NBA Playoffs 2011: Ranking Every Guard in the Playoffs
Guards in the NBA tend to determine the tempo in which a game will flow. Which Guards in the Playoffs will have the most bearing on their teams' success?
81. James Anderson (San Antonio Spurs)
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Don't expect to see much of this guy in the Playoffs. It's a long line of more deserving players to get playing time before James Anderson takes off his warm-ups.
80. Lance Stephenson (Indiana Pacers)
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I couldn't even find a good picture of Lance Stephenson in an Indiana Pacers jersey. He's definitely not going to get any run in the Playoffs.
79. Ish Smith (Memphis Grizzlies)
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Ish Smith is going to have to split a few minutes with Greivis Vasquez to give Mike Conley a breather
78. Greivis Vasquez (Memphis Grizzlies)
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The "shooter from Maryland" might see some time in the Playoffs, but with a matchup against the San Antonio Spurs. Greivis Vasquez' minutes will be very limited.
77. Jeff Teague (Atlanta Hawks)
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Jeff Teague is going to get playing time, but only to give Kirk Hinrich and Jamal Crawford some rest.
76. Jannero Pargo (Chicago Bulls)
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Jannero Pargo was a knock down shooter last year for the Bulls. This year.. not so much.
75. A.J. Price (Indiana Pacers)
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A.J. Price might get some playing time if both Darren Collison and T.J. Ford are tired. He's at 6.5 points per game, so he might be able to make an impact somehow.
74. Chris Duhon (Orlando Magic)
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Chris Duhon was a pretty decent Point Guard during his days as a New York Knick. He probably still is, but now that he's playing behind two better Guards; he won't see the time of day.
73. Anthony Carter (New York Knicks)
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Anthony Carter brings veteran wisdom and toughness to the New York Knicks. He's not too concerned with scoring, but if he has an obvious mismatch, he'll take advantage.
72. Roger Mason Jr. (New York Knicks)
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Roger Mason's productivity from the three-point line has blessed him with some additional playing time. Maybe he'll get some more in the Playoffs.
71. Avery Bradley (Boston Celtics)
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Avery Bradley might see some time behind Rondo if the Celtics are blowing the Knicks out.
70. Xavier Henry (Memphis Henry)
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Xavier Henry shoots 12 percent from downtown. That's almost as bad as Andre Miller and Rajon Rondo. He can dunk the ball, but at 4.8 points per game, Henry needs to add more to his offensive repertoire before he can move up on my list.
69. Jarrett Jack (New Orleans Hornets)
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Jarrett Jack is a great backup Point Guard and, in my eyes, could start for some teams. He has pretty good passing skills, he handles the ball fairly well, and he's scoring 8.9 points per game. Jack can also hit a few threes if he's wide open.
68. Patrick "Patty" Mills (Portland Trail Blazers)
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Patty Mills is one of the more underrated Point Guards in the NBA. His passing skills may need some developing, but he's a great shooter and plays decent defense. Except when he's guarding Chris Paul.. or Russell Westbrook.. or any other quick Point Guard in the NBA.
67. Keith Bogans (Chicago Bulls)
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Keith Bogans is a defense first player. He's not very offensively inclined, so he gets garbage buckets along with the occasional three-pointer. His defense is what gets him playing time with the Chicago Bulls.
66. Steve Blake (Los Angeles Lakers)
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Steve Blake can shoot the lights out of the Staples Center on a good day. On a bad day.. Well, you see the picture.
65. Von Wafer (Boston Celtics)
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Von Wafer is a great scorer. He can shoot the three and finish at the rim. But on defense... Let's just say Kobe would begin salivating.
64. Eric Maynor (Oklahoma City Thunder)
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Since Nate Robinson arrived in Oklahoma City, Eric Maynor's been relatively quiet. I'd be quiet, too, if I lost my role player position to a newcomer.
63. Dahntay Jones (Indiana Pacers)
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Dahntay Jones is a lockup Shooting Guard. He gives his defenders zero breathing room and forces them to pick up their dribble and pass the ball. He can't shoot the three, so he gets his 6.3 points per game attacking the basket.
