National Basketball Association

NBA: Ranking The Top 10 Point Guards Entering 2016-17

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Jun 19, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) reacts before game seven of the NBA Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

With the 2016-17 NBA season quickly approaching, we breakdown the top 10 point guards before the start of the new campaign

The point guard position in the NBA has diversified itself into an exclusive breed. One that has undergone a ton of change the past few years, as playing smaller and utilizing quicker lineups has become the norm.

But like anything else, having a steady hand running the offense is the lifeline to success. Just ask any NFL team, and they’ll tell you the same goes for possessing a reliable quarterback.

Like the game as a whole, point guards aren’t what they were like back in the 1990s and even the early 2000s. Now, they are expected to be consistent scorers and decent rebounders, all while setting up teammates in their effective spots on the floor.

At this juncture, the point guard position is in a golden age, and creating this list was the most challenging of the five positions – there were at least several players who could’ve made the cut, but only one is listed as and honorable mentions.

(Editor’s Note: You can find our top 10 rankings for the rest of the positions here: shooting guard, small forward, power forward, center).

Apr 22, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Reggie Jackson (1) drives to the basket during game three of the first round of the NBA Playoffs against the Cleveland Cavaliers at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

Honorable Mention: Reggie Jackson, Detroit Pistons

Counting Stats: 18.8 points, 6.2 assists and 3.2 rebounds

PER: 19.62

WS: 6.9

VORP: 2.6

Jackson has come a long way in his development as a cornerstone point guard. From his days of backing up Russell Westbrook in Oklahoma City, to now starting and playing alongside All-Star center Andre Drummond, Jackson’s game has come around full circle.

Entering his sixth season in the NBA, Jackson’s versatility and scoring ability has distinguished himself from others across the league. On paper, Jackson may not possess the flash as some of the game’s top-flight point guards, such as Westbrook or Stephen Curry, but he has no doubt proved his worth as a catalyst for the up and coming Detroit Pistons.

Jackson has evolved into a reliable shooter when his team needs him to be, connecting on 43 percent of his shots from the field. In addition, Jackson has grown to be one of the league’s most potent scorers in the pick-and-roll. Last season, Jackson attempted 599 shot attempts in PnR – 4th highest rate among qualified point guards – and converted on 53.8 percent of his shots at the rim.

For this season, the Pistons undoubtedly need his help along with its crop of young wings Stanley Johnson and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, to extend their playoff future for another year.

Dec 1, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Eric Bledsoe (2) advances the ball during the first quarter against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

10. Eric Bledsoe, Phoenix Suns

Counting Stats: 20.4 points, 6.1 assists and 4.0 rebounds

PER: 20.10

WS: 2.5

VORP: 1.3

Sometimes a change of scenery can do wonders to a player’s career. And for budding Suns’ star Eric Bledsoe, the peak of his development couldn’t have come at a better time. After struggling to find consistent minutes with his first three seasons as a Clipper, Bledsoe has re-invented his role as a starter for Phoenix.

The former Kentucky product blossomed into the team’s leading scorer a season ago, averaging a career-high 20.4 points per game before a torn meniscus derailed his promising 2016 campaign.

Still, Bledsoe has found rapid success as the franchise’s focal point alongside fellow Kentucky stars Brandon Knight and Devin Booker. Bledsoe’s game was revitalized through the advancement of his three-point shot, as he connected on 37.2 percent of his shots from beyond the arc last year.

Taking care of the basketball is also something that Bledsoe has worked tirelessly on throughout his NBA career. From a steep 26.3 turnover percentage as a rookie to now just at 16.2 (career-low), Bledsoe has managed to keep the flow of the Phoenix offense running smoothly.

On a team that’s built its future around promising young stars, it’s vital for Bledsoe to stay the course and guide the Suns back to competitiveness, and maybe even the playoffs. A place where the franchise hasn’t been to since 2010.

