Three Point Guards on the Rise for the 2008-09 NBA Season

This article is also posted at hoops4life.com, an NBA fan site.

The point guard position may be the most difficult to play in basketball.

In the modern game, the point guard obviously has to have great game vision. But moreover, he also has to be an athletic guy and a potential scorer.

Top PGs in the game are able to deliver the ball, provide help rebounding, and score when their team needs it. An outstanding point guard make his teammates better and absolutely changes a team.

The NBA is currenylu full of examples. Back in 2001, Jason Kidd joins the Nets, and he led them to back-to-back NBA Finals. Steve Nash also changed the face of the Suns, and in recent seasons Deron Williams and Chris Paul have taken to their teams to top positions in the Western Conference.

Well, at this point, there is no doubt of the importance of having a remarkable point guard. These guys (D-Will, CP3, and Kidd) dominate the game—but who is prepared to have a breakout season in 2008-2009?

Let’s take a look:

Jose Calderon

The Spaniard faces his fourth season in the League, and I expect an All-Star performance from him. This will be his first year as a full-time starter. He shared the job with T.J. Ford last yeat, but now his time has come. 

Calderon scores, he is a tremendous three-point shooter, he is physical, and he saves the ball. This guy is the full package.

I've known him since his time in Spain and he is one of the hardest-working guys I’ve ever met in the game. He is constantly improving, and is a game-changing player. This year he will have more talent around him than in previous seasons and he will show the entire league his full skills.

Fantasy owners, sign this guy. He is the real deal.

Projected Stats: 16.8 ppg, 10.8 apg, 3.3 rpg, 1.5 spg

Jordan Farmar

Farmar is entering in his third season in the League. Last season, he developed nicely as the backup to Derek Fisher. He is suited very well to the Lakers’ offense. He averages nearly 10 points per game, but he still has to improve his delivery of the ball. He spent a couple of seasons in college, and he has a large margin for improvement.

He is a nice three-point shooter, and he will have many good players around him. Gasol and Bynum will focus a lot of attention on the low post, so Farmar has to take advantage of his role and become a threat from the perimeter.

Projected Stats: 14.4 ppg, 7.6 apg, 2.8 rpg, 1.1 spg

Rajon Rondo

Honestly, I didn’t trust Rondo so much before the NBA Playoffs. Nevertheless, he impressed me during the postseason.

Coming out of Kentucky, Rondo is entering in his third season in the League. He has amazing athletic abilities and he, when in rhythm, is able to assist as well as the best PGs. He is also one of fastest point guards in the NBA.

The remaining issue for Rondo is his shot. He is not a good shooter, and it makes his game predictable. He is not efficient from the perimeter—and other teams know it.

If he improves his shot, he would be unstoppable. He would take advantage of the double teams against Garnett and Pierce, and be a profitable scorer.  He has outstanding game vision, and also helps out with rebounding.

Projected Stats: 14.6 ppg, 7.8 apg, 4.2 rpg, 1.5 spg