62. Carlos Arroyo (Boston Celtics)
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Carlos Arroyo is a great shooting Point Guard. He helps give this Boston team different look when Rondo sits down with his ability to knock down open threes.
61. Daequan Cook (Oklahoma City Thunder)
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Daequan Cook will shoot from 30 feet out with ridiculous confidence. If I was shooting 42 percent from the 3-point line, I would do the same thing.
60. C.J. Watson (Chicago Bulls)
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Derrick Rose is going to need to play at least 45 minutes each night to get wins in the Playoffs. Sorry C.J. Watson, but your 39 percent three-point shooting might have to sit this one out.
59. Evan Turner (Philadelphia 76ers)
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Evan Turner was the biggest disappointment of the Draft. He was drafted with the second overall pick and only averaged seven points a game. But to get past Miami, Philly will need every point they can get.
58. T.J. Ford (Indiana Pacers)
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T.J. Ford's spotlight was completely stolen when Darren Collison came through. Not only is he not the starting Point Guard, but Ford isn't even the fastest player on the team anymore. T.J. needs to take this opportunity to show Darren Collison who's boss.
57. Corey Brewer (Dallas Mavericks)
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The man known for completely annihilating Derek Fisher, Corey Brewer has taken advantage of his minutes in Dallas. He's averaging eight points per game, and he's not much of a shooter, but if you watch the video you'll see what he can do.
56. Brandon Rush (Indiana Pacers)
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Brandon Rush is actually shooting 41.7 percent from three. He's going to have to knock down shot after shot to try and match Derrick Rose and the rest of the Chicago Bulls' roster.
55. Jodie Meeks (Philadelphia 76ers)
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At 10.5 points per game, Jodie Meeks is more important to the Sixers than I anticipated. He's shooting just about 40 percent from downtown, making him an asset that Philly needs to abuse.
54. Eddie House (Miami Heat)
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Eddie House is a clutch shooter. He's not afraid to shoot the ball, under any circumstances, and his 39 percent shooting from deep shows how successful he is from there. Look for him to hit at least a couple big shots for the Heat in the Playoffs.
53. Rudy Fernandez (Portland Trail Blazers)
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Not only is Rudy Fernandez a pest on defense, but he shoots 32 percent from three and averages 8.2 points and 1.1 steals per game. A productive bench player, Fernandez will have to guard the best of the best for the Portland Trail Blazers.
52. Mario Chalmers (Miami Heat)
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Mario Chalmers knows how to play some defense. His minutes have decreased a bit with the arrival of Mike Bibby, but he's still shooting 36 percent from downtown.
51. Ronnie Brewer (Chicago Bulls)
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Ronnie Brewer is another player that Chicago uses for strictly defense. At 22 percent from downtown, his offense is limited to inside scoring, which only enables him to score about six points per game.
50. J.J. Redick (Orlando Magic)
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After a rough start to his career, J.J. Redick is finally starting to develop into the NBA player that everyone's been waiting for. He's always had the jumper, but now he's developing some ball handling skills and some wisdom that comes from playing in the NBA for awhile. He looks like a more confident basketball player, and his 10.1 points per game on 40 percent shooting from downtown shows it.
49. Marco Belinelli (New Orleans Hornets)
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Marco Belinelli is shooting 41 percent from deep and scoring 10.5 points per game. New Orleans should give Willie Green the start over him because of his lack of versatility on defense.
48. Mike Miller (Miami Heat)
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Mike Miller missed a few clutch shots as a member of the Heat, but he's still a knock down shooter that will make some key shots for Miami in the Playoffs.
47. Paul George (Indiana Pacers)
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Paul George does a little bit of everything. He shoots the three, plays some D, and attacks the basket. It's that kind of versatility that gets him playing time.
46. Gary Neal (San Antonio Spurs)
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Gary Neal had a breakout rookie season. After going undrafted, the San Antonio Spurs picked him up in the free agency, and what a find. Neal shot 42 percent from deep on the season, and he's looking to carry his productivity to the Playoffs.