May 1, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker (15) drives to the basket as Miami Heat forward Joe Johnson (2) defends during the first half in game seven of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

9. Kemba Walker, Charlotte Hornets

Counting Stats: 20.9 points, 5.2 assists and 4.4 rebounds

PER: 20.87

WS: 24.5

VORP: 11.9

2016 was a season in which Kemba Walker made mammoth strides as a scorer; shooting the ball significantly better from everywhere on the court. Walker’s field goal (42.7), three-point (37.1), and free-throw percentage (84.7) were all career-highs last season.

Despite sporting a low 97 ORtg (offensive rating) and an on-court BPM (box plus/minus) of +4 per 100 possessions – that both ranked outside the Top 15 out of qualified point guards. Walker’s impact as an on-ball defender by generating 1.6 steals per game payed dividends to the Hornets’ playoff push last year.

Throughout his career, Walker has always exhibited a moderately high assist rate (25.7 percent last year) to a very low turnover rate (10 percent). By utilizing ball-screens better than most point guards last season, helped Walker in getting to the free throw line more frequently – as Walker generated a 32.9 Free Throw Rate.

Heading into 2017, Charlotte may be without key contributors Al Jefferson and Courtney Lee. But with another year out of stretch-fours Nicolas Batum and Marvin Williams, plus a healthy year from Michael Kidd-Gilchrist. The Hornets’ core should be ready to expand upon their sixth place finish a season ago.

Apr 28, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) reacts against the Atlanta Hawks during the second half in game six of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports

8. Isaiah Thomas, Boston Celtics

Counting Stats: 22.2 points, 6.2 assists and 3.0 rebounds

PER: 21.54

WS: 9.7

VORP: 3.3

Ever since he was drafted 60th overall in the 2011 NBA draft, Isaiah Thomas was told he could never make it. Whether it was the inability to create his own shot by virtue of his diminutive 5-foot-9 stature or not surviving the grind at one of the games most grueling positions, Thomas has deflected all of his critics and has asserted himself as not just an impact player but a franchise piece on a contending Boston Celtics squad.

Thomas sustained career-highs in points (22.2 per game) and in field goals made (7.2) last season, which resulted in his first All-Star game selection. It hasn’t yet been a full two seasons, but his tenure as a Celtic has transformed himself into head coach Brad Stevens’ highest used player, as 29.6 percent of Boston’s offensive plays came with Thomas on the floor.

Moving forward, Thomas will finally have the luxury of playing beside a top-tier post player in Al Horford. During his time with Atlanta, the Hawks’ point guards excelled amid dribble penetration, finishing in the 69th percentile of plays that came off screens. Horford’s size will benefit Thomas and the Celtics who ranked as the second-worst isolation scoring team in the NBA last season.

Mar 19, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) dribbles as New York Knicks guard Jose Calderon (3) defends during the second half at Verizon Center. The Washington Wizards won 99 – 89. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

7. John Wall, Washington Wizards

Counting Stats: 19.9 points, 10.2 assists and 4.0 rebounds

PER: 19.83

WS: 5.7

VORP: 3.7

There was a lot to make regarding Wall’s brilliant 2016 season. Without any notice whatsoever, Wall was forced to live up to the pressure of being Washington’s No. 1 option without his backcourt mate Bradley Beal, who went down during the latter portion of the season.

Wall responded by producing at incredible levels, finishing in the top 10 in the NBA’s respective categories among point guards: points, rebounds, assists, steals, blocks and double-doubles. Of those categories, he was top-three in assists, blocks, and double-doubles.

Wall has evolved his game in almost every facet since entering the league in 2011. His three-point shooting efficiency, which was classified as his biggest detriment coming out of Kentucky, has rose significantly; rising from a woeful 7.1 percent in 2012 to a respectable 35.2 percent last season. A role as a pinpoint shooter will never be Wall’s calling card but it doesn’t mean he can’t use it to his advantage.

Wall’s game revolves around explosive drives to the rim and as a pick-and-roll catalyst for Washington. But when a player is putting up numbers like he did last year, you can overlook the fact that he committed 300-plus turnovers, simply because — historically — high volume point guards are turnover prone (Wall committed 4.1 turnovers a game in 2016). Wall is somewhat of an exception as he’s averaged at least 10 assists per game each of the past two seasons.

