NBA Point Guard Power Rankings: Is Chris Paul Even Close To Being No. 1?
There is not a doubt in my mind that the point guard position is the most important position in basketball. Having a good point guard is vital to the success of any team as they are expected to run the team's offense.
The best point guard in the league debate has been going on for quite sometime and there is no doubt that it is difficult to decide who is the best.
The slideshow will tell you who I believe the top 30 point guards in the league are. You may be surprised at what order I have put them in, but it is where I feel they belong.
Feel free to comment afterwards
And without further ado, let the ranking begin.
30. Carlos Arroyo, Miami Heat
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For me, this one was a no brainer. In case you haven't heard, the Miami Heat are not having a very good season. If you haven't heard, then you live under a rock.
I continue to repeat that the point guard position is the most important and in this case it is no difference. Neither Carlos Arroyo or the expected starter Mario Chalmers have had a good season, in fact they have had terrible seasons. Arroyo has not worked well with the big three and is only averaging 7.5 points per game and a god awful 1.8 assists per game. I understand that LeBron runs the offense sometimes but seriously, 1.8 apg!!? If the Miami Heat have any chance at getting a title, Carlos Arroyo is going to have to step up his game dramatically.
29. Sebastian Telfair, Minnesota Timberwolves
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Sebastian Telfair has been the starting point guard for the terrible Minnesota Timberwolves this season. He had a solid start to the season but has really fallen off the wagon of late. As of right now, Telfair is averaging 8.4 points per game and only 4.8 assists per game. Telfair has only had the starting role this season because of the injuries that have been restricting the playing time of Johnny Flynn. Telfair will be replaced with Luke Ridnour in the starting lineup and when Flynn comes back, Telfair's minutes will disappear.
28. Eric Bledsoe, L.A. Clippers
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As is the case every season, the Los Angeles Clippers have been the worst team in the NBA so far. And things are definitely not looking up. Eric Bledsoe was given the starting point guard job because of the injuries to regular point guard Baron Davis. Bledsoe (like Telfair) has certainly fallen off after his strong start to the season. His bad play has only worsened what has already been a depressing season for anyone involved with the Clippers. Eric is averaging 8.5 points per game and 4.9 assists per game much like Telfair. Those numbers are really bad and Bledsoe will probably not be seen on this list ever again because Baron will hopefully take over for him soon.
27. Kyle Lowry, Houston Rockets
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Aaron Brooks was one of the best point guards in the NBA last season and the Houston Rockets had a relatively strong season. But, like that annoying commercial keeps reminding me, last season was last season. Thanks! Anyways, things have changed, the Rockets suck this year and Brooks has been out with injuries for a while. Lowry has always been a good backup to Brooks and now has been reasonably good as he has been inserted into the starting lineup. His points per game are a below average 7.9 points per game but, has distributed the ball well as he is averaging 6.4 assists per game.
26. Jose Calderon, Toronto Raptors
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Jose Calderon is one of my favorite personalities in the NBA. He plays the game hard and with a lot of passion. Unfortunately, neither of those attributes have translated into wins for the Raptors or for better personal statistics as he is only averaging 8.6 points per game and 6.0 assists per game. The reason Calderon is ranked higher than others with similar numbers is because the Raptors offense seems to flow better with him on the floor even though his numbers don't reflect it. Now, with Jarrett Jack gone, Calderon's numbers should improve.
25. Derek Fisher, L.A. Lakers
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Derek Fisher is one of the better leaders in the NBA. And although his numbers don't reflect, I guess you could say that he is one of the better point guards in the NBA. But, not in the way that Chris Paul or Deron William is a good point guard. Derek Fisher is like a second coach on the floor and is basically the captain. I would have liked to have ranked Fisher just a tad higher but there was far too many point guards who couldn't be ignored. Fisher is one of the main reasons the Lakers have been so successful but, of course like I said, his 7.9 points per game and 2.8 assists per game don't reflect the actual impact that he has on the game.
