Many an argument and debate takes place over the quality of the NBA point guards, with opinions divided on what makes a quality floor general and how this is best measured.
Do the young, flashy players who seek the limelight demand a higher ranking than those that are efficient, understated and just do a job?
Is there anyone even close to legends like John Stockton, Oscar Robertson or Magic Johnson? And how do the injured players fit into the conversation?
These rankings takes into account a number of factors – longevity, consistency, potential, statistical prowess, team records, efficiency (assists to turnovers) and playoff performances.
These rankings list the top 10 point guards in the game today as well as those in the next group.
1. Chris Paul
This is an easy choice. Paul is an elite floor general, has the best assist-to-turnovers ranking among eligible players, is consistent and durable (for those Clippers fans out there, this blog did not put a curse on CP3 following his recent shoulder injury!), plays at a high level at both ends of the floor and is universally respected and recognised as a team leader.
If there is a flaw, it is Paul’s playoff record as his teams have never made it past second round.
Career stats – 36.4 minutes per game, 18.6 points per game, 0.473 field goal percentage, 9.8 assists, 4.4 rebounds, 2.4 steals, 0.1 blocks, 2.4 turnovers.
Playoff stats – 39.6 MPG, 20.9 PPG, 0.482 FG%, 9.5 APG, 5.0 RPG, 2.2 SPG, 0.1 BPG, 3.0 TO
2. Tony Parker
Quite simply Parker is the best offensive point guard in the game and his team wins. His teardrop floater is aesthetically pleasing and so effective and like his team, he goes about his business with a minimum of fuss.
While not one to fill a stats sheet, this is not a fault of him but more due to the San Antonio method and game plan.
One could argue that last season’s NBA Finals swung when Parker injured his hamstring; had the Spurs won the title, he might well have been the Finals MVP.
Career stats – 32.8 MPG, 17.1 PPG, 0.494 FG%, 6.0 APG, 3.0 RPG, 1.0 SPG, 0.1 BPG, 2.5 TO
Playoff stats – 36.3 MPG, 19.1 PPG, 0.460 FG%, 5.3 APG, 3.1 RPG, 1.0 SPG, 0.1 BPG, 2.8 TO
3. Rajon Rondo
Rondo is the best two-way point guard in the game, as well as being arguably the best pure facilitator and the best defensive point guard.
Critics point towards his lack of offensive scoring punch and inconsistent jump shot but Rondo has upped his averages in almost every statistical category in the playoffs.
The standout game was his 44 point explosion in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals against Miami in 2011-12, and he leads todays point guards in both regular season (15) and playoff (10, tied for third all-time) triple doubles.
The NBA world is eagerly awaiting his return from injury and seeing how quickly he can resume his standing as an absolute top-notch point guard.
Career stats – 32.9 MPG, 11.1 PPG, 0.481 FG%, 8.3 APG, 4.5 RPG, 1.9 SPG, 0.1 BPG, 2.8 TO
Playoff stats – 38.5 MPG, 14.5 PPG, 0.445 FG%, 9.2 APG, 6.0 RPG, 2.0 SPG, 0.2 BPG, 2.8 TO
4. Stephen Curry
This ranking may seem a little high, but Curry’s strengths are overwhelming. His is clearly the best shooting point guard in the league (some would say one of the best shooters in NBA history, and the numbers back that up) and an improving distributor who is averaging over nine assists per game this season.
He is not a great defender and turns it over far too much as he adjusts to the role of becoming a true point guard. Overall Curry has the most upside of any guard on this list and proved in the playoffs last season that he wanted to take, and often make the big shot.
