With the 2026 NBA Draft now just over two weeks away and individual workouts in their final stages, it’s a good time to take a closer look at the top talent at each position. Point guard is the first group we will examine, featuring an especially talented mix of dynamic freshmen, polished upperclassmen, and versatile combo guards with varying paths to NBA success. This year’s class offers impressive depth and multiple prospects with long-term starting upside, led by a pair of highly regarded freshmen in Darius Acuff and Mikel Brown. Acuff has legitimate star potential thanks to his advanced shot creation and offensive instincts, while Brown may possess as much upside as any player in the draft if long-term concerns surrounding his back prove manageable.
This group could ultimately produce four top-10 picks and as many as eight first-round selections, making point guard arguably the deepest position in the 2026 NBA Draft. From explosive athletes to polished floor generals and jumbo creators with long-term upside, teams seeking backcourt help should have no shortage of appealing options throughout the draft.
1. Darius Acuff 6’3”, 185 PG Arkansas, Fr.
Stats: 34 GP, 32.1 MPG, 43.8 FG%, 36.9 3PT%, 82.4 FT%, 19.6 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 5.9 APG, 1.5 SPG, 2.8 TO
Acuff claims the top spot among point guards after a highly productive freshman season in which he showcased advanced shot creation, scoring instincts, and playmaking polish. One of the most dynamic offensive guards in the class, he consistently created separation off the dribble and proved capable of operating as a primary initiator. His handle is tight, he changes speeds explosively, and he possesses deep shooting range that forces defenses to extend. Acuff also flashed strong creativity in pick-and-roll situations and demonstrated the ability to make difficult reads on the move. He projects as a high-level shot creator with real star upside due to his ability to generate offense at all three levels. The primary concern lies on the defensive end, where he has the length and physical tools to be impactful but must apply more consistent focus and intensity to maximize his effectiveness. Improving his defensive engagement and overall efficiency against NBA length will be important swing factors.
2. Mikel Brown 6’5”, 190 PG Louisville, Fr.
Stats: 35 GP, 31.6 MPG, 46.1 FG%, 41.9 3PT%, 83.6 FT%, 18.0 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 5.7 APG, 1.4 SPG, 2.2 TO
Brown heads into the final stretch before the draft as one of the highest-upside guards in the class and a prospect carrying as much intrigue as any player in the draft. At 6’5”, he offers outstanding positional size, advanced feel, and a polished offensive package. Brown comfortably toggles between scoring and facilitating, sees over defenses well, and consistently makes the right read. His perimeter shooting, pace, and composure stand out, while his ability to operate both on and off the ball adds to his versatility. Brown may not overwhelm opponents with elite burst, but his IQ, positional size, and shot making give him one of the highest ceilings of any player in the draft. His elite shooting ability, something he flashed during his freshman season and consistently showed throughout high school, creates enormous offensive upside, particularly if he continues developing as a primary creator. The biggest variable surrounding his projection will be medical evaluations, as back issues have lingered for multiple seasons, making team medical testing and long-term confidence in his health a key factor in determining where he ultimately lands on draft night. If his back proves to have no long-term issues, Brown may ultimately prove to be the most impactful long-term prospect at the position.
3. Kingston Flemings 6’4”, 185 PG Houston, Fr.
Stats: 36 GP, 29.8 MPG, 44.7 FG%, 35.8 3PT%, 78.4 FT%, 15.9 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 4.8 APG, 1.6 SPG, 2.4 TO
Flemings emerged as one of the more explosive young guards in the country, bringing an attacking mentality and high-end athletic tools to Houston’s backcourt. He excels getting downhill, applying pressure at the rim, and creating offense in transition. His quick first step and burst make him difficult to contain, while flashes of shot creation and pull-up scoring suggest considerable upside. Defensively, he competes hard and has the physical tools to become an impact perimeter defender. His perimeter consistency and overall efficiency remain works in progress, though there is optimism surrounding his long-term shooting outlook. One important question for the team that drafts him will be whether to significantly rework his shooting mechanics or simply make smaller refinements to maximize his perimeter potential. The upside is difficult to ignore, and if the jumper continues improving, he could ultimately outperform this ranking.
