The 2020 NBA season just ended and as many of us saw there are so many star players and point guards in the NBA. But on this list, only the 10 best point guards will make the cut. Who will they be and why?
10. Chris Paul
This spot is so extremely close between Kyle Lowry and Chris Paul. It’s very difficult to leave Lowry out of the top 10, but I think Paul just edges him out. Coming into the season the Oklahoma City Thunder had a 0.3% chance of making the playoffs according to ESPN. Paul proved everyone wrong and was one of the most clutch players in the NBA all season, according to NBA.com. Paul also averaged 17ppg, 6.7apg, and 5rpg throughout the regular season. Let’s not forget, Paul almost led his team to the second round of the playoffs after just barely losing a game seven against the Houston Rockets.
9. Ben Simmons
Though Ben Simmons only played 57 games this past season, he put up decent averages with 16 ppg, 7.8 rpg, and 8apg. Ben Simmons is a great facilitator on the court but doesn’t have a great outside shot. Outside shot or not, Ben Simmons is still a top 10 point guard in the NBA. Don’t be surprised if Simmons comes into the next NBA season with a more developed three pointer.
8. Kemba Walker
A Boston Celtics team loaded with talent including Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown almost overshadowed Kemba Walker this past season. Though his numbers went down from two years ago, at times he was the Celtics best player, especially in the playoffs. Walker averaged 20ppg, 4.8apg, and 3.9 rpg in the regular season and averaged 19ppg, 4rpg, and 5apg throughout the playoffs. His amazing passing, playmaking, and deadly midrange stepback makes him hard to stop.
7. Trae Young
Although the Atlanta Hawks missed the bubble and the playoffs, Trae Young was no doubt their best and most talented player. Young averaged 29 ppg, 9 apg, and 4 rpg. When you talk about Steph Curry and Damian Lillard’s three-point range, it is very difficult to leave Trae Young out of the conversation because he was averaging 3.4 made threes per game. His range is incredible and the only reason why Trae Young isn’t higher is that we haven’t had much of a sample size yet.
6. Jamal Murray
After dealing with injuries and inconsistency for most of the season, Jamal Murray, who was my bubble MVP, turned it on in the playoffs averaging over 26ppg, 6apg, and 4.8 rpg. Jamal Murray also added two 50 point playoff games and was a major contributor in leading his team to the Western Conference Finals. Nobody should be judged by their regular-season numbers if they can turn it on in the playoffs as Murray did. If he starts to put up similar numbers in the regular season, he will quickly be moving up on this list.
5. Russell Westbrook
One of the best regular season players in today’s era is Russell Westbrook. Just this past season Westbrook averaged 27ppg, 7apg, and 7rpg. Westbrook’s numbers throughout his career have been outstanding, but the only reason why he is not higher on the list is because of his playoff play. What Westbrook did in the playoffs this past season wasn’t horrible but he definitely underperformed and was extremely inconsistent. Even though Westbrook was just coming off of an injury, his inconsistent playoff play was somewhat very surprising. For Westbrook to jump more players, he needs more consistency in the playoffs.
4. Kyrie Irving
Where do I start with Kyrie? The best baller handler on this list is still one of the league’s best point guards. Lillard and Irving have put up better numbers the past couple of years throughout the regular season and playoffs. However, we can’t forget about the man who made one of the biggest shots in Cleveland Cavaliers history. After that Finals win for Irving. it has been a bit of a bumpy road in trying to figure which team suits him best. We’ll see if he gets back on track with the rising title favorite’s, the Brooklyn Nets.
3. Luka Doncic
Luka Doncic, who almost averaged a triple double in his second season to go along with 28 ppg falls just behind Damian Lillard. His ability to get others involved, hit clutch shots, and play high IQ basketball ranks him above most players currently in the NBA.
2. Damian Lillard
This one was tough. While some experts felt like C.J Mccollum underperformed this past season after signing his 100 million dollar deal, Lillard really had to handle the workload. With six 50 point games this season, Lillard averaged 30ppg to go along with 8apg. Lillard was also very impressive in the bubble and led his team to clinch the eighth seed in the playoffs. Lillard is arguably one of the most clutch players currently in the NBA. He hit big shot after big shot during the regular season and playoffs and will look to do more of the same next season.
1. Stephen Curry
Even though Curry was injured this past season, he is still the best point guard and miles ahead of everyone else. The three time NBA champion who averaged 27 ppg, 5 apg, and 5 rpg, and has been just about unstoppable ever since he joined the league in 2009. Curry is known for his crazy crossovers and being able to hit contested three-point shots from anywhere. He should have a huge upcoming season and bounce right back to the top.
Honorable Mentions: Kyle Lowry & John Wall
