NBA Draft 2012: 5 Point-Guard Prospects Already Better Than Jeremy Lin

The 2012 NBA draft is shaping up to be one for the ages. From a handful of future stars to the deep class of potential rotational alternatives, there is no shortage of names to know.

It just so happens that the NBA's most important position, the point, has one of the deepest classes of all.

Upon the rise of Linsanity in 2012, the perspective of what the point-guard position requires has been altered. From the scoring mentality to the push-the-pace capabilities, the point just isn't what it used to be. It has evolved.

In this draft class, there are more than enough players who can fit the bill. Furthermore, they can do one thing that NBA fans will either love or hate to hear: they can exceed the level of play that Jeremy Lin has put forth.

Here is the next generation of Jeremy Lin-type point guards.

Damian Lillard, Weber State Wildcats

Class: Junior

Age: 21

Height & Weight: 6'3"—189 pounds—6'8" wingspan

Damian Lillard is going to be a fan favorite. Between his score-first mentality and an uncanny ability to create for himself and others off the dribble, he fits the bill for what viewers look for in terms of excitement.

In all likelihood, Damian Lillard will do what Jeremy Lin did: score points, rack up assists, turn the ball over and struggle on defense.

The difference will be the fact that Lillard is a far less polarizing figure and comes up with steals on his gambles, rather than relying on the creativity of those around him.

There won't be much of a difference on the court, but in the eyes of fans, Lillard will emerge.

Season Averages: 23.48 PER—24.5 PPG—5.0 RPG—4.0 APG—1.5 SPG—.467/.409/.887

Scott Machado, Iona Gaels

Class: Senior

Age: 22

Height & Weight: 6'2"—206 pounds

For those who have yet to witness Scott Machado run the point, I offer my sincere condolences. It's never fun to be the last one to catch on to potential stardom.

Machado is an elite playmaker with beautiful court vision. His passes are often placed where his teammates will run to, rather than where they're currently standing, enabling an offense to run with an unbreakable flow and rhythm.

Just don't fool yourself into thinking that you can play off of Machado to clog up the passing lanes.

The Iona alum's shooting line eerily resembles that of reigning Rookie of the Year Kyrie Irving, as Machado posted a an awe-inspiring .495/.404/.811. This kid can do it all and will emerge as the draft class's best point guard.

It's just a matter of time and opportunity.

Season Averages: 23.48 PER—13.6 PPG—9.9 APG—4.9 RPG—1.6 SPG—.495/.404/.811

Jordan Taylor, Wisconsin Badgers

Class: Senior

Age: 22

Height & Weight: 6'1"—195 pounds

Jeremy Lin is an excellent scorer, persistent facilitator and flashy open-court finisher. He also forces shots, is an irresponsible ball handler and struggles on the defensive end of the floor.

Consider Jordan Taylor the next Jeremy Lin, albeit without the negatives.

Taylor can light the scoreboard up with the best of them, utilizing endless range and intelligent shot selection to contribute in a positive manner. He's also an excellent facilitator who hardly ever turns the ball over, which is likely a product of playing under Bo Ryan for four years.

The biggest advantage Taylor holds over Lin, much like everyone else on this list, is the fact that he is a physical and patient defender.

Rather than take chances on creating turnovers like Lin often does, Taylor is much more comfortable staying in front of the ball handler and waiting for his chance to strike.

Jordan Taylor will be something special should he remain healthy.

Season Averages: 18.87 PER—14.8 PPG—4.1 APG—3.8 RPG—1.0 SPG

Casper Ware, Long Beach State 49ers

Class: Senior

Age: 22

Height & Weight: 5'11"—177 pounds

Casper Ware has long been an attack-first point guard whose end goal is to put points on the board. Upon graduating from Long Beach State, however, Ware has impressed scouts and general managers with his fierce defensive approach.

Ware overcomes his size deficiency by utilizing his quickness and open-court speed, thus enabling him to finish close to the basket. His fearless attack of the paint, as well as his limitless range and overwhelming strength, is reason enough to believe in his ability to properly capitalize on his virtues.

As for how Ware compares to Jeremy Lin, his offensive game is rather similar to that of the Knicks' sensation. Although Lin's ability to facilitate is more developed than Ware's, each share a fierce pursuit of points in the paint, as well as a solid mid-range jump shot.

The separating factor that offers Ware the edge just so happens to be on the defensive end. Ware is a very sound perimeter defender, while Lin has struggled mightily in those same situations. 

Season Averages: 19.53 PER—17.4 PPG—3.2 APG—2.4 RPG—1.4 SPG

Tony Wroten Jr., Washington Huskies

Class: Freshman

Age: 19

Height & Weight: 6'5"—205 pounds

Do you want wild ball handling, high point totals and the potential for double-digit assists? You've got just that with both Jeremy Lin and Tony Wroten Jr. of the Washington Huskies. The difference is, Tony Wroten is a much better finisher in the paint and performs at a much more consistent level on the defensive perimeter.

One of the greatest qualities that Wroten Jr. possesses is his size. At 6'5", Wroten has a height advantage over almost every one of the NBA's point guards. For those skeptical about whether he knows how to utilize the gift, cut the negativity and understand who you're talking about.

Tony Wroten Jr. is as great as any at penetrating off of the dribble and finishing around the basket. He can score with contact, finish in traffic and dunk like a Russell Westbrook replica.

While his mid-range game needs to be developed, these traits instantly catapult Wroten Jr. towards the top of the young point guards list.

Move over, Jeremy Lin.

Season Averages: 21.07 PER—16.0 PPG—5.0 RPG—3.7 APG—1.9 SPG