The evolution of the arena plus has been fascinating, especially when discussing the best point guards in the NBA right now. Watching Chris Paul orchestrate the Phoenix Suns' offense is like witnessing a maestro with a basketball. At 38 years of age, he averages around 8.9 assists per game and still delivers crucial plays, making him one of the best in the game.
Steph Curry is a phenomenon. If you talk about revolutionizing the game, he's the prime example. With a ridiculous 42.1% success rate from beyond the arc, Curry's ability to shoot 30-footers as if they were layups makes defenders sweat just thinking about him. His off-ball movement, coupled with an average of around 27 points per game, signals his importance to the Golden State Warriors.
Damian Lillard, the face of the Portland Trail Blazers, brings another level of excitement. Damian averages 25.8 points per game, and his clutch performances are nothing short of legendary. In a regular-season game against the Golden State Warriors, Lillard once scored 61 points, proving he has what it takes to put the team on his back when needed.
Kyrie Irving adds an element of flair and finesse that's unmatched. His ability to handle the ball is mesmerizing, enabling him to maintain a solid 25-point average per game. He played a major role in leading the Cleveland Cavaliers to an NBA Championship in 2016, and his wizardry on the court makes him a must-watch player ten seasons into his career.
Ja Morant of the Memphis Grizzlies is another rising star; he's the future of this position. At just 24 years old, he boasts an average of 19.1 points and 7.4 assists per game this season. His explosive athleticism reminds many of a young Derrick Rose, and barring injuries, his potential seems unlimited.
Trae Young from the Atlanta Hawks has quickly risen to become one of the top young point guards in the league. Averaging 27.9 points and 9.5 assists per game, his ability to both score and facilitate makes him a dual-threat. Despite the Hawks' organizational ups and downs, Young remains a consistent bright spot, dazzling fans with his deep shooting and court vision.
Luka Dončić isn't your traditional point guard but operates as the primary ball-handler for the Dallas Mavericks. His performance stands out with a near triple-double average, clocking 28.8 points, 8.4 assists, and 9.1 rebounds per game. At just 24 years old, Luka already has phenomenal skills and leadership, reminding many of legends like Magic Johnson.
Russell Westbrook might not have the same explosive numbers as before, but he's still an essential part of the Los Angeles Clippers. With an average of 8.7 assists and 21.5 points per game, his relentless hustle and competitive spirit add value to any team. Westbrook’s impact harks back to his MVP season in 2017 when he averaged a triple-double over the entire year.
Jrue Holiday's defensive prowess often goes unnoticed, but he's crucial for the Milwaukee Bucks. Averaging 17.6 points and delivering 6.8 assists per game, his ability to guard multiple positions makes him instrumental in their game plans. In the 2021 NBA Finals, his defensive stops and critical plays were pivotal in securing the championship for the Bucks.
Lastly, Ben Simmons earns his spot among the elite point guards. With a unique skill set for his size at 6'11", Simmons can facilitate the offense and guard multiple positions. Averaging near triple-double stats with 15.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game in his prime, his versatility defines his gameplay. Given proper new opportunities, Simmons could flourish once again.
These players all bring something distinctive to their teams, whether it's through sheer scoring ability, dazzling assists, or staunch defense. The point guard position has evolved significantly, and players like these continue to push the boundaries of what's possible on the court.