The Fierce Five: NBA’s Top 5 Point Guards

Being a point guard in the NBA is the equivalent to being a quarterback in the NFL or shortstop in the MLB. The position just carries a bit more weight. Point guards are tasked with making a whole team better. They are constantly touching the ball and are expected to distribute and put teammates into the best positions possible.

In today’s NBA, the position is no longer expected to just pass and set up teammates. The position has evolved into a more dynamic role that requires more scoring ability. We’ve seen some players flourish with the extra tasks, and some fold.

We’re going to look at the players who most successfully accepted their newfound role. Here are the top 5 point guards in the NBA.

1. Russell Westbrook

Westbrook is a dynamic player at any position in the NBA. He runs like a gazelle, jumps like a frog and has hawk-like vision. Russ is a two way player that can control a game on both sides of the court. The only thing that may hold back Westbrook from becoming the best point guard ever, is playing alongside Kevin Durant, who commands 20-25 shots per game.

2. Steph Curry

After the way he played last season and the record setting pace he and the Warriors are on, it was tough to hold him out of the number one spot. He is a lights out shooter that is in range as soon as he crosses half court. He may be the best scorer in the league right now, and best shooter to ever step foot onto a basketball court. The reason he was held out of the number one spot was his lack of defense. Though he is not a horrendous defender, he cannot control his opponent the way Russell Westbrook can. In fact, when the two play Westbrook often gets the better of the reigning MVP.

3. Kyrie Irving

Irving is one of the most talented players at the position, but injuries have prevented him from becoming the star he was once expected to be. With that said, he is still one of the league’s best point guards, namely because of his uncanny scoring ability. Irving has the ability to go off for 50 points any given night. Like Westbrook, Kyrie will forever play second fiddle to LeBron, and may never get a chance to show what a dynamic talent he could be.

4. John Wall

Wall is an absolute superstar and is a prototype at the point guard position. Though he isn’t as consistent a scorer as the rest of the men on this list, he still has shown ability to light up a scorebook on occasion. Wall’s main contributions come in the passing game where he is one of the flashiest and accurate passers. Along with this his athleticism gives him the ability to defensively lock down almost any player who is put in front of him.

5. Damian Lillard

Many believed that when Aldridge took his talents to San Antonio that Lillard’s numbers would go down. But just the opposite has happened. Both Lillard’s points and assists per game have risen drastically and he has turned into an offensive superstar. Another reason Lillard makes this list is his consistency. Since entering the league in 2012, Damian has never missed a single game. His consistency in the lineup and his consistent improvement on the court are both reasons why he made this list, and why he will become an elite player in this league in the next few seasons.

The reason these players are so successful is because of their ability to adapt. As a point guard, you must adapt constantly. Whether it be the opponent you’re matched up against, or who you’re on the court with, the game of basketball is fluid. These players have shown the ability to adapt to whatever circumstances have been thrown their way, which is why they are the best. These are the best five point guards in today’s NBA, and it is likely that a few could wind up as the best of all time.

–Michael Hersey