Perhaps the most skilled position in basketball, the point guard plays an invaluable role for his team. As the game of basketball continues to evolve and the definition of most positions begins to blur, the point guard is one that must remain constant. A great point guard is not only able to control his team with or without the ball, but also has the ability to control the pace of the entire game.
The current top 10 point guards in the NBA all hold this skill and more, playing an extraordinary impact on their teammates and the game as a whole.
Here are, in Paperboy’s opinion, the 10 best point guards in the league.
1. Stephen Curry
Stephen Curry, the reigning Finals MVP and now 4-time NBA Champion, secures the number one spot on our list. Curry is easily one of the greatest players of all time, and his 2021-22 Finals run merely confirmed the belief of most NBA fans: Stephen Curry is the greatest player to ever play point guard. Following a career season in which he not only broke Ray Allen’s 3-point record, but also led the Golden State Warriors to yet another championship, Curry is expected to continue his streak of greatness in the 2022-23 NBA season.
2. Luka Doncic
Although a strong case can be made for Luka being the NBA’s best guard, he falls to the number two spot on our list. Luka’s playmaking talent combined with his ability to create space off the dribble is nearly unmatched. With MVP aspirations, Luka Doncic can be expected to be a problem for all defenders this coming season. Coming off a 28/9/8 season and a WCF appearance, Luka Doncic has solidified himself as a top-2 guard in the league.
3. Ja Morant
Following his MIP season, Ja Morant is a man on a mission. The high-flying flashy guard has one of the deepest bags in the league, and his attitude toward both basketball and his opponents makes him a force to be reckoned with.
4. Trae Young
No matter how much Knicks fans may disagree, Trae Young is one of the best young talents the NBA has to offer. As an elite ball-handler, shooter, and finisher, there’s not much Trae can’t do. Finishing sixth in points and third in assists last season, Trae has the ability to drop a double-double any given night, and with the help of new teammate Dejounte Murray he may be able to lead the Hawks on another deep playoff run.
5. James Harden
Despite having a noticeable decline in the past 3 seasons of his career, Harden’s talent remains undeniable. Harden’s elite scoring ability paired with his goal of proving doubters wrong make him a scary sight to defenders. Entering his first full season as a 76er, Harden and Embiid may work as a deadly duo who could make a potential Finals run under the right circumstances.
6. Chris Paul
Although Chris Paul finished the 2021-22 season with yet another disappointing playoff exit, he is still a top 10 point guard in the league. The veteran knowledge that the 37-year-old guard holds is invaluable to the Phoenix Suns, and his unmatched IQ makes the game easier on every level. Paul’s elite mid-range game paired with his ability to handle and distribute the ball is what makes him a top guard.
7. Darius Garland
After leading the 2021-2022 Cavs to the eighth seed last season, expectations are high for Darius Garland. Leading the young Cavs team to a finals run isn’t too farfetched for Darius Garland, as Donovan Mitchell and others provide help. At only 22 years old, Darius Garland is likely to make a leap in his game, where he could potentially win the Most Improved Player award, or make his second all star team this season.
8. LaMelo Ball
The one time All-Star LaMelo Ball has quickly moved up the leagues hierarchy. Dazzling crowds with no look passes and circus layups, LaMelo Ball cracks our top 10 list. Although an entertaining player to watch, LaMelo has yet to prove that he can lead a team on a deep playoff run, but is hoping to change that this season.
9. Marcus Smart
The defense and grit that Marcus Smart provides lands him the spot for the 9th best point guard in the NBA. The well-deserving Defensive Player of the Year title that was awarded to Smart last season will only add fuel to the fire he brings. The determination that Smart and the Celtics squad share to push for another Finals run could prove to be dangerous for all contenders around the league. After averaging a solid 15, 6, and 5 in the playoffs last season, Marcus Smart is ready to make noise in the East once again.
10. Jrue Holiday
Being one of the best defensive guards allows for Jrue to make himself heard around the league. His physicality, paired with his toughness on both sides of the floor, makes Jrue a force to be reckoned with. Although he may not be as flashy or exciting as others on this list, Jrue gets the job done in an extremely efficient manner. In spite of being a second round exit last playoffs, the Bucks are coming with force this season, and are a favorite to make their return to the NBA finals.
