NBA: Power Ranking Each Team's Starting Point Guard by Potential

Today's NBA looks radically different from the NBA of just a few years ago. Suddenly, point guards are the hottest commodity on the market; teams salivate at the thought of drafting or signing a franchise floor general.

This is a list of each point guard that is presumed to start at that position for his team next year, ranked by his potential. I tried to look at which players had the best chance to dominate the league for the foreseeable future. I am only ranking starters, even though some back-ups may have more potential.

30. Jason Kidd, Dallas Mavericks

Age: 38

Statistics for 2010-11: 7.9 PPG, 8.2 APG, 4.4 RPG, 1.7 SPG

The banner in the picture could not be more appropriate for the 38-year-old Kidd. The time is indeed now, as Kidd is certainly not getting any younger.

A surefire Hall of Famer, Jason Kidd has definitely seen better days. Even though he will probably retire in the next couple of years, the Mavs have J.J. Barea and Roddy Beaubois waiting in the wings, so the future remains bright.

29. Derek Fisher, Los Angeles Lakers

Age: 36

Statistics for 2010-11: 6.8 PPG, 2.7 APG, 1.9 RPG, 1.2 SPG

The president of the NBA Player's Association, Fisher is one of the most widely-liked players around the league. However, he is also one of the worst starting point guards, and, at 36, it is likely that he will hang up his hat soon—so he can spend more time with his five rings.

28. Chauncy Billups, New York Knicks

Age: 34

Statistics for 2010-11: 16.8 PPG, 5.4 APG, 2.6 RPG, 1.0 SPG

Billups, traded at the deadline to the Knicks, is one person who I can see potentially staying on for another five years, hoping to win another ring.

He is a smart player, a clutch shooter and a leader. However, his body will catch up with him sooner or later, and I predict that it will be sooner.

27. Jameer Nelson, Orlando Magic

Age:  29

Statistics for 2010-11: 13.1 PPG, 6.0 APG, 3.0 RPG, 1.0 SPG

Although only 29, Nelson is cursed with just not being that good of a player—on not a very good team. I think that should Dwight be traded (which seems more likely every day), Jameer will lose the only person on his team worth passing to, and his numbers will plummet.

Add this to his history of injuries, and I don't see Nelson having much of an impact on the NBA world during the next few years.

26. Jose Calderon, Toronto Raptors

Age: 29

Statistics for 2010-11: 9.8 PPG, 8.9 APG, 3.0 RPG, 1.2 SPG

I actually think Calderon could have been a decent point guard in this league over the last few years, had he not been trapped in Toronto. He is a good shooter, especially from the stripe (98 percent in 2009!) and an above-average assist-man.

However, he turns 30 this September. I predict that he will continue to languish in Toronto for his career—unless this lockout forces him to play in his native Spain. 

25. Mo Williams, Los Angeles Clippers

Age: 28

Statistics for 2010-11: 14.0 PPG, 6.6 APG, 2.6 RPG, 0.9 SPG

As a Celtics fan, Mo Williams was never my favorite player. He put up his best numbers playing alongside LeBron and just looked lost without him—both in Cleveland and in LA.

I happen to think that he will lose the starting job to Eric Bledsoe this season, as Bledsoe fits the mold that the Clips are going for: young, athletic and fast. Williams doesn't seem to fit into their plans for the future.

24. Steve Nash, Phoenix Suns

Age: 37

Statistics for 2010-11: 14.7 PPG, 11.4 APG, 3.5 RPG, 0.6 SPG

Putting a 37-year-old who plays as hard as Nash this high might surprise some people, but I believe that Nash has a few more good years left in him. I mean, he led the league in assists this year, and it's not like he was passing to Amar'e or Shawn Marion. His best teammates were a 38-year-old Grant Hill and Marcin Gortat.

So, I believe that if Phoenix frees him to actually go play with a good team, Nash has more than enough gas left in the tank to be a serviceable point guard for years to come.

23. Jimmer Fredette, Sacremento Kings

Age: 22

Statistics for 2010-11 (NCAA): 28.9 PPG, 4.3 APG, 3.4 RPG, 1.3 SPG

This is of course assuming that Fredette starts for the Kings. I think that he probably will, if only to take advantage of Jimmermania.

