The point guard position has become arguably the most important position in the NBA. They’re no longer just floor-generals or creators, they are now also expected to be explosive scorers. We look at five of the best in the NBA today.
#5 – Chris Paul (Phoenix Suns)
Chris Paul has seen his stock continue to rise despite getting older. He can seemingly do no wrong. His actual on-court performance continues to improve. The real definition of ageing like fine wine. He was vital in getting the Phoenix Suns to the NBA playoffs for the first time in a decade as the #2 seed.
At age 35, Paul enjoyed his most efficient season in years, while being the perfect veteran leader for a young talented team. He was given a new deal this summer thanks to an outstanding year and he thoroughly deserved to be on this list.
#4 – Trae Young (Atlanta Hawks)
The Atlanta Hawks star comes in at the fourth spot thanks to an outstanding run in his first postseason. He averaged 28.8 points and 9.5 assists in leading the Hawks to the semifinals. What separates Young from others is his special ability to get into the paint for his virtually unstoppable floater. Young has also mastered the art of drawing fouls at a high rate.
His three-point shooting does need some improvement. He hit just 34 percent of his 3s last season and that number dipped to 31 percent in the playoffs. However, there’s no denying his shooting talent and ability to make difficult shots. If he can stay healthy and improve his shooting from range, we are looking at an MVP level star.
#3 – Luka Doncic ( Dallas Mavericks)
Luka Doncic is a generational talent. His offense is way above his years and many of his peers. Although he started off his career as a wing, Luka has transformed into an elite level creator. There is no defense you can play against him that guarantees success. In Year 3 he increased his efficiency from the field (47.9 percent) and 3-point territory (35 percent) to career highs.
He has shown an ability to improve every season. Through the first 10 games of this season, Luka is averaging 25 PPG, 8 rebounds & almost 7 assists. Terrific numbers when you factor in a new coach and a new system. As the NBA season progresses, we’ll be watching to see if Doncic can get the Dallas Mavs to where they need to be.
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#2 – Damian Lillard (Portland Trailblazers)
Damian Lillard is in a class of his own. A genuinely gifted and talismanic player. He is one of the most feared offensive players in the game today. His ability to make buzzer-beaters at an alarming rate increases the fear in opposing defenders as the game goes into crunch time.
There isn’t a single player in the league better at shooting off the dribble than Lillard. Unfortunately, he is yet to win a ring or truly compete and it is becoming unlikely that Portland will be the team that matches his ambition this NBA season.
#1 – Steph Curry (Golden State Warriors)
Steph came into the new season on the back of winning his second scoring title and a third-place finish in the MVP race. Curry remains at the height of his powers as an offensive force. Arguably the most dominant offensive force in the league. Curry’s space creation and dizzying off-ball movement allow him to get shots off with unprecedented accuracy.
Steph was tasked with carrying an offense pretty much all by himself last season and he delivered. He led the league in scoring (32 ppg), made 337 threes at a 42% rate and finished third in MVP voting behind Nikola Jokic and Joel Embiid.
Let us know who missed out or who you would have liked to see in our top 5.