NBA Player Rankings: The 10 best point guards in 2016-17

The NBA’s most talented position is point guard, but who makes the top 10 and in what order heading into the 2016-17 season?

May 26, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; NBA Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) dribbles the ball as Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) defends during the third quarter in game five of the Western conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Throughout the past couple of decades, there has been a monumental transformation in the NBA in many different ways. The level of talent, styles of play, and roles of players have largely changed. However, one of the most important facets of the game that has changed appears through the facilitation and execution of a game. The point guard position has easily became one of the most important (and most talented) positions in the NBA.

These players have become more prevalent throughout the years with the type of shooting league that the NBA has become. In today’s day and age, point guards are called on to be the leaders of any given team.

Leadership may be viewed through many different lenses that could transition a team to the next level. Rather it be through defensive, scoring, or facilitation capabilities, point guards have truly evolved.

Basketball fans worldwide have seen the different eras of point guards over the years. Players like John Stockton, Mike Bibby, and others have had an impact on the progression of the position. However, the forerunners of change for point guards have to be Jason Kidd and Steve Nash. It is truly amazing for anyone who has been able to witness their electric play.

Predominantly because of these men in recent years, the ideal point guard is perceived to be the one that perform the most on the court. Now, they’re expected to have some combination of facilitating the offense, having outstanding defense, being a stark rebounder, or being a lights out shooter. At least, that’s the ideal.

These players have, in their own right, become some of the most exhilarating athletes in all of sports.

As a result, it’s time to analyze the best performers at the point guard position heading into the 2016-2017 season. Let’s work our way from 10th to 1st.

Mar 21, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Reggie Jackson (1) looks for an open man during the fourth quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Pistons win 92-91. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

10. Reggie Jackson

In 2015-16, Reggie Jackson had his first year as a season-long starter and he quite certainly rose to the occasion. With large help from All-Star center Andre Drummond, Jackson was one of the forerunners for the Detroit Pistons through deadly pick-and-rolls and dynamic scoring abilities. This led to the team making the playoffs for the first time in six years.

Jackson is one of the more explosive guards in the league and, in part, owes it to the initial stages of his career in Oklahoma City. During this time, Jackson became a student of the game and was able to have an understudy role behind none other than Russell Westbrook. This allowed him to evolve as a player and help him become he is today.

After being with the team for about a year and a half now, Jackson has been able to take on a full leadership role for the Pistons. He has become, by far, the best facilitator and scorer on the team.

This past season, he averaged 18.8 points and 6.2 assists per game with a fairly efficient shooting line (43.4/35.3/86.4) for a player who is supposed to take over games.

Although the Pistons were swept by Cleveland in the first round of the playoffs this year, the progression of the team and their free agency provides a stark sign of hope for its future. This upcoming season and beyond, the Pistons are set to make a large jump in the Eastern Conference.

Reggie Jackson will continue to perform at near All-Star level and figures to be an essential part in the team’s age of progression.

Apr 13, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) celebrates against the Miami Heat during the second half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports

9. Isaiah Thomas

Most of the time, point guards are the shortest players on the court who are viewed as persevering masterminds, overcoming players towering above them when they attack the rim. The number one player that comes to mind when one thinks of a hard-working under dog is Isaiah Thomas.

Drafted 60th out of the University of Washington in the 2011 NBA draft, and standing at just 5’9″, Isaiah Thomas has one of the more inspiring underdog stories in the league. After being constantly being told that he wouldn’t make it and that he was too small, Thomas adopted a lifestyle of hard work and dominance in what he does.

In a league that has the point guard as the deepest position, this type of mindset has allowed Thomas to cement himself as one of the best players within his role. Last season, he was the predominant scoring option for the Boston Celtics with 22.2 points per game, becoming a first-time All-Star in the process.

His strong court vision and playmaking ability was a vital asset as well with an average of 6.2 assists. As a result, Thomas led the young Boston team into the playoffs with the 5th seed in the East.

Despite not having the best results with a first round exit, they’re still in the process of maturing and received a major boost to their rebuild this summer.

Looking forward to the 2016-17 season, the Celtics added All-Star center Al Horford to their already talented arsenal. This will bring about increased spacing and the opportunity to expose other teams through pick-and-rolls, new isolation play, and improved, versatile defense. Horford, most likely, will improve the Celtics to a possible 2nd seed for the playoffs.

However, the most important key to remember from this progression is that Thomas will benefit. After only five years in the league, the undersized guard is already on this list, but can only get better and increase his efficiency with more help around him.

Apr 23, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; A stylized portrait of Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker (15) is displayed in the arena before game three of the first round of the NBA Playoffs against the Miami Heat at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports

8. Kemba Walker

In the NBA, a player’s talents are often evaluated through their contributions, execution, and rise to stardom during their career. One player who certainly performed as an out-of-this-world player during college, but never maintained the same stardom in the NBA, is Kemba Walker. He, too, has long been overlooked, but it’s now time to discuss his legitimacy as an NBA point guard.