Career stats – 35.5 MPG, 19.2 PPG, 0.465 FG%, 6.1 APG, 4.0 RPG, 1.7 SPG, 0.2 BPG, 3.1 TO
Playoff stats – 41.4 MPG, 23.4 PPG, 0.434 FG%, 8.1 APG, 3.8 RPG, 1.7 SPG, 0.2 BPG, 3.3 TO
5. Russell Westbrook
Westbrook is the most explosive point guard in today’s game, covering the court at a speed others can only dream of. He is one of the best rebounding point guards and would be the #1 option on any other team but plays Robin to mega-star Kevin Durant’s Batman.
Westbrook’s shot selection and ball handling are questionable but his numerous strengths outweigh his weaknesses.
In Game 4 of the 2011-12 NBA Finals Westbrook played perhaps his greatest game, pouring in 43 points in a valiant but ultimately fruitless effort against LeBron.
Oklahoma City must have Westbrook back at close to 100% this season if they hope to contend for the title.
Career stats – 34.2 MPG, 19.9 PPG, 0.432 FG%, 6.9 APG, 4.8 RPG, 1.6 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 3.5 TO
Playoff stats – 37.4 MPG, 23.0 PPG, 0.422 FG%, 6.1 APG, 5.5 RPG, 1.6 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 3.2 TO
6. Damian Lillard
It may shock to see Lillard so high on this list but in a little more than 100 games he has proven himself to be the best young offensive point guard in the game.
As well as running the show for the ever-improving Portland Trailblazers, Lillard has hit four game winning shots in the last 10 seconds of games, including back-to-back buzzer beaters against Detroit and Cleveland late in 2013.
He will surely improve as a two-way player, improve his shooting percentage and minimise his turnovers as he develops but the 2012-13 rookie of the year but injury aside will get a chance to test himself in this year’s post-season.
On what we have seen so far Damian Lillard will not be out of place.
Career stats – 37.9 MPG, 19.7 PPG, 0.427 FG%, 6.3 APG, 3.3 RPG, 0.9 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 2.8 TO
Playoff stats – N/A
7. Mike Conley
So many of today’s NBA ‘stars’ and some teams are all about commercials, flashiness and ESPN highlight reels rather than playing fundamental basketball. The Memphis Grizzlies are definitely not flashy, and Conley epitomises everything the Grizz represent.
Don’t let that detract from the fact that the guy is a seriously good point guard. His numbers are underwhelming, but his efficiency and consistency on a perennial playoff contender place him high on this list.
The San Antonio Spurs focused on shutting him down in last season’s Western Conference finals, and the fact they did so went a long way towards them completing a sweep of the Grizz. Memphis is a franchise in limbo, but one thing they know is that their point guard will continue to produce consistently.
Career stats – 32.7 MPG, 12.7 PPG, 0.441 FG%, 5.6 APG, 2.8 RPG, 1.6 SPG, 0.2 BPG, 2.0 TO
Playoff stats – 38.8 MPG, 15.7 PPG, 0.392 FG%, 6.9 APG, 4.1 RPG, 1.3 SPG, 0.2 BPG, 2.3 TO
8. Derrick Rose
Rose is the former league MVP who seemingly had the NBA world at his mercy. A dynamic high volume scorer who thrived in the Chicago system, he overcame a high turnover rate and below-par defence to controversially win the NBA MVP award at just 22 years of age.
Rose is the poster child for the new era of NBA stars, signing a lucrative deal with Adidas and polarising opinions in the 2012-13 season when he whipped up a media storm when choosing to sit out longer than the initial diagnosis had forecast.
Rose may never return to his best due to injury, and that would be so disappointing for NBA fans. Let’s just hope he gets the chance to prove the MVP was no fluke.
Career stats – 36.6 MPG, 20.8 PPG, 0.460 FG%, 6.8 APG, 3.8 RPG, 0.9 SPG, 0.4 BPG, 2.9 TO
Playoff stats – 41.8 MPG, 25.4 PPG, 0.425 FG%, 7.3 APG, 4.8 RPG, 1.1 SPG, 0.6 BPG, 3.9 TO
9. John Wall
Wall is the most statistically impressive across all categories of the best young point guards in the game despite turning it over far too often. He will push further up this list as he plays more and more basketball, with durability being his biggest concern.