4. Brayden Burries 6’5”, 215 PG/SG Arizona, Fr.
Stats: 35 GP, 31.0 MPG, 47.0 FG%, 39.1 3PT%, 78.5 FT%, 15.7 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 4.1 APG, 1.3 SPG, 2.3 TO
Burries enjoyed an impressive freshman season and increasingly looks like one of the more versatile guard prospects in the class. Though naturally capable of playing either backcourt spot, his size, passing ability, and feel as a floor general allow him to project comfortably as a big lead guard, while also offering the versatility to slide over and play off the ball when needed. Burries plays with excellent pace and maturity, gets to his spots effectively, and shows a polished scoring package that translates across multiple levels. His strong frame allows him to absorb contact, while his passing flashes suggest untapped upside as a primary creator. Whether he develops into a true lead initiator or settles more into a combo guard role will likely determine his ceiling, but the talent level is obvious. There is a strong argument that Burries could ultimately leapfrog Flemings on draft night, as his cleaner, more projectable shooting stroke may give him the higher floor despite Flemings’ superior explosiveness.
5. Christian Anderson 6’2”, 180 PG Texas Tech, So.
Stats: 34 GP, 30.3 MPG, 44.0 FG%, 37.5 3PT%, 80.2 FT%, 16.2 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 4.7 APG, 1.4 SPG, 2.3 TO
Anderson carries momentum as a projected first-round prospect following a strong sophomore season, quality shooting numbers, and solid NBA draft combine measurements. A crafty offensive guard capable of creating shots and breaking defenses down off the dribble, he changes speeds well, plays with confidence, and consistently pressures defenses with his scoring ability. One of the very best overall shooters in the draft class, Anderson is particularly dangerous pulling up off the bounce, showing deep range, balance, and confidence as a shot maker both on and off the ball. His quickness, shiftiness, and creativity allow him to manufacture offense despite average physical tools, while his perimeter shooting continues to strengthen his NBA appeal after connecting on 37.5% from three and over 80% from the free throw line. Comfortable operating in pick-and-roll situations, Anderson can score from all three levels and has shown the ability to create for teammates as a secondary facilitator. His size and lack of strength present some concerns, however, particularly regarding his ability to consistently hold up against stronger, more athletic guards at the NBA level, which could prove slightly limiting in certain matchups. Still, his offensive skill level, shot-making ability, and scoring instincts give him considerable value as a modern scoring lead guard. Anderson was among the first group of players to receive a green room invitation for the 2026 NBA Draft, a signal that league executives view him as a likely top-20 selection with a legitimate chance to hear his name called in the lottery.
6. Bennett Stirtz 6’4”, 190 PG Iowa, Sr.
Stats: 35 GP, 34.2 MPG, 48.3 FG%, 39.0 3PT%, 82.7 FT%, 19.2 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 5.8 APG, 2.1 SPG, 2.0 TO
One of the biggest stock risers of the season, Stirtz elevated himself into a legitimate first-round prospect with his steady production and high-level feel for the game. A cerebral guard who plays under control, he excels as a decision maker and consistently makes winning plays. His perimeter shooting, poise, and confidence with the ball stand out, while his ability to orchestrate offense should translate to the next level. Though older and lacking elite athletic tools, Stirtz projects as the type of polished, dependable guard capable of carving out a long NBA role. Stirtz further strengthened his stock at the NBA Draft Combine, confirming solid size and better-than-expected athleticism with strong testing results. While his game does not necessarily scream high-level athlete, concerns regarding his physical shortcomings now appear somewhat overstated.
7. Jack Kayil 6’5”, 185 PG Alba Berlin, 2007
Stats: 21.4 MPG, 38.4 FG%, 29.9 3PT%, 77.7 FT%, 7.1 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 3.7 APG, 1.0 SPG, 2.3 TO
Kayil is one of the more intriguing long-term point guard prospects in the class due to his combination of size, feel, and polish for his age. Possessing very good positional size along with an excellent 8’5.5” standing reach, he offers a unique physical profile for a lead guard. A polished ball handler with advanced feel, Kayil plays with impressive pace and composure, showing strong instincts as a passer and decision maker. He operates effectively in pick-and-roll, consistently makes smart reads, and keeps the offense flowing without over-dribbling. His clean shooting mechanics and flashes of pull-up shooting ability point to long-term upside as a perimeter scorer, while his strong frame allows him to absorb contact effectively. Though not an elite athlete, he shows enough bounce to finish above the rim at times and compensates with intelligence and feel. His combination of size, physicality, feel for the game, and shot creation upside make him an intriguing developmental guard prospect with legitimate late first-round potential.