45. Nate Robinson (Oklahoma City Thunder)
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Nate Robinson's been pretty quiet, coming off of a knee injury. But now that he's back, Robinson looks to bring his instant offense to Oklahoma City just in time.
44. Kyle Korver (Chicago Bulls)
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Kyle Korver used to be just a straight up shooter. Now, not only can he consistently knock down the three, but he can put the ball on the ground and knock down mid range shots, too.
43. Lou Williams (Philadelphia 76ers)
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At 13.7 points per game, Lou Williams is beginning to develop into a great Point Guard. He can shoot the ball, now if he can work on his passing and play making skills; Williams might find himself a starting role somewhere.
42. Willie Green (New Orleans Hornets)
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Coach Monty Williams needs to make a clutch decision and insert Willie Green into the starting lineup. Not only can he shoot nearly as well as Marco Belinelli, but he brings some more athleticism and quickness into the Shooting Guard position.
41. Thabo Sefalosha (Oklahoma City Thunder)
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Thabo Sefalosha is definitely one of the top three defenders in the NBA. He leaves no breathing room for his man, and makes passing the ball harder than shooting it. His offense is limited to the foul line and in, but he doesn't need to score with Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook on the team.
40. DeShawn Stevenson (Dallas Mavericks)
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DeShawn Stevenson is just like Thabo Sefolosha, except he led the NBA in three-point field goals at one point this season. An emphatic dunker, Stevenson's scoring will be utilized when Dallas plays Portland in the first round.
39. Sam Young (Memphis Grizzlies)
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Sam Young is one of those glue guys for the Memphis Grizzlies. He can knock down the occasional three pointer, but he gets his points mainly off of garbage buckets and rebounds. Young earns himself playing time by hustling for the ball and filling in wherever the coach needs him to.
38. J. J. Barea (Dallas Mavericks)
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J.J. Barea is definitely the heir to Jason Kidd's throne. He can already shoot the ball. Now if he can just bring his assists up from three per game, he could be looking at a starting role in the near future.
37. Jrue Holiday (Philadelphia 76ers)
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Jrue Holiday could be a much better PG. He's only averaging 14 points and 6.5 assists per game, but he has the potential to be a great floor general. Holiday's also averaging 1.5 steals per game.
36. Kirk Hinrich (Atlanta Hawks)
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I still stand by my prediction that Kirk Hinrich was a huge mistake. He's only averaging eight points and three assists as a Hawk.
Those are role player numbers.
To me, he's an average shooter and a sub-par play maker. Jamal Crawford should see a lot of time at the Point Guard position.
35. Toney Douglass (New York Knicks)
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Toney Douglass' got the scoring part down. At 10.6 points per game and 37 percent from three, Douglass needs to learn how to make plays and effectively distribute the ball before his play can be taken to the next level.
34. Mike Bibby (Miami Heat)
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Miami lucked out by getting Mike Bibby off of Atlanta and Washington. A knock down shooter, Bibby was the missing piece to the puzzle in South Beach. Now that he's there, Miami could steamroll over much of the competition.
33. Jason Richardson (Orlando Magic)
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Simply put; Jason Richardson does not belong in Orlando. As a member of the Magic, J-Rich's numbers are at a career-low: 13.9 points and 1.1 steals per game. He's still shooting 38 percent from downtown, and I think he still has the capacity to explode for at least one game in the Playoffs.
32. Derek Fisher (Los Angeles Lakers)
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Derek Fisher is like the Point Guard version of Robert Horry. He's quiet throughout 82 games, and then once the Playoffs come around; he's a different person. Fisher is undoubtedly going to bail the Lakers out of a few games in their quest to three-peat.
31. Darren Collison (Indiana Pacers)
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After a breakout season with the New Orleans Hornets, Darren Collison's future looked as bright as possible. 13 points and five rebounds are decent for a second year Guard, but as the leader of the team, Collison's going to need to do more in the Playoffs to get his squad out of the first round.