A lighting fast player with incredible athleticism, Wall is leading the promising young Washington squad and will get a chance to put his skills to the test in the post-season in the putrid Eastern Conference this season.
Career stats – 36.0 MPG, 17.3 PPG, 0.423 FG%, 8.1 APG, 4.4 RPG, 1.6 SPG, 0.7 BPG, 3.4 TO
Playoff stats – N/A
10. Kyrie Irving
An offensive juggernaut, Irving has the highest per minute scoring rate of all point guards considered for this list. While still inconsistent, Irving brings a solid all-round game with a style that is more shooting guard than point guard.
While he turns the ball over far too often and has the worst assists to-turnover ratio of eligible point guards, he ranks this highly because of his offensive brilliance.
Stats aside, Irving will be judged on whether he can shine a bright light through the permanently dark clouds over the Ohio sporting landscape and take the Cavs to the playoffs.
Career stats – 33.0 MPG, 21.1 PPG, 0.451 FG%, 5.8 APG, 3.1 RPG, 1.3 SPG, 0.4 BPG, 3.1 TO
Playoffs stats – N/A
Honourable mentions
Ty Lawson – his points and assists per game averages have improved every one of his five years.
Jeff Teague – as Lawson he gets better every year in the key statistical areas for a point guard but his playoff statistics are poor.
Deron Williams – has a massive reputation and contract to match, but his durability and efficiency are questionable.
Ricky Rubio – his steal and assist numbers are elite but he turns the ball over far too often and his shooting percentage is historically bad.
Jrue Holiday – a solid NBA point guard who has never reached any great heights but has played efficiently in his playoff career.
Goran Dragic – his career has seen a significant offensive spike over the last three seasons, but his efficiency is poor.
Eric Bledsoe – once seemingly a career backup who has drastically improved across the statistical board at the start of this season, however the sample size makes one wary when ranking him.
Steven Paice
Roar Guru
Thanks Sam, the inclusion of Rubio was definitely something I would change if I had my time over. I can also see merit in your view on Rondo vs Paul and find Deron Williams amazingly frustrating to watch - so much talent but can't get his body right and may never win back respect after running the great Jerry Sloan out of town
Sam Macey
Roar Rookie
Really nice article mate but I gotta disagree on a couple of things - mainly Rondo being the 'best two-way point guard' - Paul has been All Defensive 1st team for 3 of the last 5 seasons and in the other 2 he was on the 2nd team. He's a perennial leader among win shares and offensive rating and he's a much better offensive player than Rondo. Before he improved his mid-range last season, teams basically left Rondo open from outside the lane, whereas Paul's as likely to drop 30 one night as he is dish 15 assists - you can't be the best two-way player at any position if the opposition can basically leave you open for half the game with no threat of you scoring. Curry is also the best offensive point guard on the planet - his shooting numbers are absolutely mind-boggling for his career, and not only that his assists are up by nearly three per game. Lillard is going down the Gilbert Arenas route and scoring en masse (42.9 and 42% from the floor his first 2 season...not good, at all) - which is nice and good to watch, but you can't confuse his ability to make clutch shots with being the total offensive package. Curry's taken nearly six 3s a game for his career and he's still 3rd ALL TIME in %, that's madness - and he'd also be 3rd all time in ft% if he'd made enough. I get they're very close in 3s, TS% and various other stats, but if you're going to include career stats then Curry has him beat easily over the last 2 seasons...I do love Lillard's game though and would have him at 6 as well! Deron Williams for all his faults and injury concerns is still a top 10 PG - though I totally see why you left him out of there because of his attitude and health concerns. Again though, when he's on a roll he can legitimately threaten Paul as the top PG - if only for 5-10 game stretches at a time now. It saddens me what he's become - coach-killing and always injured, it was only two years ago he threw up a 57 point game and a 20 assist game in the same year - the talent is still there he just needs to be healthy and happy. Rubio...yuck! Worst shooting player in modern NBA history - unless he's throwing up 12 assists and 4 steals a night, he shouldn't be in the discussion. Nice article though, very good read! cheers
