The point guard is an important position in fantasy to fill because of the immense opportunities that every point guard has on a nightly basis. Every offense in the NBA begins and runs through the point guard position, so they are the ones with the playmaking ability to create outstanding statistics. Think of it this way – the point guard is the one player that pretty much touches the ball on every single offensive possession for a team. Make sure to grab one by at least the third round, because the following ten will be history after that...
1. Steve Nash, Phoenix
Since beginning his recent stint with the Suns, Steve Nash has consistently been the best point guard in the league. Nash’s immortal worthiness is derived from the absolute security that the fleet-footed Canadian will always deliver incredible numbers. He has a cornucopia of weapons around him, and is the anchor for the most potent offense in the NBA. Having the option of passing to Amare Stoudemire, Raja Bell, Shawn Marion, or Boris Diaw each time down the court heavily contributed to Nash’s league-leading average in assists with 11.6 per game last season. Amazingly, Nash’s gratitude does not come near to affecting his points, as he averaged 18.6 points per game, making him the only player who can and will double-double in points and assists. To add to his offensive superiority, he makes over half of his field goal attempts (.532) and has an exceedingly high percentage from beyond the arch (455).
2. Gilbert Arenas, Washington
With a deadly shot and a killer drive, Agent Zero will be the best scoring point guard this season. For the past three years, Arenas has averaged more than 25 points per game, and will continue to befuddle defenses in ’07-‘08. He is coming off of an injury that ended his season prematurely last year, and a summer of rest and relaxation is more than enough to propel this established scorer to a possible 30 ppg this time around. Also, Arenas has one of the highest assist averages for a scorer of his magnitude, dishing nearly 6 apg. That mind-boggling stat will stay true this season, as backcourt-mate Antawn Jamison will not only relieve pressure from Agent Zero but also prove to be an excellent option to dish to. There is no denying that Gilbert Arenas is coming into his prime, and throw in an additional 2 steals per game, and you should “zero-in” on Agent Zero for your 1st Round fantasy pick.
3. Jason Kidd, New Jersey
Jason Kidd is the stereotypical elite point guard. He is one of the most established passers in the game, and has a knack for hooking up with Vince Carter and the rest of the Nets 9.2 times per game. His scoring is not as polished as Nash’s and not as explosive as Arenas’, but Kidd finds a way to finish by averaging around 13 ppg. What allows for this veteran to be mentioned in the same breath as with Steve Nash is the additional factor of Kidd’s rare dominance in the rebounding category. When Kidd does not drop 25 in a game, he makes up for it by averaging an astounding 8.2 rebounds per game. That is not only the most by any point guard, that’s more than many of what the NBA’s “big men” have to offer. How a 6’4” point guard can dominate under the boards against a platoon of seven-footers is unknown, but do not think that his uncanny rebounding skills will suddenly disappear. Kidd’s average for rebounds has not dipped below 7.2 per game since 2004.
4. Allen Iverson, Denver
Some criticize him for being a chucker and a ball-hog. Maybe people need to realize that Iverson has never really needed to give up the rock in his career, since few players have actually been worthy enough to take away from A.I.’s creativity. That is, until now. The Answer is now teamed up with Carmelo Anthony, and together they can be the most dynamic duo in the history of the game. Both can drop 40 in a game, and both have the ability to score wherever they want, whenever they want. Also, is a lifetime average of 6.2 assists per game really that selfish? Considering that Iverson has put up nearly 28 ppg throughout the course of career, no it’s not selfish. Look for any owner smart enough to take Iverson this season to be in heaven, and then be laughing at all those who passed on The Answer.
5. Baron Davis, Golden State
Baron Davis repositioned himself right back on the map last postseason when he shocked the world and Dirk Nowitzki. Now, Davis looks to back up his surprising postseason success with regular season domination. He has the skills that are supported by lifetime averages of nearly 17 ppg, around 7 apg, and almost 2 spg. The only concern with Davis is that he has been plagued with injuries throughout his career, but if he can stay healthy, he will take the NBA by a storm in ’07-‘08. Plus, after seeing what he is capable of from last season, the possibility of “Boom Dizzle” blowing up this year is too great of an opportunity to pass up.
6. Deron Williams, Utah
There is a new John Stockton in Salt Lake City, however, this version wears his pants lower and is much more athletic. Hailing from Illinois, Williams introduced himself to basketball’s elite when he displayed quick hard dribbles and strong drives to the basket in last year’s Western Conference Finals. What is most promising about Williams is his everlasting potential, as he has already averaged 16 ppg and he is only in his second year. He also was one of the leaders in the assists category, notching 9.2 apg. Both Williams’ assists and points will surge this season because of the luxury of having a great quality center in Carlos Boozer to spread out defenses.
7. Ben Gordon, Chicago
Gordon is not a “passing” guard by any means, but he can sure light up defenses with his near perfect shot. Last season, his third in the NBA, Gordon put up his best numbers to date, and look for those numbers to increase as he gains more and more experience. He tallied 21.4 ppg in ’06-’07, and complimented that with a .455 field goal average and a .413 average from beyond the arch. Also adding to his juicy offensive touch, Gordon rarely missed from the charity stripe (.864). He will continue to flourish in the Chicago Bulls offensive strategy, and having Kirk Henrich and Luol Deng as teammates will help to spread the floor and create more opportunities for improved stats this coming season.
8. Chris Paul, New Orleans
He is young, talented, and was the Rookie of the Year two seasons ago. Paul would have gone on to record brilliant numbers last year had he not missed 18 games due to injury. His health should be somewhat of a concern, however, he is still very young and not an expired 14-year veteran. Paul knows how to dish and create for his teammates, and averaging around 8 apg leaves no doubt about that. He is also a solid scorer, putting up around 16 ppg. Surprisingly, Paul also finds a way to grab around 4.5 rpg, despite standing at a mere 6’0” tall.
9. Tony Parker, San Antonio
Eva Longoria is not the only thing hot about Tony Parker. After an NBA Finals MVP award, Parker is now on the brink of having his best season yet. The whole San Antonio Spurs team has the perfect chemistry, plenty of experience with each other, and knows how to win. Parker runs this offense, and then punishes defenses for worrying too much about Tim Duncan. Last season, the Frenchman averaged 18.6 ppg, and used Duncan & Co. to dish out 5.5 apg. Having Duncan in the post also leaves Parker out on an island on the perimeter, allowing him to capitalize on his incredible averages of .520 for field goals and .399 for three pointers – which, by the way, will continue.
10. Chauncey Billups, Detroit
Billups is the other end of the amazing duo for the Detroit Pistons, and feeds off of defenses worrying about his counterpart Richard Hamilton. The situation is one of vice-versa, as last season, Billups dished out 7.2 apg, most of them benefiting Hamilton. Billups is a pure scorer, and averages a consistent 17 ppg. He is the support system for one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference, and playing in such a cream puff environment shall help maintain his numbers this coming season.
Other Notables: Jamaal Tinsley (IND); Mike Bibby (SAC); T.J. Ford (TOR); Brevin Knight (LAC); Jason Terry (DAL) |