Last season, Walker played like one of the best point guards in the league due to essential development to his game. One of the ongoing constants for the Charlotte Hornets was that they was plagued by the injury bug. As a result, Walker was called on to perform and he discovered new ways to execute from range, while still performing in a respectable and efficient manner.

In the 2016-17 season, Walker had the most efficient year of his career. His field goal (42.7), three-point (37.1), and free throw (84.7) percentages were all career highs for him in a year when his team needed him most. It seems simple to say that a player had a better shot selection, but this embodies the type of player that Walker had become.

His assists per game (5.2) declined this past season (6.1 in 2013-14) and this isn’t ideal for a point guard. Nevertheless, his ability to adapt and evolve in these circumstances is what places him higher than others on the list.

The Hornets were able to be successful last season, because Walker’s improved efficiency, shot creation, and facilitation skills opened the gateway for other players to perform at a high level, also.

Walker and company will look to have another effective season with the big losses of Al Jefferson and Courtney Lee. This provides even more opportunity for Walker to continue establishing himself as one of the best scoring point guards in the league.

May 13, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) dribbles the ball against the Miami Heat during the first quarter in game six of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

7. Kyle Lowry

Kyle Lowry is one of the most exciting players to watch in the NBA. It seems like every season he commences with superstar caliber, only to leave people with even more questions concerning his durability and standing in the league towards the end of the season.

This past season, though, Lowry performed with a pace and level of talent that people hadn’t seen from him before. Losing weight and improving his conditioning and endurance last summer became vital to his best season yet.

The largest accountability for Lowry’s increased pressure to perform at a higher level stems from the continuous failure of the Raptors, a team that has had a fair share of talent. As a result, both DeMar DeRozan and he stepped up in different ways in order to become one of the best backcourts in the NBA and make their team relevant again, winning a franchise record 56 games last season.

The most visible improvement in Lowry’s game last season was through his scoring. Throughout his career, he has had an amazing ability to finish around the rim and also break down defenses with his perimeter shooting.

He has also become adept at going to the charity stripe, which helped increase his points per game to a career-high 21.2 points (up from 17.8 in 2014-15). He is a true facilitator as well, averaging 6.4 assists per game as the leader of the Toronto offense.

Another essential facet of Lowry’s game is his defensive ability. His defensive prowess is at an elite level in on-ball situations. His basketball IQ, when defending against the pick-and-roll and isolation plays, is what impacted his team so much. He averaged 2.1 steals per game as well, showing immense improvement in his ability to cut off passing lanes.

Throughout the entire 2016-17 regular season, Lowry proved his doubters wrong and continued to show his longevity. But 82 games is a long season. The Raptors did make it to the Eastern Conference Finals, yet after a full season of play, Lowry had a rough time in the playoffs. His shooting woes were a large detriment against the eventual champion Cleveland Cavaliers.

Lowry’s is amazing to watch, but it will be interesting to see if his level of play will be present throughout the entire season and playoffs in 2016-17. He would easily be higher on the point guard list if he was able to.

If the Raptors want to beat the Cavs or any Western Conference teams in the playoffs, then one of the most essential things they need to have is their All-Star point guard at his best.

Mar 12, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) in the second quarter against the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

6. John Wall

There’s no doubt that John Wall is one of the best “true” point guards in the NBA. He’s continuously in the top three or four in the league for assists, and is a true asset when it comes to his defensive prowess, also.

Many people don’t appreciate the true talent of Wall. During the beginning of his career, Wall had one of the weakest jumpshots in the league and was viewed as someone who underperformed at times. However, the progression of his shot has made him a consistent mid-range shooter without hesitation and reasonable three-point threat (35.1 percent last season).

His ball handling and ability to get to the rim with explosiveness is one of the most difficult tasks for any defender to go against. His physicality always helps, and makes him one of the better two-way guards in the NBA.

Wall’s most complimentary asset, Bradley Beal, is always struck by the injury bug, which always limits the Washington Wizards’ ability to be successful. But this past season, Wall was hit by a plethora of injuries in his own right. He still played through them, and was a large reason as to why the Wizards weren’t even closer to the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings.

With much tension surrounding Wall, Beal and the Wizards, the best solution to their conflicts are to have a successful season. Something needs to happen or the team will have to look toward new options.

Wall is a legitimate star in the NBA, but the lack of assets around him and the Wizards’ inability to maintain relevancy hold back his ranking in this list.

Jun 10, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) drives to the basket against Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) and forward Harrison Barnes (40) during the third quarter in game four of the NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

5. Kyrie Irving

Kyrie Irving has easily become one of the best players in his short time in the NBA. His explosion in the NBA Finals this past season and throughout the playoffs has turned many heads as Irving asserted his talent.

He only played in 53 games last season due to a knee injury, which combines with his weaker defense and passing ability to hold him below the top four names in these rankings.

