr. is a polarizing prospect. He doesn’t really play winning basketball yet, even if the talent is undeniable. His future will depend entirely on whether or not he can adjust his approach, improve on defense, and really buy into team basketball. Jalen Green, on the other hand, is primed for a monster second season. He accrued some impressive scoring totals toward the end of his rookie year and the Rockets will tailor the offense to him even more in 2022-23. He could single-handedly move Houston up this list before the season is over.
27. Cole Anthony & Jalen Suggs, Magic
Cole Anthony is one of the most electric young guards in the NBA, if not always the most consistent. I’m not sure he’s a better long-term prospect than Markelle Fultz, but Orlando will rely heavily on his perimeter creation and 3-point shooting next season. Jalen Suggs struggled relative to expectations as a rookie, but the tools are still there. He’s an incredible athlete who thinks the game at a high level and who is in line for a big second-year leap.
26. Jalen Brunson & Quentin Grimes, Knicks
Evan Fournier or Immanuel Quickley could very easily take the two-guard spot next to Jalen Brunson, but for the purposes of this article we’ll use Quentin Grimes. He’s the best option in this writer’s opinion, in large part due to his defensive competence next to Brunson, who opposing offenses will target. As for Brunson, he was a big part of Dallas’ run to the conference finals last season. He earned every cent of his big payday, and while the Knicks still don’t feel like contenders, his basketball I.Q. and confident shot-making will drastically improve a previously stagnant offense.
25. De’Aaron Fox & Kevin Huerter, Kings
The Kings made some nice moves this summer to surround De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis will the talent necessary to make a play-in push. It’s always doom and gloom around Sacramento, but Fox put up impressive numbers at the tail-end of last season, and Kevin Huerter is a perfect fit on the wing. His versatile defense and volume 3-point shooting will fit hand-in-glove next to Fox’s dynamic slashing.
24. Kyle Lowry & Tyler Herro, Heat
It feels like Tyler Herro will finally graduate from his sixth man role to the starting five next season. He has obviously earned it, but the talented scorer will have to prove he can stay on the floor defensively. There are other quality options lurking in Miami’s rotation — most notably Victor Oladipo, who’s gearing up for his first full NBA season in a while. Meanwhile, Kyle Lowry is still a rock-solid floor general and two-way playmaker who is more willing than most stars to sacrifice his body to win games. Age is starting to catch up to Lowry, but depending on how Herro holds up in the starting five, we could need to bump Miami up a few spots next time we do this list.
23. Tyrese Haliburton & Buddy Hield, Pacers
Tyrese Haliburton could garner All-Star consideration as soon as this season. He elevated his game in a big way last season, especially after arriving in Indiana. He has the keys to the franchise, and his blend of team-oriented playmaking and improved self-creation could lead to some big numbers in year three. Buddy Hield is plenty flawed, but he’s still one of the best 3-point shooters in NBA history in terms of yearly volume. That has its benefits, especially when Haliburton is so good at setting Hield up.
22. Jaden Ivey & Cade Cunningham, Pistons
Cade Cunningham is about to take off into the stratosphere. It took him a couple months to get going as a rookie, but the former No. 1 pick eventually found his rhythm. The Pistons were compellingly competitive late in the season, and Cunningham showcased the full breadth of his offensive skill set. He can do it all. Now, he’s joined by another top-five pick in Jaden Ivey, perhaps the most explosive and electric guard to enter the NBA since Ja Morant. He can take pressure off of Cade’s shoulders, while also benefiting from Cade’s playmaking by attacking off the catch.
21. LaMelo Ball & Terry Rozier, Hornets
Charlotte is stuck between a rock and a hard place right now, but LaMelo Ball is the one bright shining light at the end of the tunnel. He has the potential to lead them out of mediocrity, even if it could take another couple of years for him to develop winning habits. Ball’s preternatural playmaking talent and improved scoring repertoire make him one of the best lead guards in the NBA. Terry Rozier is one-noted at times, but man does he play that one note really well. He’s a deadly off-guard scorer who benefits immensely from playing off of LaMelo.
20. Jamal Murray & Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Nuggets
What can we expect from Jamal Murray fresh off a torn ACL? We don’t know, but if he returns to form then Denver will quickly join the ranks of elite contenders in the West. The Murray-Jokic two-man game will destroy opposing defenses, while Murray’s ability to create from scratch makes him one of the NBA’s best clutch performers. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is a new arrival who should fit right in. His volume shooting, combined with the defensive upgrade over Will Barton, will strengthen the Nuggets’ starting five.
19. D’Angelo Russell & Anthony Edwards, Timberwolves
This duo could jump up the list considerably depending on how Anthony Edwards’ game progresses in year three. He looked like a flat-out star in the playoffs, and he could elevate his game to permanent All-Star status in 2023. If he takes it a step further — and he has all the tools to rank among the NBA’s most dominant wing scorers — then we could be talking about Minnesota as real contenders in the West. D’Angelo Russell is deeply flawed and often overrated, but his on-ball scoring and playmaking out of the pick-and-roll is still valuable.
