In today’s NBA, the point guard position is thriving, characterized by an abundance of talent and skill. Teams across the league, whether they are title contenders, playoff hopefuls, or rebuilding squads, are increasingly relying on capable point guards to drive their success.
Jason Kidd, head coach of the Dallas Mavericks and a Hall of Fame point guard himself, recently remarked on the depth and talent at the position: “What we’re seeing is a group that’s very talented and very deep.” Kidd, who led the previous generation of point guards, now coaches two of the league’s brightest stars, Kyrie Irving and Luka Dončić, both of whom are likely to follow in his Hall of Fame footsteps.
Kidd noted the evolution of the role: “You look at the league now, guards are talented, their shooting range is a lot deeper, they have the ball 98% of the time.” While this is true for many teams, exceptions exist; for instance, the Denver Nuggets often run their offense through Nikola Jokić rather than Jamal Murray. Nevertheless, the overall skill level among point guards is consistently high, as evidenced by marquee matchups like Wednesday’s game featuring Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Stephen Curry.
A significant shift in the point guard role has been the rise of scoring as a primary function. The era of pass-first guards like Mark Jackson and John Stockton is fading, with many point guards now expected to lead their teams in scoring. “De’Aaron Fox just had 109 points in two nights,” Kidd pointed out, highlighting the new mentality among younger players. “These young men are different than in the past. They have all the moves and the shooting range they learned at a young age. It’s all very impressive.”
Currently, four point guards rank among the NBA’s top 10 scorers. LaMelo Ball of the Charlotte Hornets and Dončić lead the league in average shot attempts per game, with five of the top seven scorers being point guards.
Point Guard Elite
Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors: Often debated as a true point guard, Curry’s passing skills are frequently overshadowed by his exceptional three-point shooting, which has revolutionized the game.
James Harden, LA Clippers: Though not officially classified as a point guard, Harden has taken on the role since his days in Oklahoma City, showcasing impressive scoring and playmaking abilities.
Kyrie Irving, Dallas Mavericks: Renowned for his exceptional ball-handling, Irving creates scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates with ease.
Damian Lillard, Milwaukee Bucks: Lillard exemplifies the scoring point guard, known for his clutch shooting and ability to take over games, despite being an average passer.
Chris Paul, San Antonio Spurs: The veteran guard has transitioned into a mentorship role while maintaining his high-level play, ranking among the league leaders in assists.
Rising Stars
Luka Dončić, Dallas Mavericks: A versatile player and MVP contender, Dončić excels in scoring, passing, and rebounding, although his defense remains a work in progress.
De’Aaron Fox, Sacramento Kings: Known for his clutch performances, Fox consistently makes the right decisions in critical moments.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder: A standout scorer and playmaker, Gilgeous-Alexander was the runner-up for the MVP award last season.
Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies: With his explosive athleticism, Morant captivates fans and is developing a more balanced game.
Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks: Young is a prolific scorer and playmaker, consistently ranking high in both categories despite defensive limitations.
Emerging Talent
LaMelo Ball, Charlotte Hornets: Ball is having a breakout season, showcasing his scoring ability and becoming a must-watch player.
Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks: Brunson has solidified his status as a premier point guard, with room for further growth in his passing game.
Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons: When healthy, Cunningham demonstrates impressive court vision and skill, though his team’s struggles often overshadow his contributions.
Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers: Maxey is rapidly developing into a scoring threat, complementing Joel Embiid’s game.
Coby White, Chicago Bulls: White has emerged as a key player for the Bulls, building on his breakout season from last year.
Other notable point guards include Tyrese Haliburton of the Indiana Pacers, who led the league in assists last season, and Jamal Murray of the Denver Nuggets, who has adapted his game to fit alongside Jokić.
Kidd believes the future of the position is bright, as young players continue to emerge: “You have 13- and 14-year-olds playing with the pros in pickup games. A lot of sons of ex-players are playing at a high level right now… When they get to the league, they’re not scared. It’s very cool to see.”
With the evolving dynamics of the game and a lack of depth among quality big men, the point guard position may well be the most valuable in the league today. This bodes well for the NBA, as the talent pool at this position shows no signs of diminishing.
Related topics
- What Are the Dimensions of a Half Court Basketball Court
- What Size Basketball Do Under 12 Use
- Best 5 Lane Basketball Nets
