2026-27 NBA Fantasy Rankings: Guard Tiers

Guards are crucial in fantasy basketball drafts, and this year’s class offers depth across various price points. The rankings categorize players from top-tier talent to late-round sleepers, considering their performance in standard nine-category leagues and Yahoo’s High Score format.

**Tier 1**

- **Shai Gilgeous-Alexander**, Oklahoma City Thunder

- **Luka Dončić**, Los Angeles Lakers

Gilgeous-Alexander has won back-to-back MVP awards, recording an impressive average of 31.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 6.6 assists in the 2025-26 season. He's a top-three pick alongside Victor Wembanyama and Nikola Jokić. Dončić’s potential for triple-doubles enhances his value in High Score, where only the best performance each week matters, making a shorter season less of a downside.

**Tier 2**

- **Anthony Edwards**, Minnesota Timberwolves

- **Cade Cunningham**, Detroit Pistons

Edwards has consistently increased his scoring over six seasons, averaging 28.8 points, 5 rebounds, and 3.7 assists last season. He is positioned for a breakout and should be a first-round pick. Cunningham turned in a career year, averaging 23.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, and nearly 10 assists while finishing fifth in MVP voting, making him a valuable asset in the High Score format.

**Tier 3**

- **Tyrese Maxey**, Philadelphia 76ers

- **Jalen Brunson**, New York Knicks

- **Donovan Mitchell**, Cleveland Cavaliers

- **Devin Booker**, Phoenix Suns

- **Jamal Murray**, Denver Nuggets

- **Austin Reaves**, Los Angeles Lakers

- **Tyrese Haliburton**, Indiana Pacers

- **Trae Young**, Washington Wizards

These players are strong choices in the second and third rounds. Maxey and Brunson carry significant scoring responsibility. Mitchell shares playmaking with James Harden, while Murray works with Nikola Jokić, all of whom show high production potential. Haliburton is expected to rebound quickly after an Achilles injury, while Young's recent low games suggest he could recover valuable performance metrics.

**Tier 4**

- **LaMelo Ball**, Minnesota Timberwolves

- **Stephen Curry**, Golden State Warriors

- **James Harden**, Cleveland Cavaliers

- **Josh Giddey**, Chicago Bulls

- **Brandon Miller**, Charlotte Hornets

- **Derrick White**, Boston Celtics

- **Stephon Castle**, San Antonio Spurs

- **Darius Garland**, LA Clippers

- **Tyler Herro**, Milwaukee Bucks

- **Keyonte George**, Utah Jazz

- **Jalen Green**, Phoenix Suns

Most players in this tier are expected to log over 30 minutes each game. Curry remains effective, averaging 26.6 points and 4.7 assists last season. Harden is adjusting to more of a supportive role. Miller, Garland, Herro, Giddey, and Green can all average nearly 20 points, positioning them as targets in the middle rounds. White and Castle offer value in High Score leagues with their defensive contributions.

**Tier 5**

- **Dyson Daniels**, Atlanta Hawks

- **De’Aaron Fox**, San Antonio Spurs

- **Damian Lillard**, Portland Trail Blazers

- **Dejounte Murray**, New Orleans Pelicans

- **Nickeil Alexander-Walker**, Atlanta Hawks

- **Payton Pritchard**, Boston Celtics

- **Dylan Harper**, San Antonio Spurs

- **Ryan Rollins**, Milwaukee Bucks

- **Fred VanVleet**, Houston Rockets

Daniels is notable for his defensive skills and potential triple-doubles, making him a worthy pick in High Score leagues. Lillard and VanVleet are returning from injuries, while Fox holds an advantage playing alongside Harper. Pritchard has established himself and should see substantial playing time in the upcoming season.

**Tier 6**

- **Mikal Bridges**, New York Knicks

- **Coby White**, Charlotte Hornets

- **Ja Morant**, Portland Trail Blazers

- **Cedric Coward**, Memphis Grizzlies

- **Ty Jerome**, Memphis Grizzlies

- **Darius Acuff**, Sacramento Kings

- **CJ McCollum**, Atlanta Hawks

- **Ayo Dosunmu**, Minnesota Timberwolves

- **Immanuel Quickley**, Toronto Raptors

This tier includes a mix of veterans and emerging players, all likely to see consistent minutes in a 12-team league. Morant's explosiveness makes him a valuable High Score option, while Acuff stands out among rookies as Sacramento’s backcourt develops.

**Tier 7**

- **Brandin Podziemski**, Golden State Warriors

- **Ajay Mitchell**, Oklahoma City Thunder

- **DeMar DeRozan**, Denver Nuggets

- **Jalen Suggs**, Orlando Magic

- **Jeremiah Fears**, New Orleans Pelicans

- **Davion Mitchell**, Miami Heat

Players in this tier are worth drafting beginning in the eighth or ninth rounds. DeRozan's scoring ability complements the Nuggets’ roster, while Suggs and Davion Mitchell focus on defensive roles with playmaking abilities.