18. Monte Morris & Bradley Beal, Wizards
Bradley Beal is carrying a lot of the weight here. Even after a down season, it’s hard not to respect Beal’s overwhelming talent on the offensive end. The Wizards are consistently above average on offense, in large part due to Beal’s presence as one of the NBA’s best individual scorers. He can also double as a point guard. Meanwhile, Monte Morris is a huge upgrade at point guard. He’s an efficient shooter who doesn’t turn the ball over. He elevates teammates, he can get hot from 3, and he doesn’t get completely annihilated on defense. Sometimes, that’s all you need.
17. Darius Garland & Caris LeVert, Cavaliers
Darius Garland made what should be the first of many All-Star appearances last season. He is the engine driving Cleveland’s ascent, and at 22 years old, he is still growing. Caris LeVert was exposed as a mediocre defender and sometimes erratic scorer last season, but there’s still value in a player who can create his own shots so adeptly. LeVert is a great bail-out shooter, while Garland expertly balances the duties of lead playmaker and No. 1 scorer.
16. Fred VanVleet & Gary Trent Jr., Raptors
It didn’t take long for Fred VanVleet to make the star leap following Kyle Lowry’s departure from Toronto. Injuries hampered him late in the season, but VanVleet’s dynamic pull-up shooting and unshakable confidence make him one of the best lead guards in the Eastern Conference. He’s also a much better defender than any 6-foot guard has a right to be. Gary Trent Jr. also made huge strides last season, transforming from an inefficient volume scorer to a totally bankable 3-and-D wing.
15. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander & Josh Giddey , Thunder
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is quietly one of the most talented individual scorers in basketball. His ability to evade defenders and find creases in the opposition’s coverage is singular. He wins with intelligence and craft, rather than sheer athleticism, and it’s a joy to watch. Next to him is the 6-foot-8 Josh Giddey, who set rookie triple-double records last season. Giddey already makes the game easier on everyone around him, and if his scoring efficiency improves, he could quickly ascend to star status. OKC has a lot of growth potential.
14. Mike Conley & Donovan Mitchell, Jazz
Will Donovan Mitchell start the season in Utah? There’s a good chance the answer is no, which could subsequently alter the placement of a certain New York-based franchise. For now, however, Utah still has a backcourt that has earned respect. Mitchell’s stardom is well documented, but Mike Conley — despite his recent bouts with old age — is still an efficient, bankable lead guard.
13. Jrue Holiday & Grayson Allen, Bucks
Jrue Holiday still doesn’t get the respect he deserves. The guy’s still a one-time All-Star! What’s up with that? The Bucks are tentative title favorites in my opinion, and Holiday is a significant reason for that. He’s arguably the best guard defender on the planet, and he’s one of the best facilitators in the league to boot. Grayson Allen is considerably less exciting (and a lot more irritating), but he’s a knockdown shooter and gritty defender who plays his role well.
12. Kyrie Irving & Seth Curry, Nets
For now, Kyrie Irving is still the Nets’ starting point guard. For all the off-court issues and personality concerns, Irving’s talent on the court is undeniable. He’s the most gifted guard finisher maybe ever, with handles reminiscent of Allen Iverson and elite efficiency at all three levels. He can create from scratch better than just about anyone 6-foot-3 or shorter. Next to him is Seth Curry, possibly the best spot-up shooter in the game next to his brother. It’s a deadly combo offensively.
11. Lonzo Ball & Zach LaVine, Bulls
An injury cut Lonzo Ball’s first season in Chicago short, but the brief samples were extremely promising. He anchored the Bulls’ defense from the perimeter, using his length to muck up passing lanes and terrorize opposing playmakers. On offense, he’s really the perfect “point guard” for Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan. He doesn’t need to dominate the ball. He’s an elite spot-up shooter, a razor-sharp decision-maker, and the kind of passer who keeps the ball zipping from person to person, rather than dribbling the air out of the ball before making his read. LaVine, in turn, continues to elevate his star status every year. He’s a perennial All-Star at this point.
10. Damian Lillard & Anfernee Simons, Blazers
Damian Lillard claims to feel better than ever after spending last season rehabbing his abdomen injury. If he can return to 100 percent, then Portland will be right back in the postseason mix. Anfernee Simons made a considerable leap in Lillard’s absence last season, and while there are definite defensive concerns with this duo, the offense should make up for it. Both Lillard and Simons can break down the defense practically at will. Both have game-breaking range from deep, and both are quite adept at penetrating the lane and finishing inside. Both will have to embrace spending more time off the ball, but the potential for this duo is extremely high.
