With the 2016-17 season right around the corner, here are the top five point guards around the league.
1. Russell Westbrook – Oklahoma City Thunder: For years, Westbrook has proven he is an all around point guard. He had a killer 2015-16 season as he averaged 23.5 points, 10.4 assist and 7.8 rebounds per game. If that wasn’t enough he led all guards in double-doubles (54) and triple doubles (18). He also matched Magic Johnson’s 18 triple doubles in one season. In March, Westbrook had a total of seven triple-doubles, which is the most in one month by any player since Michael Jordan. Westbrook doesn’t only produce offensively but also plays very aggressive defense. He is the second player in NBA history to average at least 23 points, 10 assist, and 7 rebounds for a season. Now that Westbrook is the main star in Oklahoma, expect him to have the best year of his career.
2. Stephen Curry – Golden State Warriors: The Golden State Warriors had a phenomenal season last year and Curry was a big part of it. He was the first Warrior since Rick Barry to average 30.1 points per game and he had a ton of other broken records. These records include: him breaking his own record with a total of 402 threes made in a season, has an active record of 152 consecutive games with a three point shot made, led the NBA with 13 40-point games last season, also led the NBA with three 50-point games, improved his scoring average by a historic 6.3 points per game and became the fourth player in NBA history to average 30 points, six assist, five rebounds, and two steals. With another All-Star on his team, Curry shouldn’t be slowing down anytime soon.
3. Kyrie Irving – Cleveland Cavaliers: Despite having an inconsistent season last year; Irving’s Finals numbers were better than Stephen Curry. During the season, Irving averaged 19.6 points and 4.7 assists per game, but in the Finals Irving averaged 27.1 points, 3.9 assists, and 2.1 steals. These numbers overshadow the anonymous league MVP Stephen Curry as he averaged 22.6 points, 3.7 assists, and 0.9 steals per game. Having a great team around him has definitely benefited the young guard. If Irving continues this style of play he will be among one of the best point guards in the league.
4. John Wall – Washington Wizards: The former first round pick has made a great name for himself with the Washington Wizards. Since entering the league his points and assist per game have increased each season. He is a flashy player that can go up against the best defenders in the league. Over the offseason, Wall had procedures on both on his knees to help him perform better for this upcoming season. His recovery is going as planned but he has not seen any minutes during preseason games as a precautionary reason. The Wizards want to make sure their point guard is completely healthy before letting him play on the court. Expect him to start at the beginning of the season and have a great season.
5. Damian Lillard – Portland Trail Blazers: Lillard is one of the most underrated players in the league. After losing a star player, LaMarcus Aldridge, Lillard was able to keep the Trail Blazers as a top team in the Western Conference. A very difficult task considering how competitive the Western Conference has become. During the post season, Lillard led the Trail Blazers with a series win against the Los Angeles Clippers and gave the Warriors a scare in the Western Conference Finals. Lillard and the rest of the Trail Blazers should be serious contenders this coming season.
Honorable Mentions: Chris Paul, Isaiah Thomas, Kyle Lowry, Kemba Walker, Derrick Rose, Jeff Teague and D’Angelo Russell
