The NBA doesn't really have "positions" anymore, does it? We call guys point guards because they bring the ball up, but half the time they're scoring 35 a night while a seven-footer like Nikola Jokic handles the actual playmaking. It's confusing. Honestly, trying to nail down the top 10 NBA pgs in 2026 feels like trying to catch lightning in a bottle. Players move teams, roles shift, and suddenly your favorite "floor general" is basically a shooting guard in a smaller body.
Take Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. He’s the reigning MVP for a reason. But is he a "point guard" in the way we talked about Magic Johnson? Not really. He’s a relentless, slithering scoring machine who just happens to have the ball at the start of every possession. Then you’ve got Luka Doncic, who is now orchestrating things for the Lakers. The landscape has shifted so much that if you aren't watching every night, you're probably working with outdated info.
The Absolute Tier 1: Shai and Luka
If you’re starting a team today, these are the two names on the chalkboard. No debate.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is currently sitting on a historic streak. As of mid-January 2026, he’s up to 111 consecutive games scoring at least 20 points. That’s Wilt Chamberlain territory. He’s leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to a ridiculous record—they were 24-2 at one point recently. Shai isn't just flashy; he’s efficient. He’s shooting nearly 55% from the field while putting up 31.9 points a night. People used to say he didn't pass enough, but with 6.4 assists per game and almost no turnovers, he’s mastered the art of "safe" aggression.
Then there’s Luka Doncic. His move to the Lakers changed the geometry of the Western Conference. He’s currently leading the league in scoring at 33.6 points per game. He’s also grabbing 8 rebounds and dishing out nearly 9 assists. It’s basically a triple-double every time he laces them up. The difference between him and Shai is the "load." Luka is the entire offense. He bends the defense until it snaps. If you like volume and high-stakes passing, Luka is your guy. If you like cold-blooded efficiency and lockdown perimeter defense, it's Shai.
Why the Middle of the Top 10 NBA PGs List is a Total Mess
Once you get past the "Big Two," things get weird. You have legends like Stephen Curry, who is 37 and still somehow a top-five player, and then you have the young "stat-stuffers" like Cade Cunningham.
- Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors): Look, the efficiency has dipped a little as he’s aged, but the gravity is still there. He’s averaging 27.6 points and leading the league in three-pointers made. You can’t leave him open. You just can't.
- Tyrese Maxey (Philadelphia 76ers): Maxey has officially surpassed the "promising young star" label. He’s a burner. He’s currently 3rd in the league in scoring at 30.3 points per game. When Joel Embiid is out, Maxey just takes over. He’s become one of the most feared transition threats in basketball.
- Cade Cunningham (Detroit Pistons): This is the one people sleep on because he’s in Detroit. Don't. Cade is averaging 9.6 assists per game—second only to Jokic—while scoring 25.9 points. He’s 6'8" and plays with a pace that makes everyone else look like they're moving in slow motion. The Pistons are actually winning games now (2.00 average in recent power rankings), and it's because Cade finally has a supporting cast.
The New Guard vs. The Old Guard
Jalen Brunson is still the king of New York, but his ranking is a bit polarizing. He’s averaging 28.2 points, but critics point to his size on defense. Still, in a playoff series? You want Brunson. He’s got that "old man at the YMCA" game that is impossible to stop because he just bumps you until he gets to his spot.
On the other side, you have Ja Morant. Memphis has had a rough 2025-26 season so far, but Ja is still Ja. When he’s healthy, he’s the most athletic player at the position. However, the Grizzlies' struggles against .500 teams have dampened the hype around him lately.
Then there’s Donovan Mitchell. Some call him a shooting guard, but he’s been the primary initiator for a Cleveland team that remains a juggernaut in the East. He’s averaging 29.2 points. He’s a power guard. He’ll dunk on your center and then hit a step-back three on the next trip.
The Rest of the Elite: Rounding Out the Top 10
The final spots usually come down to what you value. Do you want the veteran poise of James Harden, who is still racking up 8.1 assists a game for the Clippers? Or do you want the chaos of Trae Young?
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Trae is a walking 25-and-10, but the Hawks’ defensive issues always follow him. Meanwhile, Kyrie Irving is the ultimate wildcard. He’s been out with a torn ACL but is expected to return this month (January 2026). If he’s even 80% of what he was, he’s a top-10 lock. If not, guys like Jamal Murray or Darius Garland are right there to take his spot.
Murray is particularly interesting. He’s arguably the best player to never make an All-Star game. His chemistry with Jokic is telepathic. He might not have the "regular season" stats of a Tyrese Maxey, but we’ve seen what he does in June.
The "Omitted" Problem
You’ll notice Tyrese Haliburton isn't here. That’s only because he’s out for the season. If he were healthy, he’s top 5, easy. Same with certain "combo" guards like Devin Booker. Is Booker a PG? The Suns play him there, but he’s a scorer first. For this list, we're sticking to the guys who are actually "running the show" night in and night out.
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What's Next for the Point Guard Position?
The league is getting taller. The "traditional" 6'0" point guard is dying out. If you aren't at least 6'3" or incredibly fast like Maxey, life is hard in the modern NBA. We’re seeing more "point-forwards" and centers who handle the ball, which means the top 10 NBA pgs of the future will probably all be 6'7" giants who can shoot from the logo.
If you want to stay ahead of the curve, keep an eye on the 2026 Draft prospects like Kingston Flemings or Darius Acuff Jr. These kids are coming in with even more size and range.
Your Move:
If you're following these rankings for fantasy or just to win arguments at the bar, stop looking at raw PPG. Look at "True Shooting Percentage" and "Turnover Ratio." Shai is dominating right now because he doesn't waste possessions. Luka is dominating because he creates a high-value shot every single time he crosses half-court.
Watch the Detroit Pistons over the next three weeks. Cade Cunningham is on the verge of a massive national breakout, and by the time the playoffs roll around, he might be top 3 on this list.