I personally do not believe that he can make that much of an impact in the NBA. He will end up as the sixth man for some contender, but his starting job will be gone as soon as Jimmermania dies down.

22. Tony Parker, San Antonio Spurs

Age: 29

Statistics for 2010-11: 17.5 PPG, 6.6 APG, 3.1 RPG, 1.2 SPG

The Spurs dynasty that was so successful in the last decade will not be relevant in the decade to come. Parker's future with the team is uncertain, as trade rumors fly around him. He benefited greatly from the dominance of his team; if he is traded, his value and statistics will fall.

21. Devin Harris, Utah Jazz

Age: 28

Statistics for 2010-11: 15.2 PPG, 7.1 APG, 2.4 RPG, 1.0 SPG

Gone are the days when Harris was considered as the Next Big Thing. Instead, he is left as a floor general that is still super fast, but not much else. He is certainly not on the level that Deron Williams was, and the Jazz may want to try to get younger at the position, through a trade or the draft.

20. Kyle Lowry, Houston Rockets

Age: 25

Statistics for 2010-11: 13.5 PPG, 6.7 APG, 4.1 RPG, 1.4 SPG

After the trade that sent Aaron Brooks out of Houston, Lowry took over the job and performed admirably, even recording a triple double. He displayed speed, court vision and a reliable jump shot. I think he has a bright future, but will not be a star anytime soon.

19. Darren Collison, Indiana Pacers

Age: 23

Statistics for 2010-11: 13.2 PPG, 5.1 APG, 2.8 RPG, 1.1 SPG

After his transcendent performance the year before last as a backup to Chris Paul, Collison was traded to the Pacers. However, he floundered somewhat when asked to be the everyday starter. He is a very quick guard with good hands. If he can improve his jump shot, he could be a very good point guard in this league.

18. Brandon Jennings, Milwaukee Bucks

Age: 21

Statistics for 2010-11: 16.2 PPG, 4.8 APG, 3.7 RPG, 1.5 SPG

Jennings is undoubtedly a talented point guard. However, what is holding him back from reaching that upper echelon is his field-goal percentage. He is one of the least efficient shooters in the league. If he can fix that, it is entirely possible that he reaches the top 10. 

17. Mario Chalmers, Miami Heat

Age: 25

Statistics for 2010-11: 6.4 PPG, 2.5 APG, 2.1 RPG, 1.1 SPG

This is one selection that I predict will be controversial. I happen to be a fan of Chalmers. I think that he can become a good starting point guard, and fairly soon.

As long as he has the Big Three on his team, he will never put up huge numbers, but he could be an electrifying floor general as soon as next season.

16. Raymond Felton, Portland Trailblazers

Age: 27

Statistics for 2010-11: 15.5 PPG, 8.3 APG, 3.6 RPG, 1.7 SPG

I really liked the trade that brought Felton to Portland. It seems like I think this every year, but as long as the Blazers can stay healthy, they could be dangerous—the addition of Felton will only help.

Felton was having the best season of his career in New York with Amar'e before being traded to Denver. That proves to me that he can play effectively with LaMarcus Aldridge—another powerful, scoring power forward who excels at finishing alley-oops. I look for this team to push the tempo with Felton, Batum, Matthews and Aldridge.

15. Jeff Teague, Atlanta Hawks

Age: 23

Statistics for 2010-11: 5.2 PPG, 2.0 APG, 1.5 RPG, 0.6 SPG

Teague made the jump during this past offseason, going toe-to-toe against the MVP, Derrick Rose. He played solid defense and was a solid floor general. I really think that he is the point guard of the future for the Hawks, which is something they have been looking for for quite some time.

14. Mike Conley, Jr., Memphis Grizzlies

Age: 23

Statistics for 2010-11: 13.7 PPG, 6.5 APG, 3.0 RPG, 1.8 SPG

Following their upset of the one-seeded Spurs in the playoffs this year, the Grizzlies have become everyone's favorite underdog. Most of the credit has been given to Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol, and deservedly so, but Conley, too, deserves some praise. He blossomed this year into a legitimate NBA starter, after being prematurely pegged as a bust.

