Starting Point Guards Countdown (24-19)
24.Mario Chalmers
With the departure of LeBron James, Mario Chalmers should receive more ball handling responsibilities. Erik Spoelstra will expect Chalmers to run the offense efficiently as a veteran and be a bulldog on defense. Chalmers game is predicated on his streaky shooting. When he is knocking down his shots, he tends to attack the basket more and play with confidence. As a result, the Heat are a tougher team to beat. Chalmers is pretty good playing off the ball as well because he is an excellent cutter and a good spot up shooter. Also, he plays better at home because he is one of those players that feeds off of the energy radiating from the fans. Chalmers and Norris Cole are the point guards, but Dwyane Wade and Luol Deng will run the offense as well.
23.Patrick Beverley
Patrick Beverley is another one of those off the ball point guards. Because James Harden handles the ball for Houston, Beverley is a beneficiary of wide-open jumpers and easy lay-ups. He is one of my favorite players in the league, as he tends to do what it takes to help his team win. He is a scrappy defender as he embraces match-ups against some of the best point guards. If you need proof, turn on the playoff series from two years ago against the Thunder. He gave Russell Westbrook fits before his freak injury occured. Beverley was not able to play with the same kind of intensity on defense against Damian Lillard in this year's playoffs because he battled injuries and a flu virus. He is not the flashiest player, but he is a valuable player as he sets the tone for a Rockets team lacking toughness.
22. Victor Oladipo
I was surprised to see how comfortable Victor Oladipo looked at point guard for Orlando. I thought the Magic reached for him in last year's NBA Draft, but he looks like he will be a solid guard. Oladipo's 13.8 points, 4.1 rebounds and assists, and 1.6 steals per game almost helped him win Rookie of the Year. He is still a work in progress at point guard because distributing the ball does not come natural for him. He committed over three turnovers per game as well, but that is to be expected from a rookie. With the acquisition of Elfrid Payton, Oladipo can now play off the ball more and focus on spotting up beyond the arc and slashing to the basket. He has a first step and athleticism comparable to Dwyane Wade and his poise is unheralded for a young player. On defense, his height and wing span allow him to harass defenders and force them to turn the ball over. Payton and Oladipo should develop nicely under Jacque Vaughn who was a point guard himself. The future is certainly bright in Orlando.
21. Brandon Knight
Brandon Knight had career highs in points, rebounds, assists, and steals as he started for the sub par Milwaukee Bucks. Knight was a part of a surprising sign and trade deal for Brandon Jennings last offseason and looked comfortable in his new city as he averaged 17.9 points, 4.9 assists, 3.5 rebounds, and 1 steal. He plays with poise at point guard as he is never seems to be rattled. He is a good spot up shooter and has sneaky athleticism. Jason Kidd should help Knight develop a knack for finding the open teammate and cutting down his turnovers. Being in a small market with no pressure, Knight should be able to continue to develop as a good young point guard. Barring injuries, the Bucks can be an exciting franchise with Giannis Antetekounmpo, Jabari Parker, Larry Sanders, and Knight leading the charge.
20.Ricky Rubio
The hype surrounding Ricky Rubio when he first entered the NBA was monumental as many expected him to be the second coming of Steve Nash or Pistol Pete Maravich. The euphoria has certainly worn off as Rubio seems to be stuck in mediocrity in terms of his offense. His marvelous passing can leave defenders frozen and the common spectator enamored. Rubio can do it all as he can throw pinpoint lobs, behind the back, through defenders legs, and no look passes. He averaged 8.6 assists a year ago. The problem with Rubio is scoring the ball as he seems to be too pass happy at times and lacks a consistent jumper. I think there were a combination of things that hindered his growth offensively last season. First, Kevin Love needs his 20 touches on a nightly basis and he distributed the ball as well. And second, Rubio probably became hesitant if his jumpers were not going in. At 6'4, Rubio should look to attack the basket more often. If he improves offensively, he can catapult his way into the top 15.
19.Michael Carter Williams
The sky is the limit for Michael Carter-Williams as he is the tallest point guard on this list at 6'6. I look at MCW and instantly think of him being what Shaun Livingston could have been. Like Livingston, he is an absolute giant at point guard with the uncanny ability to distribute the ball, rebound, and bother guys at his position with his length. It had to be frustrating playing in Philadelphia because he could only rely on Thaddeus Young on a nightly basis. Nevertheless, he was still able to average 16.7 points, 6.3 assists, and 6.2 rebounds and win Rookie of the Year. As with any young player, he has to cut down on his turnovers and take better shots. The 76ers have a good coach in Brett Brown who was a former pupil under Gregg Popovich. The influx of six rookies gives the Sixers a better roster and a chance for their young core to grow together. Philadelphia is probably in for another long year, but these are growing pains that will help the Sixers return to basketball supremacy.
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