30. George Hill (San Antonio Spurs)
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George Hill is your prototypical combo Guard. He possesses the passing ability to run the Point and the scoring ability to run the Two. At 11.6 points per game, Hill brings a spark off the bench that the Spurs will need. Especially now that Ginobili is suffering from a hyper-extended elbow.
29. Rodrigue "Roddy Buckets" Beaubois (Dallas Mavericks)
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Roddy Buckets numbers have dropped this season because of his earlier injury, but he's still a threat from deep. He can put points on the board in a hurry and is expected to start for Dallas come Playoff time.
28. Tony Allen (Memphis Grizzlies)
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Tony Allen is really a success story, After O.J. Mayo failed to maintain his starting position, Allen stepped in and played purely phenomenal. His season numbers don't reflect his performance of late, but he averaged 14 and 11.5 points in March and February, respectively.
Tony Allen's range is severely restricted, but he gets his points by slashing to the basket and finishing with authority. The best part of his game is his defense. My selection for the Shooting Guard on the NBA All Defensive Team, Allen averages 1.8 steals per game and shuts down whoever his assignment is.
27. O.J. Mayo (Memphis Grizzlies)
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After two beautiful years to jumpstart his career, O.J. Mayo took a huge step backwards this season. At 11.3 points per game, Mayo's scoring completely plummeted, and his field goal percentage and three-point percentage did the same. But O.J.'s still got some fire in him. I think he'll come away with at least two big games in the upcoming series against San Antonio.
26. Landry Fields (New York Knicks)
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Landry Fields was my third choice for Rookie of the Year behind Blake Griffin and John Wall. At 9.7 points per game, Fields can knock down the three and attack the basket. But the best part of his game is his rebounding.
Fields leads all Guards in the NBA with 6.4 rebounds per game. His activity on the boards earned him the nickname "Muddy Fields," coined by Spike Lee because he's not afraid to get dirty to get the ball.
25. James Harden (Oklahoma City Thunder)
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The man known for his massive beard, James Harden is a spark of offense off the bench for the Oklahoma City Thunder. Though he's not as defensively inclined as Thabo Sefolosha, once Harden gets on the court, it's full speed ahead. Shooting 35 percent from three, Harden averages 12.1 points per game.
24. J.R. Smith (Denver Nuggets)
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J.R. Smith is a high-octane scorer that can shoot his team in or out of a game. He shoots 39 percent from downtown, and when he gets going, there's no stopping him. But he also tends to make terrible shot decisions and when he's cold. At 12.3 points per game, Denver will need J.R. to explode at least once for 25 or more to keep the Oklahoma City Thunder pacified in a seven-game series.
23. Wesley Matthews (Portland Trail Blazers)
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Every member of the Portland Trail Blazers' front office needs to be offered a new contract for finding Wesley Matthews in the offseason. In the absence of Brandon Roy, Matthews has exceeded expectations, averaging 15.9 points per game. He's become an assassin from long range, shooting 40 percent from three, and he's made a name for himself by being able to finesse his way through defenders and score at the basket. If Brandon Roy doesn't show up during the Playoffs, Wes Matthews will have to fill his shoes.
22. Ty Lawson (Denver Nuggets)
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Ty Lawson is a Shooting Guard in a Point Guard's body. Averaging 11.7 points and 4.7 assists per game, Lawson's game revolves around getting open shots and attacking the rim, where he can pass or finish in midair. Lawson is shooting 50 percent from the field and 40 percent from three. An efficient scorer, the Nuggets will need all of Ty Lawson's points to fend off the Thunder in the first round.
22. Gilbert Arenas (Orlando Magic)
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Do you remember the Agent Zero days? The days when Gilbert Arenas would come up court with two seconds left and put up a 30-foot three-pointer knowing that it was money; those were the good days.
Arenas is a scoring Point Guard. He's built to be the number one option on a team. Right now, he's not even in the starting lineup for the Magic. A lot of people are counting him out, but I think he has a few more huge games left in him before he leaves Orlando. Gilbert always shows up when the game is on the line, so maybe Agent Zero could return in the flesh for one more stint in a Magic jersey.
