The NBA Finals are in full swing and this has prompted several discussions. One heated one occurred during the Eastern Conference Finals between the Heat and Celtics. Rajon Rondo had a monster Game 3 and an overall monster series. This prompted some fellas to hail him as the best point guard currently in the NBA. I cannot place him there. However, here's my current top 10 rankings for NBA point guards.
1. Chris Paul.
CP3 is still head and shoulders above every other PG in the game, especially in the clutch. He has several assists, steals, and even rebounds. He instantly elevated his game when he was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers and played with rising power forward Blake Griffin. CP3 is now part of a team capable of making a deep playoff run year in and year out.
2. Derrick Rose
Many may criticize D Rose for his injury this season. However, with him, the Chicago Bulls were dominant, and have earned back to back #1 seeds in the Eastern Conference, unheard of since the Jordan days. He is simply a player, period. He has proven each game why he was the #1 pick in the 2008 draft and once a league MVP. He is simply a dominant player and a difference maker.
3. Deron Williams
Deron suffered this season on a sub-par team. However, he is still young, and is capable of great things on the basketball court. He is still a dominant, prime time PG. I do not feel he is washed up at all, and that the Nets will add more players around him to improve him and the team.
4. Rajon Rondo
I feel this is a fair place to rank Rondo. Boston's Big Three of Garnett, Allen, and Pierce have made him into a top-tier point guard. However, he has delivered this season and during the playoffs. He now can score, as well as dish assists and steal. He's also a good leader, which the Celtics will need once the Big Three is gone.
5. Russell Westbrook
Many are probably scoffing at this pick. However, Westbrook has been a force since his UCLA days. He paired with Kevin Love of the Timberwolves to lead the Bruins to consecutive NCAA Final Fours. Westbrook then gets into the league, pairs with Kevin Durant, and perfects an up tempo offense that is impossible to stop and a nightmare to defend. I feel Westbrook has earned his respect, and will continue to do so as an NBA point guard.
6. Tony Parker
He is a more seasoned player, but is still an awesome shooter and defender. He can run with most of the younger, faster NBA guards. He is often overlooked, but always respected as a fine PG and player. The Spurs haven't won four championships because of Tim Duncan alone.
7. Ty Lawson
This is another PG that played at a high level in college (UNC), winning a national title. He fits well in Denver's system as he can score from inside and downtown, dish the ball to Nene and the other stars, and has high percentages in free throw shooting. His team is rebuilding, and he is an awesome cornerstone to build around.
8. Mike Conley Jr.
This guy has personally suprised me. He has proven in his five seasons that he can play with and against anyone. He has helped make the Memphis Grizzles relevant. You cannot discount his team, teammates such as OJ Mayo, Rudy Gay, and Marc Gasol, or his coach Lionel Hollins. I feel he is a good building block, or great trade bait for other teams. He fits well in many systems.
9. Stephen Curry
His stats may seem inflated due to the bizarre system Golden State runs. However, Stephen has performed well enough over the years to show he's more than a shooter, he's also strong as an overall player and role maker. He had the general management of the Warriors ponder between trading him and veteran Monta Ellis. I believe the system has definitely helped Stephen, but he would be good without it. He is small for an NBA guard and has weak ankles. However, you won't find too many players with his natural stroke or heart.
10. Jameer Nelson
He is surrounded by shooters and an awesome center in Dwight Howard. However, watch his game, and he really makes things happen for the Magic. He will play for a different coach next year now that Stan Van Gundy is gone. However, he, Howard, and Turgolu, among others, need to be kept if the Magic want to be a threat in the Eastern Conference.
I feel in a few years Rookie of the Year Kyrie Irving, John Wall, and even Kemba Walker can reach this level. However, this is where I rank the current top NBA point guards. Some I expect to remain the same, others will improve, and the rest will fade.
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