Steven Paice
Roar Guru
Thomas definitely looks to be the bolter from those not named. His coach has gone on record saying that he will lead the league in minutes played and his stats will likely continue to trend upwards. Sacramento's success may hinder him, as might Toronto's record hinder Kyle Lowry who could move into the discussion sooner rather than later
mushi
Guest
Wow so was Mo Williams the only difference being Mo won a player of the week award once in his career and had a PER above the good old baseline of 15. he was also not a guy anyone would throw out as testament to anything other than how bad LeBron's team mates were in cleveland. Here is some data for you # of 20 PER seasons by guards under 6'4" by era: - 80s: 23 - 90s: 37 - 00s: 59 - 10s: 16 On separate occasions you've lamented the play of point guards, big men and swing men today compared to the past. So according to you the NBA must flat out worse at every position despite you having no way to actually see enough basketball back then to reliably form that view - that is a text book "back in my day view".
Johnno
Guest
BJ Armstrong was NBA all star in 1994.
Johnno
Guest
BJ Armstrong was NBA all star in 1994.
mushi
Guest
There are more than two teams in the league Johnno. that you think none of the above guys are on par with the hardaways jsut shows your delusional recollection. Paul is infinitely better than them on both ends of the court
mushi
Guest
One interesting name that kept popping up when looking at the data. Isaiah Thomas - third in PER amongst PGs this year and with 1000 minutes under his belt not just a product of a freak few games. A stellar TS%, I wonder if the Kings problems combined with him being a last pick in the draft are masking a player that should be in the "best young point guards" discussion. His height is a bit of a concern as Kyrie can learn to give a damn about defence but Isaiah isn't going to get taller.
mushi
Guest
As in overall, not just cherry picking three guys, if you look around the league it certainly seems like PG is now the deepest position in the league, 4 of the last 5 rookie of the year winner were PG's. You're naming of BJ Armstong in your top tier from the previous era's just hammers that home. BJ Armstrong is a back up PG. to laud a 14.5 PER spot up shooter as some testament to PG play is as skewed a memory as your belief the bulls were a better team without jordan, On the three guys I actually think Isiah is massively over rated and no where near a Chris Paul. The advanced stats hate him and the eye test clearly did also as he only got a top 5 MVP finish once in his career. How can you be an all time great when the league only once in your entire career said "hey he was one of the 5 best guys this year." He was small and played with heart so he gets a tiers bonus in our memories. but reality is he was a good, not legendary producer on court.
Johnno
Guest
that's wasn't the best era. Wow so Rondo sure light's up like showtimg Magic.
Johnno
Guest
best era in terms of point guards mushi, so magic,stockton,Isiah Thomas.
Steven Paice
Guest
Mushi in regards to the Williams comment, on reflection he should be ranked higher than Holiday. If I am ranking those in the honourable mentions it would be Lawson, Teague and Williams clearly on the first tier and the rest including Holiday on the second tier
Steven Paice
Roar Guru
Thanks For the feedback Astro. It is a risky blog choice and no two lists will be alike. On reflection Rubio shouldn't have been anywhere near the list and I can see why the rankings of Rondo, Curry and Conley can be questioned. For all the work that went into this list, the only two easy choices for mine were Paul and Parker
mushi
Guest
Also I see TS% on basketball reference as different rankings to that? 13-14: Thomas, Dragic, Bledsoe, Williams, Lillard (min 650min and 17.5 PER) 12-13: Calderon, Paul, Curry, Parker, Thomas/Williams (min 2000 minutes and 17.5 PER)
mushi
Guest
So despite labelling Williams as inefficient in your rationale and the TS% showing otherwise (along with Ws and PER) your views don’t change? Not a Keynes fan I take it.
