The point guard position is arguably the most important position in the NBA. Most teams depend on their point guards to either run their offense or help facilitate it when paired with a scoring guard. Last year’s top 10 NBA point guards list created some controversy when Kemba Walker was left outside of the top 10.
I create these lists with a few factors in mind: Their past and recent performances, health, skill, impact on winning, my opinions of them, all combined with how I project them to perform this season.
Here are my top 10 point guards for the 2019-2020 NBA season:
1.Steph Curry- Golden State Warriors
Michael Jordan might not think he is worth of the hall of fame just yet. However, he is still ranked no.1 on my list. Curry has maintained his ability to efficiently score and facilitate the basketball as a member of an elite offensive group year after year. With the absence of Thompson and the departure of Durant, he will have to step it up more than he ever has. As long as Curry remains healthy, I’m confident that is is able to deliver.
2. Russell Westbrook- Houston Rockets
Russell Westbrook has been the target of many critics due to his efficiency. However, I believe that his efficiency is the only thing holding him back from the no.1 spot. Similar to Steph Curry, he proved an ability to make his teammates better last season, which was evident in Paul George’s MVP caliber season. I believe Westbrook’s energy will help elevate the Houston Rockets to the next level. Everyone is projecting Russ to make Harden worse. I’m scared of the potential that Russ might make Harden just a tad bit better.
3. Damian Lillard- Portland Trail Blazers
Each season, countless NBA fans count out the Trail Blazers. The Blazers have been a surprisingly stellar regular season team for the past couple of seasons, and that starts with Damian Lillard. Lillard is a gifted scoring point guard with a respectable flare to his game. He is also, in my opinion, the most clutch player we have in today’s NBA. I have been saying that for years. If I need a bucket, I’m choosing Lillard over anyone in today’s NBA.
4. Kyrie Irving- Brooklyn Nets
As much as it ails to rank Irving so highly, as a Celtics fan, there is no denying how gifted Irving is at the game of basketball. In his defense, his game is similar to some of the more ball dominant players around the NBA and the Celtics were not built to accomodate his preferred play style. The Nets, on paper, seem to be a better fit for his play style. Hopefully that will reflect on the court.
5. Ben Simmons- Philadelphia 76ers
Ben Simmons does a lot of things really well to help compensate for his glaring weaknesses. Up until this point, Simmons hasn’t made the best decisions in the clutch. He also has not shown an ability to shoot the basketball. Tough playoff losses often help improve great players. We have also seen multiple signs that he is committed to developing a jump shot. Simmons should take a leap next season.
6. Chris Paul- Oklohoma City Thunder
This is a pick that could either elevate in the rankings, or significantly drop, based on how the season plays out. There is no doubt that Paul is one of the greatest point guards of all time. Per Sources followers know that I have never been a big fan of Paul due to his lack of success in the post season. His desire to help the Thunder, and possibility of being traded, will help determine where Paul is ranked come mid season.
7. Michael Conley Jr.- Utah Jazz
The Jazz are a great fit and a breath of fresh air for a guard that has had to deal with injuries as a member of a tanking Memphis Grizzlies franchise. A very competitive Jazz team lead by their head coach Quin Snyder should help Conley Jr. remind NBA fans how good he is and how much better he makes his teammates around him. Trust me, even the Jazz would rather have Conley Jr. over Kemba Walker and potentially even Kyrie Irving.
8. Jamal Murray- Denver Nuggets
Last year’s list created outrage when I ranked Murray over Walker. In all honesty, I have strongly debated ranking Murray even higher on this year’s list. Murray was the second best player on a team that took a massive leap and competed for the no.1 regular season seed last season. Murray has proven that he has a high basketball IQ, can make plays, score the basketball, and has a flare to his game I really admire. Above all, Murray has already proven an ability to lead and impact winning, unlike several popular scoring guards in the NBA.
9. Kemba Walker- Boston Celtics
Walker’s All-NBA 2019 season and ability to score the basketball are not what has elevated him back into my top 10 list. The biggest factor of this has been joining the Boston Celtics and the time he spent with three of his new teammates with Team USA Basketball. Walker will not be required to continue to score the basketball the way he has in the past. In addition to that, his defensive weaknesses will be covered up for by Brad Stevens’ system. Playing alongside Marcus Smart should help. As long as Walker buys in, he should finish the year in my top 10 NBA point guard list.
10. Kyle Lowry- Toronto Raptors
Kyle Lowry is an aging guard with a recent history of being an important piece on a championship team. He is willing to do whatever it takes to help lead his team to victory. including sacrificing jump shots and taking charges. I have a lot of respect for Lowry’s game, even if he isn’t as flashy as the likes of Trae Young.
Honorable Mentions:
Players like Trae Young, Dejounte Murray, Lonzo Ball, and Derrick Rose all have potential arguments to be on the list of top 10 point guards for the 2019-2020 NBA season. The abundance of guards around the league helps make the NBA so exciting.
What is your list of the top 10 point guards for the 2019-2020 NBA season. Feel free to tweet me at @TPRx11