24. Mike Bibby, Atlanta Hawks
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Mike Bibby is similar in a sense to Derek Fisher. He is more or less a leader who's impact on the game is not shown on the stats sheets. But, at the same time, his numbers are slightly better than those of Fisher. Ever since his arrival in Atlanta, the Hawks have been a great team. Bibby knows his role on the Hawks and has worked well with the young stars. Jeff Teague has been knocking on the door and like I have said numerous times, I pray the Hawks don't replace Bibby with Teague. So far this season, Bibby is averaging 10.2 points per game and 3.6 assists per game. He has also provided steals and three pointers.
23. Jrue Holiday, Philadelphia 76ers
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With the exception of the Los Angeles Clippers, the Philadelphia Seventy-Sixers have been the worst team in the NBA. Then again, it wasn't totally unexpected as it is a learning process in Philly. They have drafted well and have a good nucleus of young players who are developing into solid NBA players. One of those players is Jrue Holiday. Holiday's numbers have been good so far this season as he has averaged 13.9 points per game and 7.4 assists per season. Jrue would have been ranked higher except his team sucks and his turnovers are extremely high.
22. D.J. Augustin, Charlotte Bobcats
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The departure of Raymond Felton gave way this season for D.J. Augustin to emerge as the starting point guard in Charlotte. D.J has been really good this season which has been surprise but, unfortunately Charlotte hasn't been as good. Without Raymond Felton, Charlotte seems to have fallen apart. There isn't much to say really about Augustin as he has averaged 13.3 points per game and 7.3 assists per game.
21. Andre Miller, Portland Trail Blazers
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Andre Miller hasn't been that good this season and it has affected the team. Portland has been uncharacteristically mediocre this year and it is strange. Now, I am not going to blame Portland's troubles solely on Miller but it is his job to run the offense and it hasn't been that great. Andre's numbers have dipped a bit in the past few years and that has been expected. Miller is currently averaging 13.6 points per game and a decent 7.4 assists per game. He hasn't been bad, but he hasn't been good.
20. Darren Collison, Indiana Pacers
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I don't know if putting Collison this high in the rankings is a wise decision. But, Indiana has had success this season for the first time in a very long time and Collison has looked not bad on his return from injury. Even though his numbers don't reflect it, he is a great point guard and has been mostly responsible (and Danny Granger) for the success of the Pacers. Obviously, his numbers are going to get better and so far this season he has averaged 13.9 points per game and 4.9 assists per game.
19. Jameer Nelson, Orlando Magic
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In my opinion, Jameer Nelson is one of the most underrated point guards in the league, people don't seem to talk about his very often. Nelson has been consistent and when healthy has been one of the best point guards in the league. He has worked well with the Magic again this year and actually seems to be regaining his form. Nelson so far this year is averaging 14.6 points per game and 6.8 assists per game. Especially with the injuries to pieces like Vince Carter, the Magic need someone else to step up so it is likely that Nelson will only get better.
18. Mike Conley, Memphis Grizzlies
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Mike Conley is one of the better up and coming point guards in the league and isn't very well known. Conley is very young and has loads of talent and potential. He has had great numbers this season as he has averaged 14.2 points per game, 6.8 assists per game, and has contributed in steals and three pointers. Even though Conley has been good, his team, the Memphis Grizzlies have been pretty awful. Which is unfortunate because I really like the Memphis Grizzlies and think that soon enough they will be one of the best teams in the NBA.
17. Mo Williams, Cleveland Cavaliers
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The Cleveland Cavaliers were thought to be doomed when it was announced that LeBron James would not be returning. But, they have managed to stay competitive and have a chance to make the playoffs. Most of this would not be possible without Mo Williams who has returned from injury and has been pretty good since. So far, he has averaged 16.2 points per game and 5.4 assists per game. Williams has also been contributing with steals and of course his three pointers and can very well guide the Cavaliers to a playoff berth.
16. Brandon Jennings, Milwaukee Bucks
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Brandon Jennings came out of nowhere last year and was absolutely spectacular last year. He erupted during his rookie campaign and was good enough to lead the Milwaukee Bucks to an unprecedented playoff berth. Last year he was great, this year he has been OK. Brandon Jennings's point production has been good but his assists numbers are poor. So far he is averaging 17.8 points per game and a mediocre 5.8 assists per game. The Milwaukee Bucks have struggled this year and Jennings hasn't played the point very well in terms of "running" the offense.