8. Ebuka Okorie 6’2”, 185 PG Stanford, Fr.
Stats: 33 GP, 30.8 MPG, 44.8 FG%, 35.0 3PT%, 81.2 FT%, 17.4 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 4.6 APG, 1.7 SPG, 2.1 TO
Okorie emerged as one of the more intriguing freshman guards in the country thanks to his advanced offensive package and strong production. A crafty scorer with excellent shooting touch and a reported 6’8” wingspan, he consistently showed the ability to score from all three levels. His pick-and-roll feel and natural playmaking instincts flashed throughout the season, while his ball handling and shot-making ability helped him create offense consistently. Questions remain about scalability against bigger NBA athletes and occasional shot selection, but the skill level is undeniable. His ability to blend scoring with playmaking gives him intriguing long-term upside.
9. Sergio De Larrea 6’6”, 175 PG/SG Valencia Basket, 2005
Stats: 28 GP, 18.3 MPG, 44.3 FG%, 40.7 3PT%, 83.3 FT%, 9.7 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 3.7 APG, 0.5 SPG, 1.7 TO
De Larrea is one of the more intriguing international guard prospects in the class due to his combination of size, feel, and playmaking instincts. Possessing a classic Spanish point guard feel, he plays with outstanding pacing, vision, and creativity, consistently setting teammates up with advanced reads and timing in pick-and-roll situations. A maestro type of pick-and-roll playmaker, he shows the patience and timing of a seasoned veteran, manipulating defenses and delivering passes with precision. At 6’6”, he offers excellent size for the position and the versatility to operate both on and off the ball. Though naturally capable of playing either backcourt spot, his size and physicality allow him to project comfortably as a lead guard while also fitting alongside another ball handler. A very good perimeter shooter with strong touch, De Larrea knocked down 40.7% from three and 83.3% from the free throw line this season, numbers that align with strong long-term shooting projection and make him difficult to leave open. Though not an explosive athlete and likely to face questions about how well he handles NBA length, speed, and physicality, his feel for the game, shooting ability, and polished offensive skill set give him a realistic chance to factor into the first round.
10. Jaden Bradley 6’4”, 205 PG/SG Arizona, Sr.
Stats: 36 GP, 32.4 MPG, 46.3 FG%, 37.1 3PT%, 77.2 FT%, 13.9 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 5.2 APG, 1.9 SPG, 2.1 TO
Bradley is shaping up as a likely mid-second round selection and one of the sleeper candidates in the draft. A highly regarded recruit entering college, he took a slower developmental path but steadily emerged into a productive, dependable backcourt player. Along with freshman standout Brayden Burries, he was a major reason behind Arizona’s dominant season and near-undefeated run prior to its blowout loss to Michigan. Possessing very good size for the position at 6’4”, 205 pounds, Bradley offers a strong frame, maturity, and toughness that should appeal to NBA teams. He competes defensively, provides reliable decision-making and secondary creation value, and made encouraging strides offensively over the course of his college career. While his upside may not match some younger guards in this class, his combination of size, experience, defensive competitiveness, and steadily improving offensive game gives him a realistic chance to outperform expectations and carve out a long-term NBA role.
Honorable Mention:
Jakobi Gillespie 6’1”, 180 PG Tennessee, Sr.
Stats: 35 GP, 32.8 MPG, 44.6 FG%, 40.1 3PT%, 84.2 FT%, 15.4 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 4.8 APG, 1.7 SPG, 2.0 TO
Gillespie quietly established himself as one of the more reliable senior point guard prospects in the country after a highly productive season at Tennessee. Though diminutive, he is a highly competitive, tough-minded lead guard who consistently impacts winning. A skilled and efficient offensive player, Gillespie has proven to be an excellent perimeter shooter, knocking down over 40% from three while also showing strong touch at the free throw line, indicators that support long-term shooting translation. He operates comfortably in pick-and-roll, plays under control, and consistently makes sound reads without forcing offense. His strong late-season play helped solidify his draft standing and strengthen his case as a legitimate pro prospect. While his lack of size creates an uphill battle in projecting to the NBA, particularly defensively, he compensates with toughness, feel, and offensive polish. His shooting, competitiveness, and ability to manage the game give him a realistic chance to earn consideration as a reserve point guard option.
Honorable Mention:
Kylan Boswell 6’2”, 225 PG Illinois, Sr.
Tre Donaldson 6’3”, 195 PG/SG Miami, Sr.
BJ Edwards 6’3”, 190 PG SMU, Sr.
Tamin Lipsey 6’1”, 200 PG Iowa State, Sr.
Braden Smith 5’11”, 165 PG Purdue, Sr.
Bruce Thornton 6’1”, 225 PG Ohio State, Sr.
Milos Uzan 6’4”, 185 PG/SG Houston, Sr.