In order for the Wizards to break the bank next season and make it back to the playoffs, Beal’s recovery needs to be swift. Wall isn’t the same point guard as far as ball security goes without his complimentary piece in the backcourt.

May 15, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) drives the ball defended by Miami Heat guard Tyler Johnson (8) during the fourth quarter in game seven of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. The Toronto Raptors won 116-89. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports

6. Kyle Lowry, Toronto Raptors

Counting Stats: 21.2 points, 6.4 assists and 4.7 rebounds

PER: 22.20

WS: 11.6

VORP: 6.3

It’s safe to say that Kyle Lowry is arguably just as vital to the Raptors’ success as swingman DeMar DeRozan. Lowry, who has grown up to be one of the NBA’s more underrated point guards, has blossomed into a top-notch scorer recently. For the first time in his career, Lowry eclipsed the 20 PPG mark in 2016, as well as setting career-highs in steals (2.1 per game), 3-point percentage (38.8%) and eFG percentage (51.6%).

Lowry has shown to operate more efficiently when the Raptors utilize a “spread-you-out” system, taking the place as a hybrid shooter and driver. Last season, Lowry showed his worth as a reliable finisher at the rim, connecting on 60.2 percent of shots within three feet.

On a team that’s improved their win total in every season since 2010, Toronto could be finally reaching its ceiling next year. After falling in six games to the eventual world champion Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2016 Eastern Conference Finals, the Raptors saw burgeoning center Bismack Biyombo flee for Orlando.

While pieces are still in place for Toronto to contend in the East, as they still have unanswered players such as DeMarre Carrol and Jonas Valanciunas aligned in the front-court. The lifeline of the team’s core revolves around DeRozan and the versatility of Lowry.

Apr 27, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Austin Rivers (25) guards Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) in the first half of game five of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

5. Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers

Counting Stats: 25.1 points, 6.9 assists and 4.1 rebounds

PER: 22.25

WS: 9.2

VORP: 3.8

Lillard sent out a statement last season by putting up the second-best PPG average, in addition to the sixth-most double-doubles (15) among qualified point guards. He did this on a team in Portland, that lost four of its five starters last summer, and was expected to take on a multi-year rebuild.

To the dismay of many around the league, Lillard defied the odds and led the Trail Blazers to an unpredictable 44-38 record, good enough for fifth-best in the Western Conference. In the process, it saw shooting guard C.J. McCollum mature into a dynamic force alongside Lillard in the backcourt, forming a tandem that’s widely regarded as the best in the NBA behind Golden State’s Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson.

The duo averaged a combined 47 points, 9.6 assists, and 7.9 rebounds per game.

Over time, the former Weber State product has progressed into one of the game’s most durable and fearless point guards. According to Hollinger, Lillard possessed the third-highest usage rate (31.2) among starting point guards in 2016 and displayed a 56 percent true shooting percentage, better than the likes of Kemba Walker, Eric Bledsoe and Kyrie Irving.

Portland made great strides this off season, by retaining Allen Crabbe and inking deals with Festus Ezeli and Evan Turner. For a team that quickly got past its slight rebuild (if you want to call it that), they’re in solid shape to make a push in hosting a playoff series, something that’s not possible of happening without 26-year-old Lillard.

May 2, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) during the second half in game one of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. The Cavs won 104-93. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

4. Kyrie lrving, Cleveland Cavaliers

Counting Stats: 19.6 points, 4.7 assists and 3.0 rebounds

PER: 19.96

WS: 5.0

VORP: 1.5

Irving dominated the latter portion of the 2016 NBA Finals by averaging 27.1 points per game, shooting 46.7 percent from the field (40.5 percent from 3), and totaling a +33 BPM throughout seven games. Down the stretch, Irving showed up as Cleveland’s primary scoring option outside of LeBron and became a staple to their championship run.