This year, and for years to come, the Grizzlies will be contenders—and much of that has to do with Conley.

13. Kemba Walker, Charlotte Bobcats

Age: 21

Statistics for 2010-11 (NCAA): 23.4 PPG, 4.3 APG, 5.2 RPG, 1.8 SPG

The Charlotte Bobcats came away as the biggest winners of the 2011 draft. They got rid of their aging star, who was an inefficient ball stopper, and they added Walker and Bismack Biyombo. These two together could be an incredible duo for Jordan's club.

Although Walker stands a bit short, he is a dynamic scorer, able to penetrate at will or pull up on a dime for a quick jump shot. It remains to be seen whether he can run the point in the NBA, but if he can, he may end up rising on this list. 

12. Jrue Holiday, Philadelphia 76ers

Age: 21

Statistics for 2010-11: 14.0 PPG, 6.5 APG, 4.0 RPG, 1.5 SPG

First of all, I would like to congratulate Mr. and Mrs. Holiday for winning the "Most Imaginative Spelling" award. Now, down to business. 

Holiday has all the tools to be an All-Star in this league. He has size, speed, a decent shooting stroke and a young, developing cast around him. I think that the Sixers should start Thaddeus Young next season, and they should either begin to utilize Evan Turner more, or trade him for a young, athletic wing. If they make these changes, Holiday could see his numbers spike, especially in the assists column. 

11. Ricky Rubio, Minnesota Timberwolves

Age: 20

Statistics for 2010-11 (Spanish ACB League): 4.8 PPG, 4.1 APG, 3.2 RPG, 1.6 SPG

I never quite jumped on the Rubio bandwagon like a lot of people, but his skills cannot be denied. He is a great passer and a decent slasher, and, despite his poor stats in the Spanish ACB League, I think he can make a splash in the NBA, especially after a few seasons of getting used to it.

Think of the fast breaks that team can run: Kevin Love ripping down boards, then throwing one of his trademark outlet passes to Rubio, who throws alley-oops to Derrick Williams or Michael Beasley. I'm getting chills just thinking about it.

10. Brandon Knight, Detroit Pistons

Age: 19

Statistics for 2010-11 (NCAA): 17.2 PPG, 4.2 APG, 4.0 RPG, 0.7 SPG

I was a huge fan of this pick for the Pistons. It allows them to move Rodney Stuckey to his real position (shooting guard), moves along their rebuilding process and gives them a player who can really do it all.

He is a good height for his position (6'3"), a solid on-ball defender and has a basketball IQ that's off the charts. Honestly, Knight was probably my favorite player in this year's draft and I see a bright future for him.

9. Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City Thunder

Age: 22

Statistics for 2010-11: 21.9 PPG, 8.3 APG, 4.6 RPG, 1.9 SPG

I think that many people would have put Westbrook higher on this list, and it's easy to see why. He is a super-fast point guard with unreal athleticism and an ever-improving jump shot. Some of the plays he makes around the basket are simply incredible, but I still think this is the place for him.

Westbrook's performance in the playoffs was frankly ridiculous, as he heaved up shot after shot without thinking of doing anything else. I think that he has the talent to be in the top one or two on this list, but he needs to work on trusting his teammates and finding the open man.

I mean, if you have the best scorer in the NBA, a once-in-a-generation talent, you should be striving as hard as you can to give him easy looks. Once Westbrook learns that, he will be a better point guard for it.

8. Rajon Rondo, Boston Celtics

Age: 25

Statistics for 2010-11: 10.6 PPG, 11.2 APG, 4.4 RPG, 2.2 SPG

I would like to preface this slide by saying that Rajon Rondo is probably my favorite player in the league today. He does everything well (except shoot, I know, settle down). So, putting him at No. 8 was hard for me.

However, looking ahead to the post-Big Three era in Boston, I have to think that while Rondo himself is supremely talented. Unless Dwight decides to come play at the TD Garden, Rondo is losing his best teammates. His numbers will most likely drop, although he will still be a top-ten point guard in the NBA.

