Fantasy Basketball Preview: Point Guards

Even though the NBA regular season won't start for months, and even though I'm technically only a Chicago Bulls blogger, I have decided to start a series preparing for the fantasy basketball season. Fantasy drafts are starting earlier each year, and I decided to start now while I still have time. There will probably be long intervals in between posts in this series, but I'll try to have other Bulls news posted to keep it fresh. I've decided to start by ranking the point guards, and I would like to point out that these are rankings based on my predictions for players' overall fantasy values, not their real-life abilities and contributions. Feel free to share your own rankings or ideas in the comments below.The Top 10 Chris Paul (New Orleans) - 22.8 points, 11 assists, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.8 steals per game are numbers that speak for themselves. Paul shoots for a high percentage from the field and makes his free throws as well, making him a well-rounded threat. Paul will rack up big numbers for points, assists, and steals every game, and he's only missed 6 regular season games over the past two seasons. The man is simply the best at running the point. Deron Williams (Utah) - Despite some injury issues last year, Williams proved once again that he is an elite point guard. Williams is a high scorer and a phenomenal passer, averaging 10.7 assists per game last season. Like Paul, Williams shoots for a high percentage from the field and the charity stripe, and he's good for a three and a steal per game. Williams is strong and lightning quick, and his vision is outstanding. If he stays healthy, he's a can't-miss pick in the first round (or second at the absolute latest) of any kind of fantasy draft. Gilbert Arenas (Washington) - This would have been a no-brainer the past two seasons, but Arenas has been faced with loads of injuries lately. However, if Arenas returns to his previous form, he will offer loads of pluses for fantasy owners. Over his career, Arenas has averaged 22.8 points, 1.8 steals, 5.5 dimes, and 4.2 boards per game, along with over two 3's per contest. Arenas could be a risk since he has only played 15 games over the past two seasons, but a healthy Arenas is a highly productive Arenas. Devin Harris (New Jersey) - Harris has shown steady improvement each season, so it stands to reason that we can expect even more from him this season, particularly as he will have to assume more responsibility now that Vince Carter has left New Jersey. Harris averaged 21.3 points per game on 43.8% shooting (and a solid 82% from the charity stripe), along with 6.9 assists, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.7 steals. Harris will be asked to score more in Carter's absence, and, while his three-point shooting is mediocre, he can contribute a great deal in all other respects. Chauncey Billups (Denver) - A phenomenally consistent performer with a great all-around shot (his 91.3% from the line was fourth in the NBA). Last season's Third Team All-NBA point guard always has an excellent assist-to-turnover ratio, and Billups always seems to play best under pressure. Rare is the day when Billups has a bad game, and he has rarely missed a game over the past several years. In short, Billups is a very safe bet. Rajon Rondo (Boston) - Rondo has been developing into an incredibly poised and well-rounded point guard. Quick hands and aggression get him loads of steals and rebounds, exceptional vision helps him rack up the assists, and his quickness and improved finishing make him an efficient scorer. Rondo is not much of a three-point shooter, and his free throw percentage needs to improve, but he proved in the playoffs that he is a legitimate triple-double threat. Derrick Rose (Chicago) - The reigning Rookie of the Year had a highly impressive debut season, averaging 16.8 points, 6.3 assists, and 4.3 boards per game. Rose shot a highly impressive 47.5% from the field, and his 78.8% free throw percentage wasn't shabby. All that while he was still adjusting to the NBA. This kid can play. Rose still needs to assert himself more on offense, and he isn't much of a three-point threat, but he has been working hard on his shot this summer, so fantasy owners can expect an improved performance from Rose this season. Tony Parker (San Antonio) - High scoring and a solid assist-to-turnover ratio are some big pluses, although he won't provide much in terms of 3's. Parker is always capable of huge scoring nights, and, when healthy, Parker is an excellent option. Mo Williams (Cleveland) - Williams has averaged over 17 points per game the past three seasons, and he averaged over 6 dimes per game before coming to Cleveland (LeBron's solo efforts tend to make the assist number drop). Williams is an excellent all-around shooter (46.9% from the floor, 43.6% from beyond the arc, and an astonishing 91.2% from the line), and he racked up honors for third in the league in 3's made and fifth in the league in free throw percentage. Williams really won't hurt you in any category, although his assist numbers will probably stay under 6 per game once again. Steve Nash (Phoenix) - The quick-footed sharpshooter with the flashy passing still gets his double-doubles, but his numbers have been declining steadily the past couple of seasons. Phoenix isn't looking very good, and the aging Nash may be in for a frustrating season, regardless of his own perfromance. Solid Options Jose Calderon (Toronto) - Excellent shooter and passer who led the league in free throw percentage. Could rise in the PG rankings significantly. Jason Kidd (Dallas) - Mr. Triple-Double is the best rebounding guard and does a little of everything. On the downside of his career, though, and his numbers are dropping. Jameer Nelson (Orlando) - Missed almost half of last season due to injury, but scores well and has no real weaknesses. Andre Miller (Portland) - Quietly impressive, efficient player. Unfortunately, Portland's slow style will likely make his numbers drop a bit. Mike Bibby (Atlanta) - Good for threes and scoring, could be a bargain if Jamal Crawford doesn't cut into his minutes too much. Russell Westbrook (Oklahoma City) - Solid scorer and rebounder with quick hands. Must improve FG% and assist-to-turnover ratio. Baron Davis (Los Angeles Clippers) - Exceptional talent who mailed in last season. Should be MUCH higher on this list, but a repeat of last season would justify this position. Jonny Flynn (Minnesota) - The quick and athletic Flynn is ready for the NBA by all accounts, but his supporting cast is pretty lousy. Growing pains are to be expected. Aaron Brooks (Houston) - Ridiculously quick with an improving shot. Will be given huge responsibility for the ailing Rockets. Raymond Felton (Charlotte) - Brings points, assists, and steals, but doesn't shoot well and offer nothing beyond the arc. Other Choices That Could Contribute Kirk Hinrich (CHI), Rodney Stuckey (DET), Stephen Curry (GS), T.J. Ford (IND), Mario Chalmers (MIA), Ramon Sessions (MIL), Brandon Jennings (MIL), Ricky Rubio (MIN), Chris Duhon (NY), Beno Udrih (SAC)