The NBA Eastern Conference has a host of fantastic point guards. From the flashy to the dependable, we list our best point guards in the conference now that the 2023-24 NBA season is well underway.
Eastern Conference Best Point Guards in 2023-24
Tyrese Haliburton
In the 2022-23 season, Tyrese Haliburton showcased an outstanding performance, securing All-Star honors in his inaugural full season with the Indiana Pacers. This season, he elevated his game even further, establishing himself on all best point guards lists. Haliburton’s skills are diverse; he stands out as an elite playmaker with a flair for impressive passes and an efficient scoring ability, excelling both from beyond the arc and in the short midrange. Despite an unconventional shooting form, the former Iowa State standout displays remarkable accuracy near the basket and boasts a commendable 40.8 percent three-point shooting record in his career.
Haliburton’s shooting prowess extends beyond conventional plays, as he demonstrates the capability to sink deep shots off the dribble. His consistent stellar performances include notable instances such as a remarkable 37 points and 16 assists against the Hawks on Nov. 21 or 25 points and 17 assists against Philadelphia on Nov. 12. Under Haliburton’s guidance, the Pacers have adopted a faster pace of play, resulting in an increasingly explosive offense. Currently, Indiana leads the league with a scoring rate of 122 points per 100 possessions this season, potentially setting a record as the most productive offense in NBA history if this trend continues.
This offensive firepower has transformed the Pacers, who now sit as the No. 6 seed in the East, providing a strong prospect for their first playoff berth since 2020. Thet team sits a few wins back of the leaders Boston Celtics as well as the Orlando Magic. With German standouts Moritz and Franz Wagner, who both wear a basketball ankle brace, the Magic are flying and keeping up with Boston. With Haliburton at the helm in Indiana, the team boasts a dynamic style of play and has substantiated its contention for success in the postseason. Haliburton is an easy choice for our best point guards in the Eastern Conference.
Tyrese Maxey
The emergence of Tyrese Maxey as the primary point guard for Philadelphia stands out as one of the most captivating and significant developments in the initial weeks of the 2023-24 season. The 23-year-old wasted no time making an impact following James Harden’s departure. Maxey quickly catapulted into the spotlight with a series of outstanding performances, such as scoring 31 points without a single turnover in the season opener against the Bucks, delivering a remarkable 34 points and seven three-pointers against the Raptors, and an impressive 50-point game against the Pacers.
What makes Maxey’s surge particularly remarkable is its well-rounded nature, not solely focused on scoring. He has shown notable improvements on the defensive end, excelling both in one-on-one situations and as a support defender. Surprisingly, Maxey has already surpassed his block count from the previous season, recording 10 blocks in just 10 games compared to eight in 60 games last season.
His three-point shooting remains scintillating at 43 percent, aligning with his career average but with an increased shooting volume. Moreover, he has nearly doubled his assist rate while reducing his turnover rate, establishing himself as an elite scorer and one of the NBA’s premier playmakers.
Maxey’s ascent to borderline superstardom has propelled the 76ers to the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference with an 12-6 record. The dynamic duo of Maxey and Joel Embiid appears poised for a deep playoff run this year, reflecting the team’s potential for success under their leadership. With Maxey, the Sixers have one of the best point guards in the East.
Trae Young
While the current season has witnessed a somewhat challenging start for the Hawks, Trae Young remains a beacon of positivity. As one of the primary assist leaders in the previous season, Young also showcased his prowess as a high-level scorer for the Atlanta Hawks in the 2022-23 campaign. The trend continues in the 2023-24 season, with Young maintaining his impressive performance. He has delivered consistently solid displays, averaging 26 points and 10.7 assists per game. However, his last three games stand out as particularly remarkable: 22 points and 12 assists against the 76ers, 38 points and 8 assists against the Pacers, and a stellar 43 points and 9 assists against Brooklyn.
Young’s offensive capabilities shine when his shots find the mark, placing him among the world’s best offensive players. Even when his shots aren’t falling, he remains an elite scorer, adept at reaching the free-throw line and embracing midrange opportunities. His exceptional passing skills and a high basketball IQ add to his repertoire. Young, a crafty and elusive guard, employs lethal crossovers and dribble moves that put his defenders on skates.
Despite Young and his partner Dejounte Murray delivering stellar performances, the Hawks have faced challenges. Bogdan Bogdanovic has shown flashes of brilliance and stretches of mediocrity. De’Andre Hunter’s inconsistency and limited playtime for the 15th overall pick, Kobe Bufkin, have been notable issues. The absence of John Collins appears to be a puzzle the Hawks have yet to solve. However, with a substantial portion of the season still ahead, there is ample opportunity for the Hawks to address their challenges and secure a playoff spot, allowing the emergence of playoff Trae to captivate fans once again as one of the 5 best point guards in the East.
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LaMelo Ball
LaMelo Ball, the standout player for the Charlotte Hornets, is a thrilling presence on the court, captivating national audiences and earning his status as a must-watch player. The Hornets’ decision to secure him with a substantial five-year, $205.9 million extension reflects their belief in his ability to usher the team into a new era of competitive basketball. Having claimed the Rookie of the Year title in 2021, Ball is an explosive floor general renowned for his diverse skill set, including dynamic playmaking and an adept ability to score from various areas on the court, particularly excelling in orchestrating fast breaks.
Renowned as a top-tier passer in the league, LaMelo is showcasing growth in his scoring and rebounding abilities, particularly in the paint. His deep-ball threat is ever-present, evidenced by his impressive 38.9 percent shooting from a three-point range this season. In the early stages of his third season, Ball has demonstrated an across-the-board improvement, with increased points per game, assists per game, and improved shooting percentages in all categories. If this positive trajectory continues, it’s likely to anticipate him securing All-Star honors for the second time in his career.
While Ball’s offensive prowess is undeniable, his defensive contributions have been identified as a potential area for improvement. Enhancing Ball’s defensive capabilities becomes crucial if the Hornets aim to elevate their competitiveness. Defense aside, Ball has firmly established himself as the face of the Charlotte Hornets. The extent of his team’s success hinges on how far Ball can lead them. Beyond Ball, the Hornets face a shortage of offensive firepower, reflecting their current position at the 12th seed in the Eastern Conference with a 5-7 record. Nevertheless, this season stands out as Ball’s most impressive to date, making him one of the conference’s best point guards.
Damian Lillard
Considered one of the NBA’s top players and best point guards, Damian Lillard spent 11 seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers, earning seven All-Star selections. However, this season marks a departure from his longstanding tenure in Portland, as he joined forces with Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks during the off-season.
The season kicked off on an impressive note as Lillard delivered a stellar 39-point performance in the opener. Yet, questions arose when he scored a mere 6 points on 16% shooting in the subsequent game. Fortunately, Lillard and Giannis have resolved the early questions, establishing a harmonious playing dynamic.
Lillard is aligning closely with his career averages this season, boasting 25.2 points per game, 6.4 assists per game, and a 41.8% shooting accuracy from the field. Although his three-point shooting percentage has dipped slightly, it’s still early in the season, suggesting that Lillard is likely to rediscover his long-range rhythm as the games progress. Similar to Ball, Lillard’s defensive capabilities are the primary area of criticism, but the presence of defensive stalwarts like Giannis and Brook Lopez in the frontcourt helps mitigate his shortcomings.
The Bucks currently have the third seed with a 10-5 record, showcasing the promising synergy between the new superstar duo of Giannis and Lillard. Their ability to find a cohesive middle ground despite both being ball-dominant players bodes well for the team’s success.