astro
Guest
Hey Steven, Nice article...think rankings of any kind are incredibly difficult and can factor in so many variables that pushing guys into slots of 1-10 is fraught with danger, so I admire your efforts! The PG position has changed and evolved, just like the game itself and every other position on the floor. The fact is, the 'true' positions in basketball are fading and being replaced by combo players who can fill multiple functions on the court, no where more than with the PG spot. The days of Magic and Stockton have met with the era of Iverson and Starbury, to produce a generation of PGs who need to be scorers as well as distributors and effective perimeter defenders. With that in mind, I'd say this about the list: - Rondo isn't number 3. Ainge would trade Rondo straight up for Westbrook, Curry, Wall or Irving in a heartbeat. Rondo has never lead the Celtics on his own, has no 3pt shot (24% from 3!), gambles on defence and is a questionable personality in the locker room. Without Allen, Pierce and Garnett, it remains to be seen how good Rondo is, but I think he could struggle. Teams will sag off him, challenge him make outside shots, double him when he drives and post him up with bigger PGs. - Steph Curry not playing defence is an issue - Curry can't guard his own shadow. The fact that Iggy swaps onto his man a lot says it all. While he is a great scorer, and the best shooter in the game, his ranking must suffer because of his defence. Its great to score, but what does it matter if you give up points at the other end. - You're overrating Mike Conley - Conley is a nice player, but again the Grizz would prefer Wall or Irving or Lawson. While he does everything well, he's not enough of a legitimate scoring threat to be so high on your list (Also, the Spurs aimed to shut him down in that playoff series, as much to prevent him from passing the ball to Gasol/ZBo is good position, as to stop him from scoring). - Finally, if Rubio gets a honourable mention, so too should every PG in the league!
Steven Paice
Roar Guru
Mushi the comment on true shooting percentage is definitely a valid one and it is a measure I would use next time. Using this metric for this season results in a top 5 of Bledsoe, Lillard, Curry, Paul and Parker while last season had Paul, Curry, Parker, Williams and Irving as the top 5. No immediate changes to the rankings come to mind.
Steven Paice
Roar Guru
Johnno, while I think you could say that most of the players on this list have plenty of development and may be rated in some circles before having performed, guys like Paul, Parker, Rondo and Westbrook are very comfortable in the company of guys like the Hardaways, Armstrong and Johnson.
mushi
Guest
This is actually considered the best era in terms of point guards Johnno, I think you suffer from "back in my day" syndrome
mushi
Guest
I think the per game and FG% numbers are really poor base line indicators for a player’s ability particularly a point guard. Even more so for point guards. Also you are basically rewarding guys for playing 3 minutes because they have no backup. As the extra 10% of minutes is obviously reflected in the counting stats I think you’ve greatly down played passing and defence, John Wall is a defensive force and has the fourth best assist rate in the league. Damian Lillard isn’t in the top 20 for assist rate and is a work in progress on the defensive end (plus he’s older than Wall). He’s a great shooter and scorer but he certainly needs to get better at running the offence and committing to defence. I hate forced rankings but if I had to I’d go to tier of Paul/parker/curry/westbrook then Rondo/Wall/Williams/Lillard as of today. FG% is a horrible outdated stat that I wish we could rip from the basketball consciousness. Look at rondo his .482 FG% over the past 4 years looks pretty good right compared to say Curry who is 0.462. But then you go to true shooting percentage and Curry is 0.59% versus Rondo a below league average 0.51%. When Steph takes a “shot” the expected return is much higher than when rondo does and yet his FG% says he is worse? That to me says that stat is rubbish. When you say efficient for Holldiay and Williams what do you mean – because every stat for efficecny says Williams has great efficency (average per over 20 for the past 4 years, great TS%, good WS per 48 etc) whilst Holliday is pretty much an average NBA player on that front.