When discussing the best point guards in the NBA today, I can’t help but start with Stephen Curry. The man redefined the position with his lethal three-point shooting and unparalleled ball-handling skills. Statistically speaking, Curry averages around 30 points per game and shoots just over 40% from beyond the arc. His PER (Player Efficiency Rating) consistently sits above 25, emphasizing his efficiency and reliability. Watching Curry orchestrate Golden State’s offense, you can’t ignore the innovation he brought into the game. The term ‘gravity’ gets thrown around a lot, but it describes how defenses warp around him, creating opportunities for teammates.
Next up, let’s talk about Luka Doncic. At just 24 years old, Luka has already amassed several All-Star appearances and continues to be a triple-double threat every time he steps on the court. Last season, he averaged 28.4 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 8.7 assists per game. Doncic’s usage rate hovers around 36%, one of the highest in the league, showcasing how central he is to the Mavericks’ game plan. Watching Luka play, his basketball IQ stands out—you know he’s reading two or three plays ahead.
Damian Lillard also deserves mention. Portland’s star point guard regularly finds himself among the league’s top scorers. In the 2022-2023 season, he averaged 27.4 points and 7.1 assists per game. His clutch performances, those dagger shots in the final minutes, became a hallmark of his career. The guy is a cold-blooded assassin when the game is on the line. Damian’s ability to stretch the floor with his shooting forces defenses to extend, opening lanes for teammates.
Kyrie Irving is another name that frequently comes up in these discussions. Playing alongside Kevin Durant in Brooklyn, Irving continues to dazzle with his incredible handles and finishing ability. His true shooting percentage often surpasses 60%, an impressive feat given his high volume of difficult shots. Ky’s knack for converting under pressure, both from defenders and the shot clock, makes him one of the most entertaining guards to watch.
Trae Young, the Atlanta Hawks’ sensational playmaker, also holds his own among the elite. Trae averaged 25.3 points and 9.4 assists per game last season. His court vision and ability to hit the deep three make him a younger iteration of Curry in some ways. With a usage rate around 34%, Young commands Atlanta’s offense like a seasoned veteran. Watch any Hawks game, and you’ll see Young’s penchant for making incredibly tough floaters look routine.
Then there’s Chris Paul, the veteran whose leadership and game management can’t be overstated. Even at 37, Paul remains a top-tier point guard. His assist-to-turnover ratio of 4.5:1 is among the best in NBA history, speaking to his disciplined and smart play. The term ‘floor general’ was practically invented for CP3; his command over the game is unmatched.
Ja Morant of the Memphis Grizzlies is another young star who has been turning heads. Morant averaged 22.9 points and 7.5 assists per game last season. His electrifying speed, combined with his ability to elevate and finish at the rim, makes him a highlight reel waiting to happen. Ja’s youth and athleticism inject a jolt of energy into every game he plays, making the Grizzlies must-watch TV.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has also been making waves in the league. Playing for the Oklahoma City Thunder, Shai stepped up his game, especially last season when he averaged 24.3 points, 5.9 assists, and 4.9 rebounds per game. The advanced metrics like his VORP (Value Over Replacement Player) tell you that he’s more than just a volume scorer. Shai’s versatility means he can play both on and off the ball effectively, a valuable trait in today’s NBA.
Don’t forget about De’Aaron Fox, either. Sacramento’s lead guard possesses blazing speed and improved his decision-making skills significantly. Fox averaged 24.5 points and 6.9 assists per game last season. The Kings may not be perennial contenders yet, but Fox’s development paints an optimistic picture for their future. His ability to accelerate and decelerate makes him nearly impossible to guard one-on-one.
Lastly, there’s Jrue Holiday of the Milwaukee Bucks. Often underrated, Holiday is crucial to Milwaukee’s success on both ends of the floor. His defensive prowess led him to be named to multiple All-Defensive teams, and he averaged 18.3 points and 6.7 assists per game. The synergy he shares with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton amplifies his impact, making him one of the most complete point guards today.
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