15. Tyreke Evans, Sacramento Kings
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Tyreke Evans (like Jennings) had a breakout rookie campaign last year and was one of the best point guards in the NBA. This year has been a bit of a different story because of injuries and a suspension for Evans but in his return he has been fine. Sacramento if you are wondering hasn't been doing as good. So far this season Evans is averaging 17.4 points per game and 5.4 assists per game. Not bad, not bad, at all. It is important to note, that Evans seems to be becoming less and less of a point guard and more and more like a shooting guard.
14. Chauncey Billups, Denver Nuggets
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So, Chauncey Billups numbers haven't been as good as those of lets say Brandon Jennings. But, he has been a leader and a catalyst for the consistent Denver Nuggets. He has provided energy and passion even with his injuries this season. It is also because of those injuries that I have given leniency to Billups. If it wasn't for the injuries Billups would be so much better in terms of numbers. But, still, Billups has been good so far this season and has helped the Nuggets retain some form of dominance.
13. Rodney Stuckey, Detroit Pistons
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Rodney Stuckey has emerged as one of the more underrated and premier point guards in the NBA. Quietly and without attention Stuckey has been the lone bright spot on a god awful Detroit Pistons team that has been plagued by injuries and just hasn't been the same since Chauncey Billups left. So far this season, Stuckey is averaging 17.2 points per game and an OK 5.2 assists per game. The reason Stuckey is so high is because I think very highly of him. Like I said, he has been the one reason Detroit has managed to win any games.
12. John Wall, Washington Wizards
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John Wall has relatively large expectations going into this season being the number one overall pick and all. Lately he has been plagued by injuries that have kept him out for the last little while but, when he has played he has certainly lived up to the expectations. In his first season in the NBA John has been averaging 18 points per game, a really good 9.1 assists per game, 1 three pointer per game, and a jaw dropping 2.8 steals per game. Those are phenomenal numbers that he has put up and I pray that he can return from injury soon as he is one of the more enjoyable players to watch. It will not be long before John Wall cracks the top 10 point guard list.
11. Jason Kidd, Dallas Mavericks
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Jason Kidd has been one of the best point guards in the NBA over the course of his long and award filled career. He has had one of the best all around games and has lead the teams he has played for to victory on numerous occasions. Obviously, most players slow down with age and for Jason Kidd it has been no different. Although Kidd's points have taken a drop as he has only averaged 8 points per game, the rest of his numbers have been stellar as always. Mr.Consistent has also averaged 9.6 assists per game, 1.6 steals per game, and of course 1.8 three pointers per game. Not bad for the aging veteran who is still a leader wherever he goes and has been the key to the Dallas Mavericks success.
10. Devin Harris, New Jersey Nets
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Devin Harris's career really took off after joining the New Jersey Nets in 2007. Especially in 2008 when he averaged 20+ points per game and was one of the best in the league. Last year, slowed by injuries and surrounded by a bloody awful New Jersey Nets team, Harris didn't have the greatest of years. So far this season, Harris has rebounded and has looked great. He has averaged 18.2 points per game, 6.8 assists per game, 1 steals per game, and almost one three pointer a game so far. Some may find him ranked a little high but, I believe he is this good and I believe he can only get better and hopefully get New Jersey into the playoffs at some point in the future.
9. Tony Parker, San Antonio Spurs
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Tony Parker has been one of the better point guards in the NBA for quite awhile. Last season wasn't the best for Parker as he wasn't as good as he had been in the past and his position was threatened by the emergence of George Hill. This year though, Parker has regained his form and had lead the Spurs to a jaw dropping 13 consecutive victories before it came to an end just recently. So far this season, Parker as averaged 17.9 points per game, 7.4 assists per game, and a really strong 1.8 steals per game. I have always been high on Tony Parker's abilities but, he has been on my naughty list lately after messing up his marriage with the absolutely gorgeous Eva Longoria.