9. Marcus Smart & Jaylen Brown, Celtics
The Celtics have one of the deepest rotations in the NBA — one that now includes Malcolm Brogdon coming off the bench. Marcus Smart made the star leap last season, assuming full-time point guard duties with great success while bringing home his first DPOY trophy. Jaylen Brown has been at the center of Kevin Durant rumors all summer, but he figures to stick around for now. His explosive slashing, timely 3s, and improved defense on the wing has made him a perennial All-Star candidate. He’s the second-best player on a championship favorite.
8. CJ McCollum & Brandon Ingram, Pelicans
The Pelicans could make some serious noise this season. CJ McCollum looked right at home with New Orleans after the trade deadline, providing an immeasurable upgrade at point guard while forming fast chemistry with the entire team. He’s one of the smoothest pick-and-roll guards in the game, while his backcourt partner Brandon Ingram continues to add new wrinkles to his offensive repertoire. At 6-foot-8, Ingram can shoot over the top of his man, slither into the lane and finish at the rim, or use his unique perspective to read the floor and create for others.
7. Reggie Jackson & Paul George, Clippers
Paul George remains probably the most underrated superstar in the game. He’s elite on both sides of the ball, having only improved the extent of his shot-making abilities since arriving in LA a few years ago. Reggie Jackson may feel like a weak link in comparison (and he will have to win the starting job over newcomer John Wall), but the journeyman point guard has really found a home with the Clippers. His clutch shot-making has been a crucial buoy for the franchise in recent years.
6. James Harden & Tyrese Maxey, Sixers
What version of James Harden will the Sixers get? That’s an important question, but it is often asked by people who undersell what Harden brought to the franchise last season. Even if he’s no longer the MVP of yesteryear, he’s possibly the most advanced playmaker in the game — a true basketball genius who consistently compromises his defender and creates scoring avenues for teammates, if not himself. Tyrese Maxey, meanwhile, is the perfect complement — a speedster who is deadly attacking off the catch, putting constant pressure on the rim when he’s not hitting 43 percent of his 3s.
5. Ja Morant & Desmond Bane, Grizzlies
Ja Morant made the leap to stardom last season, and he elevated the Grizzlies to contender status in the process. He still has room to grow, but Morant is probably the best guard slasher in the game. It’s impossible to keep him out of the lane, where he can either finish with grace or locate shooters for easy looks. One such shooter is Desmond Bane, who is on the shortlist of the best shooters in basketball. Morant and Bane are right at the center of Memphis’ unselfish, team-oriented style of play. The ball zips around the court, open 3s are regularly generated, and even the best defenses struggle to keep Memphis’ tempo in check.
4. Trae Young & Dejounte Murray, Hawks
This is a fascinating partnership. Neither Trae Young nor Dejounte Murray have spent much time playing off the ball in their NBA careers. Young has been the most ball-dominant star in basketball the last couple years, while Murray was at the center of every Spurs possession last season. Now, they’ll have to learn to co-exist. Young’s shooting gravity should translate well to more off-ball possessions, but he has to actually buy in and sacrifice. The same can be said for Murray; he will have to learn to impact winning while playing within a structured system, rather than leading it. On talent alone, they rank highly, but there is some crash-and-burn potential if the pair can’t get on the same page.
3. Luka Doncic & Spencer Dinwiddie, Mavericks
Luka Doncic is perhaps the greatest one-man show in basketball right now. That’s not to say he doesn’t have help — Dallas fielded an elite defense last season and Jalen Brunson was big time in the playoffs — but Doncic is truly the Mavericks’ foundation. That team doesn’t have nearly enough to compete without Doncic being the megastar he is. With Brunson no longer in the mix, Spencer Dinwiddie figures to step into the starting lineup after spending last season in the sixth man role. He’s an excellent replacement, providing the Mavs with a consistent source of dribble penetration and someone who can lead the second unit when Doncic rests.
2. Stephen Curry & Klay Thompson, Warriors
Stephen Curry won his fourth championship and first Finals MVP last season, proving to everyone that he still has it. The 34-year-old remains the single most unique offensive engine in basketball — a star point guard who can dominate stretches of the game without even touching the ball. He demands constant defensive attention, whether he’s dribbling across halfcourt, or tucked in the corner preparing to sprint through a maze of screens. Klay Thompson didn’t quite return to form last season, but a summer of training should help him considerably. Even in a diminished state, he remains an absolute headache for opposing defenses for many of the same reasons. You just can’t ignore either one of them at any point, lest you want to give up an open 3.
1. Chris Paul & Devin Booker, Suns
The Suns’ second round collapse was something of a curiosity, but we can’t forget just how consistently dominant Phoenix has been for two years now. That all starts in the backcourt. Chris Paul is the league’s greatest stabilizing presence — a puppeteer pulling all the strings, expertly setting teammates up for success. Devin Booker finished top-five in MVP voting, making the leap from All-Star to superstar. He’s one of the most potent iso scorers in the game. And, now more than ever, he’s creating for teammates and doing to little things necessary to win. He has become a true two-way player and the main source of optimism when it comes to Phoenix’s championship hopes next season.