1. Chris Paul
Chris Paul comes in at number one, because he is the most complete point guard in the game. To start off, he is probably the best player in the league at controlling the pace of the game, an ability that is priceless for someone who plays his position. He is a very accurate passer which is shown with his very high assist to turnover ratio (11apg/2TOpg), he takes care of the ball, he can break down most defenders with ease, and he is the definitive leader of a very good Clippers team (currently 3rd in the West).
In addition, Chris Paul is also one of the most clutch players in the league. When his team needs him to step up, he automatically shifts from a playmaker to an elite scorer.
When speaking on his offensive abilities, he can shoot the 3, he can hit the midrange, he knows when to go for the floater, he knows how to draw fouls, he can shoot free throws very well, and to top it off, his very accurate jumper is accompanied by a killer crossover.
Chris Paul is currently averaging 19points per game, 11 assists per game, close to 3 steals per game, and around 4 rebounds per game. Hopefully he can lead his Clippers team through a successful playoff run.
Strength: Clutch, Intensity, Leadership, Fundamentals
Weakness: Size (too small to guard bigger PGs), Left hand
2. Stephen Curry
Mr. Curry himself comes in a number 2. After just 4 going on 5 years of witnessing him play, his peers and media representatives are already claiming him to be the best shooter of this generation, with the potential to be the greatest shooter of all-time.
Curry is currently leading the Warriors to the playoffs with the 6th seed in the West. While this may not seem too good, they’re only 4 games out of having home court for the first round or the 4th seed and if Curry catches fire, they can more than accomplish this goal.
To get into a little more detail, Curry is at number 2 because he is good enough at everything. Along with the basics of handling the ball, controlling the pace of the game, and finding the open guy, he’s a very dynamic shooter who can change the game with a few streaky makes. In other words, once he gets on, it’s hard to stop him.
At the moment, Curry is averaging around 24 points per game, 8 assists per game, close to 2 steals per game, and about 4 rebounds per game.
He has a long way before he reaches Chris Paul, but father time is on his side.
Strength: Jumper (Quick Release, Range, Accuracy), Shot Streak
Weakness: Defense, Frail
3. John Wall
At number 3 is the young star in the making, John Wall. Wall for the first time in his career is leading his Wizards team to the playoffs. Some of John Wall’s strengths are his speed, quickness, and jumping ability. He’s probably the fastest player in the league coast to coast, and he’s showed how athletic he is by taking home the dunk contest trophy earlier this year. Another advantage Wall has is his size and strength, which always causes a touch matchup for the opposing point guard.
John Wall is currently averaging around 20 points per game, 9 assists per game, 2 steals per game, and 4 rebounds per game. With these being career stats for him and his team looking like they’re finally about to make the playoffs, this is where we get to see what Wall is made of. He has shown signs of taking that next step from all-star to superstar by carrying his team through some clutch situations, but only time will tell.
Strength: Athleticism, Size
Weakness: Limited Range on Jumper
4. Damian Lillard
Damian Lillard is in his 2nd year in the league and is already making noise. Lillard with the help of Lamarcus Aldridge are currently leading a very talented Portland team to the playoffs.
Lillard comes in at number 4 because he is a very dynamic scorer. He’s very tough to stop in 1v1 situations, he doesn’t stop attacking the paint, he can hit the long range or the pull-up jumper, and he’s surprisingly athletic. In other words, if you don’t scout correctly and put the wrong defender on Lillard, he will cause enormous problems for your defense.
Presently, Lillard is putting up around 21 points per game, about 6 assist per game, about 1 steal per game, and approximately 4 rebounds per game. With this being his 2nd year in the league, he has the time and potential to continue to improve and work on conquering his weaknesses.
Strength: Shot Creator
Weakness: Defense
5. Tony Parker
Number 5 goes to the quarterback of the best team in the league, the San Antonio Spurs. They have currently won 18 in a row, and look like they will be in the Finals to give it another go.
Tony Parker is at number 5 because he is the leader of an extremely good team. When they need a bucket, they go to him. When they need to run a specific play, Parker makes the call.
Some of Parker’s strengths are his lightning quickness, and his stamina. Ask the opposing point guards in the league, and a lot of them will say he’s their hardest guard because of all the screens they have to go through and how he’s always moving.
To get more specific, Parker is great inside with particular shots like runners, quick spin layups, under-hand layups and various other shots that take very good body control. He can hit the mid-range with consistency, and he’s very good at picking his shots.
Presently, Parker is averaging around 17 points per game, 6 assists per game, and shooting a very impressive 50% from the field.
Strength: Basketball IQ, Quickness, Stamina
Weakness: Limited Range on Jumper, 1v1 Defense
Honorable Mention(s): Russell Westbrook (even though his stats are good and his team is doing well, he only played 40 games this season), Kyrie Irving (while he is a great talent, he was not able to turn his talent into wins and lead his team to the playoffs yet again).
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