8. Raymond Felton, New York Knicks
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Raymond Felton has really had a great season this year with the New York Knicks. Felton didn't really have the greatest success in Charlotte but, was always a very talented player. He has been really strong and has lead the Knicks back into the playoff picture and has worked extremely well with Amar'e Stoudemire. He has averaged 18.1 points per game, 7.9 assists per game, 1.9 steals per game, and 1.8 three pointers per game. I was hesitant to put him this high but, I feel it is warranted.
7. Steve Nash, Phoenix Suns
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Steve Nash has been one of the most consistently great point guards in the NBA for a very long time. With the departure of Amar'e Stoudemire, the Phoenix Suns have struggled badly but, Steve Nash has tried to step it up. I would have liked to have Nash higher in the rankings but, there is a lot more talent ahead of him. Even if he is getting older, he has been great averaging 18.9 points per game, 9.6 assists per game, and a little more than a three pointer a game. Not bad numbers for someone who's team has struggled this year.
6. Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors
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The Golden State Warriors have been a much better team this year compared to years past. Last year, Stephen Curry was one of the best if not the best point guard in the NBA last season. His play has given hope to the dedicated Golden State Warriors fans who have been waiting for a savior. Curry has been really good this season averaging 20.1 points per game, his assist numbers have been down though with an alright 5.8 assists per game, an outstanding 2.3 steals per game, and an excellent 1.5 three pointers per game. Curry can only get better and will probably be number one on this list soon.
5. Chris Paul, New Orleans Hornets
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This ranking is going to draw the ire of all fans who read this article. Let me say, that I think Chris Paul is one of the most talented players in the world and he has been spectacular. This season, his numbers have taken a slight dip. What has been a surprise though, is that the New Orleans have been fantastic this season for the most part because of the added depth they acquired in the off-season. Paul has been good this season averaging 16.5 points per game, 10.3 assists per game, an outstanding 2.9 steals per game, and a decent 1.1 three pointers per game. In my mind though, there are four other point guards who are just a little bit better than Chris Paul, in my mind, at least at this point in time.
4. Rajon Rondo, Boston Celtics
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Rajon Rondo has been one of the best point guards in terms of assists in the NBA for the past few seasons. He has emerged as one of the best and has worked beautifully with the big three. The past two seasons, the Boston Celtics have gone to the NBA finals more or less because of Rondo. If Rondo scored more points he would definitely be number one. So far this year, Rondo has had some injury concerns but has been great as he has averaged 10.6 points per game, 14.2 assists per game, and 2.5 per game. He has been spectacular and if he continues like this the Celtics will almost certainly be in the NBA finals this year.
3. Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City Thunder
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Overshadowed by Kevin Durant and underrated by the fans and the media, Russell Westbrook has quietly emerged as one of the most exciting young point guards in the league. Westbrook often doesn't get the credit he deserves as it has Kevin Durant AND Russell who have turned the franchise around and into a winner. Some people may have a problem with this one, but if I could, I would put him higher. So far this season, Westbrook has averaged 23.8 points per game, an awesome 5.1 rebounds per game, 8.6 assists per game, and 2.2 steals per game. Amazing statistics for a point guard, simply amazing.
2. Derrick Rose, Chicago Bulls
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I was so very close to picking Derrick Rose as my number one, but I thought against it. Rose has been phenomenal this year as he has really improved from last season. He has lead the Bulls to the upper portion of the playoff standings even with injuries to stars like Carlos Boozer. He has done a fantastic job and is a shoe in for the all-star game. So far this season, he has averaged 26.6 points per game, 4.6 rebounds per game, 8.2 assists per game, 1 steal per game, and 1 three pointer per game. Without him, the Bulls would not be where they are right now.
1. Deron Williams, Utah Jazz
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There was no doubt in my mind that Deron Williams was number one on this list. He is the best point guard in the NBA and has been for a while. He has been one of the better all around point guards in the league and has been a true leader for a great Utah Jazz team. Even with the loss of Boozer in the off season Deron has stepped up his game yet again and has been the catalyst of a streak of games where the Jazz game back late when they were down by 20. This season he has averaged 21.9 points per game, 4.2 rebounds per game, 9.9 assists per game, 1.3 steals per game, and 1.6 three pointers per game so far this season. Absolutely spectacular numbers for an absolutely spectacular player.
Thanks for reading and feel free to comment below!
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