At the surface, there’s a lot to like about Irving. First, he’s a stout ball-handler with incredible handles that rarely turns it over – based off his 9.3 TO rate, which is the fourth lowest among qualified point guards. Second, for the majority of the time he’s on the court, Irving is shooting at an efficient rate. During his first five full seasons in the NBA, just once did he have an eFG percentage under 50 percent and a FG percentage less than 45 percent – both coming in 2014.

Very few point guards in the league have shown the ability to blow past their primary defender quite like Irving can. However, as paralleled of a driver that Irving is, he isn’t finishing at the rim to the level that PG’s ahead of him are. Case in point, Irving is connecting at only 55.2 percent for shots within five feet.

Staying healthy also factors into Irving’s potential. In three of his five seasons, he’s played in less than 60 games, and even though it was a remarkable stretch in the NBA Finals, it remains to be seen if he can sustain it for prolonged periods of time.

March 13, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) moves the ball up court against Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

3. Chris Paul, Los Angeles Clippers

Counting Stats: 19.5 points, 10.0 assists and 4.2 rebounds

PER: 26.31

WS: 12.7

VORP: 6.0

When it’s time to reflect upon one of the longest lasting “true point guards” in the NBA, look no further than Chris Paul. For 11 professional seasons, Paul has showcased everyone his consistency on the floor, averaging no less than 16 points, seven assists and 1.7 steals per game in a season.

The 9-time All-Star produced noteworthy numbers again in 2016, finishing No. 1 in the league in assist rate (33.7) and turnover rate (8.9). Throughout his NBA tenure, one of the underrated aspects in Paul’s game is his steadiness as a shooter. Not once has Paul’s eFG percentage dipped below 45 percent, and true shooting percentage below 53 percent.

While the league is suddenly shifting into position-less basketball, Paul’s true position has never wavered since being drafted out of Wake Forest in 2005. Last season, Paul was one of four point guards to average a double-double, and for the third straight year, he put together a season that saw him average 19 points and 10 assists a game.

Despite the criticism of him never reaching the Conference Finals in his career – albeit it’s a worthy statement to make. Don’t let Paul’s on-court consistency diminish what is one of the more stable careers in the game today.

May 30, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) dribbles the basketball against Golden State Warriors guard Shaun Livingston (34) during the third quarter in game seven of the Western conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Thunder 96-88. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

2. Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City

Counting Stats: 23.5 points, 10.4 assists and 7.8 rebounds

PER: 27.64

WS: 14.0

VORP: 8.3

He rebounds like a big man, stretches the floor like a wing and even provides glimpses defensively that resembles a forward. What can Russell Westbrook not do? Currently, you’d be hard-pressed to find a player in the NBA, point guard in particular, that plays as hard as Westbrook does. In an NBA that’s migrating towards position-less basketball, Westbrook is No. 1 in this category.

On the court, Westbrook utilizes all of his 6-foot-3 stature to blow past opposing defenders seamlessly. It’s a reason why he’s averaged at least 20 points per game in each of his past six seasons. In 2016, Westbrook was top-five in every major statistical category among point guards including third in scoring (23.5 points per game), first in rebounding (7.8), second in assists (10.4), fifth in steals (2.04) and first in double-doubles (54).

In addition, Westbrook led the league in triple-doubles (his second consecutive season doing so) with 18.

Now that his sidekick Kevin Durant has fled for Golden State, a large majority of the pressure is left on Westbrook’s shoulders. It’s worth mentioning but no other point guard in the league was used more offensively than Westbrook last season, possessing a 33.6 usage rate. Oklahoma City tried to replace the loss of Durant by trading away shot-blocking power forward Serge Ibaka to Orlando in exchange for swingman Victory Oladipo.

That in itself proves to be a plus offensively, although the Thunder need more than that if they still want to compete in the one-sided Western Conference. Centers Steven Adams and Enes Kanter are reputable rim protectors, but can they rise up as low-post scorers?

June 13, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) moves the ball against Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) during the second half in game five of the NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

1. Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors

Counting Stats: 30.1 points, 6.7 assists and 5.4 rebounds

PER: 31.56

WS: 17.9

VORP: 9.8