21. Andre Miller (Portland Trail Blazers)
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Andre Miller is an old school, bully-ball basketball player. Like Joe Johnson, Miller uses his body to overpower smaller Guards in the post. His range is severely limited, as he shoots 10 percent from three-point land, but he's money from the foul line extended, and he knows how to get shots up in traffic.
Miller's averaging 12.7 points and seven assists per game, but it's his veteran wisdom that will help the Blazers get out of the first round against the Dallas Mavericks. He's also bound to explode for another 55-point game. He did it last year; he can do it again.
20. Shannon Brown (Los Angeles Lakers)
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Shannon Brown could start for almost any other team in the NBA. He may only be averaging 8.7 points, but he does a little bit of everything. His versatility at the Shooting Guard position earned him the catchphrase, "What Can Brown Do For You?" Brown can knock down the three, attack the basket where we all know he can finish over anyone, and hit the mid range.
20. Mike Conley (Memphis Grizzlies)
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Averaging 13.7 points and 6.5 assists this season, Mike Conley's numbers have gotten progressively better throughout his four year career. His points are not enough to keep the Grizzlies afloat against the San Antonio Spurs though. If he really wants to help his team, Conley will lock down Tony Parker, but that's not very likely to happen.
19. Raymond Felton (Denver Nuggets)
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After an All Star caliber start to the season with the New York Knicks, Raymond Felton was traded to the Denver Nuggets where his numbers have plummeted. Having to share the spotlight with Ty Lawson, Felton's numbers have dropped to a menial 11.5 points and 6.5 assists per game. His shooting from three has increased to 46 percent, and the two Point Guards playing together seem to be Denver's best back court.
18. Aaron Afflalo (Denver Nuggets)
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"Aaron Afflalo is an assassin!"
These were the words commentator Marv Albert spoke after Aaron Afflalo hit a game-winning, buzzer-beating jumper against the Dallas Mavericks in early February.
Aaron Afflalo is, hands down, the second best shooter in the NBA. He'll make you pay from three, from mid range, and from the foul line. The guy shoots 42 percent from deep and 50 percent from the field, earning him my nickname, "The Assassin."
The best thing about Aaron Afflalo is his lock down defense. He might only average 0.5 steals per game, but Afflalo completely shuts down opponents. He watches their every move and cuts off any lanes they might try to drive. If he can put the clamps on Kevin Durant or Russell Westbrook, the Nuggets might have this series in the bag.
17. Jason Terry (Dallas Mavericks)
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Jason "The Jet" Terry is a knock down shooter; no question about it. He may only be shooting 36 percent from downtown, but when it matters most, it's always going in. His mid range jumper is impeccable, which is where most of his 15.8 points per game come from. Terry is also averaging 1.1 steals per game, getting it done on both sides of the floor.
16. Brandon Roy (Portland Trail Blazers)
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After undergoing dual arthroscopic knee surgery, Brandon Roy is still working his way back to 100 percent health. Everyone's counted him out, but he's had a 21-point game and an 18-point game since his return. Not to mention, Coach McMillan isn't playing him over 20 minutes a night. As soon as coach decides to cut the leash, I think Roy will have something in store for the Dallas Mavs in the first round.
15. Jameer Nelson (Orlando Magic)
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Jameer Nelson was the second most important player, behind Dwight Howard, on the Orlando Magic team that made it to the NBA Finals a couple years ago. Having to share playing time with Gilbert Arenas, Nelson is only averaging 13 points and six assists each night. His three point shooting, however, has increased to 40 percent. Maybe Stan Van Gundy should consider playing Arenas at the two and Nelson at the one, docking some of J-Rich's unproductive minutes.
14. Jason Kidd (Dallas Mavericks)
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Jason Kidd is, somehow, still getting it done. He may only be averaging eight points and eight assists, but he scores timely buckets and sets his teammates up to score. He's one of the most unselfish players in the NBA and he's got veteran numbers to show for it. But now that we're in the Playoffs, it's time for him to crank his scoring up just a little bit.
