As we get closer and closer to the opening tip of the NBA season we will be doing some positional rankings in the next couple weeks. I will be ranking the top 10 players at each position. So let’s get started with the top 10 point guards in the Association.
- Chris Paul, New Orleans: This guy might be the best overall player in the whole NBA. He had a PER of 28.39 last year which was 2nd in the league and by far the best among point guards. He will win multiple MVPs and has elevated the franchise to bring a legitimate contender. Plus he is just 23. Look out.
- Deron Williams, Utah: Here is another young and emerging star in the NBA. He is tough to keep out of the paint, but the thing that really makes him special is his outstanding shooting range. I think we all remember the big shots he hit in the Olympics gold medal game against Spain. I look forward to several Western Conference playoff battles between Paul and Williams for years to come.
- Steve Nash, Phoenix: Everyone knows that his vision and shooting ability are unmatched. However, the fact that he is not capable of keeping other guards out of the paint is a mjaor problem. It’s too bad that the championship window for the Suns has closed.
- Tony Parker, San Antonio: Probably still one of the more underrated players in the league. His speed and energy is really what makes the Spurs offense go. He also excels under pressure where he is as cool as the other side of the pillow.
- Chauncey Billups, Detroit: He has not played at the same high level recently but he is still Mr. Big Shot. I think Billups and the Pistons will have a big bounce back year and be in the mix for a championship. What we really need to see is the hunger and tenacity from Billups again. His skills are unquestioned.
- Baron Davis, LA Clippers: When Davis plays a full 82 games, he is one of the best players in the league. He showed that in Golden State where he led them to the 2nd round of the playoffs two years ago. However, his supporting cast in LA leaves a lot to be desired.
- Gilbert Arenas, Washington: Agent Zero’s confidence and shooting ability are not in doubt. However, he has become a major health concern. He has another knee surgery to overcome and you wonder just how much more we will get to see him out on the floor.
- Monta Ellis, Golden State: The injury was a disappointment because with Davis gone, this was supposed to be the major breakthrough year for Ellis. He had a PER of 19.01 last year which was 9th among point guards. When he returns he will remind people just how tough he is to defend.
- Jason Kidd, Dallas: Kidd helped lead USA basketball to another gold medal but he was more of a coach and leader than a clutch performer. He still has the smarts and vision to be a good point guard but his athleticism has declined. He cannot defend anymore and his career is winding down at the moment.
- Andre Miller, Philadelphia: This is another aging point guard but not as old as Kidd. Miller has always been underrated since he continues to be one of the best assist men in the league. Putting him together with Andre Iguodola and Elton Brand will be very exciting for Philly fans to see this year.
That’s it. That’s the list.
Also receiving votes: Jose Calderon, TJ Ford, Kirk Hinrich, Mo Williams, Jason Terry
