NBA off-season evaluations part 1: Starting point guards
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by user Jakeblloyd
So the end of the NBA playoffs wasn't as exciting as you hoped for. So the boring Spurs had to win the stupid thing again. Well, don't worry, I've got your relief.
It's called my off-season evaluations. Over the past several days I've been holed up at the house of Cosey, the man with unbelievable basketball knowledge. Together, we've spent many afternoons and nights evaluating the starters at each position in the NBA as well as the potential picks in Thursday's NBA draft.
So starting today, I will post rankings each day. Please hit us with as much feedback as you can muster. We think we're knowledgeable, but everyone’s flawed.
Here's the first installment of our off-season evaluations.
THE STARTING POINT GUARDS FROM 1-30
- Steve Nash, Phoenix Suns: Simply the best. Can score. Can definitely pass. Defense and the lack of a Finals appearance are his only weaknesses.
- Gilbert Arenas, Washington Wizards: It's too bad we didn't get to see him in the playoffs. The best scoring point guard out there. And he makes the big shots.
- Chauncey Billups, Detroit Pistons: Despite abysmal playoffs, he's right up there with Arenas when it comes to hitting big shots. Plus, he's extremely strong.
- Tony Parker, San Antonio Spurs: MVP performance in Finals boosted his ranking. Not the best passer, but ability to get to the basket is amazing and has improved outside jumper.
- Jason Kidd, New Jersey Nets: Proved he's not washed up this season and in the playoffs. Simply can do it all. Inconsistent outside shot is his only weakness.
- Deron Williams, Utah Jazz: He'll crack the top five soon enough. Possibly the next Stockton in Utah. Needs to become more consistent with jump shot.
- Baron Davis, Golden State Warriors: His stock shot up in the playoffs. Can take anyone off the dribble. Still settles for too many 3s.
- Chris Paul, New Orleans Hornets: Another guy who will move up this list. Unlimited potential, but needs to get to the playoffs to show it off.
- Devin Harris, Dallas Mavericks: Yet another young PG with great ability. Can get to the basket at will. Needs to become more of a leader at the position.
- Mike Bibby, Sacramento Kings: No longer in his prime, but can still take over a game with his outside jumper.
- Stephon Marbury, New York Knicks: We know about his talents, but is he a team player? Can he lead the Knicks to the playoffs?
- Andre Miller, Philadelphia 76ers: Was stuck on a bad team for most of the season, but that shouldn't take away from what he can do -- especially his passing ability.
- Kirk Hinrich, Chicago Bulls: Feisty gym rat who can do a little bit of everything for the Bulls. Will only get better.
- Sam Cassell, Los Angeles Clippers: Aging, but still an invaluable asset on the court in late-game situations.
- T.J. Ford, Toronto Raptors: If he can stay healthy, he can definitely crack this list's top 10 next year. Needs to develop better jumper.
- Jameer Nelson, Orlando Magic: One of the league's most underrated players. Runs the point pretty well except for occasional ill-advised shots.
- Rafer Alston, Houston Rockets: When he's hitting 3s, Rockets are tough to beat. Of course sometimes he's flat out broke.
- Jason Williams, Miami Heat: Stays in top 20 because he showed a year ago that he could help win a championship. Now he needs to regain his hunger and form.
- Luke Ridnour, Seattle Supersonics: After a garbage year, now has one job: Get the ball to Durant/Oden!
- Steve Blake, Denver Nuggets: Has two jobs: Get the ball to Anthony/Iverson.
- Larry Hughes, Cleveland Cavaliers: He's not a natural point guard. He'd play much better if he was at shooting guard.
- Tyronn Lue, Atlanta Hawks: Doesn't get much attention in Atlanta, but he's a tough little PG.
- Jarrett Jack, Portland Trail Blazers: Will be interesting to see how he develops alongside young studs Brandon Roy and Oden/Durant.
- Randy Foye, Minnesota Timberwolves: A lot of potential, but who will he get help from in Minnesota if KG leaves?
- Chucky Atkins, Memphis Grizzlies: Has flashes of good play but flashes of ugliness as well.
- Jamaal Tinsley, Indiana Pacers: Easily the most disappointing PG in the league.
- Maurice Williams, Milwaukee: Not playing at his natural position. Earl Boykins might claim the starting role next year.
- Brevin Knight, Charlotte Hornets: Raymond Felton should be the starting PG for the Bobcats in no time.
- Smush Parker, Los Angeles Lakers: Obviously has confidence issues, especially playing alongside the demanding Kobe Bryant.
- Rajon Rondo, Boston Celtics: He's playing for the Celtics...