13. Jamal Crawford (Atlanta Hawks)
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After winning the Sixth Man of the Year last season, Jamal Crawford finds his numbers lower this year. At 14.3 points per game, Crawford's scoring is actually at its lowest since his 2003-2004 season with the Chicago Bulls. Regardless of the season he's having, Crawford was never the type to shy away from the big shot. He is definitely going to hit at least one game-tying or winning shot before this series is over.
12. Ray Allen (Boston Celtics)
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How does Ray Allen do it?
At 35 years old, the guy is still scoring at an incredible rate. Allen's averaging 16.5 points per game on 44.5 percent from three; a career-high percentage for the best three-point shooter that the NBA's ever seen. It still baffles me how defenders can let a knock-down shooter like him get open.
Ray Allen is going to hit big shots, time after time, in the Playoffs to help his team get back to the Finals once again.
11. Andre Iguodala (Philadelphia 76ers)
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Andre Iguodala has been in the slump of slumps this season. He's averaging a mediocre 14.1 points per game; the lowest he's scored for four years. A former All Star, Iguodala needs to step his game up for the Playoffs. Everyone knows he shines when the pressure is on. It's crunch time now; will he fold under the pressure?
10. Tony Parker (San Antonio Spurs)
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Tony Parker is a difference maker. Point Blank Period.
With all this talk about his contract expiring in the offseason, Parker could instantly make any team a playoff contender. Though his numbers are a bit lower than earlier in his career, he's still getting the job done with 17.6 points, 6.6 assists, 3 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game.
Tony Parker attacks the paint with ease, and when he gets there, he always knows what to do with the ball. He draws the foul, finds the open man, or finesses the ball into the hole every trip. And once you factor in his mid range jumper, Parker becomes even more difficult to guard. Mike Conley is going to get abused every trip. Coach Lionell Hollins of the Memphis Grizzlies should consider putting Tony Allen on Tony Parker.
9. Chauncey Billups (New York Knicks)
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Mr. Big Shot!
After a few lackluster games of adjusting to the New York Knicks and how they run their offense, Chauncey Billups has started to show shades of the championship Detroit Pistons Point Guard. He's knocking down "big shots" and giving this Knicks team the boost they needed.
Billups' numbers have actually increased since he's become a Knick. He's averaging 17.5 points, 5.5 assists, 3.1 rebounds and 0.9 steals per game. His shooting percentages have slightly dropped, but everyone under D'Antoni's offense has a slight setback in that category. He's still a deadly shooter at 40 percent on the season, and he'll still knock down free throws every trip, shooting 90 percent at the line.
He's not named Mr. Big Shot for no reason either. Chauncey Billups always shows up in late game situations, ESPECIALLY in the playoffs. Time after time, Billups bails his team out by knocking down a clutch shot. Even with a defender breathing down his neck, Big Shot Billups remains cool, calm, and collected while he knocks down the tough shots. Playing against the Boston Celtics in the Playoffs, you can put your money on Billups for at least one game-tying or winning jumper.
8. Joe Johnson (Atlanta Hawks)
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Take of the headband Joe!
I don't know what it is, but this season when Joe Johnson put on that headband, his numbers seemed to have decreased significantly. He's not the same player he was in past years. It must be the headband putting a strain on his brain.
Johnson's 2010-2011 averages are the lowest they've been in five years; every last one of them. He's at a mediocre 18.5 points, 4.7 assists, 4.1 rebounds, 1.8 steals, and 0.7 blocks per game. Well, those aren't mediocre, but for a player of his status, he's not playing up to his six-year, $119 million contract.
But nevertheless, Joe Johnson is the leader of this Atlanta Hawks team, and if they're going to succeed in the Playoffs he has to be the one to step up in critical moments. No matter what his numbers are, Johnson is still one of the smartest players in the game. He bullies smaller guards by posting them up from the three-point line every trip, and and can consistently knock down mid range jumpers. Johnson's also got underrated passing abilities and he's a better perimeter defender than people give him credit for.