While Irving has never been known as a true distributor, though, there are many other assets allow him to perform at a higher level than others.

His scoring ability, ball handling and efficiency are large components of his team performing at such a high level in the most important situations. In a season where he averaged 19.6 points per game, Irving looks to build off of his championship season by progressing even more in his career.

In the playoffs this year, he averaged 25.2 points on 47.5 percent shooting (44 percent from three), three rebounds, 4.7 assists, 1.7 steals and 0.6 blocks per game with a 24.4 PER.

Kyrie Irving is the real deal when it comes to evaluating point guards and scorers in general. Especially among talent that is at the NBA’s deepest position.

Apr 25, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) celebrates with teammates after a 98-84 win over Los Angeles Clippers in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports

4. Damian Lillard

The 2015-16 season was everything that the normal NBA fan could hope for and more. Many different storylines progressed throughout the year. Though one of the best stories to watch was Damian Lillard‘s. A story of the whole fate of a team in one man’s hands.

Lillard was picked 6th overall by the Trail Blazers in the 2012 NBA draft. His role was firmly established to be a good three-point shooter, a strong finisher around the basket, and lead his team as well as possible. Nothing else was really expected with his point guard duties early in his career.

However, heading into the 2015-16 season, the Trail Blazers lost four starters in LaMarcus Aldridge, Robin Lopez, Wesley Matthews and Nicolas Batum to free agency.

Lillard was the only one left. The Trail Blazers weren’t even supposed to make the playoffs.

Lillard elevated his game and led his team to an eventual Western conference semifinals appearance, where they passed the injured LA Clippers stole one game from the Golden State Warriors.

Alongside C.J. McCollum‘s emergence as the 2016 Most Improved Player, Lillard formed one of the best backcourts in the NBA.

Lillard was the one who was able to become a facilitator and set up those around him in order to have a successful offense, while carrying so much of the load himself as well. He was a true leader for the time, with his primary weakness coming in the form of poor defense.

If he is able to keep performing at such a high level, the Blazers will look for a similar playoff appearance next season.

May 24, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) reacts in front of Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) during the first quarter in game four of the Western conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports

3. Russell Westbrook

Russell Westbrook is one of the NBA’s very best players. Possibly top five. That’s it. There is no discussion about this. The league has never seen a point guard with his athleticism before and probably won’t see another one for a long time. He is one of the biggest scoring monsters in the league and is a consistent triple-double threat on any given night.

Try to stop him and 99 times out of 100 you will fail. Staying in front of him is a nightmare for opponents. His ability to fly by defenders before they can even think about it is his largest threat every night.

Westbrook is a different type of point guard. He takes over the game as a scorer when necessary, but at the same time is able to rack up other stats like he’s playing a 2K game. He gets the ball to his teammates and rebounds better than any other guard.

Without a doubt, Westbrook is one of the most respectable players in the NBA. The passion he displays every single possession and the stress he puts his body under will make fans sit back and admire his awe-inspiring play.

Whenever Kevin Durant would get injured, Westbrook would literally take over the team in everything that he does. And now that Durant is gone, it is truly Westbrook’s team.

It’s time to enjoy something we NBA fans won’t see for a long time; a freakishly athletic triple-double machine, unleashed.

Mar 20, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) drives with the ball against the New Orleans Pelicans during the first quarter of a game at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

2. Chris Paul

Chris Paul is the best pure point guard in the NBA. Consistently being in the top two or three for assists if he’s not leading the league, the master of facilitation has only one more thing to do in an already legendary career; win a championship!

Not much else could be said for what he needs to do before he retires. One can’t help themselves but look at Paul’s game and reminisce upon the play of Steve Nash and the other pioneers of the point guard revolution.

Paul is already an eight-time All-NBA player that has been able to collapse defenses ever since he was drafted. His game revolves around continuity and precision, but when you have assets like Blake Griffin, DeAndre Jordan, and J.J. Redick, it’s not that simple to stop.

Last season, he was able to average a double-double with 19.5 points per game and 10 assists per game, which was a feat only attained by three other players at his position. His defensive prowess is also something that ranks him so high on the list, yet again making the All-Defensive First Team last season.

He’s the definition of a two way point guard.

This past season, the Clippers had an unexpected early playoff exit as Griffin had a lingering quadricep issue and Paul broke his hand in a freak accident in Game 4 of the first round. Going into the new season, the Clippers are fired up more than ever in the hopes of winning a championship during contract years for both Paul and Griffin.

Jun 5, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) reacts after a play during the first quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers in game two of the NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

1. Stephen Curry

This is a no brainer. Stephen Curry is one of the best shooters in history, if not the best. The argument for the latter is increasingly easy to make. He is able to find unique ways to facilitate, too, but his ability to shoot in so many ways off the dribble with high efficiency is what makes Curry one of the top two or three players in the NBA right now.