7. Ty Lawson, Denver Nuggets

Age: 23

Statistics for 2010-11: 11.7 PPG, 4.7 APG, 2.6 RPG, 1.0 SPG

Ty Lawson has been one of my favorite players since the 2009 NCAA tournament, where he and Tyler Hansbrough led UNC to a championship.

He is short for his position, but strong and compact, able to bull through opponents and finish at the rim. I think that with Chauncy Billups and Raymond Felton both out of the picture in Denver, Lawson can become an All-Star-caliber point guard as soon as this year.

6. Kyrie Irving, Cleveland Cavaliers

Age: 19

Statistics for 2010-11 (NCAA): 20.5 PPG, 4.3 APG, 3.4 RPG, 1.5 SPG

Despite playing in just 11 games during his freshman year at Duke, Irving was the consensus No. 1 pick in the 2011 draft. He displayed great court vision and good hands, causing people to compare him to Chris Paul. He will be the block around which Cleveland attempts to rebuild their franchise—and his extremely high upside suggests that this could be somewhat successful.

5. Deron Williams, New Jersey Nets

Age: 27

Statistics for 2010-11: 20.1 PPG, 10.3 APG, 4.0 RPG, 1.2 SPG

Over the past few years, D Will has proven himself to be in the conversation for best point guard in the NBA. He is very strong for his size, allowing him to post up smaller guards and charge through bigger ones.

The future looks bright in New Jersey, as the team begins to look towards Brooklyn. With a full season of playing together, Williams' numbers will only increase.

4. Chris Paul, New Orleans Hornets

Age: 26

Statistics for 2010-11: 15.8 PPG, 9.8 APG, 4.1 RPG 2.4 SPG

Chris Paul has been, in my opinion, the best point guard in the league for the last four seasons. He has every possible tool that one could need in a floor general and he is supremely talented at each one of them.

The only reason he is this far down is the uncertainty about his future. It is clear that he will not be in New Orleans for long; the only question is where he will go and who he will be able to pass to. He has never had more than one above-average player on his team, and the prospect that he could have even more is frightening.

3. Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors

Age: 23

Statistics for 2010-11: 18.6 PPG, 5.8 APG, 3.9 RPG, 1.5 SPG

The time is ripe for Curry to break out from behind Monta Ellis and become a star in his own right. There has rarely been such a talented shooter in the league—a skill which, combined with above-average court vision and basketball IQ, will make Curry one of the top players in the league within two years. If the Warriors can buy into new coach Mark Jackson's defensive mindset, they might even start winning games, which could propel Curry even farther into stardom.

2. John Wall, Washington Wizards

Age: 20

Statistics for 2010-11: 16.4 PPG, 8.3 APG, 4.6 RPG, 1.8 SPG

It took John Wall a grand total of three NBA appearances before he had a game in which he recorded nine steals. He had a triple double with six steals in his sixth game. He was named the MVP of the Rookie Challenge and was the Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month from January to the end of the season. If Blake Griffin never existed, he would have been a lock for the Rookie of the Year award. And, he is only 20 years old. 

The Wizards have done a great job building a team around Wall, with the capabilities of running every other team out of the gym. Look for Wall to average a 25-11-6 with two steals within three years. That's how good this guy can be. 

1. Derrick Rose, Chicago Bulls

Age: 22

Statistics for 2010-11: 25.0 PPG, 7.7 APG, 4.1 RPG, 1.1 SPG

As a Celtics fan, the first time I got to really watch Derrick Rose play was during the first round of the playoffs in 2009. That series, one of the best all time, featured a Big Three without KG, a transcendent performance from Rajon Rondo and the Rookie of the Year, Derrick Rose. He was incredible; that series went to seven games, including four overtime games, and seven overtime periods.

Now, Rose has transformed into the MVP of the league, the unquestioned leader of the team with the best record in basketball and the point guard with the most potential.

He was always amazing at getting to the rim; now, he is the best finisher in the league. He always possessed a reliable mid-range jump shot; now, he can stretch back to beyond the three-point line. He was always a good passer; now, he can find open teammates at impossible angles.

The scary thing is, he is just beginning. Rose will, without a doubt, be the point guard who most imposes his will upon the next decade of NBA basketball—and it will indeed be a joy to watch.