As a huge Atlanta Hawks fan, I really expect to see Johnson shine in the first round against Orlando. Jason Richardson simply cannot guard him, and if he doesn't exploit the lack of defense he will see against the Magic, the Hawks won't win. Expect Johnson's points and assists to skyrocket come Playoff time.
7. Rajon Rondo (Boston Celtics)
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If Kevin Love wasn't already known as "The Double-Double Machine," Rajon Rondo would own that title. He's not worried about scoring in the least bit. His game is distributing the ball and setting up his teammates for great shots. His stats reflect his unselfishness, and that's what earns him a top 10 position on my list.
Rondo is averaging less points than assists, and they're both in double digits. 10.6 points, 11.2 assists, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.3 steals are numbers that veteran Point Guards like Steve Nash and Jason Kidd aspire towards. Everyone knows he can't shoot to save his life, so what he does is set his teammates up to do the scoring for him. Defenders play off of him knowing that he's as threatening as a lamb from the three-point line, but he's got the speed to blow by and the court vision to make a pass in traffic.
6. Russell Westbrook (Oklahoma City Thunder)
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It broke my heart to put Russell Westbrook over Rajon Rondo, but Westbrook is playing purely exceptional this season. He took a big step up in almost every category, and his team is reaping the benefits as the No. 4 seed in the West. Last season, Westbrook played off of Kevin Durant and put up 16.1 points, 8.0 assists, 1.3 steals, and 4.8 rebounds per game. This season, he's become a primary scoring option. His stats have skyrocketed to 21.9 points, 8.2 assists, 1.9 steals, and 4.7 rebounds (the only stat that decreased) per game.
Even his shooting percentages increased, all around! Westbrook's three-point percentage shot up from a lowsy 22 percent to a tremendous 33 percent. His free throw shooting went from 78 percent to 84 percent, and his shooting from the field increased from 41.8 to 44 percent. Durant's work ethic must have rubbed off on him because those are the progressive numbers of a hard-working, diligent NBA player.
Russell Westbrook now shares the spotlight with Kevin Durant. What was once a monopoly has become a partnership. The pair have become a two-headed beast that have annihilated everything in their path. You can even see it in late-game situations. Where Durant would've gotten the ball 100 percent of the time, Westbrook has swooped in and has began to prove his worth to the great Oklahoma City fans. A star in the making, Westbrook is showing out and will become one of the most dominant Point Guards in the NBA for years to come.
5. Chris Paul (New Orleans Hornets)
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Chris Paul is arguably the best Point Guard in the NBA. After suffering a scary concussion at the end of last season that sidelined him for nearly a month, CP3 made a huge comeback. His numbers were down in almost every category from his past three seasons -- all of which he was averaging a double-double -- but he's still one of the toughest players to guard in the NBA.
Paul is averaging 16 points, 9.8 assists, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.4 steals per game. He's shooting 39 percent from downtown and 87 percent from the line. CP3 is dangerous from everywhere on the court. He can attack the rim starting at the opposite baseline. With one of the quickest first steps in the game, Paul can create a shot with ease and in a timely fashion. And when he attacks the basket, he attacks whoever's down low. He'll put up a floater every now and again, but for the most part, if Paul is attacking the basket he wants the foul.
The most vital piece to the New Orleans Hornets franchise, Chris Paul is the only way they can prosper in the postseason. But as the eighth seed going forward, it's not looking too bright for their future. And with Paul contemplating playing with Michael Jordan and the Charlotte Bobcats next season, the Hornets could miss the Playoffs for years to come.
4. Manu Ginobili (San Antonio Spurs)
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Manu Ginobili is too important to the San Antonio Spurs' success to be placed any lower than fourth on the list. His European style of play mixed with his intensity and skill level makes him one of the toughest players to guard in the NBA.
What's so good about Manu? He's not lightning quick, he's always getting hurt, why so high?
He's just so good at what he does. You can't leave him open because he'll hit an open shot from anywhere inside of the hash mark near the half court line. He can take you off the dribble and finish at the hole in a myriad of ways. And then you can't foul him because he shoots 87 percent from the line. When the game is on the line, Ginobili never fails to show up.
Manu might only average 17.1 points per game, but when you look at all the weapons that the Spurs have -- Parker, Duncan, Jefferson, etc. -- that's all he needs to put up for the team to win. Plus he can distribute the ball and he buckles down on defense. Ginobili averages five assists and 1.6 steals per game. He's your Mr. Do It All.
3. Dwyane Wade (Miami Heat)
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The Flash himself ranks third among the top Guards in the Playoffs this offseason. What can't the guy do? Besides knocking down a consistent three-point shot, Dwyane Wade is a beast on the offensive end and a shutdown player on defense. We all know what he did to Anderson Varejao last season, and he's capable of doing that to any and everyone that stands in his way.
Wade's got a streaky but somewhat efficient mid range jumper, but he has the ability to put the ball on the floor and blow by any defender in his path. He can also create jumpers with his flashy handles and knock down tough shots night-in and night-out. If the Heat are going to get past the New York Knicks in the first round, Wade is going to have to step up and make big plays, especially down the stretch. We haven't even gotten to his stats yet!
Wade is fourth in the NBA in scoring, averaging 25.5 points per game. He's had 25 30+ point games, including a season-high 45-point outing in a victory over Houston in late December. He's essentially filling up the stat sheet, averaging 6.4 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 1.1 blocks, and 1.5 steals per game. One of the more complete 2-Guards in the game, Wade is at the prime of his career and will be a threat to the playoff security of whatever team he plays against.
2. Derrick Rose (Chicago Bulls)
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The runaway candidate for MVP, Derrick Rose finds himself ranking second among Guards in the Playoffs. With 25 points, 7.7 assists, and 4.4 rebounds each night, Rose is a nightmare to guard. He's single-handedly put the Chicago Bulls on his back and brought them to the best record in the NBA at 61-21.
Rose has also worked on his three-point jumper, increasing his percentage to 33 percent this season. His quickness allows him to penetrate the defense without breaking a sweat, and he always finishes at the hole. His mid range jumper is consistent, and now that he's incorporated a three-pointer to his game, Derrick Rose is virtually un-guardable.
However, Rose doesn't have the supporting cast to make it to the NBA Finals. He's got Carlos Boozer and a rusty Joakim Noah, but his bench isn't strong enough to get by teams like Boston or Orlando in a seven-game series. Rose will have to score at least 30 points every night in further rounds to give his team a chance at making the Finals. But as for the first round against the Pacers; he won't even break a sweat.
1. Kobe Bryant (Los Angeles Lakers)
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First off, anyone who can make a circus shot like this has to be number one on the list.
There is no argument. Kobe Bryant is still the best player in the NBA, hands down. He's 32 years old and still finding ways to put the ball in the basket. He's averaging 25.2 points per game, ranking second among all Guards and sixth in the NBA. Not to mention he's first in the NBA in Points Per 48 Minutes with 35.8.
Come on, the guy is a surefire Hall of Famer. The fourth quarter is his second home; he lives there. You can be 100 percent sure that if there's less than five seconds left, the ball is going to Kobe's hands. He's going to score, and there's nothing anyone can do about it.
The Black Mamba will always hold the coveted No. 1 spot among players in the NBA, especially Guards. Think about everything he does:
- He shoots the mid range
- He attacks the basket
- He finishes at the basket
- He shoots the three
- He shoots and makes contested jumpers
- He makes contact layups
- He can post up and score
- He makes circus shots
I mean, the list goes on and on; the guy does everything. As much as you might not like him, you have to respect his game. The man has skill beyond comprehension. Look for his Point Per Game average to skyrocket when the playoffs come around.
In the past two championship runs that the Lakers have gone on, Kobe's scoring in the Playoffs was higher than that of the regular season. Will we see this Kobe during the